Learn how to visit San Antonio on a budget below! As a Texas native who loves traveling for less, I’ve learned what to do in San Antonio without breaking the bank after visiting multiple times.
While the city is very tourist-focused and many activities cost a small fortune, it is possible to enjoy your time here while not spending all your money. Check out the best cheap and free things to do in San Antonio and plan your trip!
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San Antonio Budget Tips
If you want to do some of the most popular activities in San Antonio, like the river cruise, botanical garden, and the San Antonio Zoo, I recommend buying a San Antonio CityPASS.
You can choose 4 activities with this pass, and it’s valid for nine days. The pass costs less than purchasing individual tickets for each attraction.
Free Things to Do in San Antonio
1. Stroll down the Riverwalk
You can’t visit San Antonio without going to the riverwalk. This curated section of the San Antonio river attracts many visitors for a reason. You’ll find fun shops, waterfront restaurants, ice cream parlors, and more. And not to mention the greenery that adds to the overall experience.
If you’re up for spending a little bit to add to the riverwalk experience, you can book a river cruise for about $15 per person and enjoy the views from a boat and with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Visit the Alamo
Remember the Alamo, this is another San Antonio must. While there is a museum ticket you can pay for, it is free to see from the outside. Snap a few photos and learn about the Alamo’s history in the Texas Revolution.
➡️ Alamo Museum Tickets or CityPASS
3. Enjoy the Japanese Tea Gardens
San Antonio’s parks and gardens are top notch. Don’t miss out on the Japanese Tea Gardens, just a short drive out of central downtown. The gardens are one of the best free things to do in San Antonio, and there is a teahouse you can stop at for drinks or a meal.
4. Explore the Pearl
The iconic brewery in San Antonio, the Pearl has more to offer than just craft beers. Spend time outside on the open lawn or window shop at the boutiques.
If you’re hungry, stop by the food hall for a wide selection of cuisines. The Pearl has free parking during the week, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Walk through Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park is a staple in San Antonio. This is where you’ll find the Japanese Tea Gardens, but there’s so much more to see here as well. Walk on one of the park trails when the weather is nice, or enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass.
6. Admire the Grotto
A fun place to stop by in San Antonio is the Grotto. This is an artificial cave built right on the river and presents a fun opportunity for photos and exploring. There are several components to the Grotto, and it’s all free to visit. Can you find the face in the waterfall?
7. Swim at San Pedro Springs Park
Summer time in San Antonio is perfect for swimming at San Pedro Springs Park. This natural spring swimming pool offers guests the opportunity to cool down on sunny days. It’s free so it can get crowded, but it is very large and there is quite a bit of shade to lounge in.
Cheap Things to Do in San Antonio
8. Admire the view from Tower of the Americas
Reach new heights at the Tower of the Americas and admire the 360° city views of San Antonio. You won’t get views like it anywhere else in the city, but make sure you’re prepared to brave the height of the 750 foot tall observation deck.
➡️ Alamo Museum Tickets or CityPASS
9. Admire the displays at Briscoe Western Art Museum
Another great museum to visit in San Antonio that doesn’t cost a fortune is the Briscoe Western Art Museum. With general admission tickets costing $14 and student, military, and senior discounts available, Briscoe is a great indoor cheap activity in San Antonio.
10. Explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden
If the weather is nice, one of the best cheap things to do in San Antonio is visiting the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Admire the vast gardens and displays, and remember to snap some floral photos.
11. Visit Witte Museum
If you’re a fan of museums, the Witte Museum is a must-visit in San Antonio and it’s relatively cheap. Enjoy exhibits of natural history, Texas heritage, and science. General admission is $16 per person, but there are discounts for children and seniors.
➡️ Witte Museum Tickets or CityPASS
Best Affordable Hotels in San Antonio
La Quinta by Wyndham San Antonio Airport
Best Budget Hotel
Breakfast Included
Close to the airport
Apartment Against the Riverwalk
Affordable apartment rental
Right on the riverwalk
Kitchen included (studio apartment)
Private Restored Corner Apartment
Budget apartment rental
Close to San Pedro Springs Park
Separate bedroom and kitchen
San Antonio Packing List
Prepare for your San Antonio trip with the ultimate summer packing list! Stay cool so you can comfortably explore this Texas city and enjoy all it has to offer on a budget.
Read: San Antonio Packing List for Summer
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Explore the city on a budget with the best cheap and free things to do in San Antonio, Texas! While this Texas city can be very busy and expensive, there are some great places to enjoy that don’t require spending a lot of money.
Texas has some great cities and natural areas to visit, and as a local I’ve explored many places to share my travel tips with you. If you’re living in Texas or have more time to explore, I highly recommend planning a trip to Dallas for another city getaway, and either Palo Duro Canyon State Park or Big Bend National Park for a nature and hiking getaway!
