You have family and friends visiting town, but don’t want to sit at home? We hear ya. Here’s our guide for tourist-y things to do in San Antonio, chock-full of options for food, booze, sightseeing and even a little local history.

Appreciate history at the San Antonio Missions Multiple locations, (210) 534-8875, nps.gov While lots of folks fuss about the Alamo (for good reason, but really?), there are four other historical missions that are just as badass and packed with history. Though it’s worth noting that the structures were built with the intent to colonize the area and spread Christianity, visiting these sites allows visitors to travel back in time to see how some of SA’s earliest residents lived. Mission San José is perhaps best known, as it’s accompanied by undisturbed land, but there’s also Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada, all located on the South Side. Photo via Instagram / jacobfbryant Credit: Photo via Instagram / jacobfbryant
Take in the beauty of the Alamo City at the Tower of the Americas. This San Antonio-themed self-care idea falls into the category of doing something that you normally wouldn’t do/getting away from it all/taking in something beautiful, all in one activity. Enjoy the steady and calming elevator ride up and the beautiful sights all around you when you get up there. Hell, maybe even order an expensive meal or drinks. Photo via Instagram / rubeen100
Drink your way down the St. Mary’s Strip No matter what kind of vibe you’re looking for, there’s a spot for just about everyone looking to get plastered on the St. Mary’s Strip. Though this isn’t an attraction that brings folks to the Alamo City, this downtown-area collection of bars makes for a solid place for you to pretend you’re visiting and just have a good time. No Ragrets. Photo via Instagram / airik88
Dine, drink and shop around the Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 212-7260, atpearl.com Lots of boutiques, cafes and highly-respected restaurants fill the Pearl, which is all-around a badass space to hang out, drink up, pig out and just enjoy. Really though, this place is years in the making, and one visit will actually make you realize how badass the Alamo City is for having such a destination as the Pearl. Photo via Instagram / southerleigh
Feed the wildlife at the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston 1405 E Grayson St, Fort Sam Houston, (210) 221-1886, quadrangle-fort-sam-houston.business.site On the grounds of Fort Sam Houston, you’ll find a secret spot that actually doesn’t have a lot to do with the military. The Quadrangle is a historical park that is complete with a military museum and a clock tower dedicated to war heroes. It gets better. The grounds also include beautiful wildlife roaming free, from deer to peacocks. Photo via Instagram / eturner22
Dive into local art and food at the Blue Star Arts Complex 1414 S Alamo St, (210) 354-3775, bluestarartscomplex.com Spending time in Southtown is essential for locals, whether it’s a regular thing or just a once in a blue moon occurrence. From grabbing a cup of coffee at Halcyon or a cup of gelato at South Alamode to exploring the art at FL!GHT and seeing what’s going on at Brick, there’s lots to do at this creative space. Photo via Instagram / jvshots_
Watch the Spurs do their thing at the AT&T Center 1 AT&T Center Pkwy, (210) 444-5000, attcenter.com Spurs fans literally travel from all over the world just to watch the Silver & Black ball up, so it goes without saying that locals should completely take advantage of catching a game at the AT&T Center at some point. Even if you have a seat in the nosebleeds, it’s almost a rite of passage to see the Spurs play at some point. Photo via Instagram / spurs
Catch the light show at the San Fernando Cathedral 115 Main Plaza, sfcathedral.org While folks may choose not to partake in Sunday mass here, the downtown cathedral draws crowds wanting to appreciate its gorgeous architecture. Lots of locals also hit up San Fernando for special events like the light show that displays beautiful artwork on the facade of the place of worship, which takes place four nights a week between 9 and 10 p.m. It’s absolutely stunning, and totally worth the hassle of finding parking. Photo via Instagram / rcronti
Enjoy all that Brackenridge Park has to offer 3700 N St Mary’s St, (210) 207-7275, brackenridgepark.org Spread across 343 acres, Brackenridge Park remains an undisturbed space for those who don’t want to run away to the Hill Country to take in nature. It’s truly the best of both worlds here since the sprawling park has plenty of room to enjoy the scenery (especially at the Botanical Garden — yes, it’s technically part of the larger park — and Japanese Tea Garden), get active with sports, explore the zoo and simply have a good time. You can literally spend the whole day here and not even take it all in — it’s worth plenty of visits honestly. Photo via Instagram / natureinsite
