How To Throw An Affordable Bachelorette Party In San Antonio, Texas

Bachelorette parties are a blast, but they often cost a pretty penny. Plane tickets, outfits, meals, gifts—even a casual girls’ weekend can leave a heavy hole in your pocket. Luckily, there are ways to save money on a bachelorette party and still have a great time. Do things differently on your trip to San Antonio. This Spanish-founded city has plenty of culture-rich, fun and affordable activities. Among this guide to points of interest are historical sites, music, nightlife and even indoor skating. Your girlfriends—and your wallet—will thank you. If you're looking for more, check out our visitor's guide to San Antonio.

Experience a Spanish mission that’s now a fortress

Make a stop by the Alamo, believed to be Texas’ most visited historic landmark. Photo Credit: foap.com

Take a free guided tour of the Alamo, Texas’ most visited historic landmark and top among San Antonio points of interest. The 18th-century mission and site of the Texas Revolution’s most infamous battle was once known as Misión San Antonio de Valero. Make sure to read the landmark’s rules of reverence before visiting in order to have a respectful and memorable visit.

Strut your stuff at Car-Vel Skate Center

Get your skate on at this old-school roller rink in Leon Valley. The Car-Vel Skate Center has a snack bar and rents skates for $2, and admission is $11 Friday through Sunday. The venue is open to skaters of all ages and experience levels, so first-timers needn’t worry. Your ladies may laugh when you fall, but they’ll also be there to pick you right back up.

Bask in the great outdoors at the Japanese Tea Garden

Stroll the grounds and work up an appetite at San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden, which is nearly a century old. The restored garden—with its shaded walkways, stone bridges, koi ponds and waterfall—is open daily from dawn to dusk and is just the spot for an impromptu bridal party photo opp. Refuel at the on-site Jingu House Cafe with Asian fusion sandwiches and salads and an assortment of hot and cold teas. Admission is free.

Shop for artisanal trinkets at Historic Market Square

There’s a little something for everyone in the group when you stop at Historic Market Square. Photo Credit: foap.com

Known as the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico, Historic Market Square includes more than 100 locally owned shops. Browse for leather goods, cultural apparel, artwork and pottery made by local artisans; the market’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. If shopping makes you hungry, stop by the Farmer’s Market Food Court for some tasty Tex-Mex.

Dance the night away at Howl at the Moon

If you’re looking to get a little wild—it is a bachelorette weekend, after all—head to Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar with a dance floor. It’s one of San Antonio’s best nightlife scenes. Grab some straws and the signature 86-ounce bucket of booze (one is way more than enough for everyone to share), and request a song for the bride, why don’t you? It’s not every night you get to celebrate your bride-to-be BFF.

Grab a late-night breakfast at Mi Tierra Cafe

A local favorite since 1941, Mi Tierra Cafe is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you and your gal pals spend the night partying like rock stars, no worries. The cafe will be there waiting with open arms and breakfast tacos when you’re ready to call it quits. A hearty, authentic Mexican meal is just what you’ll need to soak up the cocktails and wind down your crazy night. Mi Tierra also has happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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