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Culture

What is There to do for Free in San Antonio, Texas?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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For families looking to enjoy a good old-fashioned Texas vacation on a budget, there are quite a few things to do for free in San Antonio. From history to culture all the way through to hiking, the city offers a wide array of budget stretching activities that everyone can enjoy.

No trip to San Antonio is complete without a visit to the Alamo. Three buildings located downtown near the historic Riverwalk stand as a way to commemorate the 189 Texans who fell when Mexican forces captured the Alamo on 6 March 1836. Surrounding the buildings is just over 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of beautiful landscaped grounds that provide serenity to the property that is in keeping with remembering the Alamo. Open daily, Alamo Plaza is one of the most popular sites that can be seen for free.

Along with the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park provides another example of free places in downtown San Antonio. Composed of four frontier missions along the river, the park features a walking trail that runs by a number of exhibits of old Spanish mission life, as well as providing a refreshing way to walk through downtown while checking out local restaurants.

The Witte Museum has been providing a source of entertainment and education to people in San Antonio since the early part of the 20th century. As part of its ongoing community commitment, the museum offers free admission on Tuesday afternoons that allows families to explore all the exhibits currently on display. Along with exhibits that cover history and natural science, there are also interactive games and exhibits that teach even as they amuse adults and children alike.

Eisenhower Park provides just over 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of woodlands, creek beds, and canyons that are accessed by way of a series of paths that wind their way through the park. This is a great, free place to spend the day hiking and enjoy a picnic near one of the dry creek beds. The Cedar Flats Trail winds it’s way to the highest point in the park, where an observation deck affords a sweeping view of the landscape.

With so many things to do for free in San Antonio, it is easy to have a vacation that is fun filled and economical when visiting the city. For more examples, check with the city tourism department.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum , Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
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Discussion Comments

By Animandel — On Mar 05, 2014

If you want something to do and you don't want to pay then visit the Riverwalk. There are hotels on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, so if you stay in one of them then you can walk out the door and begin your tour.

There are shops, restaurants, bars, water rides and more along Riverwalk, but they cost money. However, I find walking the route and looking at the many sites and water views entertainment enough.

By Sporkasia — On Mar 05, 2014

San Antonio is sometimes the forgotten jewel of Texas because of the larger cities in the state that attract so many tourists. There are also many rural tourists attractions in the state as well.

I think the article hit the nail on the head in that San Antonio is one of the best cities in terms of offering tourists interesting and fun attractions they don't have to pay to enjoy.

Malcolm Tatum

Malcolm Tatum

Writer

Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Read more
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