9 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in San Antonio

In quintessential Texas-style, San Antonio is home to the world’s largest Virgin Mary mosaic. Erected at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Centre in 2004, this massive 3D masterpiece is the work of Jesse Trevino, a local Vietnam vet and artist.

The mural represents the intertwined Mexican and American history of the region. Designed to look like a votive candle, the vibrant red contrasts starkly against the white mosaic encompassing the Virgin Mary. The mosaic is free to experience, and you can pair a visit here with a stop at the intriguing Guadalupe Cultural Arts Centre.

The Hot Wells Hotel Ruins lie along the San Antonio River, opposite Padre Park. It provides visitors with a unique view into early San Antonio, as it was once the place to stay for anyone travelling to the city. The hotel faded into obscurity after a series of fires, shutting the hotel down for good in 1997.

The Hot Wells Hotel Ruins are now managed by a local non-profit, sitting in the centre of a lovely park. Entry is free year-round. See how spas were constructed in the 1930s and learn the mysterious legends about what actually started the fires.

The Magic Lantern Museum is an obscure ode to the earliest form of a slide projector – the magic lantern. This device is used to showcase images dating back to the 17^th century. Founded by Jack Judson who loved to collect and restore magic lanterns, the private museum houses an astounding collection worth exploring.

Available by appointment only, tours are led by Jack himself, who shares his enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of magic lanterns to all who will listen. The Magic Lantern Museum is in the Alamo Heights neighbourhood of San Antonio. We recommend stopping by the Robber Baron Cave, just a few miles away from the museum.

San Antonio is home to the World's Largest Cowboy Boots, reinforcing the saying that "Everything is bigger in Texas". Crafted by Texan Bob Wade, who used concrete and fibreglass to make the 40-ft-tall pair of boots look like they are made from ostrich skin.

The boots have been utilised in a variety of ways, playing host to tailgate parties and even a DJ broadcasting live from atop for the San Antonio Rodeo. Located on the corner of the uber-popular North Star Mall and San Antonio International Airport, you can’t miss this artwork when flying in.

Bracken Cave is an ancient sinkhole that is home to a staggering number of Mexican free-tailed bats, which travel 1,000 miles from Mexico in March. Located in the beautiful hill country northeast of San Antonio, millions of bats emerge every night from the cave right as the sun is setting.

Thanks to the support from the Bat Conservation International (BCI) group, amphitheatre-style seating is set up close to Bracken Cave. The viewing experience is further enhanced with commentary by bat experts. Visitation is reserved for BCI members – you can purchase the $45 annual membership or find a member who can invite you as a guest.

The McNutt Sculpture Garden is an outdoor art gallery with dozens of bronze sculptures depicting iconic figures of the American West. The artwork includes classic images such as Native Americans, settlers, and wildlife such as cougars, lizards, and snakes.

Part of the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the public outdoor space is a great place to find shade and respite from the brutal Texas sun. Finding the sculpture garden is no easy feat, with a nondescript gate being the only entryway, so you are bound to have some privacy inside.