After living in Texas for over five years, I finally made it to San Antonio! And now I’m so excited to share the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio with y’all!
This vibrant Texas city is full of beautiful places, murals, architecture, missions, and so much more.
As such, it’s a perfect place to capture some Instagram photos!
After exploring it for myself, I’ve come up with a list of 40 of the most Instagrammable spots in San Antonio.
I’ve divided them into the categories below; feel free to jump to a specific section if you’re looking for something in particular.
Map of Locations
Missions & Cathedrals
1. The Alamo
I had to start with the famous Alamo, of course! It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio!
As someone who didn’t grow up in Texas, I was shocked when I found out that we actually did not win at the Alamo!
2. San Fernando Cathedral
Just a short drive away from the Alamo is the San Fernando Cathedral.
Doesn’t it look like the Notre Dame?
That automatically makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio!
3. Mission Concepcion
Mission Concepcion is the first mission you’ll find as you drive south on Mission Road.
This mission, and the next three you’ll find on this list, are all in the southern part of San Antonio, almost in a line!
Anyway, how beautiful is this mission!?
4.Mission San Jose
Unfortunately when we visited Mission San Jose it was closed.
For some of the other missions, that wasn’t a problem since they are the kind you can simply walk up to.
Not this one- it is completely walled off!
So we just grabbed some shots outside in the parking lot!
Lesson learned: if you’re trying to visit the Mission San Jose, double check before you head out to see if it’s open.
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5. Mission San Juan (Capistrano)
Not to be confused with Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California, this mission is sometimes just abbreviated to be called Mission San Juan.
I think that this mission is the most beautiful of all of San Antonio’s missions.
We decided to visit at sunset to see if we could capture a colorful sky at this beautiful mission.
Even though the mission had closed, the parking lot was still accessible, so we were able to get the shot!
Note: If you bring a zoom lens with you, you can capture what you see in the first image.
6. Mission Espada
The first time we went to Mission Espada it was closed and we weren’t able to drive beyond the closed gates.
We returned the next day when it opened back up and I’m glad we did! The symmetry of the main tower part of the mission is so beautiful with the triple bells!
Murals
7. The Artisan
One thing I noticed about San Antonio almost immediately was how many murals it has.
As you drive around, you’ll see murals on the sides of buildings, on the walls along roads and highways, and even whole places dedicated to murals! (More about that in the next item on my list of things to do in San Antonio).
On the side of The Artisan you’ll find this colorful gem!
8. Essex Modern City
In short, Essex Modern City is a place with dozens of murals.
And not one is like the other!
Check out item #9 for my favorite mural at Essex.
9. You Belong Here
My favorite mural at Essex Modern City is the “You Belong Here” mural!
It’s so cheerful and colorful- perfect for the ‘gram!
10. Selena
While Selena (not Gomez, as I had to explain to my husband) is not from San Antonio, she is from Texas!
As such, and as the Queen of Tejano music, you’ll find murals and memorabilia of this famous latina singer all over south Texas!
11. Greetings from San Antonio
Turn a postcard into an Instagram post with this fun mural!
12. Viva Fiesta
Just across the street from the “Greetings from San Antonio” mural is this colorful gem!
It says “lets fiesta,” and I agree with that sentiment! This mural definitely deserves a spot on this list of Instagrammable places in San Antonio!
13. Nick Long/ Google Fiber
A few steps away from the “Viva Fiesta” mural is this one of local artist Nick Long, sponsored by Google Fiber.
(You can see just how lose it is to the fiesta mural- it’s peeking out on the bottom right of this shot I got!)
14. Rainbow Wings
This is one of my favorite murals in San Antonio because of how cheerful it is! Also- wings always seem to do really well on Instagram!
The photo I posted onto my Instagram did about twice as well as all of my usual posts! Definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio!
These wings are on the side of Culture Hair Studio along The Strip.
15. Rainbow Crosswalk
Adjacent to the rainbow wings is this colorful crosswalk!
The rainbow is repeated on each crosswalk in this intersection, so you can choose which one you want to photograph depending on lighting and which background you prefer!
Here you can see the difference in angles: the first one was taken at eye level while the second was from down low on a tripod.
