10 Most Popular Streets in San Antonio

Houston Street is a pedestrian-friendly boulevard in San Antonio's central business district. As among the most popular streets in San Antonio, it’s one of the oldest in town and is lined with clothing stores, trendy restaurants, hotels, and theatres. Grab a coffee from local favourites Revolución Coffee + Juice or La Panadería and enjoy a sidewalk stroll.

Be sure to book seats to see a show at the Majestic Theatre. The historic venue dates back to the early 1920s. It frequently hosts children's theatre, comedians, and nationally touring concerts, among other live entertainment. One of the biggest attractions on Houston Street is The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. You can discover Texas cowboy culture, see an exotic animal collection and authentic Texas Ranger artefacts, and pick up Old West-themed gifts and souvenirs.

St. Mary's Strip lies north of downtown San Antonio and it’s where younger crowds of locals enjoy all kinds of nightlife entertainment. The 1 km-long strip is known as ‘San Antonio's first entertainment corridor’ and saw its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s. The street was a famed hotbed for grunge, heavy metal, punk and garage bands in those days.

Today, a bevvy of new bars, restaurants, and dance clubs draw weekend crowds. Popular spots include La Botánica for its veggie-focused dishes, Limelight for cheap beer and Monday open-mic nights, and Faust for its late-night eats and live DJs.

Broadway Street is one of San Antonio’s major thoroughfares that leads north from downtown. The miles-long road forms part of the city’s “Broadway Cultural Corridor”. This up-and-coming section lies between Hildebrand Street in the north and Houston Street in the south. It also boasts a vibrant collection of museums, parks, restaurants and renovated historic buildings.

Highlights include the San Antonio Botanical Garden, DoSeum Museum, and Witte Museum. The DoSeum Museum is a children’s museum with innovative hands-on exhibits that teach kids about art, science and much more. While at the Witte Museum, you can discover a 4-storey science tree house, dinosaurs, and mummies, among other fascinating exhibitions.

The San Antonio River Walk is a network of paved pathways that wind for 15 miles along its namesake river. The picturesque urban walk itself is a tourist attraction. But you can also enjoy dozens of restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist sites that line the sidewalks. Popular stops in the downtown section include the San Antonio Museum of Art, eateries in the historic Pearl district, and the Shops at Rivercenter mall.

Experience the river from a different perspective and jump aboard a river barge and enjoy a guided tour. And if you’re in town in April, the yearly spring Fiesta San Antonio is unmissable. The festival hosts over 100 events, and you can snap photos of colourfully decorated floats as they drift along the river.

South Alamo Street lies in the charming Southtown arts district. The tiny community is popular with hipsters and travellers looking for fantastic food, entertainment, and shopping. Grab a seat at Rosario’s for live music and some of the best Tex-Mex dishes in town. And pop into Pulquerios to pick up unique local artwork and handmade jewellery.

If you’re visiting on the first Friday of any given month, be sure to attend Southtown’s free First Friday festival. As San Antonio’s longest-running art walk, you can expect live music, open art galleries, and many food options. We suggest exploring the Blue Star Arts Complex and the nearby King William Historic District art galleries. With tree-lined streets and elegant Victorian mansions, King William is a lovely neighbourhood to stroll through.

Main Plaza is a historic district in downtown San Antonio. Designed and built by New World Spanish urban planners, the area is defined by the public spaces and civic buildings. These include the 18^th-century Spanish Governor's Palace and San Fernando Cathedral. The church overlooks the colonial Plaza de las Islas, which frequently hosts festivals and concerts.

The most famous event in the Plaza de las Islas is the light show called The Saga. The free video art display tells San Antonio's story – its history, settlement, and development – and is projected onto the Cathedral's facade 4 days a week. The show is a one-of-a-kind experience!

Market Square is a 3-block outdoor plaza in downtown San Antonio. With over 100 shops and stalls, it’s the biggest Mexican market in the US. You can find plenty of Old Mexico arts and crafts. These include authentic Talavera pottery, exotic souvenirs, musical instruments, and hand-embroidered Mexican dresses. 

When hunger sets in, visit the food court or the food booths serving authentic Mexican & Tex-Mex cuisine. The market is even more vibrant on weekends and certain holidays, such as Fiesta, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween, and Christmas. Artists, mariachi bands, and other live entertainment create an atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.

Alamo Plaza is an important historical site that's part of the legendary Mission San Antonio de Valero's courtyard. The mission was built in 1724 and eventually became a Spanish military fortress. In 1836, the Alamo was the battleground during the famous ‘Battle of the Alamo’ between Mexican and Texan soldiers.

Today, The Alamo is a famous symbol of Texas liberty, a National Monument, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit the museum and discover the Mission's intriguing history. Admission to the grounds and the Alamo Church is free. But you'll need to pay a small fee to access an audio tour offered in multiple languages.

The Pearl District is a trendy area near downtown San Antonio, with speciality shops, unique restaurants, and green spaces. In the centre of the 16-block district is the historic Pearl Brewery, complete with a wide-open plaza. The brewery is now home to the chic, 149-room Hotel Emma.

While tons of visitors flock to this neighbourhood throughout the week, it's the weekend Farmer's Market held in the plaza that draws the biggest crowd. The lively, open-air market features dozens of local vendors who set up tables on the pedestrian-only street. Various stalls present dairy and farm-fresh products, honey, baked goods, and other delicious goodies.

La Villita Historic Art Village was originally founded nearly 300 years ago and was one of San Antonio’s first neighbourhoods. Today, the 1-square-block area is home to a thriving art community, art galleries, and shops selling exquisite handmade goods and original works of art.

With historic architecture, charming courtyards, and relaxing plazas, exploring this old area offers a glimpse into San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage. And apart from a unique shopping experience, you can dine on innovative dishes in cute cafes overlooking shady plazas.