3 Steps to Make the Most of One Day in San Antonio, TX: Build the Ideal Itinerary
If you’re here because you have only one day in San Antonio to learn all about what it has to offer, then you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re exploring the town for vacation or trying to decide on renting an apartment in San Antonio or even buying a home, ApartmentGuide can help you with planning the ideal day.
Here’s the plan: Below, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants, activities, and parks handpicked by San Antonio locals. Your task is to look through the list, selecting one item from each step to create your ideal itinerary. Feel free to choose more than one option if you wish! The goal is for you to get a crash course in what it’s like to live in San Antonio.
Step one: Try a new experience
While you’re in San Antonio, take the opportunity to try out some of the new activities the city has to offer. Below is a selection of experiences, from concerts and live music to mini-golf. Choose one or a few to explore during your stay.
- Skydive Castroville: “We recommend a visit to Skydive Castroville — the one and only Skydive Center near San Antonio. Go big at Texas’s family-owned skydive center and experience Texas Hill Country from 12,000 feet.” – Skydive Castroville.
- Japanese Tea Garden: “Tucked away in a Texas city known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture, San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden offers a refreshing, peaceful space that gives visitors a glimpse into another cultural treasure. The gardens, large pagoda, koi pond, and 60-foot (18-meter) waterfall make for impressive photo backdrops for locals and visitors alike.” – Skydive Castroville.
- Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral: “This is a free concert series 26 years running that merges the historic architecture of the nation’s oldest continuously operating Catholic sanctuary with enchanting music from the finest, award-winning artists from around the globe! Concerts are on select second Sundays at 7 p.m. from the fall to springtime and are a mix of classical, jazz, folk, and culturally specific music.” – Musical Bridges Around the World.
- The Gurwitz International Piano Competition: “The Gurwitz International Piano Competition brings the best-emerging pianists from around the world to the Alamo City every four years to compete for prizes totaling over $80,000! Most competition events are free and open to the public at various venues across the city, and culminate in three finalists performing a piano concerto with a full symphony orchestra at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The next competition will take place in early 2028.” – Musical Bridges Around the World. Best one day in San Antonio!
- Jazz Texas: “My favorite place to go out in San Antonio is Jazz Texas, located at the Pearl Brewery. The lighting and atmosphere is unique and the music is outstanding. Jazz Texas features jazz, Spanish, mariachi and several other genres of music in their facility. The drinks and food are great as well.” – Danny Owen-Kohutek of Deko 37.
- Visit Lambermont’s Tree Angel: Carved out of the trunk of a dying tree by Andy Handcock, the Tree Angel at Lambermont Estate is a sight to behold. Dona Liston, owner of the estate, saw the potential in keeping the stump on the property and continuing the legacy of the massive trees that used to adorn the pathways. “I just kept seeing these angel wings. And I love angels. I’ve collected angels for years,” said Dona Liston of Lambermont Estate.
- Hopscotch: “Hopscotch is an immersive art gallery that expands over a massive 20,000 sq. feet. It is filled with interactive exhibits carefully curated by local, national, and international artists. Hopscotch is a great time for people of all ages. It’s also a great place to get some fun pictures.” – Clarissa of Romantic Spots San Antonio.
- Cool Crest Mini Golf: “Looking to have a tee-rific time? Check out Cool Crest Mini Golf, one of the world’s oldest, continuously operated miniature golf courses. Cool Crest has not one but two professionally designed, 18-hole courses. After putting around the greens, make sure to check out the Biergarten for wines, beers, multiple food truck pads, and live music”. – Clarissa of Romantic Spots San Antonio.
- La Villita: “With nearly 300 years of history, La Villita offers many unique tales and is considered a cornerstone piece of San Antonio’s foundation. Although the ‘little village’ now wears the hat of a cultural art hub, it has served as home, refuge and opportunity for people throughout the ages. As you walk through the cobble stoned streets, take a moment to embrace the evolution of La Villita.” – Skydive Castroville.
- Visit Old San Antonio: “If I had one day to explore San Antonio, I would visit the older areas like down Broadway, near Brackenridge Park and King William District. They are unique, full of history and beauty, and it gives you a look and feel of San Antonio before it’s grown so much.” – Gretchen of J-D Ranch.
