La Villita Historic Arts Village San Antonio Tx 78205

There is more to San Antonio than the Alamo and River Walk. Every bit the second-largest metropolis in the Solitary Star Country, if y'all're looking for unique Texas-sized attractions, places to swallow or notable museums, the options are endless in San Antonio.

From the world'southward tallest cowboy boot sculpture to aboriginal limestone caverns to a 42-inch pizza, here's where to find 29 unique and unusual San Antonio attractions.

Unique San Antonio attractions

Fiesta San Antonio

San Antonio'due south biggest annual tradition started in April 1891 with a parade, called the Battle of Flowers, to honor the retentiveness of the heroes of the Alamo and Boxing of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico. While the inaugural parade featured horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and floats with children dressed equally flowers, it has grown to a ten-24-hour interval celebration featuring concerts, festivals and multiple parades including a domestic dog parade and a floating Texas Cavaliers River Parade.

Bruno and Brandy take part in the Fiesta Pooch parade and contest, Saturday, April 26, 2014, in San Antonio. The annual event is part of the Fiesta San Antonio celebration. — Bruno and Brandy take function in the Fiesta Pooch parade and contest, Sat, Apr 26, 2014, in San Antonio. The annual event is part of the Fiesta San Antonio commemoration. Eric Gay/Associated Printing

The original Battle of Flowers Parade is the largest Fiesta parade and the 2nd-largest parade in the U.S. subsequently the Tournament of Roses Parade. One of the unique features of the April event is the breaking of cascaróns, confetti-filled eggs, which happens during the opening ceremony and throughout the festival where it is common to crack them on friends and family. Exist sure to programme your visit to the metropolis during Fiesta — the local celebration is 1 of the most fun things to do in San Antonio.

Globe's largest pair of cowboy boots

In 1979, Texas artist Bob "Daddy-O" Wade made an oversized pair of cowboy boots for a commission for the Washington Project for the Arts in the nation's capital. Later going on display a few blocks from the White House, the 35-foot-tall boots were purchased for $20,000 by the then-owners of San Antonio's N Star Mall. While en route to their new dwelling house, the boots had a treacherous road trip and got stuck nether an overpass. In January 1980, the boots arrived at their dwelling and still stand up exterior the mall over xl years later.

The largest cowboy boot sculpture in the world in San Antonio, Texas.
Donovan Reese Photography/Getty Images

The brown and white boots are besides visible from Loop 410. In 2015, they were named the globe'south tallest cowboy boot sculpture past the Guinness Book of World Records.

Detect it: 7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216

Hot Wells of Bexar County

In the early 1900s, the Hot Wells Hotel and Spa had a long list of celebrity guests ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Theodore Roosevelt. Aside from the 80-room hotel built in 1902, the resort included iii swimming pools and a bathhouse that included 45 private rooms with marble partitions and solid porcelain tubs for guests to relax in the sulfur water. Prohibition and a series of fires led to the demise of the hotel.

Located in southeastern San Antonino, the ruins of the building were incorporated into a public park, the Hot Wells of Bexter Canton, in 2019. (The construction is now fenced off, and the well was plugged.) Today, the Hot Wells Conservancy, a non-turn a profit that raises money for the park, hosts a diversity of public events, including projecting silent movies onto the ruins.

Detect it: 5503 S. Presa St., San Antonio, TX 78223

Buckhorn Saloon & The Texas Ranger Museum

This history of the Buckhorn Saloon is a page-turner. The saloon was opened in 1881 by 17-year-old Albert Friedrich across the street from the Southern Hotel on Main Plaza, where he worked as a bartender and bellhop. Since many travelers didn't accept cash, Friedrich started accepting horns and antlers for drinks and accumulated a large and impressive collection. From the walls, these trophies watched equally Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders in the saloon.

Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum
Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum via Yelp

Even though the bar has changed locations, the drove notwithstanding lines the walls. The saloon now includes The Texas Rangers Museum, which opened in 2006 due to a partnership with the former Texas Rangers Association. Visitors who stop past the museum can however grab a drink and a bite to eat at the saloon.

Discover it: 318 Due east. Houston St., San Antonio TX 78205

Japanese Tea Garden

Between 1917 and 1918, an eleven-acre tract of state side by side to an abased rock quarry was transformed into a tranquil Japanese garden in the northern part of the city. Located on the western edge of Brackenridge Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is lined with shaded walkways, koi-filled ponds, a stone arch bridge and a Japanese pavilion. Local residents donated blubs for the lily swimming, and the City of San Antonio provided exotic plants, copse and a lighting arrangement.

One of the highlights of the lower levels is a lush sixty-foot waterfall. The year-circular garden is also wheelchair accessible, and is one of the best free things to exercise in San Antonio.

Find it: 3853 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212

Big Lou'south Pizza

For a Texas-sized pizza, finish by Big Lou's Pizza in southeastern San Antonio. Their award-winning pies which are fabricated from scratch daily are some the largest in the country, ranging upwardly to 42 inches. The restaurant was opened in 2000 by Brian Luja, who hired a Chicago pizza oven visitor to make the largest pizza oven bachelor. Luja'southward father helped design the custom 42, 32 and xx-inch pizza pans and rectangular plates for the 12 and fifteen inches slices.

The 42-inch pizza is for dine-in simply because it literally can't fit through the door! (It takes a fleck of acrobatics to become the 37-inch pizza, the largest one bachelor for to-get orders, through the doorway.) The Super Topping 42-inch pizza, which includes all the toppings ranging from sausage to bell peppers, weighs 27 pounds. Not only is this pizza joint a local favorite, it has also been featured on the Nutrient Network and the Travel Channel.

Find it: 2048 S. W.W. White Road, San Antonio, Texas 78222

San Antonio attractions for kids

At that place is no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio. From exploring museums to mingling with flamingos, these San Antonio attractions are as entertaining for kids and adults.

The DoSeum

Tackle a top-hush-hush mission at the Spy Academy or an interactive showroom focused on digital literacy and citizenship and explore the Force Course, a hands-on experience with unproblematic machines, at The DoSeum.

This 68,000-foursquare-pes children'due south museum is packed with interactive STEM-focused exhibits, all included in the admission price. Sign up for one of their camps offered during school holidays or join i of their Family Nights on the first Monday of the month. The weekly event is free, simply avant-garde tickets are required.

Find it: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209

River Walk kayaking

Rent a kayak or take 1 of the guided kayak tours from Mission Kayak to explore the San Antonio River Walk from the water.

River Walk, the number-one tourist attraction in San Antonio, — River Walk, the number-i tourist allure in San Antonio,
Buyenlarge/Getty Images

The visitor operates 3 locations — downtown and the Mission Reach section (Rex William District and Espada Park) — and is expanding to other areas of the River Walk. Bank check their website for locations and details about age limit requirements for children, which vary per activity.

Find it: 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205

Scientific discipline Mill

Head out to Texas Hill Land for a scientific discipline-based day trip to the Science Mill. The STEM museum is housed in a former 1880 steam grist mill in Johnson City, 64 miles north of downtown San Antonio.

Robotic animals on display at the Science Mill in San Antonio, TX.
Andrea 50. via Yelp

The Jurassic Flight 4D virtual reality feel, which uses a headset and motion board to simulate flying, is i of the many state-of-the-art science and technology exhibits in the 17,000-square-foot infinite. Be certain to say hullo to Tortilla and Miss Jiff, the resident African Spurred Tortoises, earlier visiting the outdoor Science & Art Park to operate the 30-foot stainless steel robotic manus.

