Discovering Hidden Gems San Antonio: Uncovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

San Antonio is full of exciting visitor experiences for all types of tourists, featuring rich, vibrant history and culture to explore, but it is also home to some great hidden gems worth visiting. Follow along as we countdown our top 5 hidden places to visit in San Antonio

#1 - The Grotto

Marvel at the Grotto’s beauty with its three-story, enchanting sculpted structure located in a bend of the San Antonio River between the Camden and Newell Street bridges.

Created by concrete artist Carlos Cortes, this spectacular addition to the San Antonio Riverwalk is a fantastic grotto with rocky faces carved into its cave-like walls with beautiful waterfalls and winding passageways. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the area, take a beautiful stroll, relax on their benches, or even view a giant jaguar head across the street, also sculpted by Cortes.

See Sight Guide Tip: A great way to view this spectacular hidden gem is on our Scenic San Antonio Night Tour with Riverwalk Boat Tour. Where we take you to see the very best of the city and spot some of the city’s gems. With complimentary downtown hotel pick up & drop off included, all attraction admission fees are covered, skip the ticket line entry all in a small group setting you are guaranteed to have a good time!

#2- Essex Modern City

Experience design and technology enhance the human experience with Essex Modern City, a transcendent project that leads the way for sustainable urban design. This mixed-use urban infill project features stunning works of art that will leave you in awe.

#3 - Robber Baron Cave Preserve

Picture: Texas Cave Management Association

Robber Baron Cave is one of the most significant of the 500 caves located in Texas. The cave is an extensive maze with interconnecting passages in a highly urbanized area. As the longest known cave in Bexar County (5340 feet), it features a large sinkhole entrance, maze of passages, rich history, and even several unique species that only live underground!

#4. Crownridge Canyon Park

Picture: Crownridge Canyon Park Facebook page

Spend some time in the fresh air with sunshine and exercise at the Crownridge Canyon Park, a tranquil open space with walking trails and desert scenery. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful stroll on one of the paved or dirt trails and/ or simply de-stress in the fresh air.

#5 - Artpace

Picture: Artpace San Antonio Facebook page

When looking for something indoors to do and to admire beautiful pieces of art, check out Artpace San Antonio - a non-profit contemporary art gallery. The gallery serves as a catalyst for regional, national and international artists in their artistic expressions and seeks to produce a lasting impact on the lives of the artists in the community.

#6. Hays Street Bridge

Early 1900’s former railroad bridge - Hays Street Bridge is a must-see attraction. Now only open to pedestrian traffic, the bridge offers the best views of the city.

#7. Landa Library and Gardens

Picture: Landa Gardens Conservancy Facebook page

The grounds of this non-profit conservatory include the Valero Pavilion and a concrete sculpture designed by nationally renowned artist Carlos Cortes, the same artist as The Grotto!

Here visitors can take in the fresh air and enjoy the lush gardens, watch a children’s theatre show, or even host a wedding or birthday party, all surrounded by beautiful landscaping, walking paths, benches, a playground, and more than 7,000 plants!