San Antonio is a city rich in history, cultural diversity, and entertainment. There’s no shortage of fun things to do for adults in this vibrant city, making it one of the best places to escape for a good time, whether you’re a parent or just looking for a sophisticated, but fun night out in the Alamo City.
As you explore these local attractions, you’ll find that, as an adult, you have lots of options, from bars and restaurants to historic landmarks and other adult-only experiences.
During our trip, we had a chance to stay at the Hilton Canopy Riverwalk in San Antonio while exploring this amazing city!
Check out the San Antonio Breweries
A visit to San Antonio is incomplete without exploring the city’s thriving brewery scene. There’s something to satiate the taste buds of craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. One standout venue is the Alamo Beer Company, known for its homage to the city’s history and its robust selection of lagers and ales.
Freetail Brewing Co., another local favorite, offers an array of unique craft brews in an inviting, laid-back taproom.
For those interested in experimental beers, a trip to the Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery is a must. Housed in the historic Pearl Brewery building, it offers an impressive beer list that changes seasonally, ensuring there’s always something new to try!
Visit the Historic Pearl
Take a leisurely stroll in the Pearl Historic District. This area, once home to the Pearl Brewery in the 19th century, is now a vibrant cultural hub filled with unique shops, artisan food stalls, and beautifully restored buildings.
The centerpiece of your visit should be the Pearl Farmers Market. Open every weekend, the market is a cornucopia of fresh, locally-sourced produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods. Here, you can rub shoulders with locals, learn about sustainable farming, and sample or purchase a myriad of delectable treats.
There are also some incredible restaurants and local boutiques you can explore.
Experience San Antonio’s Nightlife
San Antonio’s nightlife is as diverse as its rich history, with the city’s top bars offering a blend of Texas charm and Tex-Mex allure. Pat O’Brien’s, renowned for its iconic Hurricane cocktails, provides a true New Orleans experience right in the heart of Texas.
Meanwhile, Bar 1919, tucked away in the basement of the Blue Star Arts Complex, is a haven for whiskey lovers with its expansive collection of over 500 spirits from around the world.
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Delve into San Antonio’s Speakeasy Scene
San Antonio is not just renowned for its history and great food; it’s also home to a thriving, covert speakeasy scene. Hidden behind unmarked doors, in basements, or even in plain sight, these secret bars provide an intoxicating blend of intrigue, nostalgia, and exceptional cocktails.
San Antonio’s speakeasies are a nod to the 1920s Prohibition era, offering an experience that is both unique and exhilarating. From the hushed ambiance to the carefully crafted drinks, these hidden gems provide a memorable night out.
To discover the city’s best-kept secrets, check out our dedicated blog post on San Antonio’s speakeasies. There, we go into the city’s hidden nightlife, guiding you to where you can soak in the ambiance of a bygone era.
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Book a Soak at Camp Hot Wells
For a truly unique San Antonio experience, ensure you book a soak at Camp Hot Wells. This oasis in the city is a historical hot springs site that’s been transformed into a serene spa retreat.
It is a great way to relax and recharge after a long day of exploring San Antonio. The hot springs are said to have a number of health benefits. These include reducing stress, improving circulation, and relieving muscle pain. Afterwards, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle anything!
Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure a spot so you can fully experience the tranquility of this hidden gem.
Discover the Vibrant Colors of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Unveil the beauty of nature at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This sprawling 38-acre, living museum features vast landscapes and stunning displays of flora from various ecosystems. Here, you can wander through the Texas Native Trail to get a close-up view of the state’s diverse plant life. You can also meander through the lush tropical exhibit in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory.
Explore the King William Historic District
Step back in time as you stroll through the King William Historic District. It is one of San Antonio’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
This district was once inhabited by the city’s most illustrious German merchants in the 19th century. It is not just an architectural treasure trove for history buffs but also a testament to the city’s rich past. With the beautifully preserved homes, it showcases Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles.
As you wander the leafy streets, soaking in the historical sites, be sure to indulge in some fine dining at one of the many gourmet restaurants in the area. You can also enjoy a craft cocktail at a stylish bar.
The King William Historic District offers a sophisticated and leisurely experience that adult visitors are sure to appreciate!
Discover the Historic Market Square
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and color of San Antonio at Market Square. It’s the largest Mexican market in the United States.
Locally known as “El Mercado,” this bustling, three-block, outdoor plaza is teeming with over 100 shops and stalls. They sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to textiles and traditional Mexican attire. The wide range of choices will captivate you, with each booth sharing a unique story of Mexican history and craftsmanship.
As the heart of San Antonio’s Mexican culture, the historic Market Square also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. This is where traditional music, dance performances, and delicious Mexican cuisine take center stage. On any given day, you’ll likely hear mariachi music filling the air.
You can also smell the enticing aroma of fajitas and tamales wafting from the numerous eateries. Don’t forget to try the mouth-watering Tex-Mex cuisine at Mi Tierra Café and Bakery. It’s a beloved local institution that’s been serving up delicious dishes 24 hours a day since 1941! Although touristy, this is one of those places that has actually earned its good name (and long waits on the weekends).