16. Optimism by Frost Bank
I love murals with happy messages!
This one, sponsored by Frost Bank, is particularly happy!
Note that this is right by the famous “I love You Tacos So Much” mural, which I was hoping to photograph.
But when we arrived, the tacos had been painted over! So it just said “I Love You So Much.”
(Not so pretty, so it didn’t make my list.)
17. World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
Okay, okay, I know this isn’t a mural.
I just wasn’t sure which category it fit into here, so I stuck it at the end of the murals list.
But did you know that San Antonio has the world’s largest cowboy boots?
They are right by the Saks Fifth Avenue at the mall.
Parks & Nature
18. Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of my favorite places in all of San Antonio! And definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in San Antonio.
This park is free and incredible!
It is located right by the San Antonio Zoo, and is certainly worth a visit!
It has an epic waterfall, several huge koi ponds, stone bridges and gorgeous landscaping.
You’ll feel like you’ve entered a whole new world- definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in San Antonio!
19. Confluence Park
Confluence Park has some incredible architecture!
I never would have guessed I’d find a park like this in San Antonio.
I particularly like how it gives off Sydney Opera House vibes. (Can you see it too, or is it just me?)
20. HemisFair/Wings of Mexico
HemisFair is a large park that is home to the Tower of the Americas.
But for Instagram, more noteably, it’s home to these stunning angel wings!
I had seen angel wings like this in Dubai pop up on my Instagram home feed, but didn’t know we had some just as beautiful here in Texas!
21. Denman Estate Park
I think that the most Instagrammable thing you’ll find on the 12.5 acres of Denman Estate Park is this awesome Korean pagoda.
The pagoda was actually hand carved by San Antonio’s sister city, Gwangju, South Korea!
And while you’re there, it’s worth it to take a stroll around the pond along the half mile walking trail to see what other insta-worthy gems you’ll find!
22. San Antonio Botanical Garden
Between the flowers and this awesome glass structure surrounded by palm trees, you’ll find a bunch of Instagrammable things at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
23. Natural Bridge Caverns
These caverns give me Indiana Jones vibes!
Definitely something fun to put up on the ‘gram.
24. The Greenline
The cutest part of the Greenline is the moon sculpture!
It’s a sculpture of a boy flying the moon as if it is a kite, and it’s absolutely charming!
While we didn’t have time to visit the Greenline, next time I’ll visit it myself!
Just imagine the inspirational quotes you could use as an Instagram caption for this photo!
Tip: Go at sunset for calm waters- they are great for a mirror lake reflection!
Buildings & Areas
25. San Antonio Riverwalk
Did you visit San Antonio if you didn’t go on the famous Riverwalk?
Keep reading to see the prettiest spot on the San Antonio Riverwalk!
Heading to San Antonio via the Hill Country? Check out my favorite Hill Country hidden gems here!
26. La Villita
I think that La Villita makes for the most charming, Instagrammable spot along the San Antonio Riverwalk!
Just how idyllic are this bridge and building?
It looks like a scene out of Italy (just picture the Venice canals or the quaint Italian countryside) instead of from Texas!
27. Historic Sunset Station
Sunset Station is one of the most Instagrammable train stations I’ve visited! (The other is in Denver!)
It is insta-worthy on the outside and the inside!
28. Hays Street Bridge
As we walked down Hays Street Bridge, I was extremely underwhelmed by its beauty.
But when you approach the “tunnel” part of the bridge and view it through a lens, you’ll see just why I put this on my list of Instagrammable spots in San Antonio.
Basically it’s the difference between the first and second photos you see here: the first is just “eh,” but the second is pretty cool (to me at least!).
29. Downtown San Antonio
I know this is a pretty generic one, but there are so many great city shots you could take in San Antonio!
From the courthouse to the Tower Life Building (the tall building you see on the left side of the photo), San Antonio has some pretty great architecture!
30. Majestic Theatre
The marquee at the Majestic makes for a great retro-style photo!
Bonus: after you’ve captured your photo for the ‘gram, you can stop in for a movie!
31. Historic Market Square
Colorful flags are always welcome on my Instagram!
Historic Market Square has exactly that- rows and rows of pretty, colorful flags!
