Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Bexar County, TX

  • Published 2023/05/06

Bexar County is a historical epicenter within the south side of Texas.

Created in 1836, this county got its name from San Antonio de Béxar, a Mexican municipality in the state during that time.

With San Antonio as its county seat, the county’s most notable recognition is its Spanish Missions you can still visit today.

But when it comes to art, culture, and recreation, Bexar County stays a hit, too.

Some other attractions you can expect to find in this county include the San Antonio Riverwalk and SeaWorld San Antonio, both of which are famous globally.

This county is a part of the San Antonio–New Braunfels metropolitan area and spans about 1,300 square miles.

If you’re planning a trip across this county and its cities, read on.

Below are the 15 best things to do in Bexar County, Texas, you shouldn’t miss:

Breathe in the Scent of Flowers at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

Exterior of the San Antonio Botanical Garden

I, Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a must-visit if you’re looking for a good spot to admire nature and its creations.

Spanning 38 acres, this public park features a multitude of native and imported plants, some of which are rare and endangered.

It has been around since 1980.

And now, several years later, it has become an all-in-one living museum, conservation area, and entertainment venue.

Large chess pieces at San Antonio Botanical Garden

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Spring or not, this spot in San Antonio is always in bloom with its Japanese garden, a modern-scale conservatory, and several historical structures.

The facility also has a gift shop and a number of historic homes and lodges.

Its trails are also worth traversing if you’re interested in the distinct ecosystems of Texas.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is ready to amaze you at Funston Place.

Discover More About Locomotives and Engines at Texas Transportation Museum

Steam engine at Texas Transportation Museum

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At Bexar County, you have plenty of opportunities to learn about locomotives and engines.

The volunteer-run Texas Transportation Museum has been serving the community of San Antonio since 1964.

Its collection of engines includes automobiles, horse carriages, rail motor cars, and more!

Signage of Texas Transportation Museum

TParis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get to know more about Texas’ railroad system with a look at the museum’s scale models.

You can also ride flat car trains and diesel cabs, as these are part of the admission.

Browse through true-to-life vintage vehicles that go as far back as the 1920s.

The Texas Transportation Museum welcomes everyone on Wetmore Road.

Locomotive at Texas Transportation Museum

TParis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Soar Across the Texas Naturescape at Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines

In the city of Helotes, a daring adventure awaits you!

Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines is a family-operated outdoor facility residing in Madla Ranch.

Open in 2014, it features about 10 diverse zip lines reaching 1,000 feet and a championship disc golf course.

This aerial adventure gives you a bird’s eye view of downtown San Antonio and over 25 miles of Texas landscapes.

You might even get to spot a fireworks show from SeaWorld San Antonio when you ride the line on a night out.

Its 18-hole disc golf course comes with a variety of elevation changes to make your frisbee play more exciting.

You can find Helotes Hill Country Zip Lines on Frank Madla Road.

Travel Back to the Past When You Visit the Alamo

Exterior of the Alamo

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Live out ancient Texas during the time of Spanish settlements when you come by the Alamo.

This is where the infamous Battle of the Alamo in 1836 took place.

Now, the site has become a historical jewel that features an old church, a long barrack, and luscious gardens.

Discover the ruins of the Alamo church, which has become a memorial for the Alamo Defenders.

Bronze statue at the Alamo

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Meet historians and guides in decades-old attires as they offer reenactments and demonstrations.

And for a museum experience, drop by Ralston Family Collections Center and browse through its countless Texas artifacts and memorabilia.

The Alamo is always admission-free, so come visit when you’re within the area.

You can get to this historical landmark via Alamo Plaza in the city of San Antonio.

Structures at the Alamo

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Go for a Stroll along the San Antonio River Walk

Daytime view of San Antonio River Walk

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The San Antonio River Walk is one of the primary attractions in Texas.

Robert H. H. Hugman is the architect behind this 15-mile-long entertainment hub.

This public park features winding passages and boat docks on top of San Antonio‘s big-name shops, establishments, and other structures.

