Just moved to San Antonio? There's no time like the present to start getting to know the city.
Rather than getting overwhelmed trying to find all of SA's hidden gems — of which there are plenty — why not knock a few so-called "tourist traps" off the list? The Alamo City has plenty of famous landmarks, and while locals may pooh-pooh some as overrated, they're popular for a reason.
From historical landmarks to thrilling theme parks, we rounded up 20 local destinations that are a must-visit for anyone new to San Antonio.
20 San Antonio 'tourist traps' every new resident should visit at least once
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Scroll down to view images
Shutterstock / 4kclips
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, (210) 225-1391, thealamo.org
San Antonio’s best-known historic landmark is often described as “overrated,” but it’s an indelible part of the city’s history. Tourists, recent transplants and locals alike should make at least one excursion to the famed mission.
300 Alamo Plaza, (210) 225-1391, thealamo.org
San Antonio’s best-known historic landmark is often described as “overrated,” but it’s an indelible part of the city’s history. Tourists, recent transplants and locals alike should make at least one excursion to the famed mission.
Nina Rangel
Mi Tierra
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com
Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262, mitierracafe.com
Mi Tierra needs no introduction. Pedro and Cruz Cortez opened a three-table cafe in 1941, serving farmers and workers in the mercado. The rest, they say, is history. The now-famous landmark has seen much success, being a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
The San Antonio Missions
Multiple locations, (210) 932-1001, nps.gov/saan
San Antonio has four other historic missions that are often overshadowed by the Alamo: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. Visitors can go to one or more of the Spanish colonial missions directly, or try to see them all by hiking or biking the 8-mile Mission Reach trail.
Multiple locations, (210) 932-1001, nps.gov/saan
San Antonio has four other historic missions that are often overshadowed by the Alamo: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. Visitors can go to one or more of the Spanish colonial missions directly, or try to see them all by hiking or biking the 8-mile Mission Reach trail.
Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 734-7184, sazoo.org
Located by Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo has been in operation since 1914 and is home to many species from around the planet. The zoo has many attractions including Africa Live, the Friedrich Aquarium and the Neotropica realm. The zoo also operates Kiddie Park and the San Antonio Zoo Train, making it a prime destination for kid-friendly fun.
3903 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 734-7184, sazoo.org
Located by Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo has been in operation since 1914 and is home to many species from around the planet. The zoo has many attractions including Africa Live, the Friedrich Aquarium and the Neotropica realm. The zoo also operates Kiddie Park and the San Antonio Zoo Train, making it a prime destination for kid-friendly fun.
Nick Simonite, courtesy of Pearl
The Pearl
303 Pearl Parkway, atpearl.com
Pearl has cemented itself as San Antonio’s premiere shopping and dining destination. Whether it’s a staycation at the posh Hotel Emma, a casual lunch at the Bottling Department or a weekend visit to the bustling Farmers Market, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this downtown district.
303 Pearl Parkway, atpearl.com
Pearl has cemented itself as San Antonio’s premiere shopping and dining destination. Whether it’s a staycation at the posh Hotel Emma, a casual lunch at the Bottling Department or a weekend visit to the bustling Farmers Market, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this downtown district.
Shutterstock / Moab Republic
The Tower of the Americas
739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com
You seriously can’t get a better view of SA than at the Tower of the Americas. Take a ride up the elevator and spend some time on the observation deck to get a view of the city from 750 feet in the air.
739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com
You seriously can’t get a better view of SA than at the Tower of the Americas. Take a ride up the elevator and spend some time on the observation deck to get a view of the city from 750 feet in the air.
Courtesy Photo / Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W I-10, (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Six Flags’ San Antonio outpost offers plenty of fun, both for tourists and locals alike. The park’s new rides and other upgrades mean that San Antonian thrill-seekers who have been going to the park their whole lives can find something new to enjoy on repeat visits.
17000 W I-10, (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Six Flags’ San Antonio outpost offers plenty of fun, both for tourists and locals alike. The park’s new rides and other upgrades mean that San Antonian thrill-seekers who have been going to the park their whole lives can find something new to enjoy on repeat visits.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture
The River Walk
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Much like the Alamo, the River Walk is a quintessential San Antonio landmark. Despite a reputation with locals as a hub for tourists, the famed downtown section of the River Walk has plenty to offer to visitors, from historic restaurants like Casa Rio to the River Walk Public Art Garden. The Museum Reach and Mission Reach extensions of the River Walk are also a must-visit, particularly for those who enjoy hiking and biking.
