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San Antonio Fire Museum

5.0 (44 reviews)
Closed • Closed

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Iris T.

In town for 5 days and I had a free day where I had nothing planned... and looked up this place. Our hotel was just around the corner so I passed by a few times and after some research, it looked fun! I got the impression that the building is a retired fire department manned by volunteers. You get assigned your own "tour guide" (a retired firefighter) upon entry after a $5 entry fee to help with the upkeep. We actually arrived at the same time as another family with kids so we got placed together under one guide. If you come without kids, you get all the historical details... if you have kids, you'll get a brief run through and skip to the fire trucks through history. They also include helmets, boots, jackets, and even pants to try on. They are HEAVY (which you would expect) so my 5 year old daughter tried on the jacket only, which was enough for her. Haha... You can also ring the bell! There is a back section geared towards children with an ambulance that you can walk through, more retired fire trucks, a small theatre room about fire safety, and a play room with fire fighting themed items. I found it very interesting. Each vehicle has their own sign with more detailed information. Photos, uniforms from a few other countries, etc. I would have liked the more in depth tour - maybe next time when they're a few years older. My 20 month old and 5 year old liked exploring all the trucks (you can climb into a few of them) and the play area in the back. As it is, if you have time and are in the area, I recommend stopping by! The people there are quite nice and knowledgeable.

James was fantastic and knowledgeable and super welcoming! Loved the exhibits, and the history behind everything you know (and don't) not just about SA Firefighters but firefighting in general. So very well curated and interesting.

Some cute things for kids.
Christina P.

Nice place to beat the heat with my 2 young kids! The volunteers who work here are knowledgeable and love to talk about their experiences. My kids were happy looking through some of the interactive parts of the museum for about 1.5 hours. Paid public parking is close by.

Maria V.

I would like to say that Rick Lopez was great. He educated and informed us. He told stories of most of the retired staff and the development of the neighborhood and the Fire Department. This was the best experience!!!

Photo stand
Kim F.

We took our three grandkids here over Christmas break. We had a retired fireman who walked us thru each exhibit and gave us excellent historical information. The kids favorite part was getting to climb on the fire truck, take pics in the cut outs and watch the videos in the video room. This was all at the end, so left on a high note.

Tim C.

Awesome display of fire equipment past and present, lots of history, they even have an area for kids to learn about fire fighting and first aid, and they have turn out gear for big and little kids. We had a tour guide, Jim Collins, he retired from the San Antonio Fire Department and now does amazing tours. Make sure you check out the gift shop, great shirts and coffee cups, got me a San Antonio Haz Mat shirt and a coffee cup too. The museum is located right behind the Alamo.

The pipe is made out of cypress, and the hose in the back is hand made from leather...
Timothy A.

I stopped by here on my last day in town, and had a very pleasant tour from one of the retired volunteers. I wish I remembered his name, but he was awesome, and I was honored and humbled to have been given a tour by him. The museum is exactly as you would expect. Lots of old trucks and memorabilia, but there is also a special section for the kids to play in and dress up (big kids too). The gift shop is reasonably priced, and I was happy to buy a few patches to share with family back home.

My little firefighter
Sandra F.

We drove to San Antonio with plans to visit the zoo and were rained out. I looked on Yelp for a museum the whole family would enjoy. The Fireman Museum was the only museum with 5*s so we went. We were welcomed upon arrival and informed of everything to see including a newly opened building. I spoke with a volunteer that was wonderful! She told me about her husband's long career with the department and a young man that worked with her husband early on and then became Chief. She was so friendly and informative. Our family all enjoyed the museum and can see why it has 5 stars. Thank you so much for bringing sunshine to an otherwise rainy day.

This was a great museum. We got a full guided tour from one of the volunteers who was a retired fire fighter. He told us lots of information about the fire trucks and equipment that we would never know. This was totally fascinating and I definitely recommend visiting this museum. Also this is great for kids.

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The staff made the museum experience an over the top experience! Learning the history was cool too!

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7 years ago

What a great experience for adults and children. Little bit of SAFD history with education for children. Would recommend stopping in!

