100 Free Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas

1. Visit The Alamo

One of the most iconic sites in Texas, The Alamo is a must-visit for history buffs.

2. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Take a self-guided tour and discover the four of the five missions that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Ranger-Led Tour

Join our free, wheelchair-accessible guided walks with a National Park Ranger at Mission San José daily at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., starting from the Visitor Center (no programs on the first Wednesday of each month).

4. Bexar Heritage Center

Learn about the history of Bexar County at this educational center.

5. World Heritage Center

Located in the heart of the San Antonio Missions, this immersive space brings the rich stories, culture, and legacy of this UNESCO World Heritage site to life.

6. Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center

Learn about the mission's history and experience the culture of its mission communities.

7. Historic Farm Fields

Visit the small demonstration farm at Mission San Juan. This section shows visitors how the farm fields surrounding the mission would have been irrigated by acequias (irrigation ditches).

8. Amigo Walking Tours

Experience San Antonio’s rich history on a free walking tour with this top-rated experience, highlighting iconic landmarks like The Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, the River Walk, and Hemisfair Park, with stories shared by expert local guides.

9. Centro de Artes Gallery

Explore contemporary Latinx art in this free gallery.

10. Ruby City

Visit this contemporary art center showcasing innovative works from local and international artists.

11. Artpace

Experience cutting-edge contemporary art at this gallery, known for its artist residencies.

12. Explore Blue Star Arts Complex

Visit this contemporary art hub featuring galleries, studios, weekend markets, and creative spaces.

13. San Antonio Art League and Museum

Explore this small museum dedicated to Texas artists.

14. Culture Commons Gallery

Enjoy art installations that reflect the diverse culture of San Antonio.

15. San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum

Delve into the rich history of African American communities in San Antonio.

16. Mural Tour Downtown

Take a self-guided tour of San Antonio’s vibrant street art scene.

17. Carver Community Cultural Center

Enjoy a free lobby art show at this cultural hub.

18. Garcia Art Glass

Watch live glassblowing demonstrations at this local studio.

19. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Join a free wellness event on the plaza, such as yoga or a drum circle.

20. La Veladora of our Lady Guadalupe

Stop by the Westside to visit one of the largest veladora in the world, designed by the late San Antonio artist Jesse Treviño.

21. MujerArtes Studio

 A unique cooperative where Latina women create and sell handcrafted clay art, celebrating their cultural heritage and artistic expression.

22. McNay Art Museum

Visit the McNay Art Museum for free on the first Sunday of each month, Thursday evenings from 4-9 p.m., or any time for military, veterans, and their families, courtesy of USAA, and explore its extensive modern art collection.

23. Southtown Art Gallery Hop

Explore Southtown’s art galleries during the Second Saturday Artwalk, where local galleries open their doors for free to showcase their latest exhibitions.

24. Stable Hall

The newest entertainment venue in San Antonio features a variety of free performances and live shows throughout the year.

25. Historic Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center

Explore free exhibits and community events at this cultural hub dedicated to preserving and promoting Latino arts and culture.

26. Instituto de Mexico (Mexican Cultural Institute)

Inside Hemisfair District, the Instituto de Mexico offers free exhibits, performances, and events celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and contemporary scene. It’s a great way to learn about Mexican traditions and art.

27. San Antonio Performance Groups

Musical Bridges Around the World and Youth Orchestra of San Antonio offer free performances around the city and seasonal concert series!

28. Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center frequently hosts free workshops, art classes, exhibits, and cultural events open to the public. These events focus on social justice, the arts, and culture, allowing visitors to engage with the local community.

29. Japanese Tea Garden

Enjoy the serene beauty of this garden with koi ponds, waterfalls, and lush landscaping.

30. San Pedro Creek Culture Park

Explore the newly redesigned San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a world-class linear park on the west side of downtown that blends public art, architectural design, local craft, and historic preservation with engineering, ecosystem restoration, and native landscaping.

31. Free Yoga

Join a free yoga class with Mobile Om, which hosts multiple free classes around the city.

