things-to-do
Things to do in San Antonio: a local guide to the missions, the River Walk and free city landmarks
From the free San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to the River Walk's three reaches and the free-admission Japanese Tea Garden, here is what the official operators say about visiting San Antonio.
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Things to do in San Antonio: a local guide to the missions, the River Walk and free city landmarks
This article was reconstructed and updated on 29 July 2026 and replaces an earlier version of this page.
San Antonio's signature attractions cluster around its river: a national historical park of Spanish colonial missions, the downtown River Walk, and a set of city parks and landmarks, several of which cost nothing to visit. Here is a guide built from the official operators' own information.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The four historic mission communities of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada, are managed by the National Park Service. An entrance pass is not required: the National Park Service states that admission to the park is free. As of 29 July 2026, the park lists ranger-guided programs daily at 10am and 11am at Mission San José, where the park's visitor center is located at 6701 San Jose Drive; check the park's website for current program times before visiting.
The Alamo
Admission to the Alamo Church is free, according to the Alamo's official site, which as of 29 July 2026 requires reservations to help preserve the site; private daytime and after-hours tours are also offered. Check the Alamo's website for current reservation requirements.
The River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk connects three distinct stretches: the Downtown reach with its restaurants and river barges, the quieter Museum Reach to the north, and the Mission Reach running south toward the missions. The River Walk's official site lists attractions along the route including the Pearl, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Hemisfair, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Witte Museum, and publishes seasonal guides to free activities along the river.
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden at 3853 N St Mary's Street, next to the San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park, has free admission and, as of 29 July 2026, is listed as open daily from 7am to 5pm by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, which operates the garden with the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.
Planning a visit
Visit San Antonio, the city's official destination organisation, describes San Antonio as a city of UNESCO-designated missions, the River Walk and a food scene rooted in centuries of heritage, and publishes itineraries and neighbourhood guides for first-time and returning visitors. For events, opening hours and any temporary closures, check each operator's official website before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- National Park Service, Fees & Passes (free, no entrance pass required)
- The Alamo, Visit (free Alamo Church admission; reservations required as of 29 July 2026)
- The San Antonio River Walk, official site
- San Antonio Parks Foundation, Japanese Tea Garden (free admission; hours as of 29 July 2026)
- Visit San Antonio, official destination site