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|Updated on January,20,2025|

San Antonio is an old city in Texas with a great heritage and history. Whether your visit is for a day in San Antonio, a weekend getaway or you plan to stay a bit longer, you wouldn’t want to leave the city without must-see places, such as Alamo, a colorful Riverwalk, and more. No matter if you like more active or passive vacations, you will find many places to go in San Antonio based on your preferences.

 

This is the main reason why I wanted to see this city. Once I saw pictures of the Riverwalk with beautiful colorful umbrellas, I couldn’t stop myself from planning my day trip to San Antonio from Austin.

 

I immediately bought tickets to Austin to visit my friend and planned my San Antonio itinerary. And here is my guide to San Antonio in a day if you have limited time to visit this beautiful city!

 

Note*. Most of the sights in San Antonio TX can be discovered for no cost, thanks to San Antonio for the free things to do.

 

A Word About San Antonio’s History

San Antonio is home to five Spanish colonial missions: Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. These missions were established in the 18th century by Catholic missionaries to spread Christianity among the local Native Americans and serve as a vital part of the community, providing education and a way of life centered around the mission.

 

Together, these missions form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their cultural significance and contribution to understanding the Spanish colonial history in the Americas. They are an integral part of San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world to explore their historic architecture, beautiful church buildings, and the stories they hold of early Texas history.

Traveling to San Antonio Texas, from Austin

A trip to San Antonio, Texas, from Austin, is less than 2 hours (about 80 miles) away if you travel by car or by bus. I’ve decided to travel by bus and bought a round-trip ticket to San Antonio, Texas, online on the Greyhound site. You can find alternative options for purchasing tickets at different prices, so check a few to compare the fares and schedule.

 

You can also plan a day trip from San Antonio to Austin by following the same options. It’s a great experience to check out both cities if you can.

PRO-TIP: Try to buy tickets upfront (minimum, a week ahead) as the price gets higher when the date of your trip is closer.

 

Things to Do in San Antonio in a Day

Complete San Antonio Itinerary

I recommend buying an early morning ticket to maximize your time exploring the city. A round-trip bus ticket from Austin should cost around $29.98 (plus taxes & fees). I departed at 6:50 am and spent a fulfilling day in San Antonio.

 

I chose a return bus at 12:45 pm to give myself plenty of time in the city. The journey was so quick that I ended up taking a nap as soon as I got on the bus and woke up just as we arrived!

Pro tip: Expect occasional delays with the bus schedule, so it’s always best to plan for extra time.

1. Visit Alamo

 

The first stop on my San Antonio adventure was the iconic Alamo, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Don’t be surprised if it’s crowded, especially if you arrive later in the day. The Alamo, along with the River Walk, is at the top of the must-see list for many visitors. In fact, San Antonio is often affectionately called “Alamo City.”

 

Originally called Misión San Antonio de Padua, the Alamo was established in the early 18th century by Spanish Catholic missionaries as both a mission and a fortress. It became a key site during the Texas Revolution in 1836 when it was the location of the famous Battle of the Alamo.

 

Located just a short 10-minute walk from the Greyhound bus station, it’s easy to reach. The building is under renovation until 2027, so while many of the artifacts are hidden, there’s still plenty to see. If you can’t access the interior, don’t worry—you won’t be missing out on much!

 

The admission to Alamo site in Texas is FREE unless you are a big fan of history and want to learn more facts about it. In that case, you can buy an audio tour for $7 or a guided tour for about $20 (1 hour long). There is also a FREE documentary movie you can watch outside. Don’t miss that. You can also explore a small gift shop and museum on-site.

 

Outside of the Alamo, there is a beautiful garden and courtyard with cool statues of the heroes and plants.

Pro-tip: For the best pictures without the crowd, get to the Alamo early to beat the rush and avoid waiting in line.

 

Other places to see near Alamo

After exploring the Alamo, you should definitely check out the other four missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are conveniently located along the San Antonio River, making it easy to explore them all in one go.

