Join 30,000 locals who stay current on San Antonio news, culture, and events. Get our free newsletters in your inbox three times a week.
Don’t Miss a Moment.
Join 30,000 locals who stay current on San Antonio news, culture, and events. Get our free newsletters in your inbox three times a week.
If you and your beloved preferring kicking back at home, we totally get you. But sometimes you feel like doing something. For when you want to go out without feeling like you’re actually going out and dealing with loud places, crowds and everything else that keeps you at home, here’s some date ideas for you to consider.
Check out what’s going on at Artpace
445 N Main Ave, artpace.org
As San Antonio awaits the opening of Ruby City, take the opportunity to spend some time at Artpace. While your introvert selves will want to stay away on opening nights or special events, consider a mid-week visit the perfect chance to appreciate art in all its beauty on your own terms.
Photo via Instagram / annie_wildeTour the San Antonio Shoe factory (and enjoy some cheap snacks after)
101 New Laredo Hwy, (210) 924-6507, sasshoes.com
Head to the South Side to explore the local factory where SAS shoes are made. You and bae will join old folks, sometimes with their grandkids, on the tour, but you’ll still be able to enjoy each other’s company. After the tour, which are offered daily, stop by the general store to snack on popcorn and a soda (you can each get your own for less than a dollar!).
Photo via Instagram / fightrudyfightExplore the 2-1-0 through the Mission Reach
From downtown to Southtown, thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Suit up and choose whether you’d like to walk, run or bike your way down the Mission Reach with your lovely by your side. This 8-mile stretch offers an absolutely beautiful and historic view of the Alamo City, largely with four of the World Heritage Missions on the trail. There’s also plenty of gorgeous sights throughout, so make sure to bring your camera.
Photo via Instagram / ryanibarra24Get to studying at the South Texas Museum of Popular Culture
1017 E Mulberry Ave, (210) 858-8935, stpcc.org
For museum vibes and lots of cool shit without the crowds, hit up Tex Pop. A hidden gem still for many, this longstanding museum gives an insight to the history, culture and influence of the local and regional music scene. Serving as an archive, art gallery, performance venue and of course museum, Tex Pop will fascinate your lovely selves, no doubt.
Photo via Instagram / luna8190Browse for rare finds at Cheevers Books
3613 Broadway St, (210) 824-2665
Lots and lots of used books are up for grabs over at Cheevers. The Broadway spot is full of true gems and rare finds, so spend a few hours with your companion going through the selections and picking out books. Heck, you might even find something to read together.
Photo via Instagram / charlenellanasUnwind in one of SA’s surrounding small towns
Depending on what kind of vibe you’re looking for, you and your S.O. can gas up and head out of town. You’ll be able to head to Boerne, Castroville, Floresville, Fredericksburg, Hondo or New Braunfels and back on a tank of gas, and you’re bound to find an adventure. The options are truly endless.
Photo via Instagram / zelmadixon_realestateHave a drink and play some board games at Candlelight Coffeehouse
3011 N St Mary’s St, (210) 738-0099, candlelightsatx.com
Candlelight has it all with coffee, tea, wine and more – and the homey digs make it a prime spot to enjoy your choice of drink while kicking back. If you’d like to keep busy, challenge your sweetheart to a board game – it might be worthwhile to bring out their competitive edge.So go ahead and post up on the couch and put your game face on.
Photo via Instagram / candlelightsatxTake a stroll around Denman Estate Park
7735 Mockingbird Ln, sanantonio.gov
This particular city park distinguishes itself in the most artistic and remarkable way as it displays a stunning Korean monument, hand-crafted by artisans from our sister city Gwanja, Korea. Surrounding the monument is a still pond and lawn to kick back and take in the view. Honestly, half of the folks visiting are just there to snap pictures, so you won’t be bothered much. So go ahead and take in all this beauty.
Photo via Instagram / lilladyfromtexasTry your luck at Bandera Late Night Bingo
5810 Bandera Road, (210) 682-6000, goldenbingofamily.com
While any bingo hall will do just fine, hitting up this one lets you feel like you’re going out by being out late. Sure, this hall can get a little more crowded on the weekend, but the folks there are only focused on winning and won’t bother you and your beloved. Best of luck!
