San Antonio Senior Travel Guide

San Antonio is a culturally rich city that welcomes everyone to see its beautiful Spanish architecture and storied history. This city has many elderly-friendly and accessible attractions. So the next time you come here (or if it's your first time), make sure to visit with your family! Here's a complete guide on how to make the most of your travel to San Antonio with your grandparents or elder members of the family:

Why Visit San Antonio as a Senior Citizen?

Why not? Why restrict yourself when the city has made it incredibly easy to traverse its beautiful landscapes? From the iconic River Walk and the historical Witte Museum to the thrilling Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park and the vibrant SeaWorld, the city is brimming with options to explore for senior people. Not visiting San Antonio just because of age and/or disability would mean missing out on a lot of amazing adventures!! 

San Antonio offers a wide range of activities perfect for elderly travelers. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and beautiful outdoor spaces, this destination caters to senior citizens perfectly. You can book a guided tour of the iconic River Walk, where you can enjoy a peaceful river cruise along the scenic San Antonio River. Afterward, explore the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum, which showcase the rich history of Texas in a fun and engaging way.

For those who appreciate art and nature, the San Antonio Museum of Art and San Antonio Botanical Garden are perfect stops. The botanical gardens offer tranquil spaces for relaxation, while the art museum boasts impressive exhibits. Plus, many of these attractions offer senior discounts, making it easier to enjoy the city on a budget.

San Antonio also shines in its live music scene, especially around the downtown and Historic Market Square areas, where local performers fill the air with vibrant tunes. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet stroll through the Botanical Gardens or soaking in the culture along the Museum Reach, San Antonio provides an enriching experience for all ages. With its accessible attractions and senior-friendly services, San Antonio is an excellent destination for seniors looking to explore and enjoy a mix of history and culture.

Top Things to Do in San Antonio for Seniors and Older Adults

Painting with a Twist

Painting is one of the most therapeutic things you can do at any age. But wouldn't it be even more awesome at an age when you don't have to worry about the 9-to-5, and all the extra mental pressure that comes with adulthood? Then I guess, making art wouldn't be about releasing anxiety. You would make art solely for the sake of it.

So when you come to San Antonio with the older adults in your family, make sure to reserve a spot for Painting with a Twist. This is an incredible in-studio event where everyone will be guided by teachers as they explore the territories of art. You'll get complete step-by-step tutorials on painting, plus delicious beverages, and more! Reserve a spot for just $29.

Tower of Americas

This is one of the must-see San Antonio attractions where seniors get a special discount ($16.00 for seniors but $19.50 for adults). Climb the Tower of the Americas' Flags Over Texas Observation Deck to see the city meet the skyline in all its glory. Learn about Texas and more through historically rich murals. The Tower is about 700 feet above the ground and an elevator takes you there in roughly 60 seconds.

Once you reach the top, you’ll find incredible 360-degree views of the city. The rotating restaurant is lovely and the food is great there. Have some steak, potatoes and chicken, or crab cakes while you enjoy the views. For dessert, have their molten lava cake.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe Western Art Museum features a permanent collection of Western Art and artifacts. You can find the wheelchair entrance to the museum from the Market Street entrance ramp. Also, the museum is three-storied but the elevator makes it an excellent option for wheelchair users. The American history and cowboy-era artifacts are beautifully depicted. You can also find displays of guns, Indian weapons, and uniforms from the 1700s and 1800s. You can find very interesting taxidermy here. The spur saddles, firearms displays, brass sculptures, paintings, chuck wagons, stagecoaches, everything is beautifully presented.

Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a very unique art gallery that features over 14 different installations curated by artists from around the world. The gallery spans over 20,000 square feet. Hopscotch also has a bar and lounge area where you can relax and sip on your favorite drink. From time to time there’s also live music playing here and a food truck on the patio. Lastly, you can bring a souvenir from the gift shop on site. The admission tickets for this art gallery are $24 and you can reserve in advance.

The Alamo

The Alamo, also known as Misión San Antonio de Valero is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features many exhibits, tours, and a Living History encampment. The Living History encampment explains how life was back then in the 1830s. You’ll discover how people lived, what they wore, how they took care of their health, what skills they had to learn, etc. You can also see the Musket firing demonstrations here which seem so cool.

If you’re a person who loves to visit the church, then definitely visit the Alamo Church and learn how it played a major role in the Battle of Alamo. It used to be a Spanish mission church originally. The roofs and the walls of the church will take you back to the 1700s. And while you’re visiting The Alamo, don’t forget to visit the Long Barrack, one of the oldest buildings on this historic site dating back to 1724.

Note: if you’re planning to stay here, then Hyatt Regency has gorgeous suites and rooms. It is located on the Riverwalk and has easy access to the Alamo.

