If you’re an adult looking for a fun and exciting vacation, San Antonio, Texas is a fantastic destination. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, San Antonio has something for everyone.
From exploring the iconic Alamo to strolling along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk, there are so many fun things to do in San Antonio for adults. If you’re looking for a thrill, you can ride roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or experience the wonders of the sea at Sea Life Aquarium.
For a more relaxed pace, you can visit museums, art galleries, and theaters or indulge in shopping and dining in the city’s many districts.
My guide breaks down the best things to do in San Antonio by location and activity type, then gets into recommendations for food, tours and hotels. Hopefully, you will find everything you need to have an amazing grown-up time in San Antonio in this article!
Things to Book Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are our top things to book before your vacation.
🤠 Most Popular Tours in San Antonio:
1. River Walk Cruise -my top pick
2. Buckhorn Saloon and Museums – you’ll never forget this quirky attraction!
3. San Antonio Food tour -don’t eat breakfast before
🛏️Where to Stay in San Antonio :
1. Westin River Walk -River Walk view pool, where I stayed, amazing location,
2. Hotel Havana – boutique style on the River Walk
3. Hotel Menger – San Antonio’s most historic hotel on Alamo Plaza
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 1 Buckhorn saloon fun things to do in san antonio for adults](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/buckhorn-3.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults
Table of Contents
- 39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults
- Downtown San Antonio Things to Do
- 1. Visit The Alamo
- 2. Watch the San Fernando Cathedral light up
- 3. See San Antonio from above at the Tower of the Americas
- 4. Experience The River Walk
- 5. Travel back in time at La Villita
- 6. Go West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
- 7. Grab the San Antonio Hop on Hop off bus
- 8. Have your Mind Bent at Ripley’s Believe It or Not
- 9. Don’t Miss the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
- 10. Enjoy a Night at the Majestic Theatre
- 11. Capture the moment at the Texas Selfie Museum
- 12. Experience the Thrill of a Downtown Helicopter tour
- Art and History
- 13. Immerse Yourself at Hopscotch
- 14. San Antonio Museum of Art
- 15. McNay Art Museum
- 16. Witte Museum
- 17. The Blue Star Art Complex
- 18. Take a Street Art Tour
- Nature and Outdoor Activities
- 19. Travel to the bottom of the Ocean at San Antonio Sea Life Aquarium
- 20. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
- 21. Have a Wildlife Experience at San Antonio Zoo
- 22. San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens
- 23. Experience a Real Texas Rodeo
- 24. Play a Round of Golf
- 25. Take a Day trip to Texas Hill Country
- 26. Visit the Cowboy Capital of the World
- Adventure
- 27. Find your Way out of an Escape Room
- 28. Skydive Indoors
- 29. Get an Adrenaline Rush at Six Flags Fiesta
- Historical Missions and Sites
- 30. Take a Stroll Through the King William Historic District
- 31. Step back in time at Guenther House
- 32. Explore the San Antonio Missions
- Food and Wine Experiences
- 33. Enjoy BBQ San Antonio Style
- 34. Experience the Ultimate Tex Mex
- 35. Visit Pearl Historic District
- 36. Take a San Antonio Food Tour
- Nightlife and Entertainment
- 37. Have a Cocktail at Hotel Menger
- 38. Get Scared on a Ghost Tour
- 39. Get your Photo Taken with the biggest Cowboy Boots in the World
- How to Get to San Antonio
- Where to Stay in San Antonio
- The Westin River Walk
- Hotel Havana
- The Menger Hotel
- Frequently Asked Questions about San Antonio Things to Do
- What are some free things to do in San Antonio?
- What are some fun outdoor attractions in San Antonio?
- What are some must-see attractions in San Antonio?
- What are some fun things to do in San Antonio at night?
