What to Do in San Antonio When You're in Town for the Final Four
San Antonio will be one of the most exciting places in the country for the NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball games. The Final Four games are on Saturday, March 31, with the championship game on Monday, April 2nd, all at the Alamodome. If you’re going to San Antonio to watch all the Final Four action in person, lots of fun awaits you beyond the games. Enjoy free live music, amusement parks, and some can’t-miss historic sites. Here’s your guide to make the most of your San Antonio visit.
Start Your Weekend at the Fun Fest
The city of San Antonio is prepared to act as your tour guide for the Final Four. They’ve planned tons of great events for you to enjoy while you’re in town. First stop: The Capital One Fun Fest at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. It’s open to everyone for an affordable price, whether or not you’re attending the games. You can see celebrities and star athletes, go to cheer clinics, collect autographs, and even take a selfie with the championship trophy. Kids under 12, military members, college students, and Capital One cardholders all get free admission to the Fun Fest.
Free Music Festival
The Final Four championship always includes a free music festival for guests to enjoy. It’s not just any music festival, either: the event always features currently popular artists. Performers at the 2018 Final Four music festival include Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5. The Imagine Dragons show is on Saturday, March 31, and Maroon 5 plays Sunday, April 1. The free concerts are a way for the community to get involved in the finale to March Madness since it’s open to the public.
Enjoy the River Walk
Many other parts of the country are barely shaking off the cold of winter at the beginning of April. But in San Antonio, typical temperatures for the first weekend of April are right around 80 degrees, making it a great place for a spring vacation. When you’re in San Antonio, the River Walk is one of the best places to be outdoors. The River Walk is a city park along the banks of the San Antonio River, lined with beautiful cypress trees and framed by arched stone bridges. It was once described as the “American Venice” because it allows visitors to take boat rides on the river with scenery inspired by Mexico and the Old West. You can even take a dinner cruise on the river to take in the sights.
The Alamo
“Remember the Alamo” is the rallying cry of everyone who lives in San Antonio. The Alamo was a Roman Catholic mission and the site of a famous battle in 1836. Today, the original mission has been preserved and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and on U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Along with the San Antonio Missions Historical Park, the site is a well-preserved piece of Texas history. See living history demonstrations and honor some of Texas’ most famous heroes like Davy Crockett.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Many people have a stereotype of Texas that it’s all dusty and flat, but San Antonio will surprise you. In addition to the beauty of the river and the cypress trees, the area also has natural caverns that are amazing to explore. The caves are about 30 miles outside of the city and you can take guided tours through them. For something more exciting, try the Canopy Challenge, a series of ladders and platforms 60 feet off the ground. You’ll feel like a real-life Indiana Jones.
Amusement Parks
San Antonio is a great vacation city for more reasons than just the history and gorgeous natural scenery. Thousands of visitors descend on San Antonio every year and hang out at the many amusement parks the city has to offer. Spend a day swimming and taking in live shows at SeaWorld. Early April is an ideal time to spend a couple days riding the roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Morgan’s Wonderland is a top-rated amusement park specifically designed to accommodate people with special needs.
While you’re so close to Mexico, you can also get your fill of some of the best Tex-Mex food you’ve ever eaten. Check out historic Market Square for authentic food, handcrafts, decor, and clothing. The indoor shopping area is the largest Mexican marketplace in the marketplace. You’ll find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take back home to remember your trip to San Antonio.