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If wandering stone streets, soaring Spanish missions, and award-winning restaurants aren’t enough to send sparks flying, then these date ideas in San Antonio are just the extra inspiration you need to build a super romantic itinerary in the Alamo City.
You and your special someone will be spoiled for choice with our array of action-packed dates, from classics like wine tastings and outdoor movie nights to uniquely San Antonian activities like ghost tours and explorations of the city’s cultures.
This Southern hotspot has long been lauded as a top tourist destination, but its rich history, incredible architecture, and unique offerings make it particularly suited to a vacation for two.
Pssst: If you want a romantic getaway in town, check out these romantic hotels in San Antonio!
26 Date Ideas in San Antonio
Whether you pick one or try them all, these San Antonio date ideas will have you bonding with your loved one like never before. Let’s go!
Cheers with Craft Beers at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewing
Let’s kick off our list with a fun date idea!
This microbrewery and Texas eatery is housed in the historic Pearl District, boasting a dramatic dining room complete with dark wood floors, leather chairs, and high ceilings.
If you’re hungry, the Snapper throats, deviled eggs, and Mississippi mud pies come highly recommended.
If you’re just in it for the beer, their Texas Born And Bred is a crowd favorite, the first-ever Texas Pale Ale made entirely from local ingredients.
Other breweries in San Antonio include Ranger Creek, Pearl, and Alamo Beer.
Sample Wines from Around the World at Stray Grape Urban Winery
With more than 50 wines sourced from 10 countries (as well as some local varieties), Stray Grape is the go-to San Antonio spot for a delicious red or white.
For just $15, you can enjoy a tasting menu of 4 different glasses. Or kick things up a notch and get in on the wine-making experience yourself.
From grape selection to production to bottling, you’ll get to bring your own custom wine to life (just keep in mind that 6-10 weeks are required for fermentation before you can take it home).
Read next: Best Wine Bars in San Antonio
Shop for Souvenirs at Market Square
As the largest Mexican market in the United States, this spot has an almost unlimited supply of date night entertainment–dishes to sample, live performances to enjoy, and handmade crafts to take home.
So shop ‘til you drop, safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting local businesses with every purchase you make!
Spend a Luxurious Night at Hotel Emma
Few date ideas in San Antonio can compete with the novelty, beauty, and utter romance of a night at Hotel Emma.
Situated right on the River Walk and just over a mile from the Alamo, this spot features charming, old South-inspired rooms, a farm-to-table menu of Texan cuisine, and an intimate bar serving local craft beer and cocktails.
For an extra special stay, you can opt for a suite complete with a private terrace and views of the San Antonio River.
Share a Picnic at Brackenridge Park
Sprawling for 343 acres through the heart of San Antonio, Brackenridge Park has been a draw for locals and tourists alike for decades.
The green space holds numerous attractions, including the San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum, a historic open-air amphitheater, a Japanese tea garden, and 3 short walking trails.
Pack a picnic and cozy up on the lawn to share a meal between sightseeing.
Read next: Romantic Getaways in Texas
Marvel at the Masterpieces at McNay Art Museum
Founded in 1954, McNay Art Museum was Texas’s first modern museum.
Their collection is housed in a gorgeous 1920s mansion worth admiring all on its own and includes everything from Medieval to contemporary works.
Browse paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more among their more than 22,000 masterpieces, and keep an eye out for any special events.
Dance the Night Away at El Luchador
Bold, buzzy, and brewing with over-the-top fun, El Luchador is a Lucha Libre-themed bar on the outskirts of Downtown San Antonio.
They boast a creative cocktail menu, DJs and dancing, and weekly events like BBQ nights, karaoke, open mics, and more.
Make a Meal for Two at The Culinary Cottage
The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and there’s nothing more satisfying than making the dishes yourself.
The Culinary Cottage offers hands-on cooking classes that walk you through the preparation (and enjoyment) of a multi-course meal.
From “The Flavors of Jerusalem” to “Great British Baking,” there’s a culinary experience for everyone at this mouth-watering spot.
Catch an Independent Film at Slab Cinema
Movie buffs and artsy couples will fall in love with all Slab Cinema has to offer.
With a number of theaters throughout San Antonio–from an outdoor screen in Travis Park to the intimate setting of Blue Star Arts Complex–Slab Cinema focuses on an always-interesting rotation of independent, foreign, and classic films, making it a perfect San Antonio date night idea.
Enjoy a Cozy Brunch at Candlelight PourHouse
This eclectic, comfy coffee and wine garden just outside downtown brings the romance as soon as you step inside, with a choice of indoor plush sofas or an outdoor patio under the pecan trees.
Head over on Saturday or Sunday to lounge in their secret garden, listen to live music, and indulge in a brunch of classic American comfort food.
Admire the Flowers at San Antonio Botanical Garden
The 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving you and your date the peace and quiet to chat, stroll, and smell the roses.
Their star exhibits include an authentic Japanese Garden donated by San Antonio’s sister city, Kumamoto, as well as the 11-acre Texas Native Trail, which contains more than 250 plant species representing 3 regions throughout the state.
Majestic Theatre
As the city’s oldest and largest theatre, Majestic has to be the site of one of our favorite date ideas in San Antonio.
The dramatic Baroque architecture of the interior will make it difficult to keep your attention focused on the show, so go early just to admire the building itself.
Their events include ballets, concerts, comedy shows, and more; check the calendar to see what’s showing during your visit.