Downtown San Antonio Things to Do
1. Visit The Alamo
No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo, one of the city’s and the United States’ most iconic landmarks. This historic site was the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836 and is now a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Texas’s fight for independence. This is one of the many fantastic things to do in downtown San Antonio.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 2 The Alamo](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alamo-8.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Start your visit to The Alamo at the atmospheric church and then walk along Long Barrack, see the 16-pounder cannon and read the Wall of History. Don’t miss the Ralston Family Collections Center and the amazing and priceless artifacts donated by passionate collector, Phil Collins. Yes, that famous Phil Collins. He even narrates the diorama.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 3 The Alamo at night](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alamo-12.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
2. Watch the San Fernando Cathedral light up
Located in the heart of downtown, the San Fernando Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. On Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, the Cathedral is lit up three times after dark (9 pm, 930pm and 10 pm) by The Saga.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 4 san antonio cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-cathedral.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The Saga is a projection that covers 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration on the cathedral’s facade. The 24-minute free show covers the history of San Antonio and the state of Texas. Don’t miss it.
3. See San Antonio from above at the Tower of the Americas
The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot-tall observation tower located in Hemisfair Park. The views over San Antonio are spectacular. The tower’s revolving restaurant, Chart House, is an excellent spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The Tower of the Americas has a full schedule of special events from movie nights to BBQs to market days at the tower’s base.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 5 tower of the americas view](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tower-of-the-americas-view.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
4. Experience The River Walk
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 6 Selena Bridge](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Selena-Bridge.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
I absolutely fell in love with the San Antonio Riverwalk. There is a huge range of activities and things to do along the 15-mile trail. Walking is one of the most enjoyable things to do along the River Walk. I walked from Pearl to the King William District when I visited San Antonio. North of downtown, the River Walk has been beautifully landscaped with art, water features, areas to sit and much more.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 7 riverwalk at night](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/riverwalk-at-night-3.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The River Walk really comes to life around the downtown area. Energy levels are high and music can be heard most hours of the day. Don’t miss Marriage Island and the pretty Selena Bridge, two of the key landmarks of the River Walk. In my opinion, the River Walk is most magical at night when it is light by hundreds of small colored lights.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 8 riverwalk](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/riverwalk-4.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Another great way to enjoy the River Walk is, of course, from the river. Take a specialty river cruise with narration or use one of the hop on hop off shuttles.
➡️ Book Your River Walk Cruise
5. Travel back in time at La Villita
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 9 La Villita](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/La-Villita-4.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
La Villita is an Artisan Village on the southern bank of the San Antonio River. It is listed on the US Government’s National Register of Historic Places. A range of architectural styles can be seen across its one square black and 25 shops and galleries featuring locally made products and four restaurants. Make sure you check out La Villita’s busy events calendar before you visit.
6. Go West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
This quirky museum is focused on the American West. The art celebrates the stories of cowboys and Native Americans and the beauty of the Western landscape. The Briscoe Western Art Museum has both permanent galleries and interesting exhibitions. Don’t miss my favorite part of the museum, the McNutt Sculpture Garden.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 10 Briscoe Western Museum](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Briscoe-Western-Museum.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
7. Grab the San Antonio Hop on Hop off bus
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 11 The Riverwalk](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Riverwalk-1.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
I love a hop on hop off bus! They are such a great way to get a feel for a city and the San Antonio Hop On Hop Off Bus is no exception. It covers all of the city’s major sights in its 19 stops. Buy tickets for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days.
➡️ Book your tickets for the San Antonio Hop On Hop Off Bus
8. Have your Mind Bent at Ripley’s Believe It or Not
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 12 Ripleys believe it or not](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ripleys-believe-it-or-not.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
With over 1200 artifacts and interactive games in its 19 galleries, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in San Antonio is a great fun place for adults to visit in San Antonio. Once you’ve visited the major exhibitions, you may enjoy going to one of all three of the other Ripley attractions in San Antonio: Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks and Ripley’s Moving Theater.