- Rent a car and take a scenic drive: “If you have time and like to drive, I would take a little road trip up HWY 16 to HWY 46 to I-H10. It is a beautiful way to get a glimpse of the amazing hill country just northwest of San Antonio.” – Gretchen of J-D Ranch.
Step two: Try the local food and spirits
During your one day in San Antonio, it’s important to get acquainted with the local food. After you’ve had your fill, stop by the town’s distilleries for a drink.
- Pearl District and Farmers Market: “If you catch it on a Saturday morning, check out the Pearl Farmers Market for a hip and local scene with fresh foods, local wares, and, of course, farm-fresh produce! Follow Google Maps right in, and you will find lots of free parking lots in the area. I continued past into the market. The smells, sounds, and colors quickly surrounded me! After milling through, listening to fantastic hang music (if you’ve not encountered these instruments, you must check them out!), and seeing all of the vendors, it was time for lunch. What better than handmade gluten-free crepes stuffed with fresh veggies?” – Echo Alexzander, adventure blogger.
- Cappy’s: “Cappy’s Restaurant is the hidden gem of the San Antonio food scene. Cappy’s is upscale yet casual. The food at Cappy’s is incredible with the menu including steaks, seafood, and creative American dishes. The brunch is not to be missed.” – Clarissa of Romantic Spots San Antonio.
- Green Vegetarian Cuisine: “Unique to San Antonio is Green Vegetarian Cuisine at the Alamo Quarry Market which was once home to the Alamo Cement Plant that helped build Texas for more than 100 years. Green is Texas comfort food that pays homage to San Antonio’s heritage, and is absolutely delicious — it also just happens to be plant-based. A family can find something for everyone there, from Chik-n® Fried Steak to an extra-large nacho plate. Green is known for their 3.5 lb cinnamon rolls (that can be shipped), house-made Poblano Ranch Dressing, cotton candy cupcakes, and homemade Zesty Cranberry Mixer.” – Ellen Evans of Green Vegetarian Cuisine.
- Maverick Distilling: At Maverick Whiskey, you’ll find a ground-level distillery with rugged leather couches and chairs for lounging in while enjoying a flight. Upstairs is a sophisticated cocktail bar overlooking the distillery. While whiskey is the star, they also have their own gin and agave blanco. Maverick Whiskey is a great place to hang out and enjoy some great spirits. – Clarissa of Romantic Spots San Antonio.
- Buckhorn Saloon & Museum: “Stuffed critters and a shooting gallery make having a drink at this 130-year-old saloon a memorable experience. The historic locale is also home to two museums: the Buckhorn Museum, showcasing some 520 species of taxidermy wildlife, and the Texas Ranger Museum, highlighting artifacts from a century of Ranger history.” – Skydive Castroville.
Step three: Explore a park or two
San Antonio boasts numerous amazing parks and natural features. If you enjoy the outdoors, choose one of the activities below to explore your one day in San Antonio.
- San Antonio Riverwalk: “The San Antonio Riverwalk, or Paseo del Rio, is a picturesque urban oasis that winds along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city. You can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a boat ride, or dine. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and experience the city.” – Reliant Roofing.
- The Grotto: “Located on the north end of the San Antonio Riverwalk, the Riverwalk Grotto is made from Faux Bois (false wood) by third generation San Antonio artist Carlos Cortés. The Grotto is a nice place to cool off while hiding from the sun. What makes it so intriguing are the hidden faces Cortes placed within the Grotto — rumor has it they are the faces of the men who helped him with the project.” – Ellen Evans of Green Vegetarian Cuisine.
- The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: “You can explore the historic churches, convents, and living quarters, as well as attend ranger-led tours and educational programs. The park offers a serene and educational experience, making it an ideal destination.” – Reliant Roofing.
- Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge: “A nice inner-city walk can be found at Hardberger Park in Northwest San Antonio. Connected to the Salado Creek Trailway, you can walk or bike for dozens of miles; however what makes Hardberger Park special is the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge. Once split into two separate parks — the land bridge unites it as one, while giving safe passage to the city’s wildlife.” – Ellen Evans of Green Vegetarian Cuisine.
- Friedrich Park: “A great place to hike is Friedrich Park. The park is located close to the Dominion and has several great trails ranking from very easy to difficult walks. I have been hiking there for over 10 years and it is always a great experience. After a few minutes of hiking, I forget that I am in San Antonio.” – Danny Owen-Kohutek of Deko 37.