Find it: 101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, 78636

Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field

Walk between rows of vintage aircraft at Stinson Field and learn near San Antonio's aviation history. The airfield is the second oldest airdrome in the nation and is still used equally a control tower. The Texas Air Museum exhibits dig into the city'southward office in developing military air power and the history of the Stinson Family, who trained Globe War I pilots.

When you visit, be sure to inquire one of the volunteer staff members about Katherine Stinson, a famed stunt aerialist who was the fourth licensed female pilot in the U.South.

Find it: 1234 99th St., San Antonio, TX 78214

Natural Bridge Caverns

This stunning limestone cave system is one of the best things to do with kids in San Antonio. The caverns were discovered past higher students in the 1960s, and the archway surface area was enlarged in 1963. The family unit-owned property conducts a series of tours starting with the Discovery Tour that takes visitors 180 feet below the surface and a half-mile into the cave.

Magnificent natural limestone caverns formation in a natural cavern in Texas.
Ravi Chip/Getty Images

Adrenaline-seekers tin can join one of the Hidden Passage Tours to explore a smaller system of underground chambers with unique formations or the Take a chance Tour that explores an undeveloped section of the cave.

Find information technology: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Route, San Antonio, TX 78266

San Antonio Museum of Scientific discipline and Engineering

Bring together one of the Tesla scroll demonstrations at this STEM-based museum and education center in Port San Antonio.

Tesla coils at the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology. — Tesla coils at the San Antonio Museum of Scientific discipline and Technology.
Inga C. via Yelp

Items on brandish include the first personal calculator and Thomas Edison lightbulbs sourced from both donations and the personal collection of curator and founder David Monroe. The museum's educational activity department organizes a series of camps and gratis online programs.

Find it: 102 Mabry Drive, San Antonio, TX 78226

LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio

LEGO lovers will be fascinated by this indoor playground. Start with a visit to the monumental MINILAND, a LEGO replica of San Antonio'due south famous landmarks — the Alamo, River Walk and the Belfry of the Americas congenital from over ane.5 meg LEGO bricks. So, build a speedy vehicle and race it against your friends or see your favorite LEGO characters.

A café and a retail shop are also on site to round out your day of fun.

Find it: 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205

Texas Transportation Museum

Hop abroad a blood-red Missouri Pacific caboose or flat auto for a curt ride down a individual rail line at the Texas Transportation Museum. The track was built by the volunteers who operate the museum, which is only open on weekends.

Other highlights of the museum include exploring the series of stationary cabooses, railcars and four model railroad displays. Cheque their calendar for a listing of holiday-themed special events, including an Easter Eggspress egg hunt, a Halloween scavenger hunt and a Christmas risk.

Detect information technology: 11731 Wetmore Road, San Antonio TX, 78247

San Antonio Zoo

Located in Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is home to over 750 species of animals and spans over 50 acres. Giraffes, flamingos and hippos are a few of the animals visitors can feed in 1 of the many behind-the-scenes experiences.

Guests will be able to see the jaguars from a new perspective, meaning you can look up and see them walk over you (so cool). The new space will also enough room for the zoo's jaguars - Arizona and B'alam - to coexist, the release noted. — Guests will be able to see the jaguars from a new perspective, pregnant y'all can expect up and come across them walk over yous (so cool). The new space will too enough room for the zoo'south jaguars - Arizona and B'alam - to coexist, the release noted.
San Antonio Zoo

Climb aboard the Zoo Train for a 20-minute tour of Brackenridge Park, which stops at other popular San Antonio attractions like the Witte Museum and Japanese Tea Garden. The Zootennial Carousel is some other fun feel with 60 paw-painted animals, including four Texas natives — the whooping crane, white-tailed deer, Texas horned lizard and jackalope. And don't miss Kiddie Park, America's oldest children's amusement park, which relocated to the zoo in 2019.

Detect it: 3903 N. St. Mary'south St., San Antonio, TX 78212

The Witte Museum

Dinosaur lovers will be wowed by the Tyrannosaurus king and Acrocanthosaurus skeletons on display at the Witte Museum's 10-acre campus located on the Museum Reach section of the River Walk.