Test your creative eye at Ruby City 150 Camp St, (210) 227-8400, rubycity.org New to San Antonio’s art scene, the impeccably-designed Ruby City is already proving to be a destination for local and visiting art lovers. After you take a stroll through Chris Park, you’ll be able to take in all that this creative space has to offer. The Southtown museum is the dream come to life from Linda Pace, one that was years in the making. Consider it an essential stop for anyone who appreciates art. Photo courtesy of Dror Baldinger FAIA
Catch (or admire) the creatures at Bracken Cave 26101 FM3009, tpwd.texas.gov From March to October, an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats are said to live at this nature spot just north of San Antonio. That’s so many bats that it’s considered the largest concentration of mammals AND the largest colony of bats. In. The. World. Yes, really! Even if the bats aren’t here for the season, the creep aesthetic of this cavern makes for some great photos. Photo via Instagram / live.4adventure
Browse around Market Square 514 W Commerce St, (210) 207-8600, marketsquaresa.com Three blocks in the heart of the city are home to perhaps the most lively space in SA. The outdoor plaza is littered with shops, vendors and restaurants, and usually has music bumping to make it feel like a party. From special events to just feel-good vibes on the regular, this is a spot loved by locals and tourists alike for good reason. Photo via Instagram / leefylu
While two-stepping at Floore’s Country folks will want to have their romantic moment out on the dance floor. Expect a bunch of beer to be consumed when your amor says yes. Photo via Instagram /floorecountrystore Credit: Instagram /floorecountrystore
Go back in time at the Spanish Governor’s Palace 105 Plaza De Armas, (210) 224-0601, spanishgovernorspalace.org If part of the reason you love living in SA is because of the history, you’ll likely want to hit up this old-time attraction if you haven’t already. Often overlooked (which is the case thanks to the Alamo), the white-colored adobe structure is like a step back in time, giving a glimpse of the 18th-century colonial Presidio San Antonio de Béxar complex. Pretty cool, huh? Photo via Instagram / viajento Credit: Instagram / viajento
Travel the world (sort of) at the Institute of Texan Cultures 801 E César E. Chávez Blvd, (210) 458-2300, texancultures.com San Antonio may claim that it’s a hotbed of culture, but the Institute of Texan Cultures is proof that the Alamo City is truly essential to the history of the Lone Star State. While the museum touches on the cultural influences throughout Texas, lots of SA’s ties are, of course, front and center given that SA is so present in history. If you’re looking to appreciate SA all the more, here’s where to do so. Photo via Instagram / texbits
Act like a kid at Morgan’s Wonderland 5223 David Edwards Dr, (210) 495-5888, morganswonderland.com This accessible theme park was created with the mindset of welcoming all backgrounds and abilities. The non-profit park has seen many additions over the years, though it remains a spot where local and folks from around the world can all get in on the fun. Photo via Instagram / morganswonderlandtexas
Explore the Mission Reach Southtown-South Side, thesanantonioriverwalk.com Downtown’s River Walk may draw lots of visitors with the restaurants and shops nestled along it, but going south makes for an underrated experience. Mission Reach is an eight-mile stretch of the San Antonio River that connects the San Antonio Missions, but also lets you retreat into nature that’s super accessible and fun to explore. Photo via Instagram / sair_ee
Explore the local ghostly spirits Multiple locations San Antonio as a whole really loves scary stuff, especially if it falls under the paranormal category. With no shortage of ghost stories and urban legends, you and bae will have plenty of ways to explore the sites tied to ghostly happenings. Whether you choose to go on a tour or have specific ghosts you’d like to meet, y’all will have a blast getting spooked and holding each other close. Photo via Instagram / sistersgrimmtx
Get cultured at the San Antonio Museum of Art 200 W Jones Ave, (210) 978-8100, samuseum.org Perhaps one of the finest collections of art in South Texas, SAMA is a poppin’ spot for all things art. But it’s not just that, the art on display here is usually accompanied by cool events that let creative spirits explore extended avenues of what’s on display. Whether you’re on a date, solo adventure or making it a family outing, SAMA comes through every time. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art Credit: Courtesy of the San Antonio Museum of Art