One Day in San Antonio Itinerary: What to Do in 24 Hours
Looking to make the most of your day trip to San Antonio?
Fantastic, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this article, I’ve put together a highly concentrated one-day itinerary in San Antonio, tracing the best things I did during my weekend trip while taking a break from crashing on my friend’s couch in Austin.
I did spend a few days here and once more before a flight, but San Antonio is not big, so really, one day in San Antonio is enough to get a good overview and hit the main attractions. This city is a lively hub of history and culture and is quite romantic, honestly.
So, let’s make the most of your time with a day bursting at the seams with activities, starting with a walk around the Spanish Missions and concluding with a night out in South Town. I’ll also include suggestions for other spots if you’ve got more time and a concise travel guide to help with the trip planning.
Sample One Day in San Antonio Itinerary
So you have everything in one scroll, here’s a sample suggested itinerary that goes much more in detail below.
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to any or all of the Spanish Missions.
- Take a walk or rent a bike on the Mission Trail.
- Head over to the Historic Market Square (El Mercado), the largest Mexican market outside Mexico for brunch.
- Visit the San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon:
- Stroll through Old Downtown to admire the historic architecture and fun modern shops.
- Pay a visit to the iconic Alamo Plaza and The Alamo to learn about Texas’ history.
Afternoon:
- Take a walk and afternoon coffee along the River Walk along the banks of the San Antonio River.
- Check out the local crafts at La Villita, a local art community.
- Take a river cruise as the sun sets and the city transitions to night lights.
Evening:
- Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Southtown, known for its culinary scene.
- Stay out for San Antonio’s nightlife inĀ Southtown.
Recommended lodging options for the Night: San Antonio
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
- Mid-range: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown
- Budget: Ramada by Wyndham
Quick Facts about Visiting San Antonio
San Antonio, a blend of Texan culture and Spanish heritage, has its place in American history. Stroll along the iconic River Walk, step back in time at The Alamo, and gorge on Tex-Mex cuisine. With the world’s largest marine life park, SeaWorld, the most massive Mexican market outside Mexico, and the tallest cowboy boots sculpture, this Texas city should be added to any US travel itinerary.
| Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | South-Central Texas, USA |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Famous For | The Alamo, River Walk, Tex-Mex Cuisine |
| Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| Time Zone | Central Standard Time (CST) |
| Public Transportation | VIA Metropolitan Transit |
| Local Food to Try | Tex-Mex dishes, Texas Barbecue |
What to Do in San Antonio in One Day
1. Spanish Missions
Remember back in middle school history, the phrase “remember the Alamo,” well, that’s in San Antonio. This city is rife with fascinating history, so it’s only right that we begin exploring its historical treasures in the morning.
Because it’s the furthest out, the first destination on our itinerary is the San Antonio Missions. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a group of five Spanish missions built in the eighteenth century.
Start your day early by taking a stroll or renting a bike along the Mission Trail. This trail is over 15 miles long and connects four of San Antonio’s famous Spanish missions, including The Alamo. You can also opt to visit just one or two missions if you’re short on time.
- Mission ConcepciĆ³n: Built in 1731, this is the best-preserved of the missions.
- Mission San JosĆ©: Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this one is the largest and was almost a complete little town.
- Mission San Juan: Quite small, this mission was a major supplier of produce.
- Mission Espada: The first mission in Texas.
- The Alamo: Last but definitely not least, the Alamo is the most famous of the missions and a symbol of Texas’ struggle for independence.
If you only have time for one or not the most into history: Besides the Alamo, Mission San Jose is supposedly the best to visit. So, of course, that’s the one I went to.
2. Historic Market Square (El Mercado)
After your morning exploring the Spanish Missions, eat and window shop your way through the Historic Market Square, also known as El Mercado. This three-block outdoor plaza is the largest Mexican market in the United States, brimming with over 100 shops that sell everything you can think of.
Begin your visit at the Farmers Market Plaza, a historic building that houses over 30 specialty shops. Make your way through the maze of unique stores, and stop by the working artists’ studio.
