San Antonio Travelers Recommend

Three days in San Antonio gives you plenty of time to experience the historic missions, tour downtown, spend the day at a theme park, and even venture farther afield into the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Read on for advice on what to do during your 3-day trip to San Antonio.

Day 1: Historic San Antonio

Start your trip to San Antonio at the beginning, with a look into the past. The Alamo Mission has come to symbolize the fight for Texas independence, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get there early to beat the crowds, then spend some time touring the historic downtown neighborhood on your own or on a guided walking or Segway tour. In the afternoon, get a feel for everything San Antonio has to offer with a flexible, self-guided tour aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. You’ll be able to stop at notable landmarks such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, Pearl Brewery, Market Square, HemisFair Park, and the Tower of the Americas. In the evening, head to the San Antonio River Walk for dinner at one of the waterside restaurants, followed by a romantic evening cruise along the San Antonio River. 

Day 2: Modern Family Fun

Now that you’ve experienced San Antonio’s historic appeal, it’s time to have some serious fun. This city is home to some of the nation’s best family-friendly attractions. Depending on your interests, you could spend the day riding rides and watching parades at Six Flags Over Texas, learning about more than 750 species of animals at the San Antonio Zoo, or taking an educational (and entertaining) dive into the world’s marine ecosystems at SeaWorld San Antonio. After your day at the park of your choice, head back into downtown San Antonio for an after-dark ghost tour to learn more about the paranormal side of the city. 

Day 3: Texas Hill Country

Today, head outside the city limits on a day trip to explore the scenic Texas Hill Country. Many guided tours include stops at the boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson (as well as his “Texas White House”), the German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, country music–loving Luckenbach, and area vineyards where it’s possible to sample Texas-made wine. When you arrive back in the city, head to the top of the Tower of the Americas for one last look over the San Antonio landscape from the Flags Over Texas observation deck. If you’re feeling hungry, make reservations at the tower’s rotating restaurant for dinner with a view.

With 48 hours to spend in San Antonio, you’ll have enough time to soak up the city’s history, stroll its modern streets, cruise the San Antonio River, and spend the day at one of its star attractions. Here are some ideas for how to plan the ultimate 2-day trip to San Antonio.

Day 1: Downtown and the Alamo

**Morning:**Get your bearings this morning with a sightseeing tour of downtown San Antonio. One of the most popular ways to explore the city streets is by Segway, but it’s also possible to cover more ground (and see neighborhoods such as the Pearl District) on a small-group tour by air-conditioned van. If you’d like to strike out on your own, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to explore at your own pace. No matter the option you choose, be sure to visit the Alamo.

**Afternoon:**No trip to San Antonio would be complete without some time spent at the River Walk. The sidewalks and footbridges are great for strolling and people watching, but you can learn and see more about this historic waterway by taking a leisurely boat cruise with onboard commentary along the way. 

**Night:**In the evening, take in some of the best views of San Antonio from the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck at the top of the Tower of the Americas. Photos on the deck floor point out important city landmarks, while a 4D theater ride (included in the ticket price) takes guests on a flight across the Lone Star State.

Day 2: Family Fun

**Morning:**San Antonio ranks among the nation’s top family-friendly destinations. Find out why by spending today at one of the city’s star attractions. Thrill seekers might opt for the rides of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, while families with younger kids can spend the day with animals at SeaWorld San Antonio or the excellent San Antonio Zoo.

**Afternoon:**You could easily spend the entire day at some of the city’s kid-approved attractions, but if you’re ready for a change of pace, treat your tastebuds to the taste of Texas during an afternoon food tour. Visit some local favorites to experience for yourself the culinary diversity of the city.

**Night:**As one of the state’s most historic cities, San Antonio is also one of the most haunted. As dark descends, head out onto the streets on a haunted tour to learn about the city’s sordid side. Spend your last night in San Antonio listening to tales of resident ghosts and paranormal happenings as you explore the old town by lantern light.

The story of Texas independence played out in what is today San Antonio, best known for the Alamo and the River Walk. This diverse Texas city has plenty more to offer, and even a single day gives you enough time to enjoy its highlights. Here’s how to make the most of your 24 hours in San Antonio. 

Morning: City Sightseeing

Before diving into San Antonio’s past, get a feel for the modern city with a guided sightseeing tour. Skip the hassle of renting a car and opt for a small-group tour to explore some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including the King William District and the Pearl District. For a more leisurely morning, zip through downtown on a Segway tour, passing landmarks such as HemisFair Park, Tower of the Americas, the Alamodome, and El Mercado. If you’d rather go at your own pace, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to tour this Southwestern city at your leisure.  

Afternoon: Remember the Alamo

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without visiting the Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the grounds on your own, or take a guided or audio tour to learn more about the roll this mission played in Texas history. If you want to take a deep dive into the San Antonio missions, consider an afternoon tour of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, home to four Spanish missions (including Mission San Jose).

Night: The River Walk

Take this evening to enjoy the lively and romantic atmosphere of San Antonio’s River Walk. Cruise along the San Antonio River by boat to learn more about the historic waterway while taking in the sights from a different perspective. The River Walk is lined with bars and restaurants, so be sure to make a reservation for dinner. For a special night out, consider a meal at the Chart House Restaurant, the 360-degree revolving restaurant at the top of the Tower of the Americas.