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San Antonio on the Cheap
Whether you want to stroll through the annals of time at the Alamo or escape to the banks of the River Walk, San Antonio provides the richest of experiences at no or little cost!
Note: Please call venues before you visit in case of pricing or time changes.
Step Back Through Time: The Missions & Alamo
San Antonio began as a community of five Spanish colonial missions built along the spring-fed San Antonio River. Today, all five missions are open to the public, including the Alamo. Also stop by the Espada Acequia at Mission Espada—this irrigation system is one of the oldest of its kind and was originally constructed to irrigate the mission’s surrounding farmlands. For easy access from mission to mission, San Antonio’s 12-mile Mission Trail is perfect and welcomes hiking and biking.
Escape (Down) to the River Walk
Looking for a riverside oasis to indulge in cultural beauty, shaded parks and the sounds of lapping waves? Escape to San Antonio’s famed River Walk. This crossroads of culture and commerce offers meandering pathways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the city proper.
The River Walk’s latest addition is the Museum Reach which stretches north from downtown and connects the existing River Walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery complex, with shops and restaurants. Public art lines the banks. And don’t miss the lock and dam system, the only one in Texas. The River Walk will expand to 13 miles to connect San Antonio’s missions with cultural districts and museums in the next few years.
Linger in La Villita
Along the banks of the River Walk, you’ll find La Villita “the little village.” Originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo, La Villita has been reincarnated as a historic arts village where beautifully restored residences house galleries and shops full of interesting sights. You might even catch a performance at La Villita’s outdoor Arneson River Theatre.
It's Free Live Music
Located adjacent to the River Walk and San Fernando Cathedral, the nation’s largest cathedral sanctuary, Main Plaza is ready to welcome you with a medley of free weekend concerts—from legendary conjunto performers and troubadours to blues and country musicians. Sit back under 
Live duos are featured on the outdoor patio at the River Walk's renowned classic jazz club, The Landing, (weather permitting) from 3:00 p.m. on. One of the oldest jazz clubs in the U.S., The Landing and the Jim Cullum Jazz Band star in the NPR radio show, Riverwalk Jazz.
The San Antonio Summer Art and Jazz Festival, an annual free 3-day event held on the first full weekend of June, features 10 great jazz concerts, an Arts and Crafts Fair and delicious Texas cuisine. It's great fun and entertainment fun for the whole family. Get details prior to the event here.
Watch Working Artists
San Antonio’s culture thrives in a variety of arts districts. One burgeoning art scene is Southtown. Here you can stop into Garcia Art Glass and watch celebrated glass blower Gini Garcia and her talented staff create one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Not far away, Market Square (the largest Mexican market in the nation) is a haven for working artists. From painters and musicians to wood-workers and a blacksmith, this sanctuary of culture is a San Antonio must-see.
Explore History Through Architecture
Just south of downtown, the King William Historic District -- the first historic district in Texas -- reflects San Antonio’s European heritage in a gracious residential area settled in the late 1800s by German immigrants. These beautiful Greek Revival, Victorian and Italianate-style mansions have been well maintained and are considered to comprise one of San Antonio’s most elite neighborhoods. Take a self-guided walking tour. Free brochure guides and maps are provided at saconservation.org.
Savor the Splendor of a Mariachi Mass
Every Saturday at 5:30 p.m., San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the nation, offers a bilingual mariachi mass. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of San Antonio while marveling at stunning architecture and religious works of art.
Find Your Muse at Museums
San Antonio has many distinct museums that you won’t find anywhere else—and you can visit them (at the right times) free of charge.
McNay Art Museum
Free Thursday nights and the first Sunday of the month
The McNay Art Museum is set in a 1920s mansion and has wide-ranging collections, including post-impressionist and modern pieces, theater-centered works, medieval offerings, NativeAmerican art and more.
San Antonio Children's Museum
Up to four children free accompanied by paying adult, third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The San Antonio Children's Museum gives youngsters fun ways to explore the world around them. Kids operate elevators with a pulley, create bubbles they can stand in, land a plane, stage a play, mine for diamonds, open a bank account, milk a cow, create an artistic masterpiece and much more. The new Science City teaches them to think like scientists.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Free Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a castle-like building that was formerly the Lone Star Brewery. This museum is noted for its antiquities collections and the 30,000 squa
Witte Museum
Free Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Witte Museum is San Antonio's premiere museum of South Texas history, culture and natural science. Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Witte offers permanent exhibits that include dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, wildlife dioramas and even several historic homes.
Park it!
Get out and enjoy San Antonio’s year-round great weather. The city has many parks that are free and fun for the entire family. Here are a few favorites!
Phil Hardberger Park
The Phil Hardberger Park, features 1.5 miles of multi-use trails, a 1.8-acre dog park, picnic facilities and a large playground. For even more outdoor action, park-goers can access the Salado Creek Greenway Blanco to Huebner segment near the Voelcker 
Brackenridge Park
One of the city’s most beloved parks is Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre refuge in the heart of the city that offers a full day of family fun. This oak-studded oasis follows the northern bends of the San Antonio River, creating many alcoves perfect for picnics. There is also a stunning playground, trails for quiet walks and a dog park for four-legged entertainment. Sidled up next to Brackenridge Park is the Japanese Tea Garden.
Japanese Tea Garden
A botanical retreat that offers stone walking paths woven through ambient gardens and ponds brimming with Koi—all at no cost! Brackenridge Park is also adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo.
San Antonio Zoo -- FEE
The third largest zoo in the country with winding paths, limestone cliffs and large shady trees. While visiting the zoo, hop aboard the zoo’s Eagle Train.
Take a journey through the park’s shaded landscapes and attractions aboard a miniature train, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle.
HemisFair Park
Originally the site of San Antonio’s 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair Park is a lush, greenscape in the middle of bustling downtown San Antonio. Enjoy water gardens and public art, historic homes as well as an imaginative 15-acre playground for kids.
HemisFair Park -- FEE
Splurge on the modest entrance fees to the Majik Children’s Theater, the Institute of Texan Cultures and the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas.
San Pedro Park
San Antonio's oldest park and the second oldest park in the United States behind Boston Common, San Pedro Park provides a beautiful and historic setting where you can take a swim in a lake shaded by cypress trees. The park is also home to San Pedro Playhouse, the San Pedro branch library, McFarlin Tennis Center and the Koger Stokes Softball Complex.
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