The Best Guide for 2 Great Days in San Antonio
Only have 2 days in San Antonio? I’ve got you covered!
I love San Antonio. Besides being the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest city in the United States, it’s also my hometown.
As a popular tourist destination, Alamo City offers plenty of fun things to do with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing San Antonio weekend getaway, in town for Fiesta, or on an adventurous vacation, San Antonio is the place to be.
You can do it all in San Antonio in 48 hours, from touring the Alamo to eating barbecue and cheering for the San Antonio Spurs. This quick trip guide will have you hitting the highlights of this historic city.
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Best Time to Visit San Antonio
With its historic buildings, museums, amusement parks, and restaurants, San Antonio is an excellent destination for a quick getaway. Its mild weather makes it a perfect year-round destination.
No matter when you choose to visit, there is always something exciting happening in the city.
Spring in San Antonio
San Antonio is a fantastic place to visit during the spring season. With mild temperatures, exploring the city’s attractions is quite enjoyable.
You can also indulge in the thrilling experience of visiting the amusement parks, such as Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld. Both of these parks offer a variety of exciting rides and shows that you won’t want to miss. It’s one of Texas’s best spring break destinations, with lots of activities and places to eat with the kids.
If you are lucky enough to visit in April, you can participate in Fiesta, a two-week city-wide event with parties, parades, and festivals celebrating San Antonio’s heritage.
Summer in San Antonio
Summer is definitely the hottest time to visit, with temperatures often reaching 100 F. It’s also one of San Antonio’s busiest tourist times, so expect some crowds. Luckily, there are many places to stay cool in the hotter temperatures.
Fall in San Antonio
My favorite time in San Antonio is fall. There are fewer crowds along the River Walk, and the temperatures hover around the 70s-80s. With sunny days, fall is a beautiful time to enjoy San Antonio.
Winter in San Antonio
The temperatures can vary widely in winter months, with some days dipping below freezing and others reaching into the 70s.
During the winter months, San Antonio shines, especially during the holidays, when downtown is lit up along the River Walk with Christmas lights.
Basketball enthusiasts will enjoy San Antonio’s hometown team, the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center.
In February, the Spur’s home court transforms into a dirt-filled rodeo arena for the two-week San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The rodeo showcases top country music stars alongside thrilling rodeo events, carnival rides, and livestock shows.
Use these resources to book your trip
- Discover the perfect stay in San Antonio by exploring these San Antonio Riverwalk hotels with balconies.
- If your adventure in San Antonio leaves you craving more, uncover a world of activities on Viator.com.
- Secure the best rental car deals with Discover Cars.
- For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
How to Get to and Around San Antonio
There are daily flights into San Antonio International Airport from across the United States. The airport is located approximately ten miles from the downtown area. You can easily catch a taxi, ride-share, or shuttle from the airport to your hotel.
A rental car is not necessary when you stay downtown. In fact, you will most likely pay for the car to remain parked during your stay since many attractions are within walking distance or within a quick bus ride.
One popular way to get around downtown is using the Go RIO River Shuttle service, which is the San Antonio river taxi. You can hop on a river barge shuttle at one of the many stops along the River Walk for service all around downtown and into the Museum Reach.
Tickets are around $20 for a day pass.
In addition to the Go Rio River service, a free electric trolley service called SanAntoniGo is being launched in 2024. These six-seater electric vehicles provide free rides to most of the downtown area.
For a free ride, text 210-660-6939 to dispatch a trolley to your location.
San Antonio CityPASS
Purchase a San Antonio CityPASS that includes your choice of admission to four of San Antonio’s popular attractions. Choose from a San Antonio River Walk Boat Cruise, a Tower of the Americas Observation Deck ticket, admission to the Alamo, the San Antonio Zoo, and popular museums.
For one low price, you can see the best of San Antonio at significant savings.
Where to Stay in San Antonio
Because you only have 2 days in San Antonio, your best choice is to stay downtown.
There are many beautiful Downtown Riverwalk hotels with balconies.
My favorite Riverwalk hotels are the Hotel Emma at the Pearl, Hotel Contessa – Suites, and the Omni La Mansión del Rio.
Hotel Emma
Hotel Emma was once a 19th-century brewery that has been turned into San Antonio’s top hotel.
Not only has it won over the hearts of San Antonians, but Hotel Emma has been voted one of the top ten hotels in the U.S. by TripAdvisor and one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Fodor’s.
The boutique hotel, with its hip and modern vibe, is located on the banks of the historic River Walk in the Museum Reach.
You will enjoy its location in the Pearl Plaza and Park, where you can enjoy the river, fountains, and many restaurants and shops.
Hotel Contessa – Suites
The Hotel Contessa -Suites is another great hotel choice with an excellent location.
The large rooms, spacious lobby, restaurant, bar, fitness center, spa, and pool all add to a pleasant experience.
The hotel offers extra touches for its guests, such as birthday packages, mariachi and margaritas in the lobby, and other fun activities throughout the year.