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Much like the Alamo, the River Walk is a quintessential San Antonio landmark. Despite a reputation with locals as a hub for tourists, the famed downtown section of the River Walk has plenty to offer to visitors, from historic restaurants like Casa Rio to the River Walk Public Art Garden. The Museum Reach and Mission Reach extensions of the River Walk are also a must-visit, particularly for those who enjoy hiking and biking.
Courtesy Photo / Hemisfair
Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St., (210) 709-4750, hemisfair.org
Hemisfair plays host to some of San Antonio’s biggest annual events — from Día de los Muertos festivities to the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival — and for good reason. The location where the city hosted the 1968 World’s Fair is now the site of a public park, as well as home to restaurants like Dough and Box St. Social, with more on the way. Visitors can enjoy public art, bring the kids to play at Yanaguana Garden and enjoy events like outdoor film screenings.
434 S. Alamo St., (210) 709-4750, hemisfair.org
Hemisfair plays host to some of San Antonio’s biggest annual events — from Día de los Muertos festivities to the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival — and for good reason. The location where the city hosted the 1968 World’s Fair is now the site of a public park, as well as home to restaurants like Dough and Box St. Social, with more on the way. Visitors can enjoy public art, bring the kids to play at Yanaguana Garden and enjoy events like outdoor film screenings.
Shutterstock / JustPixs
Blue Star Arts Complex
1414 S. Alamo St., bluestarartscomplex.com
Blue Star is downright hopping on First Fridays, with a variety of vendors, live music and new art openings that debut each month. The Southtown arts destination has plenty to offer the rest of the time, with ample opportunities to shop, enjoy artwork and dine or imbibe the night away.
1414 S. Alamo St., bluestarartscomplex.com
Blue Star is downright hopping on First Fridays, with a variety of vendors, live music and new art openings that debut each month. The Southtown arts destination has plenty to offer the rest of the time, with ample opportunities to shop, enjoy artwork and dine or imbibe the night away.
Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl., (210) 536-1400, sabot.org
Not too far from Fort Sam Houston you’ll get to explore the natural beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The 38-acre scenic oasis is complete with trails, a pond, roses and plenty of native plants that make for a lovely photo backdrop. The garden regularly puts on events and offers gardening and cooking classes for those looking for a more hands-on experience, There’s also a glass conservatory and Jason Dady's Jardín restaurant, an essential stop once you’re done exploring the grounds.
555 Funston Pl., (210) 536-1400, sabot.org
Not too far from Fort Sam Houston you’ll get to explore the natural beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The 38-acre scenic oasis is complete with trails, a pond, roses and plenty of native plants that make for a lovely photo backdrop. The garden regularly puts on events and offers gardening and cooking classes for those looking for a more hands-on experience, There’s also a glass conservatory and Jason Dady's Jardín restaurant, an essential stop once you’re done exploring the grounds.
Photo via Instagram / coolcrestgolf
Cool Crest Miniature Golf
1402 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0222, coolcrestgolf.com
Considered by some to be the oldest still-operating miniature golf course in the U.S., this amazing piece of Art Deco-style Americana is also home to the Metzger Biergarten, a bar and gathering place on the spot of the former home of Cool Crest's founders.
1402 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 732-0222, coolcrestgolf.com
Considered by some to be the oldest still-operating miniature golf course in the U.S., this amazing piece of Art Deco-style Americana is also home to the Metzger Biergarten, a bar and gathering place on the spot of the former home of Cool Crest's founders.
Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Casa Rio, 1946
430 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-6718, casario.com
This River Walk mainstay claims the title of first restaurant on the River Walk, serving up Tex-Mex fare to thousands of visitors every week. According to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain.
430 E. Commerce St., (210) 225-6718, casario.com
This River Walk mainstay claims the title of first restaurant on the River Walk, serving up Tex-Mex fare to thousands of visitors every week. According to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant sits on land first granted title in 1777 by the King of Spain.
