San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and 7th largest in the United States. It’s the 24th largest metropolitan area in the country. Visited by more than 34 million annual visitors, it is a beautiful city at the axis of three different geological terrains: Hill Country, South Texas Plains and Prairie and Lakes. San Antonio is home to one of largest Latino populations, with significant African American populations. There’s a lot to do in this city: fine art museums, historical missions and plenty of amusement parks in addition to great dining and lots of drinking. The culture and people are vibrant and interesting. Its downtown is one of the most lively in the nation. The River walk in Downtown San Antonio is so beautifully lit up during Christmas and it is a great place to go take your kids or just go on date with your spouse. San Antonio is a great vacation spot to go with your family they have so many things to do.
Museums and Galleries in San Antonio, Texas
- Blue Star Contemporary Art Center, 116 Blue Star, 210 227-6960. A part of the Blue Star Arts Complex, the art center is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art center that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process.
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum Two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk. Features an extensive taxidermy gallery, Texas Ranger gallery, a replica wild west town, and more. Hours: 10AM-5PM or later, Su-Th; 10AM-6PM or later, Friday and Saturday. Call for exact closing times. Admission: Adults $20; Children (ages 3-11) $15. Special rates for group of 10 or more, and discounts for Military with ID.
- Institute of Texan Cultures (aka ITC), in HemisFair Park; main entrance is off Durango near Bowie. A one-story 50,000 sq. ft. museum featuring Texan history, brought to life by docent-interpreters, and the cultures of over 20 national/ethnic groups of people who have made Texas their home. Admission fee. Snack machines. Accessible from downtown via the Purple VIA Streetcar.
- Instituto de México, 600 HemisFair Park, 210 227-0123. Tues-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su noon-5PM. Free. Contemporary Art from Mexico.
- Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels, 210 824-5368. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM. Free admission on Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of the month, except for select exhibitions and special events. Fine arts exhibits, library. museum store.
- San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 Houston St, 210 212-4453, fax 210 242-1313. Adm. $5.95. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-4PM. Winter (School Year) hours: M 9AM-noon, T-F 9AM-3:30PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-4PM. Groups, parties, events, hands-on learning play.
- San Antonio Museum of Art (aka SAMA), 200 W Jones (2 blocks west of Broadway), 210 978-8100. Tu 10AM-8PM, W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-6PM. $8 adult, $7 sen., $5 student, $3 age 4-11. Free Tuesdays 4PM-8PM. Four floors of fabulous permanent collections, from Antiquities to Asian to Contemporary Art, as well as changing exhibits. Bring your sketchpad or camera (no flash, permanent collections only). Cafe SAMA serves only snacks. On the #7 Sightseer Special bus line, or via any of the buses along Broadway (#9,10,14) with several blocks walk. If you can do only one museum visit, this is the one to explore in San Antonio.
- Southwest School of Art & Craft, 1201 Navarro and 300 Augusta, 210 224-1848. Art/museum gift shop in the Ursuline Campus as well as student work in the hallways and cafe. Free. On bus lines, and the Ursuline Campus backs up to an older, parklike section of the River Walk.
- Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, 210 357-1900. Tu 10AM-9PM, W-Sa, 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM. $7 Ad/$6 sen/$5 kids 4-11, free Tuesdays 3PM-8PM. Dinosaurs, textiles, natural history, science treehouse, and more. A museum complex with lots of different activities going on – fun with kids!
- Tobin Center for Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle San Antonio 78205, 210 223-8624, https://www.tobincenter.org, M-F 10am- 6pm Sat 10am to 2 Pm (ticket purchasing hours at ticket window, tickets also available by phone) , prices and times vary based on performance. A world class preforming arts facility ranging from Ballet to Opera to Locals Choirs.
- La Mission Park, It is right next to the river walk which has a trail that is connected to all the other mission park. It is an amazing park for families to enjoy the nature side. It has swings and a playground for children. It has a basketball court for the athletes. In the summer, there is a pool to enjoy on a hot sunny day.