Next, stroll down to the El Mercado building, a replica of an authentic Mexican market. Here, you’ll find stalls upon stalls selling authentic Mexican goods, from colorful piƱatas and sombreros to woven baskets and hand-embroidered clothing.
If you haven’t eaten yet, this is where you can get some authentic Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex. On the weekend, it’s also common to hear live music or catch a dance performance.
3. San Fernando Cathedral
Next stop is San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, first built in 1738. The Cathedral’s stunning faƧade is an imposing mix of Gothic and Colonial design and is the final resting place for some of the city’s most famous figures.
You’re already going to be quite close to downtown and can easily walk there, but I recommend driving closer to the Alamo Plaza, and then you’ll be on your feet for the rest of the day at a more convenient part of downtown.
Extra Activity! If you want, you can come back at night for “‘The Saga,’ a 24-minute light show projected onto the facade of the Cathedral. This free show is a visual journey of the history of San Antonio and Texas. It’s scheduled at 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, and 10:00 PM every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Nearby Optional Attractions: After visiting the Cathedral, consider checking out the Spanish Governor’s Palace or the Casa Navarro State Historic Site if you have time.
4. Old Downtown
Park your car and get ready for some walking. San Antonio is great even if you have just a day because everything is so centralized. The Old Downtown area and the Riverwalk are where you will spend the bulk of the rest of the day.
Right around the area of the Alamo, the charming pedestrian pathway winds through the heart of downtown and is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and beautiful scenery. This part of the city blends old and new with historic architecture juxtaposed with modern shops. There are also so many places to play for kids (and adults), like Ripley’s Believe It or Not or Madame Tussauds.
5. Alamo Plaza and The Alamo
Next on the itinerary is Alamo Plaza, where The Alamo, an essential part of Texas history, stands. Originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo served as a home to missionaries before being converted to a military compound. Now, it is best known for being the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.
Here, in 1836, a small group of Texans held out for thirteen days against the Mexican army, turning The Alamo into an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice.
The Alamo is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and until 7:00 PM in the summer. Entrance to The Alamo Church is free, but there may be a line to get in. There are also tickets for audio tours for a fee.
Nearby Optional Attractions: Take a short walk to see other historic sites like The Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders for the Spanish-American War.
6. Riverwalk
Our itinerary continues with the romantic San Antonio Riverwalk, a vital part of the city’s landscape. This city park, made up of a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, is actually one floor beneath the city streets.
The Riverwalk is lined on either side with a multitude of restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. Every turn reveals Tex-Mex joints to cozy riverside cafes, luxury hotels and local boutiques. If you’re interested in strange food establishments, Dick’s Last Resort is where rude service meets delicious food with a side of sass!
Along your walk, stop by the Arneson River Theatre, an open-air venue on the Riverwalk that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. I happened to see a rehearsal for a ballet performance the night I went. Plus, since it was Christmastime, the entire Riverwalk was decorated with twinkling lights.
7. Take a Riverboat Cruise
Take a scenic riverboat cruise along the San Antonio River, and in the wintertime, some boats even float by filled with carolers.
The regular tour takes about 35 minutes and is led by a captain who’s both informative and entertaining. The tour leaves every 15 minutes, winding through the waterways, passing under bridges, and going by charming eateries and green spaces.
Cruises run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or at any ticket kiosks on the Riverwalk.
Nearby Optional Attractions: If you’ve got time, consider seeing the view from the Tower of the Americas or The Pearl District nearby.
8. La Villita Historic Arts Village
Along the Riverwalk, you’ll pass by La Villita Historic Arts Village, which I just thought was the cutest little neighborhood. Once a residential district in the 18th century, La Villita has transformed into an arts community.
The village itself is a maze of tree-lined paths leading to historic structures housing boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. From handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, to textiles, many of the galleries here are influenced by the Texan and Mexican cultures.
La Villita is open seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays.
9. Dinner and Nightlife in Southtown
Southtown, just south of downtown San Antonio, is an eclectic neighborhood that’s a perfect urban contradiction to all the history of downtown. Here, modern bistros, trendy boutiques, and craft breweries coexist harmoniously with historic structures.