9. Don’t Miss the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 13 Buckhorn](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/buckhorn-1.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The Buckhorn Saloon was one of my favorite places to visit in San Antonio. The Buckhorn is several experiences in one: an old-west themed working Saloon, a Texas Ranger Museum, a collection of exotic animals (taxidermy) and a Carnival of Curiosities.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 14 Buckhorn](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/buckhorn-2.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
I can’t imagine how anyone came up with the idea of combining all of these things in one location but they did and it is great, quirky fun. Don’t miss this eccentric San Antonio attraction!
➡️ Book Your Tickets for the Buckhorn Museums
10. Enjoy a Night at the Majestic Theatre
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 15 majestic theatre](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/majestic-theatre.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
The Majestic is San Antonio’s oldest theatre. Built in 1929, The Majestic is the place to go to see some of the hottest acts and musicals in San Antonio.
11. Capture the moment at the Texas Selfie Museum
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 16 texas selfie museum](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/texas-selfie-museum.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
With over 25 installations and professional lighting, the Texas Selfie Museum is the place to capture some flattering memories of your trip to San Antonio. Visitors can bring professional cameras or just their phones. There are loads of options with different backgrounds and props galore.
➡️ Book your tickets for the Texas Selfie Museum
12. Experience the Thrill of a Downtown Helicopter tour
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 17 view over san antonio](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/view-over-san-antonio.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
For a really memorable experience in San Antonio, hop on a 10-minute helicopter trip that will whisk you around San Antonio’s downtown and provide plenty of great photo opportunities. The Alamo and La Villita in particular look spectacular from the air.
➡️ Book your Downtown San Antonio Helicopter Ride
Art and History
13. Immerse Yourself at Hopscotch
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 18 hopscotch](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hopscotch.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
Hopscotch brings together artists from across the United States (and many from Texas) to create immersive art experiences collaboratively. The San Antonio branch has 15 immersive experiences, a bar that serves Texas-based beverages inspired by the experiences and a range of one-off events and food experiences.
➡️ Book Your Tickets for Hopscotch
14. San Antonio Museum of Art
Located north of downtown on the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is known for having the most comprehensive collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Art in the southern United States. The museum also has a wing dedicated to Asian art, and best of all there is an excellent selection of art from Texas in the contemporary galleries.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 19 san antonio museum of art](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-museum-of-art.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The San Antonio Museum of Art also hosts regular exhibitions plus they have a lovely Italian restaurant, Tre Trattoria, with a terrace over the San Antonio River.
15. McNay Art Museum
Founded in 1954, the McNay Art Museum was Texas’ first contemporary art museum. The museum is home to more than 22,000 works of art ranging from medieval and the Renaissance to 21st-century sculpture to art glass and more.
16. Witte Museum
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 20 witte museum](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/witte-museum.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Opened in 1926, the Witte Museum is a unique mix of a natural history museum, an art museum and a Texas history museum plus beautiful grounds located on the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park north of downtown. It is the most visited museum in San Antonio.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 21 witte museum](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/witte-museum-2.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
17. The Blue Star Art Complex
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 22 Blue Star Brick](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blue-Star-Brick.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
San Antonio’s longest-running contemporary art space, The Blue Star Art Complex, combines studios, art venues, shops, cafes and restaurants. You’ll find vintage clothing, unique artwork, a bike shop, folk art, bars, jewelry and much more. Check their website to learn more about their frequent events, including their first and third Thursday night special openings.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 23 Blue Star Halcyon](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Blue-Star-Halcyon.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
18. Take a Street Art Tour
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 24 San antonio mural](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-mural-5.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
San Antonio is home to over 200 street art murals. Find out why street art is so popular in San Antonio and see at least 20 murals on a Street Art E-Bike tour.
➡️ Book your San Antonio Street Art Tour
Nature and Outdoor Activities
19. Travel to the bottom of the Ocean at San Antonio Sea Life Aquarium
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 25 San Antonio entertainment](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/San-Antonio-entertainment-600x800.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Get up close and personal with crabs, sea stars and urchins, take a behind-the-scenes tour, attend a sting ray feeding or have a shipwreck experience. All this and more is happening at the San Antonio Sea Life Aquarium.
