Looking for unusual things to do in San Antonio? Skip the Alamo and the River Walk (well, sort of) and dive into the lesser-known adventures the city has to offer. From quirky museums to haunted tours, discover activities that will make your trip unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Snap a photo with the world’s largest cowboy boots at North Star Mall, a quirky and iconic landmark in San Antonio.
- Explore Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience of creative and humorous artworks on toilet seats.
- Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a serene environment with a waterfall, koi pond, and rentable spots for special events.
Visit the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
Snap a photo with the world’s largest cowboy boots, standing proudly in front of Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall. These boots, designed by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade, towering over 35 feet tall, were initially part of a public art exhibit near the White House before finding their permanent home in San Antonio in 1979. They were transported by truck and one of the boots got stuck under an overpass as they made their way to their new home.
Made of urethane foam and painted to look like ostrich skin, these boots are built on a steel frame and have a rich history. Vandals once damaged the boots, prompting Wade to add a cement covering to the bottom portion. Today, they stand as a quirky and iconic landmark in San Antonio, even once serving as a broadcasting station for a country radio station during the rodeo.
Explore Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
Sadly, San Antonio lost the infamous Toilet Seat Art Museum in 2018, but you can still visit it in The Colony, Texas. San Antonio also lost one of its most interesting and beloved residents in 2019. We include the Toilet Seat Art Museum as a nod to his legacy here in San Antonio.
Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is a fascinating destination for those with a taste for the quirky and unconventional. Formerly located in San Antonio, this niche museum showcases the unique art of toilet seats, all created by the late Barney Smith. Each seat tells a story adorned with various items and themes that reflect Smith’s creativity and humor.
The museum, now located at 5959 Grove Lane, The Colony, TX, operates from 11 AM to 12 AM on Sundays through Wednesdays and extends its hours until 2 AM from Thursday to Saturday. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else, making it a perfect addition to your list of (former) unusual things to do in San Antonio.
Take a Haunted Bar Tour
The Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl in Texas offers a thrilling experience for enthusiasts of all things spooky. This tour takes you to four of San Antonio’s oldest and most haunted bars, including Cadillac Bar, Gunther Hotel, and Ernie’s Bar at the Crockett Hotel. The tours run on Friday and Saturday nights at 10:00 PM, and reservations are required.
During the tour, you’ll hear tales of gruesome events and garish apparitions while enjoying drink specials at three of the bars and free cover at each stop. It’s a thrilling way to explore San Antonio’s nightlife and history, as well as some San Antonio attractions, all while enjoying some spooky stories and spirits when visiting San Antonio.
Discover Hot Wells Hotel and Spa Ruins
The historic ruins of the Hot Wells Hotel and Spa invite you to travel back in time. Originally opened in 1893, this luxurious resort was famous for its hot sulfur springs and attracted celebrities and politicians, including Charlie Chaplin and Theodore Roosevelt. It was even nicknamed “Second Hollywood” due to the over seventy silent movies filmed there.
Despite facing multiple fires that led to its eventual closure, the ruins of the Hot Wells Hotel still hold a certain charm and historical significance. Now part of a public park managed by Bexar County, visitors can wander through the preserved ruins and imagine the grandeur that once was.
Kayak on the San Antonio River Walk
Kayaking the scenic waterways of the San Antonio River Walk offers a unique perspective of this iconic attraction, including the nearby San Antonio Missions. Mission Kayak provides all the necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets. It’s a blend of adventure and relaxation as you paddle through the heart of San Antonio.
The Museum Reach segment offers sights like the Pearl Brewery and is especially smooth and relaxing in the morning. Don’t forget to bring a sunhat and sunscreen, as public parking is available but not included in the rental price. The abundance of wildlife along the river’s banks adds to the charm of this outdoor activity.
See a Performance at the Majestic Theatre
Blending Spanish Mission, Baroque, and Mediterranean architectural styles, the Majestic Theatre is a historic gem in downtown San Antonio. Opened in 1929, it was the largest movie house in the South and the first fully air-conditioned theater in Texas. The theater’s interior simulates a nighttime sky with a blue vaulted ceiling and twinkling stars. Not far from this iconic venue, you can find the San Fernando Cathedral, as well as the Blue Star Arts Complex, another cultural hotspot in San Antonio.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the Majestic Theatre underwent a significant restoration in 1989. Today, it hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to live music, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience San Antonio’s cultural scene.