Other Places to Visit with More Time
If you have more than one day to explore San Antonio, here are a few other places you should consider adding to your itinerary. I may have included a few of these as nearby attractions above.
- The Tower of the Americas: A 750-foot observation tower with incredible city views. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar.
- San Antonio Museum of Art: Featuring over 30,000 works of art from around the world.
- Brackenridge Park: A 343-acre park with a zoo, botanical garden, and plenty of space for outdoor activities.
- The Pearl District: A trendy neighborhood known for its farmer’s market, unique shops and restaurants, and live music events.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: Take a guided tour through these underground caverns to see massive limestone formations.
- Witte Museum: Located near Brackenridge Park, the Witte Museum showcases the natural history and culture of South Texas.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: A popular family-friendly attraction, SeaWorld San Antonio hosts thrilling rides, animal shows, and marine life exhibitions.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Get your adrenaline pumping at this popular amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, water slides, live entertainment, and more.
- San Antonio Botanical Garden: 38 acres of gardens featuring a variety of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world.
- Japanese Tea Garden: If you’re driving in from the north, I think this zen garden is a beautiful first stop.
Where to Stay
If you’re only in San Antonio for a single day, I recommend you stay around downtown, especially on the Riverwalk, for the best view and easiest access to attractions and dining options.
Best Hotels on the Riverwalk
| Hotel | Budget | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk | Luxury | – Excellent facilities and service – Rooftop pool with stunning views – Located near lots of shopping and food |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown | Mid-range | – Modern, stylish rooms – Great price and great place – Close to all food, shops and attractions |
| Ramada by Wyndham | Budget | – Comfortable, spacious rooms – Excellent location – Outdoor pool and plain wide view |
Is 1 Day Enough for San Antonio
Absolutely, based on the search results you provided, here are three of the best hotels on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, each suited to a different budget:
These hotels offer a range of experiences for every budget while providing the unique experience of staying right on the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk.
24 hours in San Antonio is possible to take in the city’s highlights, but being still quite a large city, it won’t be enough time to see everything. With a day, you can expect a busy and jam-packed day, but with more time, I would explore outside the downtown area or go for some day trips to wine country in Fredericksburg or outdoor activities in Texas Parks.
Best Time to Visit San Antonio
San Antonio is a city you can visit all year round, but the best times are generally during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant. In spring, the weather is comfortable, and the city is awash with vibrant blooms, particularly the bluebonnets that Texas is famous for. This is also when some of San Antonio’s biggest events, such as the Fiesta San Antonio, take place.
Fall is another ideal time to visit. The city is less crowded, and the wineries in the nearby Texas Hill Country are in the harvest season.
Summers in San Antonio can be hot, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. Winter in San Antonio is mild compared to other parts of the country, and the city is beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
How to Get There
San Antonio is easily accessible from major cities and has a large international airport.
By Air: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is the city’s main airport, located approximately 8 miles north of downtown. From the airport, taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and public transportation are available to reach the city center.
By Train: Amtrak serves San Antonio with two lines: the Texas Eagle, which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, and the Sunset Limited, which travels between Los Angeles and New Orleans. The Amtrak station is conveniently located downtown.
By Bus: Greyhound offers service to San Antonio, with the bus station located downtown, near the Amtrak station.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, San Antonio is well-connected. It’s a short drive from other major Texas cities like Austin (about 1.5 hours), Houston (approximately 3 hours), and Dallas (roughly 4 hours).
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to San Antonio
I’m so glad I finally understood what the Alamo meant after coming to San Antonio. But beyond the recounting of one high school history class, I had a blast walking through the charming city and eating lots of Mexican food.
And if you enjoyed this guide or are going elsewhere on your trip, keep exploring our blog for more travel articles about Texas or the whole West.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Texas?
I’ve stayed with friends and vanlifed around, about, and through much of Texas. If you’re looking for more information on the Lone Star State, check out these other destination itineraries.
- One Day in Dallas Itinerary: Perfect First-Timers Day Trip
- One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
- One Day In San Antonio Itinerary: What To Do In 24 Hours
- Perfect One Day In Houston Itinerary For First Timers
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