Even if you've lived in San Antonio your whole life, there's always so much to explore in our beloved city.
Whether it's a cave once used to store and smuggle booze, a password-required speakeasy, an iconic family-owned downtown retail store or the serene and secluded spot that's the headwaters of the San Antonio River, there are plenty of tucked-away marvels worth exploring to make you proud to live here. They truly embody the wonderful, eclectic and quirky spirit of the Alamo City.
Here's a look at some of those hidden gems to check out right now. They'll make you feel like a tourist on your home turf.
25 hidden gems that show the real San Antonio
By San Antonio Current Staff on Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 7:32 am
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Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture
La Veladora of Our Lady of Guadalupe
1301 Guadalupe St.
Located at Plaza Guadalupe, the late Jesse Treviño's La Veladora of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a mixed media mural featuring a 3-D votive candle with an eternal flame facing Guadalupe Street. The revered SA artist's creation is said to be the world's largest Virgin Mary mosaic.
1301 Guadalupe St.
Located at Plaza Guadalupe, the late Jesse Treviño's La Veladora of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a mixed media mural featuring a 3-D votive candle with an eternal flame facing Guadalupe Street. The revered SA artist's creation is said to be the world's largest Virgin Mary mosaic.
Instagram / camphotwells
Camp Hot Wells
5423 Hot Wells Way, (210) 922-1927, camphotwells.com
Soak in the waters at Hot Wells, fed by a natural spring. Charcuterie boards and wine are also on offer at the gorgeous setting. Hot Wells' Clawfoot Suite can be booked for $75 an hour.
5423 Hot Wells Way, (210) 922-1927, camphotwells.com
Soak in the waters at Hot Wells, fed by a natural spring. Charcuterie boards and wine are also on offer at the gorgeous setting. Hot Wells' Clawfoot Suite can be booked for $75 an hour.
Michael Karlis
Miraflores Sculpture Garden
1234-1366 E. Hildebrand Ave.
Created by local physician and art collector Aureliano Urrutia, this green space near Brackenridge Park is full of sculpture, tiled benches and fountains, all falling into graceful disrepair. The garden is now owned by the City of San Antonio and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as designated as a State Archaeological Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
1234-1366 E. Hildebrand Ave.
Created by local physician and art collector Aureliano Urrutia, this green space near Brackenridge Park is full of sculpture, tiled benches and fountains, all falling into graceful disrepair. The garden is now owned by the City of San Antonio and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as designated as a State Archaeological Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Courtesy Photo / Justin Parr
Concerts under the Echo Bridge
2617 TX-536 Spur, instagram.com/echobridgeappreciationsociety
For an unforgettable experience, attend a concert at the Echo Bridge. During concerts, listeners picnic on one side of the river while an artist performs on the other side. The acoustics of the bridge serve as the only amplification. Watch the sun set and the bats come out, seeming to dance in the air to the music.
2617 TX-536 Spur, instagram.com/echobridgeappreciationsociety
For an unforgettable experience, attend a concert at the Echo Bridge. During concerts, listeners picnic on one side of the river while an artist performs on the other side. The acoustics of the bridge serve as the only amplification. Watch the sun set and the bats come out, seeming to dance in the air to the music.
Instagram / The Dinner Detective
Murder mystery dinners at the Emily Morgan
705 E. Houston St., (866) 496-0535, thedinnerdetective.com/san-antonio/murder-mystery-tickets-showtimes
Can you figure out whodunnit, all while feasting on delicious dinner? Tickets start at $65.99 and include a farm-fresh, multi-course meal.
705 E. Houston St., (866) 496-0535, thedinnerdetective.com/san-antonio/murder-mystery-tickets-showtimes
Can you figure out whodunnit, all while feasting on delicious dinner? Tickets start at $65.99 and include a farm-fresh, multi-course meal.
Jaime Monzon
RD Speakeasy
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, mixed4u.com/. True to the speakeasy vibe, RD is unassuming, but the dimly lit interior with its vintage decor is the ideal spot for a chilled cocktail. You’ll need to call ahead for a reservation and a password, but this makes the experience and service even more impeccable.
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, mixed4u.com/. True to the speakeasy vibe, RD is unassuming, but the dimly lit interior with its vintage decor is the ideal spot for a chilled cocktail. You’ll need to call ahead for a reservation and a password, but this makes the experience and service even more impeccable.