It has a special public art section filled with wall art and standing sculptures that you can visit.

Stairs at San Antonio River Walk

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Dine, shop, and go for casual strolls around this urban waterway.

For a unique riverwalk adventure, come by during the River Walk’s hosted events, including the Pride River Parade and the Holiday Artisan Show.

See the lights and fanfare at the San Antonio River Walk, which you can access along East Commerce Street.

Boat tour at San Antonio River Walk

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Play Disc Golf at Live Oak’s Main City Park

Live Oak’s Main City Park is your go-to spot for some outdoor family outings.

Established in 1971, this park is famous for being the home of an old Indian Campsite.

This park spans 75 acres and offers a variety of sports amenities.

Among its facilities include a football field, three baseball fields, and a disc golf course.

For the little ones, there are multiple playscapes and a fall-proof playground.

There are also picnic areas that are open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Opened in 2016, its accompanying skate park is an ideal hang-out spot for skateboarders and bikers.

Live Oak’s Main City Park sits along Park Drive, but it has entrances on Leafy Hollow and Welcome Drive.

Immerse Yourself in an Art Explosion at La Villita Historic Village

The grounds of La Villita Historic Village

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Art comes in many shapes and sizes, and this is what San Antonio‘s La Villita Historic Village is trying to make its audience know.

This art village comprises one square block at the southern edge of the San Antonio River Walk.

An artisan district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this site is one of the forming villages of San Antonio.

Its past goes all the way back to the 18th century.

Picnic tables along La Villita Historic Village

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

This is why you can find a varied array of architectural designs—from adobe homes to Early Victorian primes—when you stroll along the district.

The galleries and shops you can find lined up offer local art products you might want to check out.

La Villita Historic Village is on Villita Street.

A building at La Villita Historic Village

Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a Thrilling Time at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Signage of Six Flags Fiesta

University of College / Shutterstock.com

Nothing beats an adrenaline rush when you’re visiting Bexar County.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas dedicates itself to this very cause.

In fact, this amusement park prides itself on its label as the Thrill Capital of South Texas.

Ride with your loved ones around some of the fantasy-themed rides and thrilling coasters.

People at Six Flags Fiesta

Pizzacrustman at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are even rides along wading pools and other water attractions.

For your little ones, there are kid’s rides, including whirlwinds and swings.

Whether you’re a family person or a true thrill junkie, you can find your ride within this amusement park.

You can reach Six Flags Fiesta Texas via Interstate Highway 10 in the city of San Antonio.

Skyscreamer ride at Six Flags Fiesta

Jpp858, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Interact with Dolphins at the San Antonio Aquarium

You don’t have to plunge into deep sea waters to see marine life in its finest glory.

This is possible at the San Antonio Aquarium.

This interactive ocean-themed center has been serving the public since 2014.

Interact with animals, including stingrays, lorikeets, iguanas, and many more!

Watch as corals emit colorful glows or even snorkel with stingrays.

Completing the ocean vivarium of this aquarium are sociable mermaids with vibrant tails.

The San Antonio Aquarium is on Bandera Road in northwest San Antonio, more specifically the community of Leon Valley.

Meet a Variety of Wildlife at San Antonio Zoo

Exterior of San Antonio Zoo

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Get your much-needed break surrounded by animals you’ve loved and are yet to meet at the San Antonio Zoo.

Open all throughout the year, this zoo sits in San Antonio’s well-known Brackenridge Park.

The zoo has gathered animals since the 1800s, and now, it is home to over 750 animal species.

From forest wildlife to tropical birds and fowl, you’ve got a lot of animals to interact with.

Birds at San Antonio Zoo

Allison J. Hahn / Shutterstock.com

Mingle with flamingos and feed friendly hippos while on your visit.

There’s also a carousel and a zoo train onsite for the best zoo excursion.

The San Antonio Zoo is on North Saint Mary’s Street.

Flamingos at San Antonio Zoo

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Cool Down with a Swim at San Pedro Springs Park

The grounds of San Pedro Springs Park

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Planning to visit Bexar County’s most renowned historical sites?

