Not much about travel surprises me, but San Antonio? I was pleasantly surprised by a lot of things! The best part, though? Not needing a rental car. To some, a car represents freedom–you can go anywhere you want, as long as you can drive there. For my husband and me, however, we feel freedom when we’re not dependent upon a car! We love to visit walkable cities, which are few and far between in the South, and in Texas. So I was delighted to find out just how walkable San Antonio was to visit all the major sites! Here are the best ones.

Go Up into the Tower of the Americas

If you love a bird’s eye view as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to head up (up, up!) to the Tower of the Americas. You can walk all the way around to get 360-degree views of San Antonio, but there are also historical displays about the six flags that have flown over Texas throughout the last several centuries. Want to treat yourself to something a little bit special? You can also dine at the top! The Chart House’s San Antonio location is at the top of the tower, and you can snag a reservation for lunch or dinner here during your trip.

More here: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in San Antonio

Walk through La Villita

This cute little village has been a place for people to live and work since the 1700s. Now it’s an arts and cultural center where boutique shops and a little church charm tourists, but many of the buildings are also historic and have been restored. You’ll find everything here from artwork to artisan soaps, and from riverside restaurants to the Arneson Theatre. It’s a fun place to explore on foot while you’re strolling along the Riverwalk.

Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit San Antonio

Tour the Spanish Governor’s Palace

While this was neither a governor’s residence nor a palace, it is a great place to explore San Antonio’s Spanish history. It’s very inexpensive to visit, and there is plenty of signage and information to explain what you’re seeing while you’re here. Dating back to 1722, when the Spanish ruled Texas, this structure was built by Marqués de Aguayo as a Presidio Captain’s home. It’s just a block from San Fernando Cathedral, and is a great stop on your walk to or from the Historic Market Square (El Mercado) if you’re staying downtown.

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Explore El Mercado
(Historic Market Square)

This is the place to go for authentic Mexican food, local shopping, and generally adding color and vibrance to your trip and your life! There are over 100 locally-owned businesses here, and it’s one of those rare places in a city where both tourists and locals come on a regular basis. Grab an agua fresca and people watch, pick up some hand-painted pottery to take home with you, or head to Mi Tierra 24-hour restaurant and bakery for a treat any time of day. It’s only 0.4 miles from downtown and the Riverwalk, making this a very walkable destination, even with shopping bags and a full belly!

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Visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum

If you’re looking for a way to experience the Wild West but also escape the heat, step into the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Located right along the Riverwalk, it’s a perfect stop on any San Antonio itinerary. The main building is located in San Antonio’s Public Library (SAPL) from the 1930s, and you can still find a branch of the SAPL located on the first floor. The museum as it is now opened in 2013, and it’s home to artworks from and depicting the Old West.

More here: What It’s Like Staying at the Hotel Contessa and Spa, San Antonio

Take the Go Rio Boat Tour

This was the perfect way to start our trip! Boats run continuously throughout the day, and the tour lasts about 35 minutes. In that time, you’ll explore the historic Riverwalk and get the lay of the land (or water). It was a welcome introduction for us, as this was my first time to visit, and my husband visited more than 20 years ago! Get your tickets in advance; they are not timed or even dated, so you can hop on whenever it fits into your timeframe.

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Step inside the San Fernando de Bexar Cathedral

This historic cathedral isn’t just a tourist site, it’s the oldest cathedral in Texas, and one of the oldest in the United States. It dates back to 1731, and has been operating ever since. Masses are held here every day, and when we visited, there was an ordination happening. When you visit, remember to step inside the left entrance to see where the remains of the final defenders of the Alamo are located, including William B. Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett.

More here: 10 Ways Travel Prepares You for Life

Dine with a View

This was one of my most favorite things we did in San Antonio: We dined riverside! I love a nice view, and because there are so many restaurants right along the length of the Riverwalk, it was no trouble finding a spot to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a river view. We ate at Little Rhine Prost Haus, Casa Rio, Tokyo Cowboy, and Fiume Pizzeria, all of which have riverside table service. There are so many more to choose from, so select a cuisine and take your pick! Whether you want Tex-Mex, steak, seafood, Asian fusion, Italian, German, or something else entirely, you’ll find it here.

Read next: The Best Places to Eat in San Antonio

Meander along the Riverwalk

This is truly a breath of fresh air. Steve and I both wondered why other cities haven’t copied this idea and put riverwalks all over the United States! It’s below street level, so street noise and smells are at a minimum. There are seemingly countless restaurants, hotels, and shops along the way, plus greenery, flowers, waterfalls, ducks, and more. It’s absolutely lovely, and for me, I’d even say that it’s worth going back to San Antonio just for this.

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Pay Your Respects at the Alamo

This is, by far, the number one reason people come to San Antonio. We all learned in school about “Remember the Alamo” and the utter tragedy that happened here during the Texas Revolution. You’ll want to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours here, depending on how much you enjoy being in the presence of history. It’s a sacred place because of the massacre that happened here, but also because the main building still standing today was once the chapel for the Mission San Antonio de Valero. Tickets are FREE, but you can also purchase an audio guide or go on a tour of the site with a knowledgeable guide. However you choose to visit, it’s a place you’ll remember.

Read on: The Ultimate USA Bucket List

Want more? Get everything you need to know about San Antonio and Texas on my United States Page!

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