➡️ Book Your San Antonio Sea Life Aquarium Tickets
20. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 26 san antonio botanical museum](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-botanical-museum.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
San Antonio Botanical Gardens is 38 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with so much more going on than just plants. This is a living classroom, research and conservation facility and an entertainment venue. When I visited, I took a fantastic cocktail-making class where we gathered ingredients from within the garden.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 27 San antonio botanic garden making cocktails](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/San-antonio-botanic-garden-making-cocktails.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
21. Have a Wildlife Experience at San Antonio Zoo
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 28 san antonio zoo feeding flamingos](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-zoo-feeding-flamingos.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
You’ll love the San Antonio Zoo if you like interacting with animals. When I visited, I was able to feed both flamingos and giraffes. There is a range of behind-the-scenes tours, including hippos, rhinos and tortoises, a butterfly rainforest, a 4D theatre and much more. The zoo covers over 50 acres and contains over 750 species.
➡️ Book your Tickets for San Antonio Zoo
22. San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 29 San Antonio Japanese garden](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/San-Antonio-Japanese-garden.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
If you’re looking for somewhere to take some beautiful photos in San Antonio, the Japanese Tea Gardens is the place. This is where locals go to get their graduation and wedding photos taken. It is 11 acres of stone bridges, koi ponds and tiered gardens and it is very pretty. Grab drinks (including tea) and snacks at the Jingu House restaurant on site.
23. Experience a Real Texas Rodeo
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 30 man on horse](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/man-on-horse.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
If you’re in San Antonio on a Saturday Night, head to the Tejas Rodeo Company to see bull riding, longhorns and barrel racing. There’s real Texas BBQ on offer for dinner and Country and Western Music after the show. The rodeo runs between March and November.
➡️ Book your San Antonio Rodeo Tickets
24. Play a Round of Golf
Did you know that San Antonio has some of the best golf courses in Texas? The city is home to more than 50 golf courses, from public to private, and from beginner to expert level. Some of the most popular courses include the Quarry Golf Course (named one of the top 100 public courses in the US by Golf Digest) and La Cantera (designed by PGA Legends).
25. Take a Day trip to Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful and unique region of Texas, located just outside of San Antonio. The area is known for its rolling hills, scenic views, and small towns. visit Fredericksburg, a charming German heritage town and the capital of the Texas wine Industry, take a tour of Lyndon B Johnson’s Ranch (known as the Texas White House) and visit quirky Luckenbach, a tiny town dedicated to country and western music.
➡️ Book Your Day Trip to Texas Hill Country
26. Visit the Cowboy Capital of the World
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 31 bandera mural](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bandera-mural-2.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Did you know that the world has a cowboy capital? And it is just a one-hour drive from San Antonio? Bandera, Texas is officially known as the Cowboy Capital of the world and it is filled with wagon rides, old west shows, dude ranches, and everything else cowboy. I had such a fun time there I wrote an aentire article on Bandera Texas.
Adventure
27. Find your Way out of an Escape Room
If you’re looking for a challenge, try your luck at one of San Antonio’s many escape rooms. These interactive games require you to solve puzzles and clues in order to escape from a locked room. It’s a great way to test your problem-solving skills and have some fun at the same time.
➡️ Book your San Antonio Escape Room experience
28. Skydive Indoors
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 32 san antonio indoor sky dive](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/san-antonio-indoor-sky-dive.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
If you want to try out skydiving but are not quite ready to jump out of a plane, this could be your perfect experience. You’ll be trained in skydiving and then experience two 60 second free falls in a wind tunnel.
➡️ Book Your Indoor Skydiving Experience
29. Get an Adrenaline Rush at Six Flags Fiesta
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 33 six flags san antonio](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/six-flags-san-antonio.jpg?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1)
Six Flags is definitely not just for kids. There are thrill rides, water park rides, gaming, live entertainment and loads of food and booze options.