Its location is also along the San Antonio River parade route, so if you happen to be in town when one of the many parades takes place, you will have front-row seats.
Omni La Mansión del Rio
One of the most beautiful hotels on the River Walk is the Omni La Mansión del Rio. This Spanish-style hotel offers spacious rooms with covered balconies overlooking the river.
They have valet parking and WiFi in all rooms. The hotel is also located right in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of most attractions and restaurants.
San Antonio Itinerary – Day One
In the morning, wake up in your beautiful River Walk hotel and get ready to explore the downtown area.
The streets are clean, and the people are friendly. There are no crowds, just the peaceful River Walk, making the perfect setting for a morning stroll or jog.
There are many restaurants where you can eat breakfast. Most restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while eating your meal.
Whatever you choose to do today, it’s nice to start with some fresh air and some sunshine.
Morning: Breakfast and Alamo
Begin your morning by eating breakfast at one of the many restaurants along the Riverwalk or downtown.
I recommend the Ambler at Hotel Contessa for a delicious breakfast or brunch with cocktails. The outdoor patio overlooking the river is quite enjoyable, especially when live music is happening.
Downtown San Antonio has many popular attractions, but no place is more famous than the Alamo. This should be your first stop after breakfast.
The Alamo continues to be visited by more than 2 million people each year, making it one of San Antonio’s most popular tourist attractions.
Located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio, you can easily walk to the Alamo from most downtown hotels if it’s not too hot. You can also get there by bus or trolley.
The Alamo is free to enter along with the outdoor area, but you do need a timed entry reservation. Make sure to book that ahead of time.
If you want to see the artifacts and exhibits and learn about the Alamo’s importance to Texas history, you will need to purchase either a $5 self-guided tour, a $9 audio tour, or a $40 fully narrated tour.
You should plan to see the Alamo first thing in the morning. It is a popular attraction that gets crowded quickly.
Despite its history, the Alamo is not very big. You can spend an hour and see everything.
Afternoon: Explore Downtown
San Antonio is rich in Mexican culture. To experience this at its best, explore the many areas near downtown, such as Southtown, The Historic Pearl District, La Villita, and Historic Market Square.
La Villita
La Villita is on the Riverwalk and can be accessed through the viewing area at Arneson Theater next to Smoke BBQ. It’s home to many shops and restaurants.
Art enthusiasts will love La Villita, an art district full of colorful buildings, murals, and other works of art. Historic Market Square is a great place to stroll around and take in San Antonio’s culture.
Historic Market Square
In Historic Market Square, listen to live music, including mariachi bands, while sipping a world-class margarita.
Shop for unique San Antonio souvenirs at one of the largest Mexican markets in the United States.
But most of all, enjoy an experience like no other with the sights and sounds of old Mexico.
Of course, no San Antonio itinerary would be complete without eating at one of the many Mexican restaurants along the San Antonio River Walk in downtown San Antonio. There are tons of them!
While in Market Square, stop at MiTierra’s Panaderia for some of the best Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Save some room for dessert with the delicious treats in the bakery.
Another favorite Mexican restaurant is Casa Rio, which is located along the Riverwalk’s edge. It’s most notable for its iconic colorful umbrellas lining the River Walk.
Southtown
If you’re looking for something a little more off-the-beaten path, head over to Southtown.
For an experience that combines the best of San Antonio’s history, culture, and food, Southtown is the place to be.
Visit Blue Star Brewing Company, where there are plenty of options, from their brewed on-site beer to their delicious food menu. Try a lunch combo or ask about the blue plate special.
Before you leave the area, stop off at Boozy’s Creamery for an adult-only ice cream treat, like a chocolate bourbon cup. If you can’t decide, you can always try a flight!
Historic Pearl District
Another great place to spend the afternoon is the Historic Pearl District, which has adorable gift shops, outdoor spaces, restaurants, galleries, and museums.
If you’re in the mood for a spa day, visit the Hiatus Spa & Retreat for one of their many massages.
Before returning to your hotel, you must stop at Bakery Lorraine for a dark chocolate cassis macaron.
Late Afternoon: Go for a River Walk Boat Ride
After lunch, take a boat ride downtown with Go Rio Cruises. The guides share fascinating stories about the downtown area, and it’s an excellent way to see all the sights while spending just 2 days in San Antonio.
You can pre-purchase your boat tickets online or stand in line at one of the four ticket booths along the River Walk.
Evening: Dinner and a Ghost Tour
Head to dinner at another fabulous restaurant along the Riverwalk. You must try the tableside guacamole at Boudro’s, French cuisine at Mon Chou Chou in the Pearl, or Bohannon’s for a delicious steak dinner.
End your evening by walking off dinner on a San Antonio Ghost Walk tour.
This 90-minute walking tour will shed some light on the history of San Antonio and its storied past. You will walk about a mile, but it won’t feel like it with all the stops throughout.
