10 Best Free Things to Do in San Antonio

The Alamo Roman Catholic Mission, abbreviated simply as 'The Alamo', is seen as an intersection of history. Though not particularly striking in appearance, the bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Texan history and its label as the 'Lone Star State'. Here, the legendary battle between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836, a famous last stand against impossible odds.

The mission is now a museum for this time in US history. Tour and audio guides are offered for a more in-depth experience.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s made up of 5 Spanish missions, with the Alamo being the most famous of them. Established in the early 18th century, the San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion and Espada missions function as Catholic churches that hold Mass services on weekends.

You get to explore the historical park on foot or bicycle as there’s an 8-mile-long (13-km-long) pathway along the San Antonio River connecting all 5 missions.

Enjoy free admission to the McNay Art Museum every Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm and the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 pm. Occupying a sprawling Spanish colonial mansion, the museum displays over 2,000 modern European and American artworks, most of which date back to between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Check out masterpieces by Paul Cezanne, Edward Hopper and Pablo Picasso. You also get to explore a Japanese garden in the museum’s courtyard.

A stroll along the lush landscape of the Japanese Tea Garden gives you a sense of being in the Land of the Rising Sun. Founded in 1901, its centrepiece is a 60-foot (18-metre) waterfall that flows into several koi ponds.

Couples and families often frequent the Japanese Tea Garden to enjoy views of the onsite shrine and torii (Japanese traditional gate). Stop by Jinghu House for tea and light snacks, or catch a live performance at the open-air Sunken Garden Theater.

The San Antonio River Walk follows a network of waterways that wind around the city. The walk, also named Paseo del Rio, brings you across streams of shops, boutiques, bars, cafés and restaurants. It's definitely worth visiting either night or day. The river at night is well-lit with strings of lights across the pathways.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Fiesta San Antonio, it’ll be even more happening. The Fiesta San Antonio is a springtime festival that features colourful floats streaming down the river. Though the festival is gorgeous, it means the river area becomes incredibly busy.

Brackenridge Park, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest public parks in San Antonio. Spanning over 300 acres (121 hectares), it’s full of picnic tables, playgrounds, trails and historical sites. Locals often gather at the park for morning yoga, jogs and a variety of sports activities.

If you’re a fan of birdwatching, Brackenridge Park is where you can spot woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, chickadees and wrens. Additionally, the park offers a serene environment for families to enjoy leisurely walks, making it a popular gathering spot.

Historic Market Square, or El Mercado as the locals call it, is a lively cultural hub in Downtown San Antonio, often famed as the largest Mexican market in America. Consisting of an indoor mall and Farmer's Market, the Historic Market Square is home to over 100 vendors selling handcrafted goods, authentic street food and all-things Mexican. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and sights of old Mexico as you browse through the stalls.

The market hosts live music and dance performances almost every weekend, making it a fun spot just to hang out and soak up the atmosphere. Check out their website for the regular events that are free and open to the public.

The Pearl District has the idealistic vibe of a college campus, strewn with bicycles and well-dressed San Antonians. It’s a quaint yet hip neighbourhood with many fashionable boutiques, bars, restaurants and coffee shops. One to note is the famous Hotel Emma, a charming hotel inside a 19th-century brewery. Its rooftop pool has great views of the city.

Pearl District’s tacos are also worth mentioning. A must-visit is La Gloria, which offers a delightful atmosphere with its charming river-view courtyard. This vibrant eatery showcases the authentic flavours of Mexico and the Southwest, featuring a menu that includes street-style tacos, ceviches and other traditional Mexican dishes.

San Antonio Central Library is where you can find thousands of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs of various genres. Located along Soledad Street, it occupies an imposing 6-storey building overlooking the River Walk and downtown San Antonio.

You get to enjoy activities such as storytelling, movie screenings and author lectures all year round. The first floor features an art gallery displaying temporary exhibits by local artists. Numerous murals and art installations can be found throughout San Antonio Central Library, one of which is a blue neon-lit room installed by Stephen Antonakos.

The Saga light show at San Fernando Cathedral illuminates the cathedral for 24 minutes, 2 times a night on 6 nights of the week. The art installation, created by French artist Xavier De Richemont, is a perfect way to fill your night and to admire the cathedral in a new way. It’s also representative of a burgeoning art scene in San Antonio.

As well as a show for the eyes, a narration throughout the light show tells the story of the city. Seats are limited and the show is very popular with locals and visitors alike, so try get there early to avoid having to stand.