Location: San Antonio
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What to do and see in San Antonio, Texas (TX): The Best History Museums
Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.
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1. Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
2. Night at the Museum
3. The Alamo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,155 reviews
Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, for over 300 years the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire Texans and people around the world. Although the Alamo is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, all 300 years of Alamo history are vital to our story. Visitors can take a guided battlefield tour, rent a self-guided audio tour, walk through the historic Alamo Church and Long Barrack Museum, listen to a history talk given by an Alamo Interpreter, participate in living history demonstrations, watch a documentary on the history of the Alamo, and much more. Admission to the Alamo is free, but there is a charge for guided and audio tours.
Reviewed By 532stephena - Las Vegas, United States
The Alamo is to Texans what Washington D.C. is to Americans, a historical landmark that definitely deserves a look see. There are several great exhibits, beautifully landscaped grounds, a great little gift shop, and all within walking distance of other attractions such as the River Walk and the Hemisphere grounds and tower. This is where Texas history began!
4. Long Barracks Museum
5. The Guenther House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Majestic home belonging to the founders of the Pioneer Flour Mill.
Reviewed By TiaJK - Dallas, United States
This is an absolutely fabulous place for brunch. But be warned lots of other people know this! So plan to take the tour of the grounds and the house and do some shopping in their great little shop- but the wait is worth it! You can also take some fantastic photos while you wait- as the grounds are along the River and breathtaking!
6. Institute of Texan Cultures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
This museum is dedicated to the contributions of different ethnic groups in Texas.
Reviewed By MarcellaS649 - St. Petersburg, United States
Many cultures, many stories and artifacts. Perfect for a rainy day and onto the tower of the Americas for lunch.
7. Briscoe Western Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
The Briscoe Western Art Museum, located on the banks of the historic San Antonio River Walk, brings to life the vibrant culture and heritage of the Western United States. The Museum offers a permanent collection of Western art and artifacts, providing visitors from San Antonio and beyond the opportunity to experience artifacts and artwork depicting the American cowboy, American Indian, the Vaquero and the many diverse cultures that forged the American West.
Reviewed By dpm3356 - Fairfield, United States
A phenomenal collection of art and artifacts of the old west with an accent on the history of Texas located along the banks of the River Walk. You can see a sculpture of long horns as you drift by on a river boat. The diorama of the Battle if the Alamo is truly amazing and is a must see before going to the Alamo itself. Luminaries such as Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis are spot lighted so you can see where they fell and better visualize the conflict. See Santa Anna’s sword, Poncho Villa’s saddle. Wagons of the old west. There are many paintings illustrating the life of indigenous Americans. As the museum is walking distance from most downtown hotels, I can’t say whether parking is available or not. In my opinion, this is not a place to bring young children.
8. Battle For Texas: The Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Part Museum. Part Adventure. See the story of the Alamo brought to life all around you like never before! "The Experience" is a fully immersive museum adventure showcasing the most comprehensive collection of Alamo artifacts ever to be displayed under one roof. Visitors will feel the battle brought to life through sights, sounds, and even smells as they embark on an emotional journey through the 13 fateful days that gave birth to the state of Texas. A 22,000 sq ft attraction with 11-unique and thematic galleries -- each telling a new chapter of the story while weaving the amazing artifact collection throughout. Meet Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston and other heroes along the way and even even step into Mexican General Santa Anna's tent. Enter the Alamo walls, cross the line in the sand, and make your way through "The Gauntlet" as the battle takes shape around you. The attraction is a treat for Alamo enthusiasts while being designed to be enjoyed by the whole family and includes interactive elements and a finale video celebrating Texas pride that is not to be missed!
Reviewed By backharp - Denham Springs, United States
Battle for Texas is a well-done teaching exhibit. The actors that participate in the experience do a great job of helping bring the exhibit to life.
9. O. Henry House Museum
10. Alamo Liaison Squadron
As a flying museum, Cannon Field serves many stimulating purposes. First, we tell the history of WWII Liaison Aircraft, also known as L-birds. These ingenious aircraft provided vital functions such as observation, spotting, artillery fire and forward air control, communications, medical evacuation and more. We give our visitors a chance to experience first-hand what it was like to operate them.
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