Historical Missions and Sites
30. Take a Stroll Through the King William Historic District
If you’re interested in architecture and design, you’ll love the King William Historic District. This neighborhood houses some of the city’s most beautiful and well-preserved Victorian homes.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 34 king william historic district](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/king-william-historic-district.jpg?resize=225%2C225&ssl=1)
The district was established in the late 1800s, and prominent German merchants and bankers built many of the homes. Today, the neighborhood is popular for walking tours and photo opportunities.
31. Step back in time at Guenther House
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 35 guenther house](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/guenther-house.jpg?resize=1400%2C634&ssl=1)
The Guenther House is a historic home built in the late 1800s. It was originally the home of Carl Guenther, the founder of Pioneer Flour Mills. Today, the house is a museum and restaurant that offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy San Antonio family in the late 1800s. You can take a guided tour of the house, enjoy a meal in the restaurant, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
32. Explore the San Antonio Missions
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 36 mission san jose](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mission-san-jose-3.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage that follows the San Antonio River from downtown through the southside communities. The park includes four missions: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 37 mission san jose](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/mission-san-jose-1.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
It is possible to walk between all four missions but it is 7 miles from Mission Concepcion to Mission Espada. Why not take a guided Missions Tour instead?
➡️ Book your San Antonio Missions tour
Food and Wine Experiences
San Antonio is known for its delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, but there’s more to the food scene than just tacos and enchiladas. Like Austin, San Antonio has some fantastic BBQ joints you’ll love.
33. Enjoy BBQ San Antonio Style
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 38 side of beef](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/side-of-beef.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
BBQ and brisket are on offer at many restaurants in San Antonio. Here are some of the best known BBQ joints in town:
- 2M Smokehouse – don’t miss their home made sausages and sliced brisket.
- Big Bib BBQ – rib tips, sweet baby back ribs, fried catfish and sweet potato casserole
- Old Smokehouse – have been making mesquite BBQ offerings for 40 years and offer meat by the pound with side dishes. Known for their smoked lamb ribs
34. Experience the Ultimate Tex Mex
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 39 fajitas](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fajitas.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
Unsurprisingly, there are loads of Mexican and tex-mex restaurants in San Antonio and the quality is generally high. Here are a few that stand
- Garcia’s Mexican – known for their tex-mex comfort good. Enjoy a brisket taco with eggs for breakfast or lunch. Check out the smoked pork taco.
- Acenar – contemporary Mexican over several levels with a great reputation and a Riverwalk location. Don’t miss the short-rib tacos.
- Lala’s Gorditas – the standard for the puffy taco.
35. Visit Pearl Historic District
The Pearl District is north of downtown San Antonio and bordered by the Riverwalk. This was one of my favorite places in San Antonio. The Pearl Brewery was founded in 1883. It went on to become the biggest brewery in Texas but closed its doors in 2001. A plan was developed to turn the 23 acre site into a mixed-use development.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 40 Pearl district](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pearl-district-2.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
Today, Pearl has over 20 restaurants covering a range of cuisines and holds farmer’s markets every Saturday and Sunday.
➡️ Take a Pearl District Food and History Tour
36. Take a San Antonio Food Tour
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 41 margarita](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/margarita.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
One of the best ways to get underneath the skin of the San Antonio food scene is to take a guided food tour. The tours are generally combined with a bit of history and walking.
➡️ Take a San Antonio Food Tour
Nightlife and Entertainment
San Antonio is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, offering a variety of activities for adults to enjoy. From bars and clubs to live music venues and ghost tours, there’s something for everyone to experience.
37. Have a Cocktail at Hotel Menger
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 42 Menger Hotel](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/famous-hotel.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The historic Hotel Menger is located on Alamo Plaza in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Built in 1887 as an exact replica of London’s House of Lords Pub, this is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Texas cowboys to become Rough Riders.