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9 years ago

My nephew enjoyed this place. It was cost effective and my only downfall is that it didn't have free parking. The kids center was fun.

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9 years ago

Super friendly staff! Gave us a personal tour and made a wonderful impression. Great exhibits and more to come. Thank you so very much.

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Ask the Community - San Antonio Fire Museum

Review Highlights - San Antonio Fire Museum

“We had a tour guide, Jim Collins, he retired from the San Antonio Fire Department and now does amazing tours.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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During our trip to San Antonio in July, we wanted to visit a second museum in addition to the San…read moreAntonio Museum of Art. After doing some online research, I came across the Witte Museum. Since it featured dinosaur exhibits and a special Pterosaur exhibition, it seemed like the perfect complement to the artwork on display at the downtown art museum. When we arrived, we found the museum conveniently located just minutes from downtown. We parked in the covered garage adjacent to the museum and made the short walk to the entrance and ticket counter. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the museum offers military discounts for veterans, which was a nice bonus. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by several dinosaur displays in the main gallery, which immediately caught our attention. I had never seen a Pterosaur skeletal display before, and the sheer scale of the exhibit was incredibly impressive. Of course, there was also everyone's favorite, the mighty T-Rex, prominently on display. In addition to the prehistoric exhibits, the museum featured displays highlighting native Texas wildlife as well as a live conservation area showcasing living animals. One feature I particularly enjoyed was the second-floor overlook above the T-Rex exhibit. It provided a unique perspective and was an excellent location for photographs. We also opted to visit the special Pterosaur exhibit, which required an additional admission fee. The highlight was a giant life-size Pterosaur replica suspended from the ceiling. It created a dramatic centerpiece and made for some outstanding photo opportunities. The exhibit also included several interactive displays that were popular with younger visitors. We spent about an hour exploring the museum, which was the perfect amount of time before heading across the street to P. Terry's for lunch. Overall, I would rank the Witte Museum as my second-favorite dinosaur museum, behind the Dinosaur Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota, which features 98 prehistoric reptile and dinosaur displays along with an enormous T-Rex that visitors can view up close. Even so, the Witte Museum was highly impressive and proved to be a very rewarding stop during our five-day vacation in San Antonio. If you're planning a visit to San Antonio, I would definitely recommend adding the Witte Museum to your list of attractions. Whether you're interested in dinosaurs, natural history, Texas wildlife, or traveling with children, the museum offers something for everyone.

We came out to celebrate your 100th birthday, and let me just say... YOU DELIVERED! What an…read moreamazing experience for the whole family! My children loved being able to walk around and explore all the different venues. They had so much fun taking pictures with the Spurs and the H-E-B character, getting their faces painted, enjoying free ice cream, and participating in all the different crafts. The bubble scientist and making the necklace with HEB was also a huge hit! We also took time to walk through the museum and explore the different artifacts, which made the visit even more special. There was so much to see and do, and my girls enjoyed every last minute of it!Thank you for putting together such a fun, family-friendly celebration. You made your 100th birthday one to remember, and we are so happy we got to be part of it!

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San Antonio Museum of Art - Main Entrance

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4.4(254 reviews)
0.8 mi•Downtown

Every time I visit San Antonio, a stop at the San Antonio Museum of Art is at the top of my…read moreitinerary. I've visited museums throughout the United States and around the world, and this museum remains my favorite, hands down. For its size, I have yet to find another museum that packs so much history, culture, and artistic significance into a single visit. The museum checks all the boxes. It's conveniently located near downtown, admission is reasonably priced, the galleries are thoughtfully organized, and the staff are consistently friendly and helpful. Even the gift shop stands out, offering unique items that complement the collections rather than feeling like an afterthought. I brought my partner for her first visit in July, and I think she took photos of just about every corner of the museum. She was that impressed with the exhibits. From ancient artifacts to stunning works of art from around the world, every gallery offers something worth slowing down to appreciate. We spent about two hours exploring the museum and enjoyed every minute of it. Because we visited on a weekday morning, the galleries were pleasantly quiet and uncrowded. It was a relaxing and enjoyable way to escape the Texas summer heat while taking in an incredible collection of art and history. If you're visiting San Antonio, everyone knows to see the Alamo, and for good reason. But once you've finished there, do yourself a favor and head over to the San Antonio Museum of Art. It's only a few minutes away and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated cultural attractions in Texas. I've visited museums across the United States and around the world, and this one still tops my list. Whether you're a serious art enthusiast or simply enjoy learning about different cultures and civilizations, this museum is an absolute must-see. I make a point to visit every time I'm in San Antonio, and it never disappoints.

