13 Best Places to Go Shopping in San Antonio
Where to Shop and What to Buy in San Antonio
San Antonio’s many shopping options range from major malls with hundreds of stores to intriguing boutiques and antique marketplaces. As the 2nd-biggest city in the great state of Texas, you’ll find the latest fashion trends, beautiful furniture, antiques, and plenty of distinctly Texan souvenirs to take back home.
San Antonio is a hub of history, culture, and entertainment. With more than 3 centuries of stories to tell, it’s home to several iconic sites of interest like The Alamo. The city is a modern and vibrant location for arts, nightlife, and shopping too. Here’s a selection of the best places to go shopping in San Antonio.
1. Historic Market Square
Explore over 100 speciality shops
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food
Historic Market Square has been a key shopping hotspot in San Antonio for many years. Spanning 3 city blocks, it’s divided up into 2 sections: the Farmer’s Market Plaza and the El Mercado. You’ll find over 100 locally-owned speciality stores and businesses here, including a great range of small cafes and eateries offering classic Tex-Mex favourites like nachos and tacos.
Shopping-wise, you can find almost everything at Historic Market Square, including fine art at Boone’s Fine Pints, souvenirs at the San Antonio Gift Ship, accessories at Julia’s Jewelry, and even beer-based gifts at Budweiser Souvenirs.
Location: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed Monday–Friday)
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Historic Market Square
2. The Rim
San Antonio’s premier shopping and entertainment hub
Good for: Shoppers, Food
One of San Antonio’s leading shopping destinations, The Rim is a large-scale mall filled with over 100 shops and stores. You can find plenty of options, from big-brand department stores like JC Penney to smaller indie boutiques selling everything from classy jewellery to delicious cupcakes.
Entertainment products like electronics and video games to apparel, accessories, home décor, are also available at The Rim. If ever you get tired and need to take a break, the mall also has a large movie theatre, a bar, a game room, and multiple restaurants. Read more
Location: 17703 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78257, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-641-1777
The Rim
3. Blue Star Arts Complex
Home of the artistic and eclectic in San Antonio
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
The Blue Star Arts Complex is home to several galleries, as well as restaurants, speciality shops, and bars. It’s situated in the Southtown district of San Antonio, which is known as the artsy part of the city.
You can find some very eclectic and unexpected items here, from homemade healthy dog biscuits to unique artworks from local talents. Colourful, Texan home furnishings decorated with cowboy hats and Texas flags make unique gifts for loved ones back home. Read more
Location: 1414 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210, USA
Phone: +1 210-354-3775
Blue Star Arts Complex
4. Alamo Antique Mall
A treasure trove for history lovers
Good for: Shoppers, History
The Alamo Antique Mall is one of the top spots to find everything from one of a kind artworks to classic Western artefacts, military pocket watches, and unique decorative ceramics. Antique shopping is a popular pastime in San Antonio, given the city’s fascinating past and rich links with Texan history.
From glassware and jewellery to antique coins, old magazines, and even vintage vinyl albums, you can find a myriad of old treasures from various dealers within the 3-storey mall. This beautiful Downtown building is an excellent place for anyone looking to take home a piece of San Antonio history. Read more
Location: 125 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-224-4354
Alamo Antique Mall
5. The Shops At La Cantera
More than 1 million sq ft of retail space
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
The Shops at La Cantera is one of the biggest malls in the San Antonio area. Established in 2005, it features more than 160 stores in total, as well as a dozen restaurants and children’s play areas.
Whether you’re looking for high-end gadgets and electronics, the latest designer fashion trends, a brand-new book, or simply want to browse around a major department store like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or Macy’s, you’ll have a lot of options at The Shops at La Cantera. Read more
Location: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-582-6255
The Shops At La Cantera
6. Shops at Rivercenter
The heart of the San Antonio River Walk
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
The Shops at Rivercenter mall is home to around 80 stores in total, all anchored by an enormous Macy’s department store and a large-scale H&M outlet. Located on the San Antonio River Walk, you can also find many of the city’s top nightlife locations and eateries interspersed between the shops.
The shops are spread out across 4 floors, selling everything from Disney merchandise to designer clothes and Texas souvenirs. This mall has been around since the late ‘80s, growing and evolving with the times to offer up-to-date store selections and a great range of eateries. Entertainment offerings include an IMAX cinema and Legoland Discovery Center. Read more
Location: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-225-0000
Shops at Rivercenter
7. Mexican Market
Browse more than 100 Mexican stalls
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Food
For all things Mexican, head to the Mexican Market, easily accessible from anywhere around Downtown San Antonio. You’ll find over 100 stalls here dedicated to Mexican goods, including classic items like sombreros and pinatas, as well as more eclectic and unusual products too.
