The 24 Best San Antonio Museums & Historical Sites in San Antonio
Think you've seen all that San Antonio has to offer? Think again. Beyond the well-trodden paths of the River Walk and the Alamo lies a vibrant mix of museums, missions, art spaces, and family-friendly gems that locals love and tourists often miss. Whether you're looking for peaceful riverfront strolls, dazzling immersive art, hands-on science for the kids, or unique slices of Texas history, this second part of our city guide is your ultimate checklist for exploring deeper. From the quiet beauty of Mission San Juan to the colorful chaos of Market Square, here are 24 more unforgettable stops to round out your San Antonio experience.
Mission San Juan – Our Rating: 9.4/10
A place of true peace in the middle of one of America’s biggest metros. Mission San Juan Capistrano, from 1731, is our favorite mission even though Mission San Jose may be what most tourists rate “the best.” This missions’ highlights are less the church, but the grounds surrounding the mission. The Yanaguana Trail is full of life, dense with trees and animals by the river. It is lightly shaded wheelchair accessible and it’s a great spot for a romantic or peaceful walk. There’s often benches right next to the river for people to sit down. There’s a historic farm trail that takes you through a small river or a small waterway that irrigates the landfill. It’s as if you’re walking back in time 300 years ago.
Mission San Jose – Our Rating: 9.3/10
From 1720, this “Queen of the Missions” is the only one that feels like a complete compound—nearly fully enclosed by walls; it resembles what many imagine when they think of the Alamo: a fortified mission. On weekends, it's often the most crowded, so while you can appreciate its completeness, you may not find the same peace and serenity as at San Juan or Espada. There are plenty of photo ops, a church where you can attend mass, and National Park Ranger-led tours.
The DoSeum – Our Rating: 9.2/10
The DoSeum is San Antonio’s premier interactive children’s museum, geared toward kids primarily ages under 10–though as an adult, you’ll probably enjoy playing, too! Designed to spark creativity and learning through play, it features hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Highlights include Little Town, a miniature city for imaginative roleplay; Innovation Station, where kids tinker with circuits and robotics; and the colorful Sensations Studio that explores light, sound, and motion. One standout favorite is the vacuum-ball exhibit, where children watch plastic balls shoot through tubes and spill from above in a thrilling, timed release. Outside, the museum offers a large shaded playground with a giant slide and a water play area, complete with a mini river and dynamic water-focused activities—ideal for cooling off on hot days. If you’re wondering if we, as adults, have gone down the children’s slide–yes, yes we have. With indoor and outdoor attractions, snack stations, and a gift shop, The DoSeum is a fun and flexible destination for families, rain or shine.
McNay Museum – Our Rating: 9.0/10
The McNay is San Antonio’s best art museum, offering a sophisticated yet inviting environment for art lovers, families, and casual visitors alike. Housed in a stunning 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion just north of downtown, the museum features a mix of classic and contemporary art, with works by renowned artists like Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Diego Rivera. In addition to its permanent collections, the McNay regularly rotates in new exhibits—so it’s worth checking their website for current highlights. The museum also features historical artifacts, a dedicated theater arts collection, and beautifully landscaped grounds dotted with sculptures. One of its most popular community events is Second Thursdays, which includes food trucks, live music, and open-late access to the museum and grounds, making it an ideal spot for a family outing, solo exploration, or a romantic date night.
Hopscotch – Our Rating: 8.7/10
Hopscotch is an immersive art experience in downtown San Antonio that appeals to all ages, blending creativity, technology, and hands-on fun across 20,000 square feet of vibrant installations. Featuring over a dozen interactive exhibits by local and international artists, visitors can walk through glowing tunnels, play with light and sound, explore mind-bending illusions, and dive into a giant, crowd-favorite ball pit. The museum is highly Instagrammable and perfect for both family fun and a unique night out. While kids will love the tactile play and visual surprises, adults can enjoy the lounge area and full-service bar (drinks must be finished before entering the exhibit). Parking is easy at the nearby Travis Park garage. Whether you're snapping photos, sipping cocktails, or just enjoying the sensory experience, Hopscotch delivers a fun and engaging time for everyone.
