Best Frugal Things to Do in San Antonio Downtown

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 compiled a list of ten free or low-cost activities in San Antonio. 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, 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!

What to Do at the River Walk

One place I’d suggest visiting is the River Walk, which runs along San Antonio’s Downtown Area. 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.

Why 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.

Although there’s a small admission fee, I assure you it’s budget-friendly. 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.

Relax or 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 completely free and offers plenty for kids to explore and enjoy.

You can also come here to chill.

As for the rest, check the park’s event schedule, as there’s always something going on, from kids’ reading hours to live music, splash pads, climbing structures, swings, and plenty of room to explore.

Best of all? The park is well-maintained and regularly inspected for safety. So, kick back, relax, and watch the kids have fun… or join in and play together.

Shop and Snack at 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.

See Free Modern Art at Artpace

If you and your family love culture, then head over to Artspace in San Antonio. There are seven free museums to explore, and plenty of others offer 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 frequently, so you’ll always find something new to explore.

Enjoy a Picnic at Travis Park Downtown

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 is perhaps the most famous site in San Antonio to visit, the city also boasts many other notable places. 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 the home and office of the Spanish military from 1722 until the presidio was finally abandoned 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 Books at San Antonio Central Library

Need a place to cool off, unwind, and relax? The 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 numerous interactive learning stations and reading areas. 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.

The 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.

See the San Fernando Cathedral Light Show

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 affordable.

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 girls’ trip ideas for your next girlfriends’ getaway.

Stop dreaming about your next great adventure and start planning.

FAQ: Things to Do in San Antonio Downtown

San Antonio’s full of charm, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend like a tourist. These quick answers cover the best downtown spots, what’s free, and how to squeeze the most fun out of your frugal getaway.

Image 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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