Discover San Antonio’s Most Iconic Landmarks: A Local’s Guide to Getting Around the 210

Let’s be honest — giving directions using north, south, and “two lights past the gas station” doesn’t always cut it in San Antonio. What does work? Landmarks. Big, bold, unforgettable ones.

Whether you're a new resident, visiting for the first time, or just tired of relying on Google Maps, this blog is your go-to guide for navigating the Alamo City using its most iconic landmarks. And bonus — many of these spots double as must-visit attractions for anyone exploring the city.

📍The Alamo

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza
Nearby: The Menger Hotel
The crown jewel of San Antonio’s history, The Alamo is more than a tourist stop — it’s sacred Texas ground. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Texas independence, this is the ultimate downtown landmark.

🌄 Natural Bridge Caverns

Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd.
Nearby: JW Marriott Hill Country & Spa
As the largest known commercial caverns in Texas, this Hill Country gem features underground tours and surface attractions like zip lines and gem mining. A natural wonder and a landmark.

🌿 San Antonio Botanical Garden

Address: 555 Funston Pl.
Nearby: Mahncke Park
Fifty-eight acres of floral displays, native ecosystems, and rotating exhibits like “Imaginary Worlds.” Bonus: During the holidays, the gardens come alive with “Lightscape,” a dazzling seasonal event.

🗼 Tower of the Americas

Address: 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
Nearby: Hemisfair Park
This 750-ft tower was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and features a rotating restaurant and observation deck. It’s impossible to miss — just look up.

👢 World’s Largest Pair of Cowboy Boots

Address: 7400 San Pedro Ave.
Nearby: North Star Mall
Yes, they’re real. Yes, they’re 35 feet tall. Built by artist Bob Wade, these iconic boots are the unofficial welcome sign to San Antonio’s North Side.

🔥 La Antorcha de la Amistad

Address: 430 E. Commerce St.
Nearby: Rivercenter Mall
Also known as the "Torch of Friendship," this red sculpture was a gift from Mexico symbolizing unity. It’s a bright and bold spot for photos downtown.

⛪ San Fernando Cathedral

Address: 115 Main Plaza
Nearby: City Hall
Not only is it the oldest cathedral in Texas, but it’s also home to “The Saga,” a nighttime light show that turns its stone façade into a canvas for history and art.

🛍️ The Historic Pearl

Address: 303 Pearl Parkway
Nearby: Hotel Emma
Once a brewery, now a hotbed for luxury, local bites, and culture. Come for the weekend farmer’s market, stay for the jazz and craft cocktails.

🎨 San Antonio Museum of Art

Address: 200 W. Jones Ave.
Nearby: Maverick Park
Housed in a former brewery, this museum has world-class collections from Latin America, Asia, and contemporary art — and it’s right off the River Walk.

🌊 The River Walk

Address: Downtown San Antonio
Nearby: Everywhere downtown
Arguably the soul of the city. Lined with shops, restaurants, and public art, the River Walk is a destination and a scenic shortcut through downtown.

🏰 Mission Concepción

Address: 807 Mission Rd.
Nearby: Confluence Park
One of five Spanish colonial missions and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still active and architecturally stunning, it’s the oldest unrestored stone church in America.

🌉 Hays Street Bridge

Address: 803 N. Cherry St.
Nearby: Alamo Beer Co.
A favorite of photographers and couples alike, this historic bridge offers unmatched skyline views — especially at sunset.

🏛️ Spanish Governor’s Palace

Address: 105 Josh Ln.
Nearby: San Fernando Cathedral
This 18th-century Spanish Colonial home gives a glimpse into the early days of San Antonio’s political power. Think adobe walls, hand-carved doors, and history.

🌇 Hemisfair

Address: 434 S. Alamo St.
Nearby: Tower of the Americas
Home to Yanaguana Garden, local eateries, public art, and the Mexican Cultural Institute — all walkable from the tower and ideal for a family-friendly afternoon.

🌳 Brackenridge Park

Address: 3700 N. St. Mary’s St.
Nearby: San Antonio Zoo, Witte Museum
One of the city’s oldest parks and a green escape in the middle of the city, home to picnic spots, historic bridges, and beautiful walking trails.

🎭 Tacotonio Mural

Address: 1906 S. Flores
Nearby: Blue Star Arts Complex
This vibrant postcard mural welcomes you into the creative Southtown scene — a haven for up-and-coming artists, breweries, and street murals.

🎢 Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Address: 17000 IH-10 W
Nearby: The Rim & La Cantera
If you can spot the Scream Tower from 1604, you’re in the thrill zone. Roller coasters, live shows, and splash zones make this a family favorite.

🎬 Santikos Casa Blanca

Address: 11210 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
Nearby: Alamo Ranch Shopping Center
The largest movie theater in San Antonio is also a full entertainment complex with bowling, arcade games, and reclining seats. A Far West Side landmark.

🛰️ Boeing Center at Tech Port

Address: 3331 General Hudnell Dr.
Nearby: Kelly Field & Port San Antonio
This futuristic venue hosts concerts, esports, and tech expos in a repurposed military hub — redefining the city’s South Side.

🎉 The Bottom Line

Whether you're navigating your way downtown or planning a weekend adventure, San Antonio's iconic landmarks are more than just picture-perfect backdrops — they’re part of the city's soul. From centuries-old missions to oversized boots and neon-lit cathedrals, these spots guide locals and visitors alike through the past, present, and future of the Alamo City.

Ready to explore San Antonio like a local? Save this guide, hit the streets, and let the landmarks lead the way.