Walk Around King William – Our Rating: 8.6/10
King William is one of San Antonio’s most picturesque and historically rich neighborhoods, known for its grand 19th-century mansions and deep German heritage. Just south of downtown, the district offers peaceful, tree-lined streets with Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate architecture perfect for leisurely strolls—especially along Madison Street from St. Mary's to Guenther, one of the area’s most scenic paths. While not all areas are handicap accessible and some sidewalks are narrow or uneven, the ambiance and architectural charm make it well worth exploring. Favorite local highlights include the gazebo at King William Park and the scenic Constance Street Riverwalk loop, featuring the Riverwalk: Stepping Stone Bridge that leads directly to the Blue Star Arts Complex. Caution is advised for those crossing the river here, but it remains a serene and unique connection between historic and artistic San Antonio.
The Alamo – Our Rating: 8.4/10
The Alamo is a compact, historic site that’s best experienced in 30 to 90 minutes. For most visitors, we recommend reserving a free timed-entry Church ticket (book here), exploring Alamo Plaza (cannons, photo ops, daily musket demos at 11:30 a.m.), and walking the Grounds (barracks, well, hospital, gift shop)—all free and best enjoyed on a weekday to avoid crowds. History buffs should go deeper with a guided tour, the Phil Collins Collection at the Ralston Center ($14), AR experiences, and educational videos (tour info here). Expect pricey parking and hot, humid walking—plan accordingly.
La Villita – Our Rating: 8.3/10
La Villita is a charming historic arts village tucked along the southern bank of the River Walk. As San Antonio’s first neighborhood, it blends rich 18th-century history with a thriving artisan community. Visitors will find over 25 shops and galleries offering handcrafted goods and original local art—don’t miss Yolix Luna Fine Art for authentic San Antonio pieces or Capistrano Soap Company for its beloved lavender and verbena soaps. Popular stops also include ScentChips, which hosts daily wax melting demos, and Villa Tesoros for unique gifts mostly geared towards women. Cobblestone paths and Spanish Colonial architecture create an inviting backdrop for frequent cultural events, including “A Night in Old San Antonio” during Fiesta. Whether you're browsing, buying, or just strolling, La Villita offers a walkable and culturally rich experience.
Briscoe Western Art Museum / McNutt Sculpture Garden – Our Rating: 8.1/10
The Briscoe Western Art Museum, situated along San Antonio's River Walk, offers an immersive journey into the art and heritage of the American West. It showcases Western paintings, sculptures, Native American artifacts, and historic items like saddles and stagecoaches. Complementing the indoor exhibits, the McNutt Sculpture Garden provides a tranquil outdoor space adorned with bronze sculptures of iconic Western figures, offering visitors a peaceful retreat amidst the vibrant downtown area. Admission to the garden is free during museum hours, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all. The first Sunday of every month is free for locals.
Natural Bridge Caverns – Our Rating: 8.1/10
Natural Bridge Caverns, located near Garden Ridge just outside San Antonio, is the largest known commercial cave system in Texas and a natural wonder worth the trip. Visitors can explore awe-inspiring underground formations on guided tours like the Discovery or Hidden Wonders Tour, the latter featuring dramatic lighting and multimedia effects. Above ground, the site transforms into a mini-adventure park with ziplining courses for all ages—even toddlers can enjoy a low-risk version with parental assistance, while older kids and adults can challenge themselves on larger ropes courses. There’s also a drive-through wildlife safari nearby, plus food, live music, and gift shops. Note that cavern paths are damp and uneven—those with mobility issues should use caution—but for most families, it’s a fascinating and adventurous day out. Cavern temperatures are typically cool and consistent year-long.
The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral – Our Rating: 8.1/10
San Antonio | The Saga is a free, family-friendly 24-minute video art show projected onto the façade of the historic San Fernando Cathedral—making it a unique and visually stunning way to experience the city's rich history. Created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, the display uses vivid imagery, music, and narration to bring San Antonio’s story to life, from its earliest days to the present. The cathedral itself, the oldest continuously operating one in the U.S., becomes a massive, 7,000-square-foot canvas. Shows run twice nightly at 9:00 and 9:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, at Main Plaza. It’s a fun, easy, and awe-inspiring stop for all ages.