The nature, science and culture of South Texas are the focus of the museum'southward drove. Founded in 1926, it is ane of San Antonio's top attractions and the near visited museum in the city. The all-time time to visit is on a Tuesday from three to vi p.chiliad. when access is free.

Find information technology: 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

This stunning 38-acre living museum is a tranquil nature escape with an extensive program of youth and family unit activities. Bring a flashlight and join 1 of the Family Night Hikes to explore nocturnal wild animals. From March to October, the garden hosts a series of weekly events.

Bonus: Kids 5 and nether can join Little Sprout Hikes on Tuesdays or Storytime in the Garden on Thursdays.

Find it: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209

San Antonio Fire Museum

If the Alamo is on your must-see list, exist certain to make a stop at the nearby San Antonio Fire Museum to explore their collection of antique burn trucks and equipment dating back to the mid-1800s. Kids are fifty-fifty welcome to climb away a 1953 international fire truck. The volunteer-run museum is located in the city's original Primal Fire Headquarters.

Mark your calendars: On the first Tuesday of the month, admission is costless from 12-4 p.m.

Observe it: 801 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Downtown San Antonio attractions

Downtown San Antonio is the epicenter of the city's cultural attractions and concern district. The boundaries of the metropolis's downtown are defined by the central interstate loop framed by Interstates 10, 35 and 27, and the expansive area is brimming with historical, cultural and culinary attractions.

San Antonio River Walk

1 of the acme attractions in the Lone Star Country is the fifteen-mile-long San Antonio River Walk. Located forth the banks of the San Antonio River, the walkway is divided into three sections — Downtown, Mission and Museum Reaches. The downtown section, which is lined with restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, is a pop place to spend an afternoon. Just the best mode to explore the Downtown Accomplish is from the water on one of the 35-minute narrated tours run by Become Rio Cruises on a armada of colorful electrical boats.

View a map of the River Walk here.

The Alamo

Ane of the most important and peak attractions in downtown San Antonio is The Alamo, a former Spanish Mission. It was the site of the infamous and deadly 1836 battle in the fight for Texas' independence from Mexico.

While the Alamo is 1 of the best costless things to practice in San Antonio, timed entry tickets are required for the Alamo Church. Guided tours are also available for a fee.

Observe it: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

La Villita Celebrated Arts Village

This one-square-block artisan village in downtown San Antonio is brimming with over 25 shops and galleries. The artist enclave was one of the showtime settlements in San Antonio and is listed on the National Register of Celebrated Places.

A sign welcoming visitors to the La Villita Historic Arts Village. — A sign welcoming visitors to the La Villita Celebrated Arts Village.
Kristina T. via Yelp

The village includes a variety of architectural styles spanning from adobe structures to early Victorian buildings. Schedule your visit around the operation agenda at the 800-seat Arneson River Theater, an amphitheater seated on the riverbank.

Find information technology: 418 Villita St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Purple Theatre & Empire Theatre

Built in 1929, the Mediterranean-fashion Imperial Theatre was once the second-largest theater in the country. It hosted movies and Vaudeville entertainers such as Bob Hope and Mickey Rooney. During the 1980s, the ii,264-seat theater underwent a $9 million renovation and now hosts the Broadway in San Antonio serial.

The Majestic Theatre & Empire Theatre are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. — The Regal Theatre & Empire Theatre are both listed on the National Register of Celebrated Places.
Dobi M. via Yelp

The neighboring Charline McCombs Empire Theatre is a European Palazzo-style building synthetic in 1913. Like the Majestic, it was too a picture palace and Vaudeville house before eventually closing in 1978. After a $5 1000000 renovation, the 856-seat theater opened in 1998. Both theaters are listed on the National Annals of Historic Places. Check their shared calendar for a list of upcoming performances.

