Naturally, San Antonio is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the Lone Star State. River City is one of the most visited cities in Texas, along with Austin, Dallas, and Houston, and it has the sixth largest population of any city in the United States. Many of San Antonio’s attractions have an unusual emphasis on the city’s colonial, Mexican, and western history that will enthrall both kids and adults. In addition to its fascinating past, River City is home to excellent parks and outdoor recreation areas, strange modern exhibitions, and a bustling culinary scene.

Here are the best attractions in San Antonio 

The River Walk

The River Walk will meet your needs, whether searching for a beautiful location to stroll to or a wonderful place to run. Although many visitors use it as a walking path connecting sights like the San Antonio missions, San Antonio Museum of Art, and numerous parks, this 15-mile trail is also well-liked by cyclists and runners. It is surrounded by hiking and bike trails. The picturesque city, home to restaurants, bars, and stores, is traversed by five miles of the River Walk. Reserve a boat excursion along the River Walk to view everything that this alluring destination offers.

El Mercado 

El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the United States, is the place to go if you desperately need a nice margarita. More than 100 locally-owned indoor and outdoor stores can be found in this three-block historic market. These stores sell everything from Talavera ceramics and handcrafted Mexican art to mouthwatering Mexican pastries. The Tejano and Mexican cultures are preserved day and night by El Mercado, with live music in the square and a restaurant called Mi Tierra open every hour of the day and night.

The San Antonio Zoo 

Colonel George W. Brackenridge gave the city property to house monkeys, lions, bears, and buffalo in 1914, which led to the founding of the San Antonio Zoo. The 56-acre San Antonio Zoo is now visited by families who want to observe 750 different types of animals. One of the world’s largest bird collections, swimming hippos and crocodiles, lions playing in Big Cat Valley, and a close-up of the giraffes you feed are all sights you’ll want to capture on camera. Thus, gather the children and charge your phone.

National Historical Park of San Antonio Missions

Texas has flown many flags, but the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park may be where the Spanish influence is most shown. Four missions—Mission Espada, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, and Mission San Juan Capistrano—that are part of this national park were all constructed more than 300 years ago yet continue to be used as churches with regular services. The missions are spread out and must be accessed by automobile or by a hiking and bicycling route, but the old buildings and the grounds are intriguing to visit. Time Out Tip: Use a professional guide to help you through the Missions; Viator offers a variety of possibilities.