Mission Espada – Our Rating: 8.0/10
Mission Espada is the southernmost of San Antonio’s historic missions, built in 1731. It offers a peaceful, rustic charm with unique Spanish architectural details and a quiet rural setting. While it may not be the top destination for first-time visitors, it’s a favorite for those seeking solitude or a deeper dive into local history. The Espada Aqueduct is nearby, there's a small museum with colonial-era relics, and an optional audio tour for added context. A perfect stop for completists or anyone craving a slower pace.
San Antonio Fire Museum – Our Rating: 7.9/10
The San Antonio Fire Museum, located at 801 E. Houston Street near the Alamo, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city's firefighting history. Housed in the historic Central Fire Headquarters built in 1938, the museum showcases antique fire trucks, firefighting equipment, and artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s. Highlights include a 1953 International fire truck that children can climb on and dress up in authentic firefighter gear, providing an interactive experience for younger visitors. Operated by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters, the museum not only preserves the rich heritage of the San Antonio Fire Department but also educates the public on fire safety and prevention. With affordable admission fees and engaging exhibits, it's a must-visit for families and history enthusiasts alike. Free admission every first Tuesday of the month from 11am – 2 pm for local residents.
Witte Museum – Our Rating: 7.9/10
The Witte Museum in Brackenridge Park offers an immersive dive into Texas nature, science, and history, making it a favorite for families and learners of all ages. Permanent exhibits include dinosaur fossils like a full standing T. Rex skeleton, live animals and cultural history in the South Texas Heritage Center. The museum also has creative outdoor spaces such as a river path, shaded picnic areas, and a large treehouse for kids to explore. Highlights include interactive exhibits that let children physically engage with concepts like body mechanics and water flow. There's a large gift shop, snack options, and free admission on Tuesdays from 3–6 p.m., making it an accessible and enriching stop for regular visits.
San Pedro Springs Park – Our Rating: 7.8/10
San Pedro Springs Park is the oldest public park in Texas, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities just north of downtown San Antonio. While not a destination for lounging all day, it's a solid option for a quick dip in the historic, spring-fed pool or a tennis match on its shaded courts. The park’s lush grounds and long history—once home to the Payaya people and officially designated for public use in 1729—add cultural significance. Amenities also include a skate park, playgrounds, and walking paths, although some areas show signs of aging and may not be ideal for those seeking more polished urban green spaces.
McKenna Children's Museum – Our Rating: 7.8/10
Located in New Braunfels, the McKenna Children’s Museum is a smaller, toddler-friendly alternative to the DoSeum, best suited for kids under 5. It features hands-on learning exhibits focused on science, space, and imaginative play, including a miniature “Destination Space” module and a water play zone in the “Great Outdoors” area. The Tot Spot offers a safe, creative space for the youngest explorers. While engaging and well-maintained, it may feel limited for older children, making it ideal for young families seeking a manageable, enriching half-day outing close to San Antonio. Our 5 year old got relatively bored and was already growing out of it.
Mission Concepción – Our Rating: 7.7/10
Mission Concepción is the quickest and most accessible of the San Antonio missions, built in 1731 and located closest to downtown. With an urban, compact feel and minimal grounds, it’s ideal for a short visit. Key highlights include the main church, a peaceful Sacred Mary area, and an optional audio tour. While it’s the least visually striking of the missions, it’s a convenient and worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.
San Antonio Museum of Art – Our Rating: 7.7/10
Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery along the Museum Reach of the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art offers a global journey through 5,000 years of history and creativity. Its vast collections span ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts; detailed Asian art from multiple regions; and an extensive Latin American collection housed in the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center. SAMA also features Texas and American art, along with Oceanic pieces from the Pacific. The museum is fully accessible, air-conditioned, and features amenities like spacious elevators, a gift shop, and riverside dining at Tre Trattoria. It’s a perfect “beat the heat” destination with free admission on Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. and Sunday mornings Sunday, 10-12 p.m. for Bexar county residents.
