San Antonio Things a Local Would Do For Fun

Check out my notes on EVERY destination. Can't go wrong with this town. There's a reason why SA is the most popular tourist destination in Texas. I usually hate the tourist magnet things to do, but here many of the touristy spots are still a lot of fun, and you'll see a lot of locals mixed in the crowd.

This is the number one tourist place to go in SA. Some restaurants, bars and shops are tourist traps, others are great fun, and there's always a lively nightlife here.

I hate theme parks, but Seaworld is just fun. Kind of makes you wish you'd grown up to be a marine biologist. Then you could play with the dolphins too. This is not a Texas or San Antonio unique thing to do, but I put it on the list to do only if you've got a full day and you're sick of bars, mexican food, and famous old missions.

This is the one thing on my list I haven't tried myself, but I've always wanted to do it. I've heard nothing but good things about this tour, and it is truly a unique San Antonio experience.

Famous place next to River Walk. Don't plan on spending too much time here, but I suppose between drinks on the river you really should wander up to street level for a few minutes to see it. You're in San Antonio. The Alamo is probably walking distance from your hotel. See it and then check it off your list.

I always thought this was such a cool little area. Slightly off the beaten path, it's definitely not a normal tourist destination. There are some nice craft shops here that might be good for souvenir shopping. This might be somewhere nice to visit in the early evening after having a quick beer at the Blue Star Brewing Co., and before heading to Rosario's for Margarita's and dinner.

Eclectic bar scene, and good burgers. Usually it's pretty crowded at night, and the St. Mary's Street area has several other good bars nearby. Not a typical tourist place.

Great upscale river walk bar destination for locals and tourists alike.

Not ON the river, so it's a little harder to find for tourists. A nice more relaxed atmosphere to chill and buy expensive glasses of wine.

This gay bar is still pretty friendly to straight people too. By far the coolest hard core dance club in SA. Lots of loud, pounding base sounds. There are multiple rooms to explore here making it feel like you're at a wild party at someone's mansion. Because it's "striaght" night, Wednesday is a popular night for everyone to go.

Great Irish pub on the river. They usually have a piano man playing which makes this a fun place to hang with plenty of other tourists and locals.

I imagine few tourists go here, but you have to be in the mood to drive a little. The owner is a former Vegas lounge singer who plays pretty much every night. The music act makes the atmosphere unique and fun.

This is the place I'd go if I were trying to have a fun bachelor(ette) party. It's on the river, so of course there are tourists there, but everybody wants to have fun and dance.

I know, it's a chain, but especially if you go with a group, this place is always fun! Try and go early enough to get a table, or you may be standing all night! The cover charge can be steep, so you might be inclined to stay longer if you decide to pay the toll.

If you're looking for a unique Texas experience, you'll NO DOUBT find it here! Have a couple of beers and watch the rodeo they have every night! Considering they do it every night, it's not cheesy, and quite authentic. Guys who try the bull ride will be thrown off quick by the operator. The girls get a slow ride to show off their stuff. Watch a few people, then just DO IT! You'll be glad you did!

If you feel like a museum, this one is pretty good, and in a nice gardenesque setting. You'll probably find more locals here than tourists on the weekend. It's just a nice place to spend an afternoon and chill out.