The whole market is covered, so you can comfortably explore it on rainy days. The stalls are all bright and colourful, making the place a really lively and exciting spot to do some shopping. There are also plenty of Mexican food stands and restaurants, allowing for a full-day outing.
Location: Between Dolorosa And Commerce Sts, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Mexican Market
8. North Star Mall
A historic haven for retail therapy
Good for: Shoppers
The North Star Mall has been around since 1960, making it one of the oldest major shopping destinations in San Antonio. Some of its biggest stores include department chains Dillard’s, JC Penney, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with over 200 stores.
The mall has seen extensive renovations and improvements over the years, with various food and entertainment centres offering much more to do besides shopping. It’s also only minutes away from the city’s international airport, so can be a fun place to stop off when first arriving in the city or just before you fly out. Read more
Location: 7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-340-6627
North Star Mall
9. The History Shop
A store that feels like a museum
Good for: Shoppers, History
The History Shop is something of a landmark for San Antonio locals and a prime spot to do some shopping for any history buffs or antique enthusiasts. As the name implies, this store specialises in all things historical, from antique maps to 18th-century weapons.
One of the store’s most cherished possessions is a stunning diorama of The Alamo itself. The History Shop often feels like a museum at times, as the owners take in historical items for repairs and restorations, as well as sell a wide range of books, maps, and other artefacts.
Location: 713 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 210-229-9855
The History Shop
10. The Twig Book Shop
A tiny paradise for literary enthusiasts
Good for: Shoppers
The Twig Book Shop is a little haven for library lovers and literature fans, offering a huge quantity of books across all genres from romance to history. It’s located in the Pearl part of the city, where you can find some of San Antonio’s most charming boutiques.
There are plenty of book shops around San Antonio, but what sets The Twig apart is its dedication to local talent. You’ll find books from many Texan authors, given pride of place as you enter the shop. It often hosts readings and meet-and-greet sessions with various poets and storytellers from the local area.
Location: 306 Pearl Pkwy UNIT 106, San Antonio, TX 78215, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-826-6411
The Twig Book Shop
11. Traders Village San Antonio
Shop a jumbo flea market and midway
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Budget
While it’s only open on the weekend, Traders Village San Antonio offers an interesting combination of experiences. It’s one of the largest flea markets in the state, where you can find discount goods, bargain-basement finds, handmade products, and more.
There’s also a midway on offer, where young and old can enjoy many different rides and games, such as the Fleafall and Pharaoh’s Fury. The Rumpus Room offers fun for the little ones, and there’s also a Kiddie Train that tours the entire market. The market is also home to quite a few events throughout the year, including an Independence Day celebration. Read more
Location: 9333 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242, USA
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-623-3838
Traders Village San Antonio
12. Pearl Farmers Market
Delicious Local Food
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Held on weekends at San Antonio’s Pearl Brewery, this market is your chance to buy produce and other foods straight from local growers and producers. You’ll find over 45 vendors each weekend, each offering something different, including local dairy products, farm-fresh produce, locally produced honey, gourmet candies, and so much more.
While you’re here, take time to watch one of the many cooking demonstrations, or listen as a live band plays. Learn more about how your favourite meats and cheeses are produced from the very people who craft them. For an all-inclusive experience, consider staying at Hotel Emma, which is part of the complex.
Location: 312 Peral Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215, USA
Open: Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Phone: +1 210-212-7260
Pearl Farmers Market
13. Alamo Quarry Market
Repurposed glory at Alamo Quarry
Good for: Shoppers, History
The spot now occupied by the Alamo Quarry Market was once a functioning cement plant. Today, it’s a sprawling shopping area home to over 60 stores. The grounds feature nods to the site’s past, including a vintage Ford Fordson tractor, and the plant’s smokestacks still stand, creating an interesting atmosphere.
There are quite a few recognisable anchor stores here, including Bed, Bath & Beyond, Whole Foods, GAP, Office Max, and Nordstrom Rack. However, you’ll also find a 16-screen movie theatre, several dining options such as Joe’s Crab Shack and P.F. Chang’s, and quite a few specialty shops to visit. Read more
Location: 255 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-824-8885
Alamo Quarry Market
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