Instagram / coolcrestgolf
Cool Crest Mini Golf
1402 Fredericksburg Road, 210-732-0222, coolcrestgolf.com
Cool Crest is a retro mini-golf course that's operated for nearly a century. Opened in 1929, it was finally designated a historically significant property by the city in 2009. Adding to the charm, it now features its own bar.
1402 Fredericksburg Road, 210-732-0222, coolcrestgolf.com
Cool Crest is a retro mini-golf course that's operated for nearly a century. Opened in 1929, it was finally designated a historically significant property by the city in 2009. Adding to the charm, it now features its own bar.
Instagram / @goingwrong
Frank's Hog Stand, San Antonio
801 S. Presa St., roadsideamerica.com
A remnant of the classic 1920s chain of drive-in Pig Stand restaurants, Frank’s Hog Stand reopened in 2010 and served all-American fare. The restaurant has since closed, but the pig still stands as a quirky roadside attraction within city limits.
801 S. Presa St., roadsideamerica.com
A remnant of the classic 1920s chain of drive-in Pig Stand restaurants, Frank’s Hog Stand reopened in 2010 and served all-American fare. The restaurant has since closed, but the pig still stands as a quirky roadside attraction within city limits.
Instagram / @iammagda
Robber Baron Cave
115 Camellia Way, tcmacaves.org/preserves/robberbaron
Tucked inside Alamo Heights is a hidden piece of San Antonio history: the Robber Baron Cave. During Prohibition times, the site was supposedly the perfect spot to store and smuggle booze. For a time, it was also a popular tourist destination. Nowadays, to preserve its ecology, the cave is closed to regular visitation. But every once in a while, guided tours become available.
115 Camellia Way, tcmacaves.org/preserves/robberbaron
Tucked inside Alamo Heights is a hidden piece of San Antonio history: the Robber Baron Cave. During Prohibition times, the site was supposedly the perfect spot to store and smuggle booze. For a time, it was also a popular tourist destination. Nowadays, to preserve its ecology, the cave is closed to regular visitation. But every once in a while, guided tours become available.
Instagram / @meganalexiss
Westcreek Trail Rides
12230 Westcreek Oaks Drive, (210) 616-6585, westcreektrailrides.com
San Antonio horseback riding center Westcreek Trail Rides offer guided trips through wooded trails just west of Sea World. Trail rides, suitable for all ability levels, are $40 per person, or $30 per person in a group.
12230 Westcreek Oaks Drive, (210) 616-6585, westcreektrailrides.com
San Antonio horseback riding center Westcreek Trail Rides offer guided trips through wooded trails just west of Sea World. Trail rides, suitable for all ability levels, are $40 per person, or $30 per person in a group.
Courtesy photo / Scobee Planetarium
Scobee Planetarium
1819 N. Main Ave., alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/scobee-education-center/scobee-planetarium
Every Friday night, the Alamo Colleges' Scobee Planetarium dazzles visitors with a presentation of The Sky Tonight. Attendees can learn about stars, planets, black holes and distant galaxies at viewings throughout the evening.
1819 N. Main Ave., alamo.edu/sac/about-sac/college-offices/scobee-education-center/scobee-planetarium
Every Friday night, the Alamo Colleges' Scobee Planetarium dazzles visitors with a presentation of The Sky Tonight. Attendees can learn about stars, planets, black holes and distant galaxies at viewings throughout the evening.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio
Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Comanche Lookout Park is known for having one of the highest elevation points in the city, which offers amazing and expansive views. Throughout the park's 96 acres, it also features artwork honoring its indigenous history.
15551 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Comanche Lookout Park is known for having one of the highest elevation points in the city, which offers amazing and expansive views. Throughout the park's 96 acres, it also features artwork honoring its indigenous history.
Instagram / @jillwaterston
Menger Bar
204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 223-4361, mengerhotel.com
Modeled after London's House of Lords Pub, the Menger club is also where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders. Stop by and enjoy a cold beer or stiff cocktail in its historic confines.
204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 223-4361, mengerhotel.com
Modeled after London's House of Lords Pub, the Menger club is also where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders. Stop by and enjoy a cold beer or stiff cocktail in its historic confines.