Get a photo straight on, or try capturing them at an angle to change up your lines!
32. King William Historic District
Whether you’re looking for a cool Instagram background or you just want to drive through a lovely neighborhood of historic homes, the King William Historic District is for you.
German settlers in the 1800’s built many of the houses here in Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles!
My favorite street to drive down is Adams Street- I found the prettiest houses there!
33. Palm 91
If you’re interested in places that are created specifically for Instagram photo shoots, head to Palm 91.
They’ve got some unique photo backdrops and themed installations that alternate throughout the year!
Cafes & Restaurants
34. Liberty Bar
A pink bar?
Yup!
And pink buildings are automatically Instagram worthy!
Funnily enough, Liberty Bar is located in a restored convent- maybe a bit ironic?
35. Ocho
Dine at Ocho if you want to be surrounded by cool, eclectic decor and walls of windows!
Located inside Hotel Havana, Ocho serves up pan-Latin fare that vibes with its old-world charm and colorful decor.
36. Supper
Supper is located at Hotel Emma and features farm-to-table cuisine, which is my favorite kind of food!
37. Paramour
Paramour is an indoor and rooftop bar located at The Phipps.
It overlooks the San Antonio Riverwalk and the historical museum district.
Funky and colorful, it’s a great spot for a photo!
38. NOLA Brunch & Beignets
This cafe is so cute! From the teal blue walls to the cozy cafe setting, you’ll love this slice of Louisiana charm!
They serve up classic New Orleans cuisine alongside live jazz- and you simply must try their beignets!
39. Cured
Cured is located in the heart of the Pearl District, and is in the cutest building! It serves up cocktails and charcuterie-style cuisine.
Visit at dusk when it’s lit up for a particularly warm and cozy Instagram pic!
40. Estate Coffee Co
I think this is the cutest coffee shop in San Antonio! (If you can think of another, comment it below so I can check it out!)
With plants, bright white spaces, and a minimalist design, Estate Coffee Co is a great place for your next coffee ‘gram.
In conclusion…
I hope you see just how Instagrammable San Antonio is!
If you know of more insta-worthy spots in San Antonio that didn’t make my list, please comment them below!
I’d love to check them out the next time I’m in San Antonio!
Also, if you’re doing a Texas road trip or are exploring the area, here are a few more helpful articles:
- My 20 favorite Hill Country hidden gems
- The 51 most Instagrammable places in Austin
- The mystery and allure of Jacob‘s Well in Wimberley, TX
Safe travels,
Jasmine
PS. If you found this post helpful, please share it to Pinterest! You can use the images below for easy pinning!
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11 Responses
I love San Antonio ????, there’s a lot of places to explore there. Since you mentioned cute coffeeshops you should check out commonwealth bakery, press coffee and the rise coffeeshop. They also have a place called lights channels downtown (near St. Paul’s square). McNay Art Museum is a beautiful place to take pictures but I believe you would have to just use your phone.
This is all so great to know! Thank you for sharing these with me!! Definitely will need to check them out on my next trip to San Antonio!
San Antonio is a great city. I have been numerous times. Probably not seen everyhing there is to see. The last time we went, 1999. We have family there! I’m ready for a return trip. You’ll have a most unbelievable time there. Go in the early summer. Possibly fall or winter. It is an amazing city to visit. Enjoy it to the greatest experience ever.
I TOTALLY LOVE THIS HISTORIAL CITY!!
I’m so glad to hear it and I completely agree! I hope you get to visit soon! It definitely is a wonderful historical city to explore!
Most of these images are broken and not displaying! Love the post but was really hoping to get more visuals.
Hey Renata! Are you opening the page on Pinterest or through Google? Trying to diagnose the problem!
Never mind! It seems like they were just taking a bit of time to load!
Good to know, thank you! I’ve been seeing people have issues with images loading on mobile or through Pinterest so I’m trying to get to the bottom of it! Thanks for the insight!
Isnt San Juan Capistrano in California?
Hi Melanie!
It is also a mission in California! But I’m going to clarify the article so hopefully that will help!
You could TRY to see a movie at the Majestic but it’s not a movie theater. It’s for stage shows (broadway, small concerts, etc) and the inside is even more beautiful than the outside.