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The Atlas Obscura Guide To San Antonio

40 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas

Updated July 28, 2022

Unusual Attractions in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Japanese Tea Garden

A gorgeous garden oasis with winding paths, stone bridges, and a troubling history.

San Antonio, Texas

Bracken Cave

The summer home of the largest colony of bats in the world.

San Antonio, Texas

World's Largest Cowboy Boots

These boots are made for selfies.

San Antonio, Texas

Hot Wells Hotel and Spa

Ruins of a once-opulent grand Victorian resort.

San Antonio, Texas

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

A 131-year-old wunderkammer of Texas history.

San Antonio, Texas

Mission San Jose

Three hundred years of preserved Spanish colonial history in San Antonio.

San Antonio, Texas

The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and Museum

A National Historic Landmark with a scenic clock tower and park filled with deer and peacocks, plus a military museum.

San Antonio, Texas

Largest Virgin Mary Mosaic in the World

The 40-foot-tall votive candle is the largest of its kind.

See All 40 Things To Do in San Antonio

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

A 131-year-old wunderkammer of Texas history.

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Guided Tours of San Antonio

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

7 Creative Ways to Take in San Antonio’s Culture

If you’re planning a trip to San Antonio, all signs will point you to the Riverwalk, the most-visited tourist destination in the whole state. And while the area offers countless bars, restaurants, and shops, the city is host to a wide array of cultural gems, waiting in plain sight. Whether it’s visiting gorgeous missions, touring sculpture gardens, or immersing yourself in African-American history, San Antonio contains fascinating excursions that will brighten up any trip.

Explore San Antonio, Texas

Museums And Collections 5

Architectural Oddities 4

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Stories About San Antonio

Video: The Majesty of San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

San Antonio is home to five missions, which are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are the only heritage sites in the U.S. that remain active parishes.

Sponsored by Visit San Antonio

The Kingfishers That Shacked Up at the Start of the Pandemic Aren’t Sick of Each Other Yet

Before the birds moved in together, they had to learn to "howdy."

by Jessica Leigh Hester

Three Headstones in American Military Cemeteries Bear Swastikas

But not for much longer.

by Matthew Taub

Can a Salamander Find Salvation in San Antonio?

A zoo lab's successful captive-breeding program may be the best hope for this critically endangered amphibian.

by Jennifer S. Holland

The Forgotten Chefs Who Made Carne con Chile a Texas Mexican Standard

"Chili queens" spread the dish from San Antonio's plazas.

The Small Mystery of Why Bats Keep Returning to This House

“I don't understand why of all of these beautiful homes, mine is the one the bats are attracted to."

by Erik Shilling

The Goldfish That Got a Wheelchair

It helps it stay underwater.

by Eric Grundhauser

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