Instagram / taqueria.los.cuates
Boutique Speakeasy at Los Cuates
732 S. Alamo St., (210) 999-5274, taquerialoscuates.net
As a "puro San Anto" take on the speakeasy, Boutique is located inside Taqueria Los Cuates in Southtown. Go past the tacos and through the freezer door to enjoy craft cocktails in a swanky lounge setting.
732 S. Alamo St., (210) 999-5274, taquerialoscuates.net
As a "puro San Anto" take on the speakeasy, Boutique is located inside Taqueria Los Cuates in Southtown. Go past the tacos and through the freezer door to enjoy craft cocktails in a swanky lounge setting.
Instagram / @chef_susie
Hangin' Tree Saloon
18424 2nd St., (210) 651-5812, facebook.com
Don’t let the name of this watering hole scare you off. The regulars are actually quite nice, and it's an authentic saloon with swinging doors, cold beers and classic country music.
18424 2nd St., (210) 651-5812, facebook.com
Don’t let the name of this watering hole scare you off. The regulars are actually quite nice, and it's an authentic saloon with swinging doors, cold beers and classic country music.
Creative Commons / Brownings
The Blue Hole
4707 Broadway, (210) 828-2224
Located in a serene wooded space on the University of the Incarnate Word campus, this natural spring is the headwaters of the San Antonio River. Native peoples refer to it as “Yanaguana,” meaning “spirit waters.” In Coahuiltecan Native American creation stories, the rising of these waters is described as giving birth to all of creation. Visitors can see the Blue Hole independently or via a tour that includes other UIW landmarks.
4707 Broadway, (210) 828-2224
Located in a serene wooded space on the University of the Incarnate Word campus, this natural spring is the headwaters of the San Antonio River. Native peoples refer to it as “Yanaguana,” meaning “spirit waters.” In Coahuiltecan Native American creation stories, the rising of these waters is described as giving birth to all of creation. Visitors can see the Blue Hole independently or via a tour that includes other UIW landmarks.
Courtesy Photo / Texas Air Museum
Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field
1234 99th St., (210) 977-9885, texasairmuseum.org
Per its online mission statement, this small, volunteer-run museum is "dedicated to telling the story of Texas and San Antonio's vital role in the development of military air power." A collection of memorabilia and restored and replica aircraft offer insights into military aviation during World Wars I and II and beyond.
1234 99th St., (210) 977-9885, texasairmuseum.org
Per its online mission statement, this small, volunteer-run museum is "dedicated to telling the story of Texas and San Antonio's vital role in the development of military air power." A collection of memorabilia and restored and replica aircraft offer insights into military aviation during World Wars I and II and beyond.
Shutterstock / JustPixs
Penner's
331 W. Commerce St., (210) 239-0735, pennersinc.com
Known for authentic guayabera shirts and pachuco fashions such as Stacy Adams shoes, this downtown retail store has been in operation since 1916, making it one of SA's oldest businesses. The members of ZZ Top are even known to shop there when in town. Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man.
331 W. Commerce St., (210) 239-0735, pennersinc.com
Known for authentic guayabera shirts and pachuco fashions such as Stacy Adams shoes, this downtown retail store has been in operation since 1916, making it one of SA's oldest businesses. The members of ZZ Top are even known to shop there when in town. Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man.
Bonham Exchange/Facebook
The Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St., (210) 2224-9219, bonhamexchange.com
With three floors full of music, drinks and dancing, this iconic gay bar is also one of the largest and oldest dance clubs in the city. Built in 1891, the massive structure once housed a German athletic association, which is immediately apparent in its high ceilings and amazing architectural details.
411 Bonham St., (210) 2224-9219, bonhamexchange.com
With three floors full of music, drinks and dancing, this iconic gay bar is also one of the largest and oldest dance clubs in the city. Built in 1891, the massive structure once housed a German athletic association, which is immediately apparent in its high ceilings and amazing architectural details.
Shutterstock / Jeff Reeves
Bracken Cave
26101 FM 3009, (512) 327-9721, batcon.org
Home to the largest bat colony in the world, Bracken Cave is a great spot to watch the bats come out. Some 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats live at Bracken Cave from March to October, making for quite the natural spectacle as they take to the sky.
26101 FM 3009, (512) 327-9721, batcon.org
Home to the largest bat colony in the world, Bracken Cave is a great spot to watch the bats come out. Some 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats live at Bracken Cave from March to October, making for quite the natural spectacle as they take to the sky.
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