Wander Through Hopscotch
Hopscotch, a 20,000 square feet gallery, invites you to immerse yourself in the world of interactive art with 15 immersive installations created by over 40 artists from around the world. It’s an experience designed to inspire and challenge visitors through experiential art.
Visitors typically spend 60-90 minutes exploring the gallery, which includes a Hop Shop selling unique gifts and custom curiosities created by local artists. It’s a fun and thought-provoking way to spend an afternoon in San Antonio.
Visit the San Antonio Fire Museum
The San Antonio Fire Museum, located next to the Alamo at San Antonio’s original Central Fire Headquarters on Alamo St, offers intriguing insights into the history of firefighting in Alamo City. The museum features artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s, including antique fire trucks and firefighting equipment.
Kids will love climbing aboard a 1953 International fire truck and dressing up in authentic replicas of firefighters’ turnout gear. Operated by the San Antonio Fire Museum Society, a public charity, the museum is maintained by volunteers who dedicate over 1,200 hours each month to keeping this piece of history alive.
Marvel at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe Western Art Museum is a bona fide treasure trove housing a collection of stunning sculptures and artwork. The McNutt Sculpture Garden within the museum features notable pieces like “Buffalo Dance” by Glenna Goodacre and “The Eyes of Texas” by Bill Nebeker.
Other highlights include “Thank You Lord” by Harold Holden and “The Bronc” by Veryl Goodnight. The museum’s collection captures the spirit of the American West and is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden, a beautifully sculpted park with a 600-foot waterfall and a koi pond, provides a serene, relaxing environment. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk and is wheelchair accessible.
The Jingu House and patio, along with the pavilion and waterfall area, can be rented for weddings and special events. With plans to add lighting to the lower garden area, the Japanese Tea Garden is a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.
Check Out the Witte Museum
The Witte Museum invites you to explore its diverse exhibits covering South Texas’s nature, science, and culture. Highlights include the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, which features a skeleton of the meat-eating Acrocanthosaurus, and the McLean Family Texas Wild Gallery, which showcases over 150 Texas animals.
Other must-see exhibits include the H-E-B Body Adventure, the People of the Pecos Gallery, and the Robert J. & Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center. With its wide range of exhibits, the Witte Museum offers something for everyone.
Sample Giant Pizzas at Big Lou’s Pizza
Big Lou’s Pizza offers an indulgent opportunity to taste one of the largest pizzas in the country. Measuring a whopping 42 inches in diameter, these pizzas have been a staple in the San Antonio community since 2000. The restaurant is located on the Southeast side of the city and is a local favorite.
Big Lou’s Pizza emphasizes using fresh ingredients, including vegetables and house-made sauces. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget, especially if you love giant, delicious pizzas.
Experience the Science Mill
The Science Mill, a museum housed in an 1880s steam mill, invites you to delve into the world of STEM. The “Surviving Space: Astronauts & Asteroids” exhibit offers hands-on activities to experience life as an astronaut and learn about NASA’s efforts to protect Earth from asteroids.
Other exciting exhibits include the “Colossal Robotic Hand,” “Virtual Body Table,” and “Create an Explosion,” which demonstrate various scientific principles through interactive displays. It’s a great place for college students and anyone interested in hands-on learning.
Take a Trip to the Texas Air Museum
The Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field, located near Houston Street, offers a window into Texas’s rich aviation history. This museum highlights San Antonio’s contributions to military air power development, including the story of the “Flying Stinson Family” and why San Antonio is regarded as the birthplace of American military aviation.
Exhibits cover a wide range of aviation history, from the early days to the “golden age” of aviation, and feature World War II aircraft significant in both the Pacific and European theaters. Staffed entirely by passionate volunteers, the museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Visit the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology
The San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) beckons you to immerse yourself in the world of technology and innovation. The “Virtual Reality” exhibit, featuring zSpace 3D technology, allows visitors to explore various realms, from architecture to the life cycle of a butterfly.
