Ever been to San Antonio Downtown? This happening place has a lot — and I do mean a LOT — going on. And since I’m all about being frugal while still having fun, I’ve created a list of ten things to do in San Antonio that are either free or low-cost. Still planning your stay? Check out Expedia for spring travel savings. This website often has great deals on downtown hotels and packages to fit nearly any budget.
I love the word “free,” don’t you? The way it rolls off your tongue, glides into the air, and makes your frugal heart go pitter-patter. Okay, maybe that last bit is just me. Still, why spend money when you don’t have to? Accelerate your savings or save it for something extra special. These fantastic and frugal adventures are among the best things to do in San Antonio Downtown. And if you’re planning a road trip, and look for more ways to travel cheap and save along the way.
Frugal travel tip: Are you flying instead of driving? If so, then take advantage of rewards programs like Air Canada’s Aeroplan, among others, to save big on flights. Remember, ladies, those points add up fast when you’re hopping from city to city!
And now for the boring stuff: This article contains one or more affiliate links. I earn from these links at no additional cost to you.
Stroll the River Walk
One place I’d suggest visiting is the River Walk that runs along San Antonio’s Downtown. It’s a free space to enjoy, take a walk, and check out some other cool things. You’d be surprised by how much there is to see and do along the River Walk. The San Antonio River Walk is a scenic 15-mile path that winds through the Downtown area. Yes, it’s quite the stroll, but no one expects you to walk or jog the full path.
This picturesque trail also has many shaded areas where you can pull up and take a breather for a minute. You’ll also have boat traffic and lots of opportunities for people-watching if that’s what you’re looking for. And that’s not even all.
You’ll also have public artwork and old buildings throughout the trail, which are always wonderful additions. And you might also spot a few ducks waddling or swimming past, which the kids will love if this is a family adventure.
Got little ones? No worries. This path is also as stroller-friendly as it is photo-worthy. So, slather on that sunblock, gather the ‘fam,’ and head to the River Walk to soak up those San Antonio vibes on a dime.
Visit The Alamo
Step back in history with a visit to The Alamo. This is the very place once visited by the famous David Crockett, among others who died during the Battle of the Alamo back in the early 1800s.
While there is a small fee for admission, I assure you it’s easy on the budget. At the time of this writing:
🎟️ Adult tickets are $14 each
🎟️ Kids age 12 and younger are $10 each
The Alamo is a family-friendly, educational, and budget-friendly stop — definitely one of the top things to do in San Antonio Downtown for history lovers of all ages.
The kids will love the interactive exhibits that really bring the past to life, and parents will love the educational gain here. The architecture is stunning and mission-style. So, I’d strongly encourage you to bring your camera or smartphone for some family photo ops.
Play at Yanaguana Garden
Yanaguana Garden is a fantastic — and huge — public park; it’s the perfect place to let the kids burn off all that energy that mystifies and eludes us as adults. This vibrant play space is totally free and has lots for kiddos to explore and do.
You can also come here to chill.
As for the rest, check the park’s event schedule because there’s always something going on, from kids’ reading hours to live music, splash pads, climbing structures, swings, and gobs of room to explore.
Best of all? The park is well-maintained regularly, and it’s designed for safety. So, kick back, relax, and watch the kids have fun… or join in and play together.
Explore Historic Market Square
We all love hunting for the perfect souvenir wherever we go, and San Antonio downtown has plenty of local artisans and boutiques. The Historic Market Square is where you want to go. Browse handmade goods from local vendors. Indulge in free entertainment. This is definitely a happening place. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most colorful and lively things to do in San Antonio Downtown. Oh, and the kids will love the festive atmosphere.
While the market is free to explore, there is a very small fee for parking. You’ll also want to have some cash on hand for snacks, drinks, sweet treats, and maybe even a souvenir.
Visit Artpace Exhibits
If you and the fam love culture, then head over to Artspace in San Antonio. There are seven free museums to explore and plenty of others with affordable entry fees.
Think of this non-profit, contemporary art gallery as a dose of educational and cultural creativity for the whole family. Like other museums, exhibits change often, so you’ll always find something new to check out.
