San Antonio is one of the largest cities in Texas and a great place to visit. With well-known historical spots such as the Alamo and a wide variety of attractions, you won’t find yourself at a loss for things to do in this city. Here are 8 suggestions for off-the-beaten-path things to do in this Texas city!
1. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an art gallery located in downtown San Antonio. Unlike traditional galleries that consist of passively walking through and viewing pieces, though, Hopscotch offers an interactive experience viewing the exhibits it contains. Founded in 2018, the interactive exhibits this gallery features span a wide variety of mediums, as well as ways guests can engage with them. Some are more hands-on, such as a glowing ball pit, whereas others offer mind-boggling optical illusions, such as their current exhibit Perspective. Tickets can be purchased online, with a limited capacity. Because of this, you may want to purchase tickets as soon as possible to ensure a neat fit into your schedule.
2. Cool Crest Mini Golf
Cool Crest Mini Golf is both a fun outing and a notable historic attraction. Originally opening in 1929, the mini-golf course is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Nowadays, Cool Crest Mini Golf consists of two courses – its original course and a “newer” one that opened in 1959. The site also features Metzger Biergarten, which features food trucks, a bar, and occasional live entertainment. Reservations for the courses can be made online.
3. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your trip, a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns is without a doubt one of the best ways to do so in the San Antonio area. Featuring two large cave systems, as well as climbing courses, ziplines, and the opportunity to mine for fossils, visitors of all kinds will love a trip here.
4. Enjoy A Meal At Rails
San Antonio offers countless places to grab a delicious bite to eat, but this option features a unique location as well as some great food. Rails is located at a historic, fully restored train depot. Offering a casual dining experience, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed meal. In addition to the restaurant, Rails also owns a small bed and breakfast next door – a charming apartment that could make a great lodging choice for those looking for a charming, cozy place to stay.
5. Relax At The Japanese Tea Garden
This beautiful, sprawling Japanese garden is the perfect place to catch your breath from your other adventures and outings in San Antonio. This lush garden is home to all manner of plants, and also features a 60-foot waterfall and several koi ponds. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk. Additionally, admission into the Japanese Tea Garden is free, making this an additional great choice for those looking to stay within a specific budget for their trip.
6. Visit The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Enjoy some amazing art and learn more about the culture and history of Chicano, Latino, and Native American communities in San Antonio with a visit to The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. The Cultural Arts Center features a wide expanse of art forms, ranging from plays to dance performances to art galleries. For a full list of what events you may be able to see during your trip, check out their website – tickets for shows are also available online.
7. Go On A Ghost Tour
San Antonio has a rich and varied history, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the city is home to several ghost tour. Sisters Grimm is one such tour. Offering a variety of tours, guests of all kinds won’t be disappointed. Those wanting to sit back and enjoy learning about the city and the spirits that supposedly haunt it will enjoy a bus tour, while those looking for some hands-on experiences will love the walking tour.
8. Explore The DoSeum
This is a great option for those who will be visiting the city with young children. The DoSeum is San Antonio’s children’s museum and is guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained. This interactive museum has been called one of the best children’s museums in the nation, and a look at their exhibits and programs explains why. Your family can look forward to exhibits such as Semmes Foundation Spy Academy, which not only has a fun spy theme but also aims to teach children about online safety. Tickets for The DoSeum can be purchased online.