Visiting Market Square is a must for anyone wanting to experience the diverse cultural attractions and vibrant spirit of San Antonio!
Experience Thrills at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
For those seeking adrenaline-pumping excitement, a visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas should be high on your San Antonio itinerary. This 200-acre amusement park offers a thrilling range of roller coasters, rides, and attractions that will appeal to adults and daredevils alike. The park is divided into five themed areas, each offering a unique blend of rides, entertainment, and dining options.
Feel the rush of the Iron Rattler, a hybrid wooden and steel roller coaster renowned for its daring drops and hairpin turns. Or, for a supercharged experience, dare to take on the Superman Krypton Coaster, touted as one of the tallest and fastest floorless roller coasters in the world!
Six Flags Fiesta Texas isn’t just about the rides. The park also offers spectacular live performances and shows that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. From exhilarating stunt shows to live music performances, there’s something for everyone!
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Have Fun at SeaWorld San Antonio
Spend some time at SeaWorld San Antonio and enjoy the sea’s irreplaceable beauty. Interact with sea life up close and dive into the world below the waves. Watch amazing shows or laugh at the funny Pets Ahoy show featuring rescue animals from the area.
Don’t forget their rides, like the Great White Coaster. In fact, at the new Discovery Point, you can get right up close and personal with a dolphin and more!
Explore Natural Bridge Caverns
One of the most awe-inspiring attractions in San Antonio is Natural Bridge Caverns, an underground wonderland of ancient formations. Here, adult visitors can embark on an adventurous Discovery Tour, where they will descend 180 feet below ground to admire an array of majestic stalagmites and stalactites.
For those looking for more thrills, there’s also the Hidden Passages Tour, which involves trekking through tight passages and witnessing an unforgettable light display in total darkness.
Go on a Historic Mission
Did you know that San Antonio Missions National Park is actually made up of four different missions, each built during the early 1700s? That’s right, four! And they’re all within a few miles of each other, so you can easily visit them all in one day. Simply take the San Antonio Mission Trail, a 12-mile scenic path that connects them all.
You can choose to walk or bike the trail, but they also offer guided tours. And don’t forget, all of the missions still hold a Catholic Mass today, so be sure to check their schedules if you’re interested in attending!
If you’re looking for a great way to see more of historic San Antonio, I recommend taking the Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour. This tour visits all four sites within the Missions National Park, as well as the La Villita Historic Arts Village and the Espada Aqueduct. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of San Antonio from a knowledgeable guide.
Learn About the Texas Revolution at the Alamo
No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll through the iconic Alamo. The site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution, the Alamo today commemorates that history as a museum.
The compound itself was originally a Spanish mission, so the architecture alone is worth the visit. Be sure to check out the Long Barrack, which housed the Alamo’s defenders during the siege, and the Shrine, which contains the remains of many of those defenders.
And of course, be sure to stop at the gift shop. There, you’ll find a variety of souvenirs, including books, clothing, and toys.
Explore the City on a Guided Tour
The Hop-on Hop-off Tour
If you want to see more of San Antonio than just the River Walk, I highly recommend taking the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-Off Tour.
This tour takes you to all the major attractions, including the Alamo, Market Square, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Tower of the Americas, San Fernando Cathedral, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, the King William Historic District, and Yanaguana Garden.
The best part about the Hop-on Hop-off Tour is that you can get off at any stop that interests you to learn more about it. Then, when you’re ready, you can just hop on the next bus and continue on your way! Click here to book!
If you’re low on time, try this San Antonio bus tour. Sit back and see San Antonio at a much faster pace. This option only lasts one hour, but you’ll still get a great taste of the Alamo City!
Highlights & Alamo Guided Tour
On the San Antonio Highlights & Alamo Guided Tour, your ticket includes access to the Tower of the Americas, a guided tour of the Alamo, and a 35-minute river cruise.
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Attend Adult Events at San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo speed dating event is a fun and unique way to meet new people. This adults-only event called “Meet Your Next Ex” takes place at the zoo after hours and gives you the chance to speed date with other singles in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Even if Cupid’s arrow doesn’t strike, you’ll have a memorable night filled with giggles, animals, and the joy of meeting new people. It’s not just dating—it’s an adventure!
Another upcoming event for 2024 is Zoo La-La. It’s the San Antonio Zoo’s annual adult-only fundraising event. It’s a night of fun, food, and drinks, all while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Guests at Zoo La-La can sample food from over 50 of San Antonio’s top restaurants, enjoy drinks from a variety of local bars and breweries, and dance the night away to live music. Purchase your tickets here.
Explore Art and Culture in San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio Museum of Arts is a great place to visit for adults of all interests. It is home to a world-class collection of art from over 5,000 years of history, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Latin American, and contemporary art. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or just starting to explore the world of art, you are sure to find something to enjoy at SAMA.
