10 Things to Do in San Antonio Ahead of the Final Four

The Final Four is returning to San Antonio, Texas in 2018, drawing college basketball fans from all over the country to the Alamo City for the second time in 10 years. Regardless of whether you're celebrating March Madness and the crowning of the next NCAA Tournament champion, there are tons of fun to be had in San Antonio this spring.

No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stop at The Alamo. The iconic attraction will offer extended hours for Spring Break through March 25. If you're planning a visit ahead of the Final Four games March 31, be on the lookout for author John R. Knaggs, who will be in the Alamo Gift Shop to sign copies of his novel on the Texas Revolution.

Centuries of history and culture are waiting to be explored at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Visitors can view four separate mission sites containing active Catholic parishes, including Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Free guided tours are available.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is home to the world's first 4D free-fly coaster in BATMAN: The Ride, which utilizes an innovative design and special effects to deliver a unique thrill ride experience. Visitors can also look forward to the debut of the world's first single rail coaster when the WONDER WOMAN Golden Lasso Coaster opens this spring.

After you've had your fill at Six Flags, head over to SeaWorld San Antonio to check out the new Taumata Racer high-speed water slide. The theme park will also host wildlife experts during Wild Days through March 18. Meanwhile, the fourth annual Seven Seas Food & Wine Festival kicks off April 20 and continues through May 28.

Travelers with young children will want to pay a visit to The Witte Museum. In addition to Texas history, visitors will learn about science, nature and culture through exciting hands-on exhibits, galleries and other collections. Plan your trip on a Tuesday for free admission from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Reopened as recently as 10 years ago, San Antonio's Japanese Tea Garden is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Highlights include year-round gardens and flowers, scenic stone bridges, shaded pathways, a 60-foot waterfall and Koi ponds.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden spans 30-plus acres in the city center and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The colorful attraction is ideal for an afternoon picnic or a calming bird walk as more than 250 species have been sighted here over the years. Coffee lovers will be excited to sample the Rosella Coffee Co. at the Sullivan Carriage House.

A culinary and cultural destination just north of Downtown San Antonio, the Pearl District is a former brewery that now encompasses retail, dining and green spaces along with a slew of other attractions. Check out the weekend Farmers Markets in front of the historic Brewhouse or stop by Il Sogno Osteria to see what James Beard Award-nominated chef Andrew Weissman is cooking up.

Foodies exploring San Antonio must make reservations at Bliss Restaurant, which was recently named one of the best fine dining restaurants in the U.S. by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. The award-winning chef owned and operated restaurant specializes in upscale, contemporary American cuisine that incorporates seasonal and fresh local ingredients and features an ever-changing menu.

You'll definitely want to stroll the famous San Antonio River Walk at some point in your visit. However, a relaxing river boat tour is perhaps twice as fun. Reserve your own boat for a dinner or cocktail cruise, schedule a narrated tour or grab a river taxi ride if you're really short on time.