Wow never expected such a world class museum here So much to…read moresee and the lay out is great Spacious and def classy Glass elevators and the glass walkway between the two towers are impressive Love the exhibits from Egypt to China. The bookstore is fun too! They provide stools to sit and saw some artists sketching the Egyptian statues Too much to see. Will def return Also will try the Italian restaurant on campus along the river Romantic and scenic too

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4.2(34 reviews)
1.0 mi•Tobin Hill

What: landmark/art. Very cool to walk along and have this random, eclectic art to enjoy and…read moreappreciate. Location: 5 minute walk from The Pearl Brewery.

Recommend you check this part of the riverwalk out when in the Pearl District and Museum Reach…read more Keep walking a little further and enjoy Camden Bridge which you can also watch the bats come out at dusk certain times of the year. Parking in the Pearl surface lots are free on weekdays before 3pm and $4 after 3pm. We parked by La Gloria, walked down along the river for awhile then hit Pullman Market when we came back. There are lots of places to choose from though. Pullman Market has clean restrooms and a lots of patio seating to enjoy your selection. We enjoyed grabbing a ready made bacon breakfast taco for a quick bite before continuing on enjoying the area. More about the grotto: https://sanantoniohappens.com/the-grotto-san-antonio/ 'The Grotto along the Museum Reach is a modern public art piece created by Carlos Cortés, which is located in San Antonio's historic Immaculate Conception Cemetery. That said, The Grotto honors this rich artistic lineage. Cortés' work is deeply inspired by his great-uncle's techniques, preserving the faux bois style that blends naturalistic beauty with spiritual reflection. The site evokes a sense of contemplation that connects visitors to San Antonio's broader legacy of public art and cultural symbolism.'

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McNay Art Museum - Architecture  2/2026

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4.5(255 reviews)
4.4 mi•Terrell Heights

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Absolutely beautiful museum! Perfect for a day out and not overwhelming one bit. I happened to luck…read moreout and observe this museum on one of their free entrance days- the first Sunday of the month. Best to arrive around opening time to get parking up close. A sculpture garden surrounds the museum so there's plenty of areas to stroll and take photos. This museum resides in a gorgeous 1920s Spanish colonial revival residence built by Marion McNay. The building itself is art with its wood detailing, arches, and intricate tile ceilings and floors. The actual art collection consisted of over 20,000 items, but only some are displayed and occasionally on rotation. The collection embodied European and American art of the nineteenth century, twentieth, and twenty first centuries. Sooo much to see- paintings, special exhibits, vase collection, Angelica Raquel Mystic Threads, sculptures, and a lovely garden/pond/fountain containing koi. The museum has a gift shop, restrooms, and a special collection of art displayed by many artistic school children. My new found artist I discovered here was Carl Rice Embery. A pure Texan, his art was amazing ! Initially I thought the pieces were photographs, but up close they are actual paintings. That's how realistic they are. Simple Texan scenery. We had a great time and would definitely come back!

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McNay Art Museum - 2/2026

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I just have to take a moment to shout out Wonder Chamber Selfie Museum I had been here before with…read moremy daughter but when talking about the selfie museum a young lady close to my daughter has been going through a really difficult time. She's a high school senior currently experiencing homelessness, and her mom wasn't able to celebrate her birthday this year.. As someone who runs a nonprofit, I reached out to a few places hoping someone would be willing to help make her day special. When I say they were absolutely amazing, I mean that with my whole heart. They were kind, welcoming, and so accommodating. They helped create a beautiful space where she and her friends could celebrate, laugh, and just be young for a moment. And listen... it wasn't just pictures. It was joy, confidence, and memories. Watching these girls light up, feel beautiful, and enjoy themselves in such a fun, creative environment meant everything. You could literally see their spirits lift. Everybody deserves to feel special, especially on their birthday and especially a young woman pushing through life and still showing up and doing her best. Because of this experience, I will always support and recommend them. If you're looking for a place that brings fun, creativity, and positive energy, this is definitely a spot you should check out

