Avoiding Crowds in San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular destination for tourists of all kinds due to its many popular attractions and delicious Tex-Mex Cuisine, which can make for large crowds, particularly in the summer months.

For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience or are seeking more COVID-19-friendly activities, follow along as we note our favorite things to do to avoid crowds.

When is the best time to visit San Antonio?

For those looking to avoid the humidity and the crowds, the best time to visit San Antonio is from November to April when the weather is comfortable and the hotel rates tend to be lower.

Because of its historical significance to the state and its abundance of family-friendly theme parks, summer tends to attract hordes of Texas families when kids are on summer break creating more crowded attractions and higher prices in hotels.

Enjoy a Small Group Tour

San Antonio is filled with great tours for guests to take and immerse themselves in the Texan culture and Tex-Mex cuisine but some may offer larger groups that may make it more difficult to go at your own pace and feel crowded.

Best of San Antonio Tour

A great way to eliminate the feeling of being rushed or overcrowded is to take a tour of San Antonio’s best small group touring company - Tripshepherd offering guided tours with a maximum of 7 people in each comfortable Mercedes Metris van.

Experience the Best of San Antonio on this 4-hour small group tour of the River City. Explore the Alamo - a local cultural icon, witness the beautiful city skyline on a narrated drive, the beautiful Spanish colonial missions, and take in stunning views of the city from a relaxing River Cruise, and 190 m (623 ft) above from the top of Tower of the Americas.

San Antonio Detours

Picture: San Antonio Detours Facebook Page San Antonio Detours offer guests a genuine and intimate experience in their public tours, focusing on small group tours with no more than 11 people on each tour.

Their tours feature breweries, wineries, restaurants, and attractions including off-the-beaten-path gems.

Grey Line Private Tour

Grey Line Tours offers guests a private experience with their Build Your Own Tour option. Guests can choose to take a private tour with their loved ones and their very own Gray Line Driver Guide.

Best Times to Explore San Antonio’s Best Attractions

Best Time(s) to visit the River Walk - is between 5 and 6 o'clock, or in the summer after 9 pm when it has cooled down.

Best Time(s) to visit The Alamo - during the week, at opening (9 a.m ) this is the best way to avoid school groups and crowds. Peak time is typically between 1 and 3 pm on weekdays and between 11 am - 3 pm on weekends.

Best Time(s) to visit Tower of the Americas - you can purchase your pass in advance which is valid for the entire day.

A good time to avoid crowds would be early/late morning. Peak times are typically on the weekend, 2 pm onwards so it is recommended that you visit during the week.

San Antonio’s Hidden Gems

Natural Bridge Caverns

Picture: Natural Bridge Caverns Facebook PageAs the largest known commercial caverns in Texas, there is much to explore at the Natural Bridge Caverns.

Guests can explore on their own with many unique experiences to discover including ropes courses, climbing, mazes, gem & fossil mining, or partake in their featured group tours. 

Tripshepherd Guide Expert Tip: Make sure you bring some comfortable footwear and active clothes as people tend to spend up to three hours here.

Japanese Tea Garden

Picture: Japanese Tea Garden Facebook Page

When looking for something more low-key with no added cost, the Japanese Tea Gardens is a great place to unwind. This stunning attraction features green gardens accentuated by a 60-foot waterfall, koi fish ponds, stone bridges, and a large pagoda-style gazebo.

Here you can take a leisure stroll along beautiful walkways while taking a break from the hot Texas sun and crowds.

The Quadrangle

When looking for something off-the-beaten-path and unique - look no further than The Quadrangle, a former prison turned attraction is the place for you to visit.

This historic location at Fort Sam Houston is famed for its vibrant peacock population and other wildlife where families can relax and feed the animals.