32. The Rock at La Cantera

You can catch a showing of a Spurs game, attend a free event at Frost Plaza, or explore the trails and one of the largest dog parks in San Antonio.

33. Legacy Park

Attend a free event at this urban park in the heart of downtown.

34. Phil Hardberger Park & Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge

Get up close to nature and explore the park's unique land bridge.

35. Hemisfair Grotto

Located right behind the Henry B. González Convention Center, this scenic section of the River Walk, known as The Grotto, is a hidden gem featuring lush trees, waterfalls, and even a few resident ducks!

36. Brackenridge Park

Enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or explore the park's scenic areas.

37. Bexar County Hot Wells Park

Walk through the historic ruins of this once-popular hot springs resort.

38. Woodlawn Lake Park

Relax by the lake or take a leisurely walk around the park.

39. Greenway Trails of San Antonio

Explore the extensive network of trails for walking, biking, or birding.

40. Cibolo Nature Center

Take a short drive to Boerne and explore the natural landscapes at this beautiful nature center.

41. The Blue Hole at UIW

Visit the San Antonio River headwaters on the University of the Incarnate Word campus.

42. Espada Aqueduct

Step back in time to this still-functioning aqueduct, part of the mission system.

43. Peacock Alley, La Zona Cultural

Explore Peacock Alley and La Zona Cultural, vibrant hubs of art and culture, and places hosting events in San Antonio's heart.

44. Friedrich Wilderness Park

Take a scenic hike through Friedrich Park to experience the natural beauty of San Antonio’s Hill Country.

45. Confluence Park

Join a free Ecology tour at Confluence Park every 4th Saturday of the month, or attend one of their free events to explore the park's unique architecture, ecosystems, and sustainability themes.

46. Scenic Overlook at Comanche Lookout Park

Hike to the top of this park for panoramic views of San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country.

47. Travis Park

In one of San Antonio's oldest parks, you can participate in free events like movie nights, yoga classes, and seasonal festivals - be sure to catch the Christmas tree during the holidays!

48. Stroll Downtown San Antonio River Walk

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the River Walk, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

49. Mission Reach River Walk

Explore the extended River Walk via bike or kayak, which connects to the historic missions.

50. Museum Reach River Walk

Discover outdoor art installations along this section of the River Walk.

51. River Walk Public Art Garden

Admire the public art installations along the downtown River Walk section.

52. The Grotto

Visit this hidden gem, a man-made cave along the River Walk Museum Reach section.

53. Arneson River Theatre

Catch a free performance at this open-air theater along the River Walk.

54. Love Lock Bridge

Add a lock to the Kallison Love Lock Walk Bridge near the downtown River Walk.

55. Mini Love Lock Bridge

Stop by Hyatt Regency to check out their mini version of the Love Lock Bridge + their unique lobby!

56. River Walk Artisan Show

Browse handmade crafts from over 40 artisans at this free event along the downtown River Walk.

57. River Walk Parades

Enjoy the vibrant parades along the downtown River Walk! Most are free, but some may require tickets or have paid seating. Check ahead to plan your visit! 🎉

58. First Fridays in Southtown

Experience local art, music, and culture during this monthly event.

59. Pearl Farmer’s Market

Browse local produce and goods at the Pearl's weekend farmers market.

60. Downtown Tuesdays

Enjoy free parking in downtown San Antonio every Tuesday.

61. Tower of Americas Market Days

Shop local vendors at Tower of Americas Market Days every Saturday.

62. Fiesta

Fiesta San Antonio features over 100+ events during this two-week celebration in April. Make sure to check out the free festivities open to the public.

63. Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival

Experience this free annual festival that showcases local artists and performers through immersive light, sound, and art installations across various downtown venue — making it one of the largest art festivals in the country!

64. Slab Cinema

Movie fanatics can check out their event calendar for free movie showings around the city.

65. Siclovía

Join this free biannual event, during which major streets in San Antonio are closed to vehicles, allowing people to walk, run, bike, and play.

