How to Spend Two Days in San Antonio, Texas – A Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
San Antonio’s irresistible mix of history, culture, and fun makes it a top destination for anyone wanting to explore Texas. Although San Antonio is a bustling city, with the right game plan, you can see the best in just two days—yes, you read that right—two days!
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 a convention center event, 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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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
The San Antonio International Airport is located approximately ten miles from downtown. 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. You will most likely pay for the car to remain parked during your stay since many attractions are within walking distance or a quick bus ride.
One popular way to get around downtown is the San Antonio River taxi, the Go RIO River Shuttle service. You can hop on a river barge shuttle at one of the many stops along the River Walk, which provides 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 was just 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.
Day 1: Exploring Downtown San Antonio
In the morning, wake up in your beautiful San Antonio River Walk hotel and get ready to explore the Riverwalk and downtown area.
Imagine a winding path that follows the San Antonio River, with colorful umbrellas, lush greenery, and plenty of shops and restaurants lining the way. It’s just as charming as it sounds.
There are few crowds early in the morning, making it perfect for grabbing a coffee and admiring the views on a peaceful morning stroll or jog.
Whatever you choose to do today, it’s nice to start with some fresh air and some sunshine.
Morning: Start with Breakfast and the Alamo
Begin your morning by eating breakfast at one of the many restaurants along the Riverwalk or downtown. Most restaurants have outdoor seating, so you can sit outside and enjoy the weather while eating your meal.
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 the Alamo is the most famous landmark.
The Alamo is where Texas fought for its independence from Mexico. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s a rite of passage. Plus, it’s free—so why not?
More than 2 million people visit the Alamo 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 and the outdoor area are free to enter, but you do need a timed entry reservation. Make sure to book that ahead of time.
You may recognize Phil Collins as a popular singer, but you may not know that he was a huge collector of Alamo memorabilia. Lucky for us, he recently donated his over $20 million collection to the state of Texas.
If you want to see these artifacts and exhibits and learn about the Alamo’s importance to Texas history, you must purchase a tour that includes admission.
It would be best if you planned 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: Lunch and 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 Historic Arts Village
La Villita is a little village full of art galleries, local crafts, and shops.
Even if you don’t want to buy anything, wandering around and soaking in the artsy vibe is fun.
Plus, it is on the Riverwalk, accessible at the Arneson Theater next to Smoke BBQ, so you don’t need to worry about driving or taking a ride share.
Historic Market Square
Afterward, head to Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the United States.
In Historic Market Square, listen to live music, including mariachi bands, while sipping a world-class margarita.
Shop for unique San Antonio souvenirs from sombreros to Mexican blankets to maracas. You are sure to find something authentic here.
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 or La Margarita 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.
Southtown is the place to be for an experience that combines the best of San Antonio’s history, culture, and food.
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 leaving the area, stop 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!
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 two 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
By the time dinner rolls around, you’re probably ready to relax a bit, but not too much, because you have a spooky ghost tour to catch.
But first, food. San Antonio has some fantastic dinner spots, especially for Tex-Mex. Try Boudro’s Texas Bistro for a romantic, candlelit dinner along the river. The guacamole made tableside is always a crowd-pleaser.
End your evening by walking off dinner and booking yourself a San Antonio Ghost Walk tour.
San Antonio has its fair share of haunted spots, and these tours are a fun way to hear some local legends and maybe (just maybe) catch a glimpse of a ghost or two.
This 90-minute walking tour sheds 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.
Don’t worry; you’ll sleep just fine afterward. Probably.
San Antonio Nightlife
If you are not quite ready to head home for the night, San Antonio has lively and fun bars downtown. For a cocktail or two, head over to the Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel and its rooftop bar, The Moon’s Daughters. 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.
Day Two: Adventure and Culture
San Antonio is an easy city to enjoy, with many great things to do.
On your second day in San Antonio, explore the outdoors and the San Antonio Missions.
Morning: Breakfast and Kayak the River Walk
Begin day two in San Antonio 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.
Kayaking along the San Antonio River is a fun, active way to see the city, and it’s totally doable, even if you’ve never kayaked before. You’ll even paddle by two popular art installations, The Grotto and the FISH.
You can rent kayaks downtown, where they’ll set you up with everything you need. It’s one of those things that will make your trip extra memorable (and give you bragging rights when you get home).
Lunch: Historic Pearl District
You’ll be ready for lunch by now, so head over to the Historic Pearl District. It’s a trendy spot full of restaurants, cafes, and even a farmer’s market on the weekends.
There are a ton of great restaurants in this area, including the Bottling Dept. Food Hall and the Pullman Market, the Culinary Art Institute of San Antonio’s grocery store. The latter features fresh food and five quick eateries.
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.
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 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3 PM.
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 you still have time in your day or the temperatures are just too hot to be outside, San Antonio has several incredible museums.
You will love visiting the Witte Museum to learn about Texas history, culture and natural science. If you’re more into art, the San Antonio Museum of Art features everything from ancient to contemporary works.
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.
The Tower 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 Two 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!
Best Time to Visit San Antonio
Let’s talk timing. San Antonio is best visited in the fall through spring when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.
I’ll be honest: summers here are brutal. We’re talking 100+ degree days and humidity that’ll make you rethink your life choices.
But in the cooler months? Absolute bliss.
You’ll be able to explore without melting into a puddle, and there’s plenty of outdoor festivals and events going on to keep you entertained.
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 amusement parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld. Both of these parks offer a variety of exciting rides and shows you won’t want to miss. It’s one of Texas’s best spring break destinations, with many activities and places to eat with the kids.
If you visit in April, you can participate in San Antonio’s Fiesta, a two-week city-wide event with parties, parades, and festivals celebrating San Antonio’s heritage.
Summer in San Antonio
Summer is 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 vary widely in winter, with some days dipping below freezing and others reaching the 70s.
During the winter, San Antonio shines, especially during the holidays, when downtown is lit up along the River Walk with Christmas lights.
At the Frost Bank Center, basketball enthusiasts will enjoy San Antonio’s hometown team, the San Antonio Spurs.
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.
No matter when you choose to visit, something exciting is always happening in the city.
Where to Stay in San Antonio
Because you only have two 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 is another great hotel choice with an excellent location.
The large rooms, spacious lobby, restaurant, bar, fitness center, spa, and pool 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 overlooking 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.
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 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.
Finally, while visiting San Antonio, don’t miss the chance to explore the charming nearby small towns of Gruene, Boerne, and Fredericksburg, each offering unique day trip experiences that capture the essence of the Texas hill country.
So go ahead, book that trip, and enjoy all the amazing things San Antonio has to offer.
