Looking for some things for couples to do in San Antonio for your next romantic trip away? Whether you want to explore the city’s rich history, enjoy its vibrant culture, or relax in its natural beauty, there are plenty of things for couples to do in San Antonio. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best activities and attractions that will make your stay in Texas unforgettable.
Places to visit in San Antonio for Couples
From the iconic River Walk to the stunning botanical gardens, from the thrilling Six Flags Fiesta Texas to the cozy Majestic Theatre and San Antonio Zoo, you’ll find something for every taste and budget. Read on and discover how to make the most of your time in San Antonio with your partner.
San Antonio is the ideal place to visit if you want good food, free events, live music and live performances, great spots with the best views and special events. Let’s check out some fun date ideas and some the most romantic things you cand do and see in this beautiful city.
Historic Market Square
If you want to experience the feel of a real Mexican market, come to Market Square or El Mercado, as the locals call it. This is the largest Mexican market and with over thirty shops that line the streets you can bet you will have a good time.
You can also find eighty more specialty shops inside the Farmers Market Plaza. This is the perfect place to find beautiful Mexican ceramics, silver mirrors, Mariachi music, and much more.
When it comes to Mexican-inspired festivals, San Antonio does not skimp. Most of the festivals will take place within Market Square, and in addition to the stores already present, vendors will spring up booths full of delectable goods. Although many cities may say it, only San Antonio can claim the best Tex-Mex food you will ever experience.
Some of the best Tex-Mex best restaurants reside here in Market Square. Enjoy a Mariachi serenade at La Margarita Restaurant or a sizzling platter of fajitas at the restaurant that is open all night, Mi Tierra.
San Antonio Mission Trails
The San Antonio Mission Trails are a historical gem of Texas and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
This scenic route consists of four ancient Franciscan missions – Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, Espada – which were established in the 18th century. You can can walk, bike, or drive the picturesque 15-mile route which winds through the lush green fields and stone walls of South San Antonio.
The trails offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history of Spanish colonization, Native American culture, and Texan heritage. The missions feature impressive Baroque architecture and fine details, such as the intricate carvings and frescoes which were painted by the indigenous people.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the missions’ grounds, museums, and living quarters which showcase the everyday lives of the people that once inhabited the area. The San Antonio Mission Trails are a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
San Antonio River Walk
You cannot visit and miss out on the San Antonio RiverWalk, which most San Antonians feel is the pride and joy of the city itself. The banks are lined with cobblestone paths that lead couples to restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and the monstrous River Center Mall.
To learn the history of the River Walk or Paseo Del Rio, take a ride on one of the many San Antonio river walk cruise guided tours.
The Alamo
Of course, you don’t want to leave the city without first touring that stone facade people around the world recognize: the Alamo.
The Alamo city is the site of a huge battle in 1836 where over 180 soldiers died defending the Alamo from Santa Anna’s Mexican Army. Truly the heart of the city, the Alamo serves as a museum that houses artifacts from the Republic of Texas.
Tower Of The Americas
You won’t be able to miss this monument as it towers over downtown San Antonio, literally. The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot monument that offers visitors beautiful panoramic views of the city itself. The glass elevators are an adventure in themselves as they whisk you over 500 feet to the observation deck.
If you wish, you can also make reservations for dinner or lunch here at the Tower of the America restaurant located on top. In one full hour, the restaurant makes a complete 360-degree turn allowing diners to slowly see the beautiful surroundings.
Hemisfair Park
In 1968, San Antonio hosted a world’s fair, and this park remains. Beautifully landscaped, the park contains the Tower of the Americas, towering more than 600 feet above the city. Visitors can ride an elevator to the top and go out on the walkway that encircles the tower, or dine in the tower restaurant while enjoying the view.
The Institute of Texas Cultures, a museum that celebrates the ethnic diversity of Texas, is also on the park grounds. The museum holds the Texas Folklife Festival annually, a popular event that features people demonstrating old-time car skills, ethnic musicians and dancers, and food from many different countries.
Japanese Tea Room
Located in Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden or Sunken Gardens were created in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in the early 20th century.