Then, you shouldn’t miss out on San Antonio‘s offering—San Pedro Springs Park.

This might not look like your usual historical spot but it is the city’s oldest designated park and the country’s second oldest.

Back in 1709, this site first got its name from Fathers Antonio de San Buenaventura de Olivares and Isidro Felix de Espinosa.

A pavilion at San Pedro Springs Park

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Back then, the springs and its surrounding area were a sanctuary for many residents and visitors.

Several years later, it is now open as a public park with a swimming pool, a lighted tennis court, and a 2-mile nature trail.

Swim, walk, and enjoy the scenery all around—the views are worth it!

San Pedro Springs Park is on North Flores Street.

Swimming pool of San Pedro Springs Park

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Admire the Texas Landscape while Golfing at Olympia Hills Golf Course

Tee’s up at Olympia Hills Golf Course.

This premier golf course in Universal City offers an 18-hole course layout with dramatic vistas and elevation changes.

Opened in 2000, its course is abundant with Bexar County vegetation and live oaks.

It also has a golf facility, chipping greens, and bunkers for your first-time or practice golf sessions.

The facility also offers golf lessons and has a pro shop within the property.

Its accompanying clubhouse is an ideal event venue for weddings and other important celebrations.

If you’re looking for a more challenging golf play, why not join tournaments and leagues?

You can find Olympia Hills Golf Course on Mount Olympus.

Browse Through Vast Displays of Art at the McNay Art Museum

Exterior of the McNay Art Museum

Moab Republic / Shutterstock.com

Within the Alamo Heights suburb in San Antonio, the McNay Art Museum stands out among the rest.

Opened in 1954, it is Texas’ first modern art museum and spans 25 acres.

It features the massive collection of Ohio heiress Marion Koogler, who was better known as Marion Koogler McNay.

Her home, a Spanish Colonial-Revival house with 24 rooms, then became the museum you can see today.

Sculpture gallery in the McNay Art Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Inside the museum, marvel at the greatest examples of Medieval and Renaissance art.

Watch as art transforms into the new era from its displays of 19th to 21st-century art pieces.

The museum grounds also offer a sculpture garden and a lecture hall.

Look no further than the McNay Art Museum on North New Braunfels Avenue for an art adventure unlike any other.

Paperworks gallery in the McNay Art Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore the Underground Caves at Natural Bridge Caverns

Interior of Natural Bridge Caverns

John Le / Shutterstock.com

Dive deep into a magical underground at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Discovered in 1960, this underground jewel features unique rock formations and underground passages you won’t find elsewhere.

It offers a variety of tours focused on different areas and specialties of the cavern.

With the aid of LED lighting, view chandeliers and flowstones at least 180 feet below.

Stalactites in Natural Bridge Caverns

John Le / Shutterstock.com

Bring your adventure to the extreme with off-trail cave ventures into the muddiest and deepest parts of the cave.

Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio also have attractions above the surface, including fossil mining, outdoor mazes, and a ropes course.

Get going to Natural Bridge Caverns Road for a unique discovery into the depths of the earth.

Trail in Natural Bridge Caverns

Kokoulina / Shutterstock.com

Savor Italian Wines and Other Beverages at Helotes Creek Winery

Bexar County has a long list of wineries and vineyards everyone can enjoy.

In the city of Helotes, Helotes Creek Winery is one of them.

Opened in 2009, this winery features wine by the glass or in a bottle and even wine tastings.

Serenading you on your visit is live music on most nights.

And the best part is you can even customize your wine and its labels!

So, get your next souvenir from this wine’s shelves.

Helotes Creek Winery is on Old Bandera Road.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of the arts, Spanish history, or even marine life, you have a variety of attractions to keep you on your toes at Bexar County.

From outdoor recreation to indoor fun—and even underground exploration, this county pulls all the stops for your ultimate dream trip.

So, before packing your bags and booking your flight, be sure this article on the best things to do in Bexar County, Texas, is in your bookmarks.

You never know when you might need it soon!

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