A Roadrunner bucket list: 50 things to do in San Antonio

(Sept. 6, 2019) -- Roadrunners are located in one of the most vibrant, and fastest-growing cities in the country, giving them the unique opportunity to experience all the things San Antonio has to offer. In honor of UTSA’s 50th birthday as San Antonio's urban serving university and courtesy of the UTSA Office of Student Activities, here are the top 50 things students can enjoy to fully experience San Antonio! 

1. Begin here: A selfie in front of the Alamo to show you remembered the Alamo.
2. Hike to the top of Eisenhower Park and view the downtown skyline.
3. Don your silver and black and attend at least one San Antonio Spurs game.
4. Catch football fever at UTSA Roadrunner games in the Alamodome.
5. Try the three-pound cinnamon roll at Lulu’s Bakery and café.
6. Take a riverboat ride downtown with a group
7. Get your boots on and check out the San Antonio Rodeo.
8. Visit the must-see Hotel Emma. Cool off in the water pad, eat French macarons at Bakery Lorraine, visit the unique retailers at the Pearl, or picnic on the green. Weekends feature locally grown foods in the Farmer’s Market. All at the Pearl.
9. Watch the bats fly and experience the booths at Bat Loco downtown.
10. Shop ’til you drop at the Shops of La Cantera and the Rim.
11. Gaze at the stars and beyond at the Scobee Planetarium.
12. Have your face painted for Día de los Muertos.
13. Get a group together and order the biggest pizza in Texas at Big Lou’s Pizza.
14. Enjoy the day at SeaWorld and cool off with the sea lions.
15. Take a group to a Rampage hockey game.
16. Appreciate the art exhibits and live music at First Friday in Southtown.
17. Run (or watch) the Rock n Roll Marathon.
18. Tour the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures.
19. Visit the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston Military base and enjoy the petting zoo. (Watch out for the peacocks.)
20. Viva Fiesta! Enjoy San Antonio’s party with a purpose. Collect cascarones and medals.
21. Ride the tallest roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
22. Have a paranormal experience on an Alamo City Ghost Tour.
23. Watch a movie at the Palladium or Rivercenter IMAX.
24. Walk in the dinosaur footsteps at Government Canyon State Park.
25. Ride the train and merry-go-round at the San Antonio Zoo.
26. Quench your thirst with Bill Miller’s sweet tea.
27. Listen to live music at Sam’s Burger Joint.
28. Stroll along the River Walk and experience the beauty of the King William District. (Pro tip: Make time for breakfast at the Guenther House.) Paddleboats are also available.
29. Enjoy contemporary art for free at ArtPace.
30. Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Witte Museum.
31. Celebrate New Year’s Eve downtown.
32. View the light show at San Fernando Cathedral.
33. Visit the Riverwalk during the holiday season at night.
34. Ride the Skies Over Texas at the Tower of the Americas.
35. Experience a milkshake at any Jim’s Restaurant, a local favorite.
36. Attend the Asian Festival and Texas Folklife Festival at the Institute of Texan Cultures.
37. Appreciate the architecture and preservation at the Quarry Market and shop the Farmer’s Market.
38. Make your taste buds happy at Culinaria Restaurant Week.
39. See Roy Roger’s saddle at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.
40. Attend the Starving Artist Show on the Riverwalk.
41. Experience a play, musical or ballet at the Majestic Theater or Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
42. Take a selfie in front of the big boots before shopping North Star Mall. (Bonus points if you do this over Christmas.)
43. Tour the historical missions and appreciate local culture on a bike.
44. Participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. March, the largest in the country.
45. Take an evening ride with a horse and carriage downtown.
46. Eat late night enchiladas or fresh pan dulce at Mi Tierra in Market Square.
47. Have brunch at Nola’s Brunch and Beignets in Southtown.
48. Celebrate Taco Tuesday with breakfast tacos every week… all brands count!
49. Visit Phil Hardberger Park to exercise with your dog.
50. Get lost in San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Gardens and try out their bubble tea.

— Pamela Lutrell

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