Ruby City – Our Rating: 7.7/10
Ruby City is a contemporary art museum born from a dream by San Antonio artist and philanthropist Linda Pace. Designed by architect Sir David Adjaye, the bold red building houses over 1,400 works from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection and showcases rotating exhibits from local and international artists. Located next to Chris Park—a peaceful one-acre garden also founded by Pace—Ruby City offers free admission and a calm, creative escape Thursday through Sunday. Highlights include striking modern installations like the pink propane tank and open oven sculpture, making it a must-see for fans of bold, boundary-pushing art in a sleek and intimate setting.
Menger Hotel – Our Rating: 7.6/10
The Menger Hotel is one of San Antonio’s most iconic historic landmarks, located right next to the Alamo and best known as the place where Teddy Roosevelt famously recruited his Rough Riders. Built in 1859, it’s filled with old photographs and memorabilia from famous guests like Babe Ruth, Ulysses S. Grant, and Oscar Wilde. Its Victorian-era charm and opulent interiors, including the cherry wood Menger Bar modeled after London's House of Lords Pub, transport visitors back in time. If you're into history and already near the Alamo, it’s definitely worth stepping inside—even if just to soak in the atmosphere and imagine the stories these walls could tell.
Market Square – Our Rating: 7.5/10
Market Square, also known as El Mercado, is a festive, tourist-friendly plaza in downtown San Antonio known for its bright colors, Tex-Mex eats, and Mexican-inspired shops. While it’s home to over 100 vendors and often hosts live mariachi music and folklórico dancers, the shopping tends to lean heavily into tourist souvenir territory—so don't be surprised if many items feel mass-produced or repetitive. Still, it’s a fun spot for visitors looking for a lively introduction to San Antonio’s cultural blend. Mi Tierra Café is a staple here—great for snapping photos and enjoying the vibrant, over-the-top décor, even if the food itself is more about the experience than the flavor.
Texas Transportation Museum – Our Rating: 7.5/10
The Texas Transportation Museum, located near McAllister Park, is a budget-friendly, hands-on museum that’s ideal for kids—especially those 10 and under. It features full-size historic trains you can explore inside and out, plus short train rides aboard restored cabooses that go down and back along a short track. One of the highlights is the collection of miniature trains in various scales, which circle detailed model towns and landscapes. In addition to trains, the museum houses antique cars, fire trucks, and wagons, offering a fun and educational outing for families, particularly young ones who love anything that rolls, chugs, or whistles.
Buckhorn Saloon – Our Rating: 7.4/10
The Buckhorn Saloon is a quirky Old West-style restaurant, bar, and museum combo in downtown San Antonio that’s equal parts eccentric and nostalgic. Established in 1881, it’s known for its massive collection of taxidermy—originally built from patrons who paid for drinks with horns and antlers. The adjacent museum includes oddball exhibits like the “Carnival of Curiosities” and a Texas Ranger section with historic artifacts and even a Bonnie & Clyde getaway car. While the food is average and definitely geared toward tourists, the setting is entertaining, especially for kids who’ll enjoy the games, coin-operated machines, and wild displays throughout the building.
Hot Wells Hotel Ruins – Our Rating: 7.2/10
The Hot Wells Hotel Ruins on the Southside of San Antonio are a fascinating, low-key stop that offers a glimpse into the city’s forgotten luxury past. Once a glamorous resort destination famous for its sulfur-rich hot springs and celebrity visitors like Charlie Chaplin and Theodore Roosevelt, the hotel was left in ruins after a series of fires. Revitalized as a cultural park in 2019, visitors can now walk through the remains of the bathhouse and read about its storied history. It’s not a long visit, but a unique one—especially when paired with a soak experience at Camp Hot Wells, a separate natural soaking facility open Wednesday through Sunday. Great for history lovers or locals looking for something off the beaten path.