Courtesy Photo / The DoSeum
The Doseum
2800 Broadway, (210) 212-4453, thedoseum.org
The DoSeum is a must-visit for anyone with kids. Centered on play, the museum puts hands-on learning at the forefront. The DoSeum features various exhibits for children of all ages related to subjects including STEM, arts and literacy.
2800 Broadway, (210) 212-4453, thedoseum.org
The DoSeum is a must-visit for anyone with kids. Centered on play, the museum puts hands-on learning at the forefront. The DoSeum features various exhibits for children of all ages related to subjects including STEM, arts and literacy.
Shutterstock / Mark Taylor Cunningham
Sea World
10500 SeaWorld Drive, (210) 520-4732, seaworld.com/san-antonio
Between a theme park, water park and various educational animal attractions, Sea World offers fun for the whole family.
10500 SeaWorld Drive, (210) 520-4732, seaworld.com/san-antonio
Between a theme park, water park and various educational animal attractions, Sea World offers fun for the whole family.
Photo via Instagram / insanejester17
Japanese Tea Garden
200-414 Alpine, sanantonio.gov
The historic Japanese Tea Garden was built in a former quarry and features elaborate pathways and carefully cultivated landscaping, as well as waterways filled with koi. The abandoned limestone rock quarry was made complete with walkways, stone arch bridges, an island and a Japanese pavilion. Expect to be speechless if you’re visiting for the first time.
200-414 Alpine, sanantonio.gov
The historic Japanese Tea Garden was built in a former quarry and features elaborate pathways and carefully cultivated landscaping, as well as waterways filled with koi. The abandoned limestone rock quarry was made complete with walkways, stone arch bridges, an island and a Japanese pavilion. Expect to be speechless if you’re visiting for the first time.
Wikimedia Commons / Michael Barera
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu
First opened as the Texas State Exhibits Pavilion during Hemisfair ‘68, the Institute of Texan Cultures now operates as a museum under the wing of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Through exhibits, events and outreach programs, the Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates the various peoples from around the world that have made their home in the Lone Star State.
801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 458-2300, texancultures.utsa.edu
First opened as the Texas State Exhibits Pavilion during Hemisfair ‘68, the Institute of Texan Cultures now operates as a museum under the wing of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Through exhibits, events and outreach programs, the Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates the various peoples from around the world that have made their home in the Lone Star State.
Photo via Instagram / chasnormlawson
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
318 E. Houston St., (210) 247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com
Started in the 1880s and moved from the Lone Star Brewery to its current downtown location, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum includes multiple collections, including “The Carnival of Curiosities” and “The American Sideshow.” The attraction is known for its copious taxidermy, a collection that’s as large as it is partly because the saloon’s original proprietors accepted horns, antlers and even rattlesnake rattles in exchange for drinks.
318 E. Houston St., (210) 247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com
Started in the 1880s and moved from the Lone Star Brewery to its current downtown location, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum includes multiple collections, including “The Carnival of Curiosities” and “The American Sideshow.” The attraction is known for its copious taxidermy, a collection that’s as large as it is partly because the saloon’s original proprietors accepted horns, antlers and even rattlesnake rattles in exchange for drinks.
Courtesy Photo / Brookfield Properties
La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway, theshopsatlacantera.com
La Cantera is a one-stop shopping destination. Visitors can run errands in style, either by hitting up department stores in La Cantera proper or finding discounts at The Rim’s outlets, but there’s much more to enjoy, from delicious restaurants to the impressive IMAX Palladium theater.
15900 La Cantera Parkway, theshopsatlacantera.com
La Cantera is a one-stop shopping destination. Visitors can run errands in style, either by hitting up department stores in La Cantera proper or finding discounts at The Rim’s outlets, but there’s much more to enjoy, from delicious restaurants to the impressive IMAX Palladium theater.
Wikimedia Commons / Wittemuseum2017
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, (210) 357-1900, wittemuseum.org
Founded in 1926, the Witte is a premier destination for natural history lovers of all ages. The Texas-centric museum focuses on nature, science and culture, with exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur fossils to the science of the human body.
3801 Broadway, (210) 357-1900, wittemuseum.org
Founded in 1926, the Witte is a premier destination for natural history lovers of all ages. The Texas-centric museum focuses on nature, science and culture, with exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur fossils to the science of the human body.
Chava Communications
Read our sister publications
© 2024 San Antonio Current