Discover it: 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205 and 226 North. St. Mary'due south St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Celebrated Marketplace Square

This iii-block outdoor plaza is the largest Mexican market in the U.Due south. with over 100 locally owned shops and stalls. Information technology'due south filled with handcrafted artwork and tasty eateries, including Mi Tierra Café & Bakery, which is open 24 hours and decorated with Christmas lights yr-circular.

The Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the U.S.
Stephanie Due north. via Yelp

Other dining options include La Margarita Eatery & Oyster Bar and the xxx-taco menu at Viva Villa Taqueria. Don't miss the nutrient courtroom located in the Farmer's Market building.

Observe it: 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78207

Hopscotch

This xx,000-square-foot downtown gallery features the work of over twoscore local, national and international artists.

The core focus of the gallery is to allow visitors to participate and explore fourteen immersive and interactive art installations in a playful manner. The colorful exhibits rotate, and the infinite also has a fun-filled food and entertainment schedule with yoga, DJs and food vendors.

Detect information technology: 711 Navarro St., Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205

Briscoe Western Fine art Museum

The drove at this three-story art museum on the banks of the River Walk tells the story of the American Westward. A replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach forth with a series of paintings, drawings and sketches are on display.

The Briscoe Western Art Museun is located along the River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Take a stroll through the McNutt Sculpture Garden to view a comprehensive collection of bronze sculptures past Bruce Green, Allan Houser and other well-known Western artists in the U.S.

Find it: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Belfry of the Americas

The best view of downtown San Antonio is from the 750-pes Belfry of the Americas. The tower was built in 1968 for the Globe's Fair, known as Hemisfair, which historic the city'due south 250^th ceremony. The construction features both indoor and outdoor ascertainment decks along with a 4D theater showing a characteristic titled "Skies over Texas." Three elevators whisk 1,950 passengers an hr to the top in a lightning 43 seconds.

The sun rises behind the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas, a 750-foot observation tower-restaurant built for the 1968 World's Fair, known as HemisFair '68. — The sun rises behind the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas, a 750-foot observation tower-restaurant built for the 1968 World'southward Fair, known as HemisFair '68.
Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Book a reservation to dine at the revolving Chart Business firm Restaurant or stop by Bar 601 for a happy hour cocktail.

Find information technology: 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78205

Yanaguana at Hemisfair

This outdoor wonderland is fun for adults and kids alike. The park's civilities include sandpits, oversize chess and checkers boards, rock ping pong and foosball tables and a Bocce brawl court. The 4.1-acre San Antonio park opened in 2015 and is the start of a three-phase development project to revitalize the vacant space around the former site of the 1968 World's Fair, known as Hemisfair, every bit an urban parks district.

Play equipment for kids at Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair.
Misty Due south. via Yelp

Be sure to cheque out the lighted Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad where kids tin can utilise the oversized buttons to control the water.

Find it: 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Selena's Bridge

A romantic scene in the movie "Selena" was shot on an arched stone bridge between North St. Mary's Street and Navarro Street.

Find information technology: between N St. Mary'due south Street and Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Selena's Bridge from the movie "Selena." — Selena's Bridge from the picture show "Selena."
PatrickJ T. via Yelp

Bohemian Carter Business firm

Real estate developer William Harvey Maverick congenital this stunning three-story limestone house in 1893 on the banks of the San Antonio River, which was rechanneled in 1920. The domicile was then sold to H.C. Carter whose 2d married woman, Aline, converted the first-floor library into a chapel and added an observatory on the roof. In improver to being the poet laureate of Texas from 1947-49, she was also an artist, musician, astronomy educator and humanitarian who taught astronomy to children. San Antonio architect Alfred Giles designed the 23-room habitation with a Richardsonian Romanesque façade, a rounded castle-like belfry and conical roof.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas Historic Landmark. Guided tours are available weekly, but accelerate reservations are required.

Find it: 119 Taylor St., San Antonio, TX 78205

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