Enjoy a Picnic at Travis Park
If your family is anything like mine, then you love a good picnic in the park (or on a beach, etc). That said, Travis Park in San Antonio is a great place to unpack lunch, let the kids run wild and loose and free, and there’s even room for the family dog to tag along. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables and gobs of open lawn.
Depending on which day you’re in San Antonio, you may catch a free movie night or other community event in this park. Some events the park hosts include:
- Guayabera Fest (usually in February)
- Fiesta Fiesta (held in April)
- Book festivals
- Live concerts
- Film screenings
- Theatre
- Basketball… and more
Take a break and enjoy a laid-back picnic at Travis Park. There are plenty of shaded tables, open lawn space to stretch out, and even room for the dog to tag along. You might catch a free movie night or community event while you’re there, making it a perfect little pause in your day.
Tour the Spanish Governor’s Palace
I mentioned earlier that San Antonio was rich in culture and history, and I certainly wasn’t kidding. While The Alamo might be the most famous site in San Antonio to check out, there are many other places, too. Take the Spanish Governor’s Palace, for instance. This place is all that’s left of the first Spanish military presence, also known as Presidio San Antonio de Bexar.
This military garrison was founded in 1718 and served as home and office to the Spanish military from 1722 until the presidio finally ceased the palace in 1836.
As for admission? The cost to explore the palace is minimal. Currently, costs are:
- 🎟️ Adults: $5
- 🎟️ Seniors (age 60+): $3
- 🎟️ Military (with ID): $3
- 🎟️ Children (age 7-13): $3
- 🎟️ Children (under age 7): FREE
Browse at Central Library
Need a place to cool off or kick back and relax a bit? Central Library is a fantastic stop, and since it’s a library, it’s totally free to explore. However, this library makes its presence known with a bold, beautiful “enchilada red” design. So there’s no mistaking it.
Once inside, adults and kids will have plenty to see, do, and explore. There are gobs of interactive learning stations and reading spots. And this space hosts a variety of fun events that might include:
- Tech time
- LEGO time
- Habla Conmigo
- Movies for all ages
- Tween time movies — Harry Potter, anyone?
- Family story time
- It even has its own art gallery
Central Library is open six days a week (closed on Sundays) and offers a free, air-conditioned escape that’s as fun as it is educational.
Watch San Fernando Cathedral Lights
Want to see something truly spectacular during your visit to San Antonio? Something you can only see once the sun dips across the Texas horizon? If you’re nodding your head, then end your day (or begin your night) with a bit of magic at the San Fernando Cathedral. This historic church puts on a free light show for all to enjoy.
The light show tells the story of San Antonio, but it does so through a combination of color, music, and motion. Pretty cool, huh?
You can enjoy these light shows six days per week:
📆 Tuesdays through Sundays, 9:00 PM
So, bring a blanket, your camera, and the kids, and enjoy the spectacular show under the stars.
Make Downtown Memories for Less
As you can see, San Antonio is certainly worth a stop for any frugal traveler. And it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a family; you’ll always have something fun and fabulous to do here, and many of them are free or easy on the wallet.
Already making a list of your favorite stops? Don’t forget to check Expedia for current travel coupons — you might score deals on downtown stays or attraction passes to make your trip even more affordable.
With a little planning and a frugal mindset, you’ll uncover and enjoy some of the best things to do in San Antonio Downtown. Rich history, culture, and art. Plenty of fantastic parks, and so more.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab the kids, lace up your walking shoes, and enjoy San Antonio’s best freebies and low-cost adventures with confidence (and indulge in a churro or two while you’re there). If you love stretching your travel dollars, look for more frugal girl’s trip ideas for your next girlfriends’ getaway.
Stop dreaming about your next great adventure and start planning.
Last chance: Get 25% off with spring savingsImage Credit: © S. Greg Panosian (via Canva.com) | © Enrico M Balthazar (via Canva.com) | © alicegabriela from Pixabay (via Canva.com) | © f11photo (via Canva.com)
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