SAMSAT offers various educational programs that serve over 185,000 area students. The museum’s history section covers the evolution of electricity, electronics, computer, communications, and cyber technology.
Have Fun at Legoland Discovery Center
The Legoland Discovery Center in San Antonio offers a day of creativity and fun. This indoor Lego playground features over 12 attractions and rides, including millions of Lego bricks for various building activities.
The center offers all-inclusive birthday party packages that include rides, games, and pizza, making it a perfect spot for celebrations. Annual passes are also available, providing unlimited access to the playground and ensuring ongoing fun for kids and adults alike.
Ride the Rails at Texas Transportation Museum
The Texas Transportation Museum, home to the Longhorn & Western Railroad, offers the thrilling experience of riding the rails. This private railway, built entirely by amateur volunteers, features a genuine Southern Pacific depot originally built in 1941.
Visitors can ride a full-sized train every Saturday and Sunday, with rides starting at 10:30 AM and continuing every hour on the half-hour. The museum’s collection includes two steam engines, two diesel locomotives, and a variety of other rolling stock, making it a fascinating destination for train enthusiasts.
Take a Selfie at Selena’s Bridge
The iconic Selena’s Bridge on the San Antonio River Walk offers a picturesque spot for capturing a memorable selfie. This picturesque spot, located between Navarro and North St. Mary’s streets, gained fame from a romantic scene in the 1997 biopic ‘Selena,’ where Jennifer Lopez, portraying Selena Quintanilla, shared a moment with her on-screen husband.
Fans and visitors flock to the bridge to pay tribute to the late singer and recreate that memorable scene. It’s a must-visit for any Selena fan and a beautiful spot to capture a piece of San Antonio’s cultural heritage.
Visit La Villita Historic Arts Village
The charming La Villita Historic Arts Village, one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods and a location listed on the National Register of Historic Places, welcomes you to step in and explore. This district features over 25 shops and galleries showcasing local handmade goods within one artsy square block in downtown San Antonio, making it a must-visit destination for those in San Antonio TX.
La Villita boasts various architectural styles, including adobe and Victorian buildings, and hosts over 200 events annually. It’s a delightful place to explore with romantic courtyards, spacious plazas, and unique dining options blending traditional and innovative southwest flavors.
Explore Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
Offering a variety of amenities for all ages, Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair is an outdoor park worth exploring. The park features:
- Sandpits
- Chess tables
- Ping pong
- Foosball
- A splash pad perfect for cooling off during hot days
It’s a great spot for family-friendly fun and community events.
Designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, Yanaguana provides inclusive play areas and is conveniently located near a variety of food and drink options. Whether you’re looking to relax or engage in outdoor activities, this park has something for everyone.
Summary
San Antonio is a city full of surprises, with a wealth of unusual and exciting activities waiting to be explored. From the world’s largest cowboy boots and quirky museums to haunted tours and serene gardens, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, art lover, history buff, or foodie, these 20 unique experiences will enrich your visit to San Antonio. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Alamo City!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the world’s largest cowboy boots in San Antonio?
The world’s largest cowboy boots are in front of Saks Fifth Avenue at North Star Mall in San Antonio. They are quite a sight!
What are the operating hours for Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum?
The museum, now located in The Colony, Texas, is open from 11 AM to 12 AM on Sundays through Wednesdays, and from Thursday to Saturday, it’s open until 2 AM. So, plan your visit accordingly!
How can I join the Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl in Texas?
To join the Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl in Texas, make sure to book a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights at 10:00 PM. Enjoy the spooky experience!
What can I expect to see at the Witte Museum?
You can expect to see diverse exhibits at the Witte Museum, including dinosaur skeletons, Texas wildlife, and interactive health exhibits. So, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Are there any unique dining experiences in San Antonio?
Absolutely! Big Lou’s Pizza offers a unique dining experience where you can indulge in one of the largest pizzas in the country, measuring 42 inches in diameter.
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