I would say the pricing is steep for the experience. There are definitely some cute photo ops…read more However, it wasn't as interactive as I hoped. The diner was very cool but the juke box wasn't working. The candy room could use a bit more whimsy. I appreciate the vision but it could use some more pizazz. More embellishments, more interactive moments. Just needs more for the price.

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Briscoe Western Art Museum - Full size chuck wagon

Briscoe Western Art Museum

4.5(140 reviews)
0.4 mi•Downtown

This museum is right off the Riverwalk (if you go the right way). If you are driving, park in the…read morepublic lots nearby, as they will be cheaper than the parking garage directly across the street from the museum. There is a public parking lot down from the museum on the corner of West Market Street and South Alamo Street. One may think, why go to a Western museum, but it's more than just Western information. This museum tells the story of how Texas became Texas. The various tidbits of information were just great, like who knew that in New Spain, Franciscan friars were the first missionaries playing a huge role in evangelizing. If you're even a little curious about how Catholicism plays a role in history, this museum answers those questions and offers insight. They also have an area for Selena. I thought there would be more info about her in that area, but I definitely loved seeing photos from the photographer's own collection. The museum is definitely worth checking out! They also have information for free field trips and various community days with additional activities. The staff to include the security is very knowledgeable about the museum as well.

I have been waiting to check out this museum and it didn't disappoint! Located downtown near the…read moreriverwalk this museum focuses on the history of the American West and teaches you a lot behind san antonio's culture as well. This is such a fun activity for families to check out, with several parts of the museum having interactive art. My favorite part was seeing the exclusive Selena art exhibit which ends January 4th so make sure to check it out before it's gone! It was amazing seeing the history behind some of the topics discussed in school and around the world. This is a great place for some down time especially if you are looking for something different and quiet to do in San Antonio. They also offer tours and sometimes have different events that happen so make sure to follow their accounts to keep up with what's going on!

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The DoSeum - Dino exhibit (7/2026)

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4.2(345 reviews)
2.0 mi•Mahncke Park

My grandson and I go here once a week! We are members, and I cannot imagine our lives without this…read moreweekly outing. There is constantly something new to do... And the consistently is reassuring for young children. They are always adding new exhibits, and they decorate for the holidays impeccably... My grandson and I make an effort just to walk around and look at the decorations... It is so much fun! We spend so much time engrossed in one singular activity that we have to go back week after week and it seems like there's always something brand new to do there! Take a change of clothes if you're going to go because if you don't go home wet or dirty you didn't do it right! There are water exhibits outside add gravel pits to play in and bubbles to experiment with outdoors and of course if you want to stay clean and neat , there are lots and lots of things to do indoors. I've never met any parent or child who hasn't been thrilled to walk in excited or walk out exhausted from that facility. Everyone has a great time and there is food available at the mini Bakery Lorraine... a limited menu: the items we have ordered have been satisfying for children and shareable for one adult and kid. Healthy options and satisfying for picky eaters. Kid food. Don't expect high cuisine... but what you order there will be satisfying and hold you over until you get home... Keep you satisfied until nap time... Until dinner. It serves its purpose and well it is good food. The chef brings it out to you personally or the shift manager does... with a smile on their face... they recognize regulars and I love that.

I finally got back to the Doseum. It's been years since I've been here. FYI: Admission was $18 for…read moreme and my child (total $36). The price can be expensive for parents with multiple children. Even on family day (free admission), tickets are taken within seconds. Anyway, we visited on Saturday and even though it was crowded, we managed to experience and view lots of exhibits. This is truly a children's museum where children can interact and touch some exhibits. Parking is free and plentiful. The cafe food is OK and moves quickly.

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San Antonio Fire Museum - museums - Updated October 2026

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