Texas’s most historic city wraps Spanish colonial missions and the Alamo’s legacy around a lively downtown River Walk lined with restaurants and mariachi music.

Why Visit San Antonio

The Alamo, site of the 1836 battle that became a rallying cry for Texas independence, sits at the heart of downtown and remains one of the most visited historic sites in the state. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four additional Spanish colonial missions along the river, together forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The River Walk, a network of walkways below street level, gives the city a uniquely relaxed, water level dining and shopping experience.

Top Experiences

  • The Alamo: The former mission and site of the famous 1836 battle, now a museum and shrine.
  • San Antonio River Walk: A network of riverside paths lined with restaurants, bars, and river taxis.
  • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Four Spanish colonial missions forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the river.
  • Pearl District: A former brewery complex turned dining and shopping destination on the river’s north end.

Book these experiences and more through guided tours from San Antonio.

Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown

Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown

★ 5.0 (158)
From USD 35
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Ultimate San Antonio Missions Experience: UNESCO World Heritage

Ultimate San Antonio Missions Experience: UNESCO World Heritage

★ 5.0 (33)
From USD 169
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4 HR | Slingshot Devil's Backbone & Canyon Lake Self-Guided Tour

4 HR | Slingshot Devil's Backbone & Canyon Lake Self-Guided Tour

★ 5.0 (20)
From USD 200
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Self- guided Electric Bike Tour of Beautiful Downtown San Antonio

Self- guided Electric Bike Tour of Beautiful Downtown San Antonio

★ 5.0 (17)
From USD 69
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San Antonio King William Historic District Walking Tour

San Antonio King William Historic District Walking Tour

★ 5.0 (17)
From USD 35
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Horror on Hallows Eve

Horror on Hallows Eve

★ 5.0 (16)
From USD 31.99
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Practical Tips

  • The Alamo is free to enter, though guided tours and special exhibits may carry a fee.
  • River taxis run along the River Walk and offer a relaxed way to see downtown.
  • Visiting all four mission sites in one day requires a car, they are spread several miles apart.

FAQ

Is the Alamo free to visit?
Yes, general admission to the Alamo grounds and church is free, though the audio tour and some special exhibits have a fee.

What is the San Antonio River Walk?
It is a network of pedestrian paths along the San Antonio River, one level below the street, lined with restaurants, hotels, and shops.

How many missions are there in San Antonio?
Including the Alamo, there are five Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio, four of which form the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.