The unsightly quarry was transformed into an exotic garden featuring lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls, fish ponds, and stone bridges in 1917. The garden also included a Japanese pagoda, a tea house, and other structures featuring oriental designs and statuary.
The garden was renamed the “Japanese Tea Garden” in the 1920s when the tea house was added. The tea house served as a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, serving traditional Japanese tea and pastries.
During World War II, the garden suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-Japanese sentiment. The tea house was renamed the “Chinese Tea Garden” and the garden fell into disrepair. However, in the 1980s, the garden was restored to its original beauty.
Today, the garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, attracting visitors from around the world. It has been designated a Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
These attractions are all located north of the Riverwalk and Alamo, east of I-37/281. The zoo has almost 4,000 animals in natural habitats, a miniature train that will delight children and an amazing aquarium.
Brackenridge Park adjoins the zoo and features beautifully landscaped gardens, including the remarkable Japanese Tea Garden. The San Antonio Botanical Garden includes a glassed-in rainforest and a lake, and the Witte Museum has exhibits that will interest you.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld San Antonio is located west of downtown between the 410 and 1604 loops and has enough attractions to keep visitors busy all day.
Alongside watching numerous marine animals star in shows such as “The Shamu Adventure,” visitors can get wet during the hot San Antonio summer in the Lost Lagoon or ride roller coasters and other rides.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
This amusement park, located on I-10W north of Loop 1604, has some of the most awesome thrill rides and a whole host of attractions for the whole family, including water rides.
The park is a little different than most in that it features Texas culture theme shows, such as 50’s rock and German and Hispanic musicals. Visitors will find plenty of fun at Fiesta Texas, and it’s more adult-friendly than most parks of this kind.
San Antonio Museums
San Antonio’s art scene is thriving, thanks in part to its abundance of art museums. These institutions showcase a wide variety of artistic styles and mediums, from historic masterpieces to contemporary works.
The McNay Art Museum is a must-see for visitors looking to experience the city’s cultural offerings, with a collection that includes works by Matisse, Renoir, and Picasso. The collection at San Antonio Museum of Art spans 5,000 years of art history, with pieces from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome all the way up to contemporary works.
Other notable museums include the Blue Star Contemporary, which features a rotation of contemporary exhibits, and the Witte Museum, which specializes in the history and culture of South Texas. The city’s vibrant arts community also includes numerous galleries, public art installations, and cultural events throughout the year. Overall, San Antonio’s art scene is one of the city’s biggest draws for both locals and visitors alike.
Shopping
San Antonio has several enclosed shopping malls; most are found near Loop 410. Downtown, couples can shop at Rivercenter Mall, La Villita, which features artisans in action, and El Mercado, which is a Mexican market. The Quarry Market, on the north side of Hwy 281, offers upscale shops in old factory buildings, and outlet shopping is available in nearby San Marcos.
North Star Mall on San Pedro Ave is San Antonio’s largest shopping center is a great place to shop and eat. Featuring stores such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Forever 21 to name a few, it really does make for a great date idea in San Antonio.
Fun things to do in San Antonio for couples at night
San Antonio is a city that never sleeps and if you’re traveling with your significant other, you’ll find plenty of options to spend the night in style.
A good starting point is the River Walk, as mentioned above, where you can stroll along the banks of the San Antonio River with its illuminated walkways and bridges.
Take a riverboat ride and admire the architecture and landmarks of the city bathed in light. You can also head to the Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot tall tower that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Hemisfair Park is another romantic destination, where you can enjoy a picnic or a concert under the stars.
For some cultural stimulation, check out the Majestic Theater and catch a show or watch a movie in its gorgeous Art Deco setting. End the night with some great food and drinks at one of the city’s many bars and restaurants, or hit the dance floor at a salsa or tango club. San Antonio’s night scene is truly full of adventure and excitement for couples.
Final thoughts
San Antonio, located in the heart of Texas, is one of the best places to visit and a true destination city if you want to have a great time. There are many San Antonio attractions for young and old couples alike, and even though the city has over a million in population, it has the feel of a much smaller place.
Many of the attractions and the fun things to see are concentrated in a central area, with others found on the two loops that surround the city. It’s easy to find lots of things to do in this beautiful place.
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