The museum has a wide variety of adult events throughout the year, including: public tours, special exhibition tours, lectures and workshops and social events.
To learn more about adult events at SAMA, please visit the museum’s online event calendar.
Discover the Wild West at the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon
People who are interested in Texas culture and want to know why “everything’s bigger in Texas” should go to the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon. The owner of the saloon donated a lot of his own collection to start it, apart from his interest in natural history and its artifacts.
Today, the museum has more than 500 different kinds of animal bones! The nearby Texas Ranger Museum shows off Texas’ cowboy history with items and more that tell the story of the wild frontier.
Book a Texas Hill Country Wine Tour
The Texas Hill Country, nestled in the heart of Texas, is renowned for its picturesque scenery and its impressive range of high-quality wines. Exploring this area on a wine tour is an absolute must for any wine enthusiast visiting San Antonio.
The region boasts over 50 unique wineries, each offering a rich and diverse selection of wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of the Texas Hill Country. The tour will transport you through lush, rolling landscapes dotted with vineyards, where you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines ranging from robust reds to crisp whites.
Many of these wineries also offer vineyard tours and winemaking classes, providing you with a deeper understanding of the wine production process. You’ll also the chance to meet the passionate winemakers themselves! Combined with the region’s stunning natural beauty, a wine tour in the Texas Hill Country makes for an unforgettable experience!
Delight in Doseum ReDo Nights
For a unique take on San Antonio nightlife, don’t miss the chance to relive your childhood at Doseum’s ReDo Adult Nights. Specifically designed for adults, these special events transform the city’s hands-on children’s museum into an adults-only playground.
Each ReDo night is themed, offering participants the chance to engage with interactive exhibits, participate in imaginative games, and even create their own works of art.
The event also features local food, craft beers, and cocktails for those who want to mix a bit of mature fun with their childlike exploration. See their event calendar for more!
Embark on a River Cruise with Margaritas
Experience the vibrant heart of San Antonio on a Go Rio Cruise! These fun and informative river tours offer you a unique perspective of the city’s rich history, conveyed through captivating narratives as you glide along the water of the San Antonio River.
What’s more, you’re free to enjoy your choice of alcoholic beverages onboard, making for a truly relaxing ride. The highlight, of course, is savoring a classic margarita, a fitting nod to the city’s Mexican heritage.
Following your cruise, continue your leisurely evening with a stroll along the iconic San Antonio River Walk. This bustling waterfront promenade, with its myriad of shops, restaurants, and historic sites, also allows visitors to carry alcoholic beverages. That means your margarita can accompany you every step of the way!
Experience Jazz TX
If you’re on the hunt for the top fun things to do in San Antonio for adults, look no further than Jazz TX. Located in the cellar of the historic Bottling Department at the Pearl, Jazz TX is both a music venue and an upscale bar where you can experience the rich heritage of Texas jazz.
The club showcases a variety of genres, from traditional jazz to Texas swing, salsa, blues, and more. With performances Tuesday through Saturday nights, you can indulge in a night of soulful live music and a menu offering Texas and Southern-style cuisine.
The ambiance is lively yet intimate, making for an unparalleled evening of entertainment and gastronomy. This is an experience not to be missed on your next trip to San Antonio!
Dine with a View of the City Below
One of the most scenic dining experiences in San Antonio is at Chart House, located at the top of the Tower of the Americas. The food is decent, but the main attraction is the breathtaking view from 750 feet above the city. While you eat, this revolving restaurant will treat you to an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the glorious San Antonio skyline.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a stunning backdrop, be sure to add the Chart House to your list of must-visit places in San Antonio!
Unwind with Drinks at Paramour
To cap off the evening, spend some quality time with your loved one(s) with a trip to Paramour. It is known for its stylish decor, atmospheric vibe, and spectacular view of the San Antonio skyline from the terrace. On a clear night, there’s a great view for miles in every direction!
This trendy rooftop bar offers a wide array of artisan cocktails, wines, and craft beers. Savor a decadent cocktail such as their signature Paramour’s Passion or opt for a classic choice like the Old Fashioned. With a drink in hand, relish the unique atmosphere as you take in the twinkling city lights below.
If you’re not one for alcohol, their rooftop coffee bar serves some of the best brews in the city!
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Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Adults: Final Thoughts
Discovering the top fun things to do in San Antonio for adults offers a delightful blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. From its historical sites to its bustling nightlife, it offers some of the most fun things you can imagine!
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions National Park, and the Pearl District. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the delicious restaurants serving up everything from Tex-Mex to international cuisine.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local revisiting favorite spots, San Antonio ensures you have the best time. So hit the town and experience all that this city has to offer!
Permanently Closed
These places may be permanently closed but still have a special place in our hearts (plus we hate when we can’t find a place we previously remembered and enjoyed). So these remain on our list even though they may not exist anymore, in case you hold onto memories of them the same way we do. We’re weird and sentimental.
Steves Homestead House Museum
This place is a lavishly furnished Victorian mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its time.
Last Updated 8 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: October 28, 2023
