10 Amazing Things to Do in San Antonio for Military Families
by PCSgrades Staff - July 13th, 2022
Mild year-round temperatures make it relatively easy to spend time outside when stationed in this part of the Lone Star State. Whether you are a military family stationed at Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB, or Fort Sam Houston, your move to San Antonio offers plenty to see and experience in the Texas Triangle. It's also a great place to visit during your next cross-country PCS move! Here are 10 suggestions for creating some great memories while living in Alamo City.
10 Great things to do in San Antonio, Texas
1. The Alamo
The top tourist attraction of San Antonio, the Alamo, is the home of the famous 1836 battle and offers a living history with special demonstrations and events all year long. Additionally, this beautiful 300-year-old former Spanish mission turned fortress is open year-round and is free for everyone to visit.
2. San Antonio Riverwalk
Second only to the Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk is also a city park that is one story beneath the streets of the city. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges and has two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants, bars and shops. During the annual springtime Fiesta San Antonio, the River Parade features elaborate floats on the river.
3. Brackenridge Park
More than 340 acres of woodland, trails and a historic par-72 golf course are sure to please outdoor lovers! Your little ones will love riding a miniature train around the park. Here you will also find the San Antonio Zoo, an elegant Japanese Tea Garden and the Witte Museum, featuring historic and science artifacts and the H-E-B Science Treehouse.
4. Views from the Tower of the Americas
The 750 foot-tall Tower of the Americas was built in the center of HemisFair Park for the 1968 World’s Fair. To this day, it remains the tallest structure in San Antonio. The observation deck provides a spectacular view of the city. A revolving restaurant, the Chart House, is a favorite for experiencing the remarkable panoramic view.
Read more ideas on our San Antonio Bucket List here.
5. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
Experience the rodeo at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Held on the AT&T Center grounds, the event features rodeo events and youth livestock competitions, live music, carnival rides, and a variety of expos. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).
6. The Menger Hotel bar
Established in 1859, the Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously-operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. In 1898 Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders here to fight in the Spanish-American War. Enjoy a cocktail and some of the hotel’s refreshing signature mango ice cream in the cool, dark confines of this historic bar.
7. New Braunfels
An easy drive from any of the military bases in San Antonio, north-east on I-35 is New Braunfels. The two local rivers, the Comal and the Guadalupe, offer great outdoor experiences. Swimming, tubing, and kayaking are popular activities. Numerous hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, fishing holes and parks make this a well-liked destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can be there in under an hour from Lackland AFB.
8. Austin
Ok, not in San Antonio, but still a must-see when you are stationed here. Just an hour and a half up I-35 from all of the San Antonio military bases is the Texas State Capitol where artistic diversity does not take a back seat to history. Enjoy a meal and the music scene at one of the many outdoor cafes.
9. Fiesta San Antonio
More than a century ago, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Remember the Alamo Weekend, the first weekend in March, is San Antonio’s 11-day signature spring event. Originally started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, it has evolved into one of this nation’s premier festivals. Some 3.5 million party-goers from across the state and around the nation enjoy Fiesta San Antonio. It takes 100 local nonprofit organizations and more than 75,000 volunteers to pull off this Texas-sized festival.
Read more about holidays in San Antonio in this article!
10. San Pedro Springs pool
The San Pedro Springs Park, northwest of downtown, is the second oldest public space in America, second only to Boston Common. This natural spring pool is chilly but beautiful, and the best part, admission is free!
One of the best things about relocating to San Antonio is the variety of activities available to the military family stationed here. From any military base in San Antonio you can venture out and easily enjoy these 10 great things to do in San Antonio in less than an hour’s drive.
Check here to read more info on any of the military bases in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
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