The guides do a fantastic job of making it seem like you’re really being led on an adventure through time.
After your ghost tour, head back to the hotel for some much-needed sleep before heading out again tomorrow morning.
San Antonio Nightlife
If you are not quite ready to head home for the night, San Antonio has lively and fun bars downtown. Head over to the Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel and its rooftop bar, The Moon’s Daughters, for a cocktail or two. The ambiance is very relaxed, and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks.
The Moon’s Daughters has an extensive selection of tequilas, wines, and beers.
I highly recommend trying one of their signature drinks like The Night in Santiago or All That’s Nice.
For those who don’t necessarily want to drink but are looking for a place to relax and hang out with friends, head over to The Crockett Tavern, where live music plays on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
San Antonio Itinerary – Day Two
San Antonio is an easy city to enjoy, with lots of great things to do. You can see the best of San Antonio in a day.
On your second day in San Antonio, explore the outdoors and the San Antonio Missions.
Morning: Breakfast and Kayak the River Walk
Begin your morning by having breakfast at the outdoor patio at The Guenther House in the Historic King William District. This popular spot gets crowded, so put your name on the list when you arrive. While you wait for a table, walk along the River Walk and enjoy the views.
After breakfast, spend your morning kayaking along the San Antonio Riverwalk. Pick up your canoe and paddle from The Pearl area after enjoying your delicious breakfast at The Guenther House.
Kayaking along the San Antonio River is super easy and a unique way to see downtown San Antonio from a different perspective. You’ll even paddle by two popular art installations, The Grotto and the FISH.
Afternoon: UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the afternoon, explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and its San Antonio missions.
The missions are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas and were established by Franciscan missionaries between the 1690s and 1750s.
San Antonio has four missions: Mission Concepcion, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose, and Mission San Juan.
Each mission has its own unique history and architecture.
Park Rangers are typically on site. Mission San Jose usually has Ranger-led programs daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
You can visit each one on your own or take a guided tour with an expert guide who will tell you about the history of these incredible buildings.
A great option for exploring all the missions is to rent a Bicycle. Bicycle rental stations are located at each mission, and you can rent a bicycle for 24 hours with a credit card swipe.
The missions are connected through a pedestrian-only paved trail stretching along the San Antonio River.
There is no admission to visit the missions, making this an affordable option for a fun day.
Click here for a printable San Antonio Riverwalk trail map.
Late Afternoon: Museums in San Antonio
If there is still time left in your day, San Antonio has several museums, including the Witte Museum and The San Antonio Museum of Art, both of which are located on the San Antonio River.
The Witte Museum is my favorite for visitors to San Antonio because of its interactive Texas exhibits. Young children also love this museum because of the dinosaurs and H-E-B interactive treehouse and wellness building.
Evening: Tower of Americas
When your afternoon adventure ends, rest at the hotel for your final evening in San Antonio.
I’ve got the perfect spot for you to enjoy the sunset! Walk over to Hemisfair Park to enjoy a relaxing end to the day at San Antonio’s Tower of Americas. As the tallest observation tower in Texas, it is a premier spot to enjoy the city’s skyline.
It was built for the 1968 Hemisfair World’s Fair and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Fun fact: My grandfather actually helped build it!
At the top, you can start your evening with happy hour at Bar 601 and then move on to dinner at the revolving Chart House Restaurant.
The restaurant rotates 360 degrees while you eat your meal, so you can enjoy spectacular views of all of San Antonio.
The Perfect End to 2 Days in San Antonio
San Antonio, The Saga
After dinner, get ready to be blown away by San Antonio, The Saga.
The Saga brings San Antonio’s rich history to life with an engaging visual display of the city’s past projected on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral, North America’s oldest operating sanctuary.
Located in the heart of downtown, the 24-minute, 7,000-sq. ft. projection video art installation shows each Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- San Antonio, The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral
- Location: Main Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral, 115 N Main Avenue, SA, Texas 78205
- Click here for updated showtimes.
The best part – it’s free to the public.
There aren’t many seats available, so get there early or bring a towel.
Better yet, bring the Mexican blanket you picked up at Market Square to sit on while you watch it.
Show times can change, so check the schedule before heading out to see it.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait for you to see it too!
In Conclusion
You can spend two days in San Antonio doing some pretty cool stuff.
San Antonio, Texas, has plenty of cheap and free attractions, from art museums and theaters to parks and dining experiences that will leave you wanting more.
This San Antonio weekend itinerary has everything you need to enjoy two days (or more) in the Alamo City.
Whether you are visiting with family, a large group traveling together, or on a couple’s getaway, there are plenty of things for those who want something different from their usual sightseeing routine.
San Antonio is the place to go for culture, fun, and entertainment. I promise you won’t run out of things to do on your trip here.
For even more ideas for day trips in and around San Antonio, check out the San Antonio Sunken Gardens, the San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, all located near downtown.