Photo via Instagram / cashy3wHavana Bar
1015 Navarro St, (210) 222-2008, havanasanantonio.com
If you want some privacy on date night, head on over to the Hotel Havana’s bar. This romantic spot offers a loungey setting and serves up cocktails that are just as inviting.
Photo via Instagram / stevenvsqzCentral Library
600 Soledad St, (210) 207-2500, mysapl.org
The bulk of the Central Library makes it stand out, whether viewed from up close or passing by on the freeway, but it is the color – dubbed “enchilada red” by the locals – that really grabs the attention. Selected in a design competition held in 1991, the building’s Mexican modernist architecture by Ricardo Legorreta includes a breathtaking multi-story atrium containing the artistic heart of the structure, a blown-glass sculpture created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
Photo by Siggi Ragnar Credit: Siggi RagnarHunt for good finds at Boysville Auxiliary Thrift Store
307 W Olmos Dr, (210) 826-2195, boysvilletexas.org
You’ll not only be finding true treasure items while shopping at Boysville Auxiliary, but also be giving back to kids in need. Oh, and of course having a blast with bae. Have some fun with it in your own way, whether that’s searching for funky clothes items or finding something to furnish your home.
Photo via Instagram / boysvillethriftstoreGet out of this world with Scobee Planetarium
1819 N Main Ave, (210) 486-0100, alamo.edu
For an out-of-this world date, take your cutie to the Scobee Planetarium located on SAC’s campus. Open every Friday night for public programming, the planetarium gives you access to various programs throughout the night with jaw-dropping visuals. Whether you and your partner are into nerdy stuff like this or not, y’all will definitely feel as if you’re in your own little world.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniocollegeBracken Cave
26101 FM 3009, tpwd.texas.gov
In the summer, you can find the largest colony of bats in the world right here in San Antonio. About 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats chill at Bracken Cave from March to October, making it the largest concentration of mammals. Here’s why there’s so many: the cave is a maternity site for the species, so females gather here to give birth and rear their young.
Photo via Instagram / u1tralordGrab a cup of joe at Estate Coffee Co.
1320 E Houston St A101, (210) 267-8725, estatecoffeecompany.com
While lots of coffeehouses are loud and overwhelming, Estate keeps a calm, soothing aura even at peak busy times. With a minimalist aesthetic and chill demeanor, consider this a go-to for quick java fixes with your honey.
Photo via Instagram / estatecoffeecoCatch a free movie screening courtesy of Slab Cinema
Multiple locations, slabcinema.com
While you can catch a free movie from various venues and organizations, the traveling outdoor screen from Slab Cinema is definitely the most reliable, often and super fun at that. And with Coco, Hocus Pocus, La Bamba (“RITCHIE!”), The Breakfast Club, Black Panther and Nightmare Before Christmas on schedule, you’re bound to have a blast. Don’t forget the blankets or lawn chairs for ultimate comfort.
Photo via Instagram / slabcinemaTake your shot at skating at the Rollercade
223 Recoleta Road, (210) 826-6361, therollercade.com
If you’re willing to go to the edge of your comfort zone, head on over to the Rollercade. This longstanding roller rink bumps disco tunes so you and your date can jam out or hold hands as you make laps. Even if there’s other people skating, you’ll be too focused on keeping on your feet to pay attention to anybody there.
Photo via Instagram / lovethehkCobalt Club
2022 McCullough Ave, (210) 251-2027
A prized gay dive bar, Cobalt Club is a blessing for so many reasons. You should definitely make it a point to visit and enjoy it at its best by slamming back a few rounds as early as 7 a.m.
Photo by Jaime MonzonThe Quadrangle
Fort Sam Houston, (210) 221-1886, atlasobscura.com
Found at Fort Sam Houston, the Quadrangle is an open wildlife garden on base that allows deer, rabbits and even peacocks to roam free. There’s rumors as to the historical significance (ie. Geronimo) of the wildlife in the Quadrangle, but it’s worth asking about while you’re there. Either way, visiting this hidden gem allows you to spend some time with animals and get a few badass pictures too.
Photo via Instagram / usarnorth