San Antonio attractions

Since 1993 the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio has been hosting sporting events like football and baseball games, conventions and concerts for crowds from around Texas and across the globe. With more than 65,000 seats the super-sized stadium has been home to the famed Alamo Bowl, Corps Classic and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. It is the top destination for sports in San Antonio and is the perfect place to check out a soccer game or indoor football match.Travelers can tailgate in the vast parking lot outside the Alamodome and tuck into classic Texas fare once inside.Visitors who want to make the most of their trip to the Alamodome can check out the Institute of Texan Cultures, the HemisFair Urban Park or the popular River Walk, which are all nearby the center.

San Antonio’s Historic Market Square is filled with the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes you might typically associate with life south of the border. Stroll the indoor/outdoor malls filled with more than 100 vendors selling handcrafted pottery, leather goods, clothing, toys, and jewelry in the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico.

Like everything in Texas, the Natural Bridge Caverns are big. In fact, they are the largest known caverns in the state. Discovered near San Antonio in 1960, the Natural Bridge Caverns’ name is taken from the 60-foot (18-meter) natural limestone slab bridge that spans the entrance. During excavations, artifacts dating back to 5000 BC were unearthed. While the caverns are still being explored today, visitors can enjoy adventures ranging from underground cave tours to an enormous outdoor maze.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Battle of the Alamo at the interactive Battle For Texas: The Experience. Learn about the epic battle as it comes to life through multimedia reenactments and a comprehensive collection of artifacts related to the Alamo.

Welcome to history on the big screen—that is, a six-story IMAX screen, with an all-encompassing sound system and seats that recline while you settle in for your film. This theater’s long-running feature, “Alamo: The Price of Freedom,” tells the story of the Alamo for San Antonio visitors before or after they visit the real thing.

J. Riely Gordon designed this iconic historical sandstone courthouse that’s stood in downtown San Antonio since 1896. The Romanesque Revival-style building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977.Despite numerous renovations and reconstructions, travelers say the Bexar County Courthouse has managed to maintain its original charm. The courthouse remains a fully functional operation, with a network of tunnels connecting offices below the surface. But visitors say its external beauty is worthy of photographing—especially during the evening, when nearby streetlights cast a holy glow. Visitors may also enjoy photographing the courthouse during winter months when holiday displays offer a festive touch.

Take a recreation break at Brackenridge Park, a huge San Antonio green space listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since Brackenridge is the largest park in the city, it's easy to come here spontaneously and find something to do. You can visit the zoo, ride the carousel, play a round of golf, bike the trails, and much more. 

Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, walkers and bikers love the popular San Antonio Mission Trail. With 15.2 miles of well-kept paths it’s easily accessible year round. And while this scenic loop attracts those who prefer to have their fun in the sun, history-lovers find their way to the trail, too, since it connects San Antonio’s missions in an easy-to-follow route.Travelers can explore the winding river, bike over picturesque paths, and make stops to Mission Concepcin, Mission San Jose, Mission Espada and Mission Capistrano along the way. These historic complexes once served as centers of the Catholic faith and today, some still have active congregations. Visitors will learn about the history of both San Antonio and the Catholic Church while wandering these structures.Easy-to-follow trail maps and guides make navigating the San Antonio Mission Trail a breeze, but it’s also possible to check out the missions as part of a trolley tour or San Antonio sightseeing tour for visitors who want the chance to see it all.

The Hard Rock Café San Antonio has been a staple of the city's River Walk since its opening in 1995. The café provides three floors of patios from which you can enjoy signature food and drinks, listen to rock n’ roll classics, and look out over the tourist boats on the San Antonio River from Texas’ No. 1 tourist destination.Like other Hard Rock Cafes around the world, the Hard Rock Café San Antonio features music memorabilia on the walls. Be sure to tour the restaurant and see various guitars, platinum records, and more. The Hard Rock Café San Antonio features Ozzy Osbourne’s black velvet jacket, Eddie Van Halen’s Charvel guitar, and a brick wall spray painted by Aerosmith during the 1994 groundbreaking ceremony.The Hard Rock Café San Antonio offers space for large events of up to 400 guests as well, so is a perfect spot for a wedding reception or conference. You can reserve a patio, space inside the café, or even their private dinner barge.

Spend a few hours at the San Antonio Aquarium and experience the majesty of the underwater world without leaving Texas. Visit thousands of animals from around the globe, take the kids to the play areas and interactive exhibits, and don’t miss feeding time.

Located in San Antonio, Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park. The park, which spans 25 acres (10 hectares), was designed with special-needs individuals in mind. With more than 25 elements and attractions, including adapted rides, playgrounds, gardens, and a lake, the park offers a fun day out for everyone.

A Smithsonian affiliate museum in San Antonio, the Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates the indigenous people and immigrants from many different cultures who have helped shape Texas through the years. Exhibits on race, military history, and folklore help visitors understand the region’s rich cultural heritage.