Morgan's Wonderland

This theme park is designed especially for people with disabilities or special needs. The inspiration behind this park was the daughter of Gordon Hartman, Morgan who wanted to play with other kids at a hotel swimming pool. But the other kids did not want to interact with her. Gordon Hartman then decided to dedicate a space for people with disabilities so they could have all the fun in the world.

Spanning over 25 acres, the park has over 25 ultra attractions that are wheelchair accessible. From Wonderland Express to the carousel to fishing at the wharf to wheelchair swings, there is something for everyone. The Ferris wheel here is also wheelchair friendly. And once you’re done, you can enjoy food at any of the 3 outlets on site. There is also a gift shop where you can find fun merchandise and a variety of beverages and snacks.

Go Rio San Antonio Riverboat Cruise

If you love boat rides, then riverboat cruises are your ideal destination. The staff is great here and the captains are very nice. Once on board, you’ll find yourself marveling at the historic landmarks such as San Fernando Cathedral, The Alamo, La Villita, etc. You’ll find the view from the water along the San Antonio River simply gorgeous. You can either ride the cruise in the middle of the day or at dusk—it’ll always be beautiful. Especially during the night, the city looks like something out of a magic world with twinkling stars in the sky and the many illuminating lights all over the city.

The ride on the cruise is also a perfect photo opportunity that you can cherish later. The tickets can be purchased once you reach there or in advance. And the best thing about these riverboats is that they are fully handicapped accessible. If you want to get additional information about disability access, you can email them.

Guided Tours For Seniors in San Antonio

San Antonio is a very popular destination and is the number one most visited city in Texas, United States. If you're someone who is visiting San Antonio as a first-timer, then you’ll love an exclusive tour of the city with See Sight Tours. For a private trip, you’ll enjoy their Private Exclusive San Antonio Best of Riverwalk Food Walking Tour. Your guide will meet you at Riverwalk Mall and then the first stop will be at the Torch of Friendship. It’s a gorgeous work of art gifted by the Mexican government in 2002. From there, you’ll enjoy tasty tortilla soup. After this, you will pass by the La Villita neighborhood which is simply stunning.

Your next food stop will be your choice of a quesadilla with either chicken, pork, or beef. With that, you’ll have a Mexican soda to wash it all down. Then you’ll continue your walk along Riverwalk and you will pass by Marriage Island and Kallison Love Lock Bridge. Following along, you’ll pass by San Fernando Cathedral which brings over 5,000 people for the Mass every weekend. Next, you can try some vegan, baha, or shrimp tacos. Lastly, for dessert, you’ll try a delicious fried pastry which is a Mexican dessert.

If a private tour is not your thing or you want to enjoy a guided tour on a budget, check out their San Antonio Small-Group Walking Tour with Riverwalk Boat Cruise. This tour will let you relax on a boat cruise for 30-40 minutes. Your first stop will be The Alamo where you can walk among the legends. You can stroll through the lush gardens that are lined with the shade of oak trees. Next, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful Riverwalk cruise. After this, you can explore the La Villita district and soak in its vibrant culture. The San Fernando Cathedral will be your next stop. Lastly, you can take an elevator ride up to the top of the Tower of Americas for breathtaking views of the city. Another guided tour that you’ll like is the Best of San Antonio Tour which costs $159 per head. Here your first stop will be the Alamo. Your next stop will be San Antonio Missions. Along your way to this stop, you’ll get the narrated drive from the comfort of a Mercedes Metris Van. Then you can take the elevator ride up to the Tower of Americas. Finally, you will enjoy a peaceful ride on a boat cruise.

Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in San Antonio

San Antonio is a city that is perfect for visiting if you’re a wheelchair user. First of all, it is home to Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island. These are the world's first completely accessible theme and water parks. With these, the city has so much to offer in terms of having fun or just enjoying your evening with a simple stroll.

The Alamo is another great place to visit which served a pivotal role during the Texas revolution. You must know this place with the phrase “Remember the Alamo.” It’s such a powerful place that helps us remember history and to reflect. Most of the Alamo is easily accessible but some places can be a challenge due to uneven surfaces.

San Antonio Missions National Park also offers a lot to explore including the Mission San Jośe. It’s also wheelchair accessible and you will find wheelchairs on-site that can be loaned. The Riverwalk has always been an important part of the city and it features a public park, shopping areas, cultural center, etc. The Riverwalk is also mostly accessible with ramps and elevators and the city is trying hard to make it fully accessible in the future.

To truly experience the culture and heritage of this city, Historic Market Square is a perfect place to eat, drink, shop, or simply explore. Along with these attractions, there are many others that are wheelchair accessible including the SeaWorld, Blue Star Contemporary, The Witte Museum, etc.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, this is everything you need to know before heading to this magnificent city. Most of the city is well-equipped for people with disabilities, having lots of elevators and ramps. For vacationing, this destination is perfect because of its rich history and cultural heritage and it welcomes people of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Plan your San Antonio trip now with lots of accessible adventure and head over to Mission City.