Explore 5,000 Years of Culture at the San Antonio Museum of Art
Calling all culture buffs! SAMA houses the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States, as well as impressive exhibits of Latin American, Asian, and regional art.
General admission tickets cost $20 per person.
Stargaze at Scobee Planetarium
After undergoing an extensive renovation, Scobee Planetarium is back and better than ever.
Their Friday presentation, “The Sky Tonight,” takes you on an enchanting tour of the San Antonio skies, including the moon, planets, and brightest stars and constellations.
Shop Local at the Pearl Farmers Market
No list of date ideas in San Antonio would be complete without a mention of this dynamic destination.
Considered one of the best farmers markets in the United States, Pearl serves up an unforgettable day in San Antonio.
Visit on Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM for fresh meats and produce sourced from local farmers or go on Sunday from 10 AM-2 PM to shop artisanal goods like pottery, home decor, and more.
Try Tandem Kayaking Along the Mission Reach Trail
One of the best ways to see a beautiful city? Getting active while out and about!
The Mission Reach Trail winds through some of the most scenic parts of San Antonio, with more than 16 miles worth of trails.
You can also hike or bike in the area, but we think teaming up to tackle the 8-mile paddling trail is even more romantic.
Along the way, you can enjoy the serene river landscape, fields of Texas wildflowers, and native species like birds and turtles.
Find Your Inner Peace at Denman Estate Park
There’s nothing wrong with paying for your outings, but we hold a special place in our hearts for this cheap date idea in San Antonio.
Admission to Denman Estate Park is free, and there are a number of peaceful attractions to fill your afternoon.
Visit the vibrant Pavilion of Gwang-Ju (donated from a sister city in Korea), stroll under the live oaks on the beautiful park’s walking trail, or wander through the meditative Moon’s Labyrinth.
Travel to Old-World Havana at Ocho Restaurant
Leave San Antonio behind for an evening and step into another world at the enchanting glass conservatory that houses Ocho Restaurant.
At this romantic restaurant, electric blue furniture and shining chandeliers make for an instantly romantic atmosphere.
Pair sweeping views of the River Walk with Pan-Latin cuisine drawing on Mexican, Cuban and Texan influences (and don’t forget to order a mojito or two with your meal).
Get Spooked on a Haunted History Ghost Tour
This isn’t your typical San Antonio date night. The Haunted History Ghost Tour by Sisters Grimm will have you holding your partner close as the two of you wander San Antonio’s streets, learn the city’s history, and hear grisly tales of its darker past.
The 1.5-hour, lantern-lit experience begins and ends at the Alamo, passes through several notoriously paranormal places, and is brought to life by guides wearing historical costumes.
Tap Into San Antonio’s Creative Community at Ruby City
The bright red building of this contemporary art center is instantly recognizable, and the fun only continues inside.
Ruby City’s exhibitions are always changing, but you can count on a thought-provoking visit with their range of cutting-edge paintings, sculptures, installations, and video works by both local and international artists.
The museum is free and open to the public Thursday-Sunday.
Find Funky Knick-Knacks at Trader’s Treasure
San Antonio’s largest flea market is full of odd trinkets and surprising finds, bringing together the atmosphere of a shopping complex, county fair, and festival all at once.
Make your way through more than 1,000 vendor booths, get your adrenaline going with high-flying midway rides, and chow down on local delicious food. Best of all, the entrance is free!
Eat, Drink, and Shop ‘til You Drop at the River Walk
The most classic of date ideas in San Antonio is, of course, a visit to the iconic River Walk. This 15-mile stretch features dining, drinking, and shopping galore.
It’s the number 1 attraction in Texas, so you can count on there being big crowds and a lively atmosphere whenever you visit, especially as it lights up in the evening.
You can bike the whole route (stopping at attractions along the way), take a boat tour, or explore on foot.
Some must-visit stops include Esquire Tavern, the oldest bar in the area, and Casa Rio, the River Walk’s first restaurant and a master of Tex Mex.
Unleash Your Inner Southerner at the Old West Fest
This event is technically in Boerne, Texas–located 30 minutes outside San Antonio–but it’s too fun not to include.
The Old West Fest gives you the full-on Texan experience, with tractor wagon rides, line dancing lessons, mechanical bull rides, and live music.
In between activities, snag carnival snacks from the on-site food trucks (hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn–oh my)!
Score Skyline Views at Tower of the Americas
Excellent views are par for the course with many of these date ideas in San Antonio, but the best of the best can be found at the Tower of the Americas.
Built for the 1968 World’s Fair, this historical 750-foot observation tower boasts panoramic vistas of the city skyline, educational exhibits, and a 4D theater.
For a meal you’ll never forget, visit the sky-skimming revolving restaurant atop the tower, which dishes up delicacies like macadamia crusted mahi, slow-roasted prime rib, and the Original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake.
Go for a Skate at Travis Park’s Rotary Ice Rink
Despite San Antonio’s lack of a real winter, nothing says romance like holding hands as you whiz around an ice rink.
This festive spot is open from mid-November through mid-January, and also features a 50-foot Christmas tree, movie nights, jazz shows, and photo ops with Santa.
Oh, go for some drinks together after ice skating!
Admire the Art of San Antonio’s Southern Neighbor at the Mexican Cultural Institute
For a more unique, enriching date night in San Antonio, look no further than the Mexican Cultural Institute.
The institute promotes cross-cultural exchanges that honor the rich history shared between the Texan and Mexican cultures.
Art exhibits, immersive live performances, and regularly-scheduled events allow you to dive deeper into Mexican traditions–and see San Antonio through a new lens.