Cheap and Free Things to do in San Antonio, Texas
Intro
The four missions of this national historic park were among many established by Spain. In Texas, missions were on or near rivers and the branching trade routes of El Camino Real de los Tejas (Royal Road of Texas). The park follows the San Antonio River from downtown through the southside communities.
Mission Concepcion
Mission Concepcion is one of the oldest unrestored stone churches in the United States. Established in 1731, this mission is closest to the city center. It features original buildings, architectural features, and frescoes.
Mission San Jose
Mission San Jose is unique among the missions because you can see and experience what daily life was like for the mission residents. Explore quarters where indigenous and Spanish mission residents lived. The church is surrounded by a large wall all around it and a common area in the middle. In between the walled area is where the rooms for living, working, and storing food were. The church remained the community center long after the walls and other structures were dismantled to build the surrounding community. San Jose is known as the “Queen of the Missions” because it is the most complete and reconstructed mission of those in the region. They still hold Catholic mass here weekly.
The Historic Pearl
In 1883, this site was home to the San Antonio Brewing Company. Since then, the area has become a place for tourists and locals alike – with restaurants, boutique shopping, gorgeous Hotel Emma, and even a culinary school. If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can also check out the farmer’s market – where there were so many options and didn’t see any two things that looked alike.
Japanese Tea Garden
What began as a pit created from its years as a limestone quarry and cement factory, the Japanese Tea Garden is now a beloved jewel in San Antonio’s cultural landscape. The quarry was shaped into a complex that includes walkways, stone arch bridges, an island, and a “Japanese” pavilion. The garden was known as the “lily pond” and beautified by local residents who donated flower bulbs. The restored garden features a lush year-round floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall and ponds filled with koi. Still thriving after 100 years, the Japanese Tea Garden is dear to the hearts of local residents and tourists alike and remains one of the most photographed spots in San Antonio.
Eisenhower Park
San Antonio parks give people an opportunity to spend time enjoying the outdoors, with fresh air, sunshine and exercise on tap for visitors. Take a walk, enjoy the scenery, and de-stress. If you enjoy hiking, this park has plenty of it! There’s all different hiking trail lengths and levels of difficulty. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Hillview Nature Trail Loop. It’s only 3 miles, but it’s pretty strenuous in some spots. That treetop view of the city is worth it though!
The Riverwalk
The San Antonio River Walk, one of the most romantic adventures in the country, is the most popular attraction in San Antonio, Texas, and maybe the whole state. Also known as Paseo del Rio, it is 15.2 miles in length and broken into three sections.
In addition to the downtown River Walk, the Museum Reach extends approximately 4 miles north, populated with condominiums, apartments, hotels, and several museums.
The Mission Reach extends south, transforming an 8-mile area of the river into a wetland woodland ecosystem. The Mission Reach connects four of the five UNESCO missions. The Alamo is the fifth mission located in the downtown area.
I highly recommend visiting during the month of December. The trees over the Riverwalk have thousands of lights dangling from them and it’s so magical!
The Alamo
Historic buildings, priceless artifacts, dramatic living history, and peaceful gardens – there’s something for everyone at the Alamo.
The Church, or “Shrine”, has become the most recognizable structure on the Alamo grounds. Originally a Spanish mission church (1755-1793), it later played a vital role in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Some traces from the battle still exist but changes to the structure reflect its later role as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot warehouse and eventually a memorial to the Alamo defenders.
Entering the Church requires a free, timed ticket.
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