20 San Antonio activities to cross off your summer bucket list

Kayak the San Antonio River

Various Locations
Mission Adventure Tours offers guided and unguided kayak rentals for those who want to explore the heart of the city from a different perspective. The company offers launching points along the River Walk, Museum Reach and the historic King William district. Get some fresh air and a little bit of a workout as you enjoy the river’s scenic views.

Enjoy a drink at an outdoor bar

Time to enjoy a chill session with an ice cold bev on the patio. But why limit it to the patio? Rooftop margaritas with the girls or cold brewskis at bar backyard bar also sound like great ways to pass the hot summer months. Just click the link above to see some of our favorite outdoor drinking spots.

Catch a movie outdoors

Various Locations
Slab Cinema is San Antonio’s staple for outdoor cinema. Screenings are set up all throughout the city, and the outfit shows a variety of movies that has something for everyone to enjoy, from Marvel blockbusters and Disney favorites to old classics. Rally your friends and family and gather your snacks, blankets and lawn chairs to a giant portable screen near you. Did we mention it's free?

Putter around Cool Crest Mini Golf

1402 Fredericksburg Road
Miniature golf is for everyone, meaning it can be a sweet date night or a fun activity for the kids. Even history buffs will find something to enjoy, since Cool Crest is one of the oldest continuously operated mini golf courses in the world. Imagine a warm summer breeze, the sun setting behind the palms and you showing your best friends how to land a hole in one. Now, ice cream, anyone?

Go to a San Antonio FC match

5106 David Edwards Drive
Spend your summer evenings cheering on your city’s soccer team at Toyota Field. Saturday night lights illuminate the stadium with an exciting competitive energy, and you won’t want to miss the rest of the season.

Bike the San Antonio Mission Trail

6701 San Jose Drive
Get active this summer by biking along the scenic Mission Trail and San Antonio River. The trails connect San Antonio's five historic Spanish Missions so you'll get the most out of your ride with scenic views, exercise and historical education. Don't forget to sunscreen up and bring plenty of water.

Go see the bats at Bracken Cave

26101 FM 3009
Bracken Cave hosts the largest colony of bats in the world. As many as 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats call the cave home from March to October, and Bat Conservation International offers the public an opportunity to reserve a spot to see the incredible flights. As dusk settles in, a tornado of bats emerges as the creatures start their nightly insect hunt.

Take the kids to play at Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair

434 S. Alamo St.
This downtown public space is perfect for kids of all ages. It’s specifically designed for all ages and ability levels, whether your tot is digging the sand pit or cooling off at the splash pad, plus activities such as corn hole and ping pong can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Visit the koi at the Japanese Tea Garden

3853 N. St Mary’s St.
What began as a defunct limestone quarry in 1916 is now a gorgeous Japanese tea garden, complete with scenic walkways and a koi pond. Other attractions at the gardens include a 60-foot waterfall, stone bridges and evergreen florals. Definitely Instagram-worthy, it’s one of the most photographed sites in the Alamo City.

Take an outdoor yoga class with Mobile Om

Various Locations
For over a decade Mobile Om has been offering roving yoga classes around San Antonio with an emphasis on community and sharing space. These pop-up yoga experiences encourage connection and creativity. Join the class at locations like the Hays Street Bridge, Confluence Park or Mission Marquee.

Go underground and enjoy a Texas cave

What better way to duck the oppressive heat than exploring the cool, damp environs of one of the state’s many breathtaking caves, some of which are pretty darned close to San Antonio. Check out our list of 15 Texas caves worth a road trip from San Antonio .

Take in amazing local music

While summer can be a great time to catch big package tours by famous musical artists, it’s also a nice time seek the cool environs of a club to catch one of the city’s many up-and-coming local acts. Click above to consult our list of 24 venues every live music fan should know — and get ready to have your world rocked.

Tube the Comal River

There’s a reason tubing down the Comal is considered a Texan rite of passage. The cool waters of this river in New Braunfels are perfect for a leisurely float while you sip a refreshing beverage. Just make sure to double check the rules before you go.
Photo via Instagram / 3104suntx

Check out new attractions at Morgan’s Wonderland

5223 David Edwards Drive
Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first “ultra-accessible, fully inclusive” theme park, has reopened after a $6.5 million expansion. Among the new additions are a four-seat zip line that can accommodate riders in wheelchairs or who need other special equipment. The wheelchair-accessible Jette’s Wonder Bikes features glider-style cars riders control via pedals or hand cranks. A new 4-D cinema even lets visitors experience a roller-coaster thanks to motion effects and a video screen.

Take a public art tour

While San Antonio is known for its colorful murals, that’s not the extent of its public art. From towering sculptures to public art gardens to installations at public parks, these destinations are a great way to take in culture while exploring the city — and they’re all free. Let our roundup of where to find San Antonio’s coolest murals and outdoor art guide your way.

Hit up the Pearl’s ever-expanding farmers market

312 Pearl Pkwy
There’s no shortage of farmers markets around San Antonio, but the Pearl’s is centrally located and continues to grow, attracting a variety of vendors selling delicious products. You’ll find fresh and flavorful items ranging from fresh produce to regionally produced wines to artisan food items.

Catch a San Antonio Missions game

5757 US-90
San Antonio’s boys of summer will be playing home games through mid-September, and the inexpensive tickets make for a full evening of entertainment. And why not visit the Missions at their current facility before the team’s expected relocation downtown?

Appreciate the beauty of the Cibolo Nature Center

40 City Park Rd, Boerne
Although the Cibolo Nature center is packed with outdoor activities, make sure you seek out the dinosaur tracks, which were discovered after a 1997 flood. The 100 million-year-old tracks were apparently left behind by a massive, lumbering reptile called the acrocanthosaurus.

Enjoy sun and fun at a beach within driving distance

Various Locations
Yes, Port Aransas can be overrun with people, but it’s not the only beach within a reasonable drive of SA. Stake out a place in the sand to tan, wade into the water and enjoy one of the wonders of South Texas summer. Linked above, our list of 23 beautiful Texas beaches in driving distance of San Antonio can help you chart the way.

Browse for beach reads while enjoying a cold one at Nowhere Bookshop

5154 Broadway
Alamo Heights’ independently owned Nowhere Bookshop provides a cool place to stock up on summer reading materials while getting in some fun people watching. Order wine, beer or a snack at the in-store cafe to make your browsing experience even more carefree.