Planning your first summer trip to San Antonio? Get ready for a getaway filled with sunshine, culture, flavor, and unforgettable experiences. While the iconic River Walk is a must, there’s so much more to explore across the Alamo City.

This guide is here to help you soak up the season like a local and make the most of your first summer in San Antonio.

Before we jump in, make sure you check out current hotel offers and deals to get the most of your San Antonio stay!

Explore the San Antonio River Walk - All of It!

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@visitsanantonio What other areas wld you like us to cover? 🤠 #txsanantonio #sanantoniotexas #fyp #nature #park #missionreach #riverwalk #riverwalksanantonio ♬ Summer Breeze(Instrumental version) - Frank Young,ALIVE

New River Walk Adventures at Every Turn

Start with the classic. The San Antonio River Walk winds through the heart of downtown and offers shady pathways, charming views, and easy access to some of the city’s most popular restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Early morning or evening walks are exceptionally peaceful during the warmer months.

Woman walking under arches at missions

Remember - the River Walk extends 15 miles! While the downtown portion is well-known, don't miss the Museum Reach to the north, where you'll find arts and culture gems like the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Mission Reach to the south where you'll find San Antonio Missions National Historical Park!

San Antonio River Walk Go Rio Cruise Barge

Cruise the River on a GO RIO Tour

Hop aboard a colorful GO RIO river barge and enjoy a narrated cruise that highlights the River Walk’s history, architecture, and hidden gems. It’s a relaxing way to learn about the city while staying cool on the water.

GO RIO frequently offers themed tours and Spanish-narrated tours. In conjunction with the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum (SAAACAM), they also offer monthly Black History River Tours. 

Must-Try Restaurants Along the River Walk

Fuel up with a bite at one of the River Walk’s many dining spots. Here are three options to get you started:

Outdoor restaurant seating with umbrellas in the shape of colorful conchas.

Alamo Biscuit Company and Panaderia

Enjoy a concha under a concha at Alamo Biscuit Company and Panaderia. Their newest location on the River Walk is open 24/7 so regardless of when your food cravings strike, Alamo Biscuit has you covered! 

Casa Catrina Riverwalk

Celebrate the spirit of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) all year long at Casa Catrina Riverwalk. The Day of the Dead decor compliments an unbeatable menu of Mexican dishes and refreshing must-try drinks. 

Tre Trattoria

Remember when we said there was more to the River Walk than just the downtown portion? Tre Trattoria is a perfect reason to head north to the Museum Reach and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine with stunning River Walk views. If you're traveling with vegetarians, this restaurant is a must. 

Stay Chill with Cool Indoor Adventures

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@visitsanantonio What museum should we highlight next? 🎨🖼️ #txsanantonio #sanantoniotexas #art #arttok #museumtok #museum #sanantoniomuseumofart ♬ Fashion Charm Lazy Casual Tea Sound LoFi HipHop Ambient Relaxing Music - NORDICREC

Explore Worldwide Art at San Antonio Museum of Art

Located in a former brewery along the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art features world-class collections from around the globe. Bonus: it’s air-conditioned and beautifully scenic inside and out.

Current Exhibit: "Envisioning the Hindu Divine: Expanding Darshan and Manjari Sharma" | On view through July 6, 2025

Dinosaur skeleton inside Witte Museum lobby.

Step Inside the Witte Museum

Cool off while exploring The Witte Museum, where science, nature, and South Texas heritage come together. From dinosaurs to deep dives into Texas history, this museum is a family favorite for all ages.

Current Exhibit: "Staying Alive" | On view through September 1, 2025
 

Explore the DoSeum

Traveling with kids? The DoSeum is an interactive children’s museum designed for hands-on learning and creative fun. It’s a great indoor escape during peak afternoon heat. Celebrating 10 years, The Doseum is the perfect place to catch some cool fun while your children learn through play!

Upcoming Exhibit: "Emotions at Play with Pixar's Inside Out" | On view May 24 - September 1, 2025

Check Out Summertime Events

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Classic red car driving in front of Majestic Theatre

San Antonio offers a host of summer events and activities, some big ones you won't want to miss include:

Don't Forget to Remember the Alamo

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Alamo Beautiful Destinations

 You know the old saying, “Remember the Alamo!” You can’t visit San Antonio without stopping by its most famous landmark. The Alamo is more than just a historic site - it’s the heart of Texas history.  

Then, take a walk to the all-new Plaza de Valero's greenspace for the perfect spot to relax and regroup on your San Antonio adventures. 

Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the summer crowds and summer heat. 

San Antonio Summer Travel Tips

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  • Pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated - it gets hot in Texas! 
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you may do more walking than expected.  
  • Remember to wear sunscreen and to pack your sunglasses.  
  • Use VIA Metropolitan Transit or rent a scooter for easy transportation.  

Save On Your San Antonio Adventures

Two girls laughing at Tejas Rodeo in San Antonio

Download the Visit San Antonio App

Plan your perfect San Antonio getaway with the new Visit San Antonio App! This all-in-one travel companion makes it easy to create customized itineraries, explore the city’s top attractions, and discover the best places to stay, dine, and play.