 

Mission Concepción (Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña): This mission is located approximately 3 miles south of the Alamo and is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful frescoes.

 

Mission San José (Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo): Mission San José is often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions” for its size and the extent of its restoration. It features a stunning church with intricate carvings and an iconic rose window known as Rosa’s Window.

 

Mission San Juan (Mission San Juan Capistrano): Located further south of Mission San José, Mission San Juan is noted for its beautiful chapel and historic farmlands. The mission was a vital community center, and its agricultural practices contributed to the self-sufficiency of the community.

 

Mission Espada (Mission San Francisco de la Espada): The southernmost of the missions, Mission Espada features a picturesque chapel, original frescoes, and an operational aqueduct used for irrigation. The mission’s architecture and layout provide insights into the early mission life and community planning.

 

2. Explore  San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

 

Next, take a short 10-minute walk to the San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral, located in the heart of Main Plaza. As one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S., it’s not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s rich history. The church’s strategic location in the center of the city makes it easily accessible. Due to flood and fire damage in the early 1800s, significant parts of the cathedral were rebuilt, adding layers to its storied past.

 

In the evening, don’t miss the stunning FREE light show at the cathedral. This vibrant visual history of San Antonio is projected onto the church’s front facade, showcasing the city’s evolution from the past to the present. The show lasts about 20-25 minutes and is performed four days a week—on Thursdays and Sundays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm with 30-minute intervals, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For more details, you can visit the Main Plaza website.

 

Nearby, there’s a lovely small park with benches where you can relax and take in the beautiful view. This is truly a San Antonio experience you won’t want to miss!

3. Explore River Walk (Paseo del Rio)

 

Next, head over to San Antonio’s most popular spot: the River Walk. It’s a vibrant and scenic area offering plenty to do and see. When I arrived early, the crowds were light, allowing me to capture beautiful pictures and take in the peaceful surroundings. The River Walk spans 15 miles, lined with numerous restaurants and small shops, making it the perfect place to relax or explore.

 

If you’d rather not walk, consider taking a guided boat tour. For about $15, you can enjoy a 25-minute ride along the river, learning about the history and sights around you. The boat tours depart right by the Rivercenter Mall, or to skip the lines, you can purchase your ticket online in advance. Whether you’re here to dine, shop, or simply enjoy the view, the River Walk is a must-visit!

 

The Riverwalk became my favorite spot because it was a place with such a different atmosphere and vibe. It had so many beautiful things to see, and I felt so good there walking and exploring.

 

If you want to learn more about its history, I suggest you join the combined Riverwalk San Antonio tour.

 

Check out the Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with hotel pickup.

4. Grab a Bite in San Antonio

After a long walk, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal at a cozy, friendly spot. One of the best things to do in San Antonio is indulge in delicious food, whether it’s Tex-Mex, BBQ, or fresh farm-to-market dishes.

 

I had lunch at La Villita Cafe, a perfect spot with tasty food, great prices, and a welcoming owner. It’s conveniently located between the Alamo and Riverwalk, so you can’t miss it.

 

I also wanted to try La Panaderia, a trendy bakery, but the line was too long. If you have time, definitely check it out!

 

If you’re staying in San Antonio for more than just a few hours, there’s so much more to see beyond what I’ve covered here. To make the most of your time, I recommend checking out these top attractions in San Antonio for a deeper dive into the city’s charm.

 

Related post The Best Austin Travel Guide: 3-day Itinerary

 

Final Thoughts

Despite San Antonio offering so much to see and do every day, the best part of a short trip to this vibrant city is that you can experience plenty in just 4 hours. This makes your visit easy and stress-free since you don’t have to worry about transportation. You can simply soak in the city’s Western art and historic charm.

 

San Antonio has a lot to offer, and in this post, I’ve covered the must-see sights for those with limited time. Whether you’re planning a half-day or full-day trip, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

 

What was your favorite spot in San Antonio? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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