Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park is located just north of downtown San Antonio along the San Antonio River. Spanning over 300 acres, it’s one of the city’s largest public parks. The park grounds include the San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens, Sunken Garden Theater, and Municipal Golf Course. Inside the park, you’ll find walking trails, a creek, and space to picnic and barbecue. Kids will love the playgrounds, mini train ride, and carousel. For history buffs, don’t miss the Joske Pavilion, an ornate structure built for the 1883 World’s Fair. Brackenridge Park offers a peaceful natural escape right in the city.
Brackenridge Park: 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 207-3204
Yanaguana Garden
Overlooking the San Antonio River Walk downtown, Yanaguana Garden is a beautiful public park and playground. Kids will have a blast in the expansive play area designed just for them. Slides, climbing structures, fountains, and even sandbox play make it an ideal spot to spend the afternoon with little ones. Parents and kids alike will love cooling off in the splash pad on hot summer days. Yanaguana Garden also features public art installations, botanical gardens, a performance plaza, and river access. It’s a great starting point to explore downtown San Antonio and the River Walk.
Yanaguana Garden: 455 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 207-3677
Historic Market Square
For an authentic taste of old San Antonio, visit Historic Market Square downtown. Established in the 1840s, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating plazas in Texas. Today, Market Square is home to shops and restaurants in a traditional Mexican mercado setting. Explore the Farmer’s Market on weekends to pick up fresh, local produce. Sample ice cream flavors at a heladería, pick up handcrafted gifts at vendor stalls, and dine on classic Tex-Mex favorites. With live music and entertainment on the plaza, Historic Market Square offers a lively cultural experience.
Historic Market Square: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 207-8600
McNay Art Museum
For art lovers, the McNay Art Museum is an under-the-radar San Antonio gem. Housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion built in the 1920s, the museum has exceptional exhibits of modern, contemporary and folk art. The permanent collection includes impressive works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera, and Edward Hopper. Guests admire the artwork and architecture in an intimate setting. With its gardens, fountains, and sculptures, the grounds are a work of art in themselves.
McNay Art Museum: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 824-5368
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
For a deeper look into San Antonio’s Spanish colonial heritage, visit the San Antonio Missions. Spread along the San Antonio River south of downtown, the missions preserve the city’s historic churches built in the 1700s and 1800s. Tour the churches to see the well-preserved architecture, frescoes, artifacts and ruins. Highlights include Mission San José known for its Rose Window and Concepción with its vaulted dome. Nature lovers will enjoy walking or biking along the scenic Mission Reach section of the River Walk.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214 (210) 532-7661
Natural Bridge Caverns
Looking for a cool activity outside the city? Visit Natural Bridge Caverns, an amazing underground cave system 25 miles north of downtown San Antonio. Tour guides lead groups through the caverns 60 to 180 feet below ground. Walk through spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations while learning how the massive caverns formed. For an extra thrill, try the Canopy Challenge Course and Zip Line above ground. With additional activities like gem mining and miniature golf, Natural Bridge Caverns is a great spot for families and adventurers.
Natural Bridge Caverns: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266 (210) 651-6101
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Nature and gardens lovers will adore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Opened in 1982, the public botanical garden has nearly 300 acres of cultivated gardens, native plants and landscapes. Walking trails wind through scenic spots like the Luci and Ian Family Garden, Children’s Garden and Texas Arboretum. Don’t miss the Wildflower Meadow showcasing colorful native wildflowers and grasses. Kids will have fun doing scavenger hunts and story time activities. The center honors Lady Bird Johnson’s mission of beautifying landscapes with native plants.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739 (512) 232-0100
Pearl Farmers Market
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the Pearl Farmers Market draws big crowds of locals shopping for artisanal foods and goods. The market features over 40 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, and other farm products. Beyond the tasty food, you’ll find arts, crafts and unique gifts. Watch live cooking demos, listen to live music, and bring your pet to their Yappy Hour. With its location along the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, Pearl Farmers Market is a perfect weekend morning activity.
Pearl Farmers Market: 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215 (210) 212-0106
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