38. Get Scared on a Ghost Tour
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 43 The Alamo at night](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/alamo-15.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Did you know that San Antonio is the most haunted city in Texas? For hundreds of years, locals have told ghost stories. For a unique and spooky experience, consider taking a ghost tour of San Antonio. These tours take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations, including the Menger Hotel and the Alamo. You’ll learn about the history and legends behind these sites while getting a thrill from the eerie atmosphere.
➡️ Book your San Antonio Ghost Tour
And one last fun thing to do in San Antonio for adults….
39. Get your Photo Taken with the biggest Cowboy Boots in the World
35 Feet, 3 inches tall, nine feet wide and weighing in at a Texas-sized 10,000 pounds, the largest cowboy boots in the world are located at North Star Shopping Mall in San Antonio. The boots have a listing in the Guiness Book of World Records and are a popular photo opportunity.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 44 biggest cowboy boots in the world](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/biggest-cowboy-boots-in-the-world.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
PS If you want to buy some cowboy boots of your own check out Boot Barn and Wandering Cowboys and Paris Hatters for the best cowboy hats.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 45 boot guidelines.](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/boot-guidelines.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
How to Get to San Antonio
San Antonio is 120 kilometers southwest of Austin and 310 kilometers west of Houston. San Antonio has an international airport and direct flights to many of the major cities in the United States.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 46 riverwalk sculpture](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/riverwalk-sculpture.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Where to Stay in San Antonio
The Westin River Walk
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 47 the westin bedroom](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/the-westin-bedroom.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
I stayed at The Westin in downtown San Antonio and you can’t beat its fantastic location at the heart of the River Walk. The rooms are huge – make sure to ask for one with a view of the River Walk. Whilst the interior design isn’t ultra modern, it is very comfortable. you can’t beat those Westin beds.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 48 Westin pool](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Westin-pool.jpg?resize=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
The highlight of my stay was the outdoor heated pool with views of the River Walk and a bar.
➡️ Check Prices and Availability for the Westin River Walk
Hotel Havana
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 49 hotel havana san antonio](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hotel-havana.jpg?resize=700%2C492&ssl=1)
For a more boutique hotel experience on the Riverwalk, check out Hotel Havana. This historic boutique hotel was built in 1914. Today, its rooms are clean and modern with pops of color and historic features like dark wooden floors and ceiling fans.
➡️ Check Prices and Availability for Hotel Havana
The Menger Hotel
The Menger is the ol➡️ dest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. It has a great location on Alamo Plaza, a stone’s throw from the River Walk. As I mentioned earlier, Theodore Roosevelt gathered his rough riders in the bar at The Menger, which is still popular today.
![39 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults [year] You'll Love 42 Menger Hotel](https://i0.wp.com/theboutiqueadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/famous-hotel.jpg?resize=600%2C800&ssl=1)
The hotel has the largest heated pool in San Antonio as well as a beautiful Spanish courtyard garden.
➡️ Check Prices and Availability for The Menger Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions about San Antonio Things to Do
What are some free things to do in San Antonio?
San Antonio offers a variety of free activities for visitors and locals alike. Take a stroll along the River Walk, visit the Alamo, or explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. You can also check out the San Antonio Museum of Art on Sundays for free admission.
What are some fun outdoor attractions in San Antonio?
San Antonio offers a variety of free activities for visitors and locals alike. Take a stroll along the River Walk, visit the Alamo, or explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. You can also check out the San Antonio Museum of Art on Sundays for free admission.
What are some must-see attractions in San Antonio?
The Alamo, the River Walk, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are all must-see attractions in San Antonio. Other popular attractions include the Tower of the Americas, the San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.
What are some fun things to do in San Antonio at night?
San Antonio has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Check out the Pearl Brewery District for live music and craft cocktails, or head to the River Walk for a romantic evening stroll.
IPW and Visit San Antonio covered the cost of my accommodation and most meals and activities mentioned in this article – thanks guys. I paid for my flights. As always, my opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I will receive a small commission.