FREE IN SAN ANTONIO
The best things to do in San Antonio are free.
The Alamo, all five missions, the River Walk, the Japanese Tea Garden, Pearl Farmers Market, and one of the most spectacular light shows in Texas — all completely free.
ALWAYS FREE
Always free — no ticket needed.
The Alamo
Free admission. The mission church and museum. Plan 45–60 min. The Long Barrack museum is included.
San Antonio River Walk
Free to walk. 15 miles of paths. Just show up.
All Five Missions
Free admission at all five missions. National Park Service rangers on-site. Plan 3–4 hours for all.
Japanese Tea Garden
Free. Stunning limestone grotto, koi pond, tropical plants. Brackenridge Park.
Brackenridge Park
Free outdoor space. Walking trails, the river, next to the zoo.
San Fernando Cathedral
Free. Historic 1750s cathedral. "The Saga" light projection show on the facade — check schedule at missionreach.org.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Free to browse. Historic arts village on the River Walk edge. Good galleries and local craft shops.
King William Historic District
Free walking tour of 19th-century mansion neighborhood in Southtown.
Pearl Farmers Market
Free to browse. Saturday 9am–1pm, Sunday 10am–2pm. Best free morning in the city.
Mission Reach Hike & Bike Trail
Free. 8-mile paved trail connecting all missions along the San Antonio River.
Hemisfair Park / Yanaguana Garden
Free. Playground, splash pad, shade structures. Tower of the Americas nearby.
Southtown Murals
Free. Walk South Alamo Street for large-scale street art. Best mural collection in SA.
Blue Star Arts Complex
Free to browse. Art galleries, studios, First Friday events monthly.
OUTDOORS
Free outdoor SA.
Brackenridge Park, the River Walk, Mission Reach Trail, Hemisfair Park, and the King William walking district give you full days outside without spending anything. The Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park is underrated — most visitors never find it.
CULTURE
Free museums and culture.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
First Sunday of the month — free admission.
Witte Museum
Free first Tuesday of the month.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Free Tuesdays 4–9pm.
McNay Art Museum
Free first Sunday of the month.
FREE EVENTS
Free annual events.
Jazz'SAlive
Free outdoor jazz festival at Travis Park. Mid-September. One of SA's best free events.
Luminaria Arts Night
Free, one night in October. HemisFair Park — immersive outdoor arts and performances.
Pearl Farmers Market
Free every weekend. Saturday 9am–1pm, Sunday 10am–2pm.
Battle of Flowers Parade (Fiesta)
Free to watch from the street. Late April. One of the biggest parades in Texas.
Fiesta Flambeau Parade
Free from street. The largest illuminated night parade in the US.
San Fernando Cathedral Projection Show
"The Saga" — free, check current schedule at missionreach.org.
MAKE IT CHEAPER