May 9, 2019

Two passenger boats on the river headed under a bridge at the riverwalk in San Antonio, TX.San Antonio is home to some amazing sites. Even if you’re a local, sometimes the best way to experience the city is just like a tourist. There are so many incredible attractions, museums, and restaurants. Here’s a quick guide to exploring the city in a whole new way!

Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns

Located just outside of the city is Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest commercially run caves in the state of Texas. There are two different tours you can take, each lasting around 70 minutes. In addition to the amazing cave exploration experience, the grounds offer several other adrenaline-pumping activities. The Canopy Challenge adventure course includes platforms, ladders, and zip lines as high as 60 feet in the air. There is also a gemstone mining tour which educates on how settlers panned for gold and identified other precious gems while mining.

Take Advantage of the River Walk

Locals of many cities will work to avoid places that tourists flock to. It’s almost as if two separate groups of people experience different parts of the same city, all while sharing the common areas. However, this approach can lead you to miss out on some exciting things. One shining example of this is the San Antonio River Walk, a stunning stretch of restaurants, nature and shops following the San Antonio River.

Stroll Through Market Square

You won’t find too many locals regularly attending Market Square. This massive street-fair feeling market is full of unique souvenirs and gifts, which helps explain why not as many locals attend. However, there’s something about the atmosphere of Market Square that can’t be overstated. Yes, it may be busy, noisy, and crowded, but that’s all part of the market experience! Some people fly thousands of miles to eat food from street vendors and shop in foreign countries. Instead of hopping on a plane, experience some incredible culture right in Market Square.

Visit or Revisit the Alamo

The city of San Antonio is oozing with historical sites. One of the most famous, of course, is the Alamo. In 1836, one of the most well-known battles fought on American soil took place. A small division took a stand against the Mexican army with numbers around 3,000. Despite being wildly outnumbered, and the battle lasting under an hour, it became a key point in the fight for Texan’s independence. Relive some of the rich history, and you may even see something you looked over the last time you visited.

Discover the San Antonio Zoo

With over 3,500 animals spanning 750 species, the San Antonio Zoo is one of the most impressive destinations for animal lovers. Kids and adults alike will love getting up close and personal with the animals who share the planet with us.

San Antonio has a rich culture and history that is evident at every street corner. If you’re a local and haven’t had a chance to visit all of the locations above, they are definitely worth a visit. Let loose a little and experience San Antonio like a tourist!

Image via Flickr by Mobilus in Mobili | CC BY-SA 2.0.