Choose from 23 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio
ShowingFilter 21-23 of 23 listings.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Like everything in Texas, the Natural Bridge Caverns are big. In fact, they are the largest known caverns in the state. Discovered near San Antonio in 1960, the Natural Bridge Caverns' name is taken from the 60-foot (18-meter) natural limestone slab bridge that spans the entrance. During excavations, artifacts dating back to 5000 BC were unearthed. While the caverns are still being explored today, visitors can enjoy adventures ranging from underground cave tours to an enormous outdoor maze.
The Basics
Natural Bridge Caverns offers visitors many experiences, the most popular being a 75-minute walking tour that travels 180 feet (55 meters) underground through the hallways and various speleothems (formations) made by mineral deposits. Aboveground activities include ziplines, a "canopy explorer course," and the opportunity to mine for gems, minerals, and fossils.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temperature inside the cave is a constant 70°F (21°C), and the humidity is steady at 99 percent. Consider bringing a light jacket, as it can feel chilly underground.
- Four caverns tours are available: the standard Discovery Tour, the Hidden Passages Tour, the Lantern Tour, and the Adventure Tour.
- The on-site maze is sure to entertain the whole family.
- While the visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, the caverns are not due to narrow, steep passageways.
How to Get There
Natural Bridge Caverns is about a 30-minute drive north of downtown San Antonio, eight miles (13 kilometers) west of I-35.
When to Get There
The Natural Bridge Caverns are open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. During the holiday season, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate select passages, performers sing Christmas carols, and there's a fully decorated Christmas village and "reindeer maze."
Bracken Bat Flight
Just a few miles from Natural Bridge Caverns lies another amazing natural wonder: The evening emergence of one the world's largest bat colonies. The Bracken Bat Flight consists of millions of free-tailed bats spiraling out of Bracken Cave and taking to the skies on their nightly hunt for insects. Some tours include access to both sites.
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 92
Tower of the Americas
Located in the center of HemisFair Park, this 750-foot tall tower offers one of the best aerial views of San Antonio in the city as well as a variety of experiences. First there is the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck, which allows you a bird’s-eye view of iconic sites -- either through the telescope or by using photographs on the deck floor that show you where to find specific buildings and landmarks. Additionally, you can learn about over 300 years of Texas history through a mural exhibit on the walls. Included in your admission ticket is also a 4D Theater Ride, “Skies Over Texas.” The interactive ride takes you on a sensory journey through the state to watch NASA astronauts train at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, attend a local football game, view horses running in the wild and visit some of San Antonio’s most important attractions.
For an ambient dining experience, head to their 360-degree rotating restaurant, Chart House Restaurant. Featuring an expansive wine list and food menu, you can order dishes like “Macadamia Crusted Mahi,” “Prime Rib and Cold Water Lobster Tail” and “Shrimp and Crab Fondue,” all while enjoying panoramic views of Alamo City. We recommend visiting during their Monday through Friday happy hour from 4:30pm to 7pm, where you can take advantage of specials like $5 wine, $3 domestic drafts, $6 cocktails and bar bites ranging from $4 to $6.
The observation deck is open Sunday through Thursday, 10am to 10pm, and Friday through Saturday, 10am to 11pm. Tickets are $10.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and military, $8.95 for children 4 to 12 and free for children three and younger.
For an ambient dining experience, head to their 360-degree rotating restaurant, Chart House Restaurant. Featuring an expansive wine list and food menu, you can order dishes like “Macadamia Crusted Mahi,” “Prime Rib and Cold Water Lobster Tail” and “Shrimp and Crab Fondue,” all while enjoying panoramic views of Alamo City. We recommend visiting during their Monday through Friday happy hour from 4:30pm to 7pm, where you can take advantage of specials like $5 wine, $3 domestic drafts, $6 cocktails and bar bites ranging from $4 to $6.
The observation deck is open Sunday through Thursday, 10am to 10pm, and Friday through Saturday, 10am to 11pm. Tickets are $10.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and military, $8.95 for children 4 to 12 and free for children three and younger.
Address: 601 Tower Of Americas Way, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Hours: Skies Over Texas (4D Theater Ride) & Flags Over Texas (Observation Deck): Sun-Thu 10:00am - 10:00pm, Fri-Sat 10:00am - 11:00pm.
Admission: Adult $10.95, Senior/Military $9.95, Child $8.95
From $ 38
SeaWorld San Antonio
Although situated more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) from the Gulf of Mexico, SeaWorld San Antonio brings the seven seas to the heart of Texas through its series of animal exhibits (bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales, among others), educational shows and demonstrations, thrill rides, and water features. Part amusement park, part water park, and part zoo, this popular San Antonio attraction is a hit with visitors of all ages.
The Basics
SeaWorld San Antonio is one of Texas' most popular family attractions and an excellent place to learn about marine animals while supporting critical conservation efforts. Visitors can choose a single park admission ticket to SeaWorld or a combo ticket that also grants entrance to Aquatica San Antonio, SeaWorld's waterpark. Besides general admission, which includes access to animal exhibits and rides, visitors can add upgrades, such as an all-day dining pass, skip-the-line access to the most popular rides, or enhanced animal encounters, for additional fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- SeaWorld is a must-visit for families with kids and thrill-seekers.
- Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent inside the park.
- Lockers can be found outside all of SeaWorld's rides.
- Be prepared for long lines at SeaWorld's thrill rides, especially during the peak summer season.
How to Get There
SeaWorld San Antonio is on the western edge of San Antonio, off Highway 151. Paid parking is available in a general or preferred lot.
When to Get There
The park is open daily from Memorial Day through late August, from Friday to Sunday during the month of October and from April to Memorial Day, and on select days during November, December, and early January. The park is closed in early January to April. For the best combination of sparse crowds and cool weather, plan your visit for a Friday during fall or spring. If you're visiting in summer and want to beat the crowds, try June when it's not too hot and some schools are still in session.
Holidays at SeaWorld San Antonio
If you don't mind braving the crowds, SeaWorld San Antonio pulls out all the stops for the holidays. On select days in September and October, families enjoy the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, featuring trick-or-treating and a hay maze. At night after 7pm, Howl-O-Scream kicks into gear; it includes six scare zones and five haunted houses and is not recommended for visitors under 13. During the park's Christmas Celebration, visitors are treated to visits with Santa, festive foods, and some 8 million twinkling lights.
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78251, USA
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: $59+
From $ 64