The 20 Most Beautiful Places in San Antonio

The Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St, majesticempire.com
The Majestic Theatre may have shows going on, but the building itself is just as eye-catching. The architecture around the stage is absolutely flawless, from the colors to the intricate details. Designed by architect John Eberson in 1929, the theatre is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places and is a Texas Historic Landmark.
Photo via Instagram / historictheatrephotos

Japanese Tea Garden
200-414 Alpine, sanantonio.gov
Also known as the Sunken Gardens, this sprawling nature space is must-visit for every San Antonian – and hell, for tourists too. 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.
Photo via Instagram / barbarajaylee

Tobin Center for Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Cir, tobincenter.org
Built in 1926 and previously used as the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium, the structure is today referred to as the Tobin Center. Renovations were completed in 2014, revealing a gorgeous interior that matched the beauty of the facade, though on a modern level. The world-class venue is truly a sight not to be missed.
Photo via Facebook / Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

The San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl, (210) 536-1400, sabot.org
Taking up 38 acres, the Botanical Gardens is home to trails, a pond and native plants. With a conservatory and cafe added in, this spot is perfect for a romantic stroll, photoshoot or just finding your happy place. The scenic views will certainly help you achieve that.
Photo via Instagram / pastorbrett

Hotel Havana
1015 Navarro St, havanasanantonio.com
Hotel Havana is, hands-down, strikingly gorgeous all-around. From the lounge at Ocho to the underground Havana Bar to the Cuban-inspired guest rooms, everything about Hotel Havana has you feel like you’ve been transported to another era.
Photo by jackieleeyoung via Instagram / havanasanantonio

Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
This 96-acre park is packed with plenty of history, and is super gorgeous at that. While you may not be able to go up the lookout tower, you can still climb to various vantage points that offer sick views of the park and beyond.
Photo by Justin Moore

Our Lady of the Lake University
411 SW 24th St, (210) 434-1866, cdptexas.org
San Antonio’s is home to some beautiful-as-heck universities, Our Lady of the Lake among them. At the West Side university, the chapel will have you in awe – whether you’re religious or not. The English Gothic chapel took 28 years to build, and was definitely worth the wait.
Photo via Instagram / todayscatholicnewspaper

Denman Estate
7735 Mockingbird Ln, sanantonio.gov
Denman Estate Park, like most parks, is a green, vibrant and a tranquil getaway within city limits. However, this particular 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. With this red and black beauty contrasting the green and brown natural background, you can’t help but become fixated on such a sight. Surrounding the monument is a still pond and lawn to kick back and take in the view.
Photo via Instagram / craftysmoke

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St, thehotelemma.com
Running out of the former Pearl Brewhouse, the 1894 building is now one of SA’s most beautiful hotels. The landmark was designed by Chicago architect August Maritzen in the Second Empire style, and modern-day designers did a solid job of keeping the character of the structure intact as it transformed into a hotel. Everything is gorgeous here, so you’ll be enamored the entire time.
Photo via Instagram / thehotelemma

Brackenridge Park
3700 N St Mary's St, (210) 207-7275, brackenridgepark.org
Brackenridge Park seriously has it all. There’s so much to do in the area – from sports and the zoo to just exploring the gorgeous grounds. Do yourself a favor and do just that – explore the park. You’re bound to discover serene spots that will have you feeling peaceful and much appreciate for such a place.
Photo via Instagram / joshuaccantu

Paramour
102 9th St #400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com
With sophisticated decor on the inside and views of the city from the rooftop patio, there’s a lot of beauty to appreciate at Paramour. Order up a cocktail, grab a spot on one of the couches and just enjoy the view.
Photo by Jeffrey Burton

Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Road, tpwd.texas.gov
You don’t need to head out to the Hill Country to retreat into nature. Not too far outside Loop 1604, Government Canyon gives you a break from the city life without going too far. With lush foliage and bodies of water, coming here is all you need to feel at peace.
Photo via Instagram / intouchbyoz

The McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave, mcnayart.org
The McNay may be full of beautiful artwork, but the building and grounds itself are nothing short of breathtaking. The mansion was built in 1929 for Marion Koogler and her second husband Donald T. Atkinson (her first hubby Sergeant Don Denton McNay died from the Spanish flu shortly after they married). Walk around the grounds and admire the gorgeous home-turned-museum. And to truly appreciate the sights, post up in the courtyard. Just look at that view.
Photo via Instagram / 3v3nk33l

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, (210) 558-6500, lacanteraresort.com
Whether you prefer to spend your time indoors or outside, you’ll be happy at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Inside this getaway spot, you’ll feel at ease in the spa and feel cozy throughout the various parts of the resort. By the pool or on one of the patios, you’ll score Hill Country-esque views. Coming here is truly a win-win.
Photo via Instagram / lacanteraresort

King William district
Southtown
Stroll through the King William district and indulge in some real estate porn. While the newer additions of the neighborhood are quirky and artsy, the long-standing homes here are seriously #homegoals. It seems like no two homes look alike, though many fit into the Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles.
Photo via Instagram / twelve26townhomes

Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Hwy, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
This oasis will definitely wow you – especially if you hike up to the Eisenhower Tower and appreciate this fantastic horizon. For a truly mesmerizing experience, plan to visit during sunrise or sunset.
Photo via Instagram / coachdpark

The Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy, atpearl.com
While many flock to the Pearl for the food scene and things to do, strolling the grounds is essential to your visit to. Specifically, the river basin where the barges change direction makes for a beautiful sight. The smaller waterfalls and rushing current make for a calming soundscape, too. Consider it the cherry on top.
Photo via Instagram / thecanplant

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.
Photo via Instagram / toweroftheamericas

The Grotto
1277 Camden St
Forget about the restaurants and clubs on the River Walk, there’s a true sight awaiting you at the Grotto. You can see small waterfalls and a creepy as hell face in the rocks that make makes for an interesting spot.
Photo via Instagram / dklandez

Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa Dr, (210) 207-3781, sanantonio.gov
For a nature getaway within city limits, make your way to Friedrich Wilderness Park. You’ll seriously wonder how such a haven for nature exists within SA, but just be thankful that it does. A few minutes in this soothing spot will have you channeling your zen in no time.
Photo via Instagram / txfood.and.adventures