San Antonio Base Guide

San Antonio is one of the most populous cities in Texas that is home to FIVE military bases. Because of the growing population and neighboring large cities, San Antonio has a never-ending list of attractions. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, unique restaurants, or nightlife – San Antonio will not disappoint! 

The Riverwalk 

If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy the outdoors while supporting small businesses and restaurants along the river, this is the place to be! What started out as a way to control area flooding, quickly turned into one of the top tourist attractions in San Antonio. This downtown area is lively day and night, offering live music and boat rides down the river. You may even get lucky and catch a horse drawn carriage to see all the sites of the city. Not only does the Riverwalk host holiday parades all throughout the year, they also offer Riverwalk Christmas which is a free light display of over 300,000 lights. The Riverwalk is a great option if you’re going to dance the night away with friends or just looking for a relaxing walk with the family! 

Amusement Parks 

San Antonio is overflowing with amusement park options for everyone. SeaWorld is a great option for all ages and offers free military tickets annually for the service member and three direct dependents. You can find animal shows, thrill rides and even a water park at this location. 

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also located in San Antonio right next to well-known outdoor shopping mall, The Shops at La Cantera. Six Flags offers free admission once a year to all active and retired military members through ID.me. Six Flags has over 10 roller coasters, a water park and several kid rides to offer fun and entertainment for everyone in the family! 

Morgan’s Wonderland is an amusement park that was built in 2010 to be fully wheelchair accessible. This park focuses on providing free fun to all guests with special needs and also offers a military discount on regular tickets. Morgan’s Wonderland features several rides, an amphitheater, large flower gardens, and playgrounds to enjoy by all. 

The Alamo 

In the heart of downtown San Antonio, lies one of the most historic landmarks in our country. Touring the Alamo Church is a great opportunity to learn the history and importance of Texas gaining their independence from Mexico. This landmark also offers a guided one hour tour of the new Alamo exhibit which explains the events that led up to the Battle of the Alamo. Standing in the same location that many soldiers fought almost 200 years ago, you’ll be able to appreciate how this location influenced American History forever. 

Shopping 

Last but not least, shopping! San Antonio has several well-known indoor and outdoor malls such as, The Rim, The Shops at La Cantera, and my favorite- NorthStar Mall. These malls host over one hundred premier stores each not including restaurants. Because of the large military presence in San Antonio, the majority of these stores offer a military discount as well. And if thrifting is your sport..you’ll love the unique array of second hand and consignment stores in the city as well. 

My name is Brittany and I’ve been a PCS Mentor for almost 2 years with MilHousing Network and love being able to help other military families! My husband is active duty in the Army and we recently purchased our first home in Maryland. My husband’s first duty station was in San Antonio, and we love the city! 

If you have the opportunity to visit or be stationed in San Antonio, I hope you enjoy and appreciate all the area has to offer!