66. San Fernando Cathedral

Visit one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S. and enjoy its stunning architecture.

67. San Antonio | The Saga

Experience the free 24-minute Saga projection, a mesmerizing light show on San Fernando Cathedral's historic façade that attracts visitors worldwide.

68. St. Joseph’s Church

Learn about the city’s German heritage at this historic downtown church.

69. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower

Take a free heritage tour of this stunning basilica.

70. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots

Snap a photo in front of these iconic boots at North Star Mall.

71. Sebastian Sculptures Tour

Go on a treasure hunt to find the six sculptures by Sebastian, starting with the Torch of Friendship.

72. Historic Market Square

Browse through local shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere at this traditional Mexican marketplace.

73. Historic Pearl

Explore the Pearl District, known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture.

74. La Villita Historic Arts Village

Stroll through this historic arts village and discover local artists and their work. Make sure to stop by every Saturday for their free Market Days.

75. King William Historic District

Take a leisurely walk through this beautiful neighborhood known for its grand historic homes.

76. Hemisfair District

Enjoy a family-friendly day at Yanaguanna Garden, which has playgrounds and splash pads, catch a free event at the new Civic Park, and explore the vibrant art installations throughout the area.

77. Oldest VFW Hall in Texas

Spend an evening at this historic venue.

78. Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course (On select days)

Enjoy live music during concerts at Cool Crest Miniature Golf Course on select days.

79. Mission Marquee Plaza

Every 1st + 3rd Saturday of the month, experience free movie showings and a Farmers Market.

80. Haunted History

Embark on a self-guided tour through the eerie lobbies of the Menger and Gunter Hotels, where historic artifacts add to the spooky atmosphere.

81. Hays Street Bridge

Walk across this historic bridge for stunning views of the San Antonio skyline, especially at sunset

82. Explore the Historic Cemeteries of the Eastside

Take a self-guided tour of the historic cemeteries on San Antonio’s Eastside, including the City Cemetery No. 1 and San Fernando Cemetery No. 2. These cemeteries offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, with graves dating back to the 19th century and markers reflecting the diverse cultures that have shaped San Antonio.

83. Guadalupe Latino Bookstore & Gift Shop

Support local authors and browse through a unique collection of books.

84. San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology

Learn about STEM through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

85. Landa Library

Visit the beautiful historic Landa Library and its surrounding gardens.

86. Central Library

Check out the unique architecture of this library, which Ricardo Legorreta designed.

87. Fort Sam Quadrangle and Museum

Explore this historic military site and see the resident peacocks.

88. Vietnam and Korean War Memorials

Pay your respects at these memorials dedicated to veterans.

89. San Antonio Shoes (SAS) Factory Tour

Take a free factory tour at the SAS headquarters.

90. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Learn about the history of the Holocaust at this educational museum.

91. Mexican Cookbook Collection*

Discover culinary history by visiting the historic Mexican Cookbook Collection at UTSA.
*Please note, TikTok above was originally posted in 2023. Mixtli is no longer offering an accompanying menu.

92. Military Medical Museum

Learn about the history of military medicine at this free museum at Fort Sam Houston.

93. San Antonio Fire Museum

Learn about the history of firefighting in San Antonio every Tuesday of the month.

94. Edwards Aquifer Authority

The Edwards Aquifer Authority’s Education Outreach Center (EAA EOC) offers educational and entertaining insights into the world of water.

95. San Antonio River Authority

Learn about our rivers and visit their event calendar for free yearly events.

96. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Join a free beginner birding tour every fourth Saturday of the month at the 1,200-acre sanctuary, home to over 300 bird species annually.

97. Dia de los Muertos

San Antonio has the US's largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations; most are free.

98. Diwali

This annual event in the fall features a free river parade and festival at Hemisfair.

99. Holidays on Houston St.

This annual event in December features various free events in downtown San Antonio.

100. Holiday River Walk Lights

You won’t want to miss this spectacular illuminating experience every year in December, the most magical display of lights in the country.