Town Pass is the first real freedom in 7.5 weeks. Real food, real chairs, real time with family. This guide helps you make the most of it.
Your time budget
Wednesday
~9 hours
After the Coin Ceremony until . This is your longest window and the best day for a trip into the city.
Thursday
~8 hours
After the Graduation Parade until 6:00 PM curfew. Thursday is also packing day for tech school, so most families keep it simple.
Plan ahead
Drive time matters
Downtown San Antonio attractions are about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour. If you go downtown, budget 45 to 60 minutes round trip including parking on top of however long you plan to be there.
Your Airman must remain in uniform during Town Pass. Plan indoor, air-conditioned activities when possible.
Pick your distance
Everything in this guide falls into one of two tiers from base. Pick based on how much time you have.
Near-base restaurants along Military Drive, Ingram, and Westlakes (the SeaWorld side of town). Fits comfortably in Thursday's shorter ~8 hour window (after the parade to 6:00 PMcurfew) as easily as Wednesday's.
Downtown (The Alamo, River Walk, Market Square) and the San Antonio Missions. Best on Wednesday's longer ~9 hour window; Thursday's shorter window plus packing makes it tight.
Both tiers are well within one hour of JBSA-Lackland. Staying near base keeps every trip inside Tier 1, see our Hotels guide for vetted options within 10 minutes of Lackland.
Compare rental cars at SAT Airport(opens in new tab)
The next page starts blank: search San Antonio Airport (SAT); most families pick up Tuesday and return Saturday.
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Where to Eat
Your Airman has been eating dining facility food for 7.5 weeks. Ask them what they want before you leave base.
BBQ
San Antonio has multiple Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ spots. Start with brisket.
Mexican Food
The puffy taco was invented here. San Antonio is the original Tex-Mex city.
Burgers
Three Texas burger chains, all in San Antonio.
Steakhouse
A sit-down steak dinner is a popular way for families to celebrate after graduation.
Wings
Wing spots across San Antonio put a Tex-Mex twist on the classics.
Downtown and the River Walk
Tier 2 distance: about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hourfrom base. The River Walk is San Antonio's signature attraction, free to walk and lined with restaurants at every price point. Worth the drive on Wednesday when you have the hours.
The Alamo
Free admission (opens in new tab) with a reservation. Plan about an hour for the reservation line and walk-through. A few blocks from the River Walk.
Market Square
The largest Mexican market (opens in new tab) in the United States. Shops, food, and live music. A few blocks from the River Walk.
You will need a to get downtown. Budget an extra 15 minutes for parking garage logistics.
San Antonio Missions
Tier 2 distance: about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour from base, the same range as downtown. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (opens in new tab) with five historic Spanish missions along the San Antonio River. Free admission, open daily 9 AM to 5 PM. Only realistic on Wednesday when you have the time.
Getting there
The missions are about 3 miles apart along the San Antonio River. Drive between them. Your Airman must stay in uniform during Town Pass, so walking or biking between sites is not realistic. Plan for a few hours if you want to visit two or three missions by car.
If you arrive early or are staying extra days, the Mission Reach Trail is a paved, flat path connecting all five missions along the river. San Antonio BCycle (opens in new tab) has pedal-assist e-bike stations near each mission. Check current pricing on their site. Plan for most of an afternoon to cover the full trail.
If You Have Extra Time
Most families do not have extra time. If you do, Wednesday afternoon is the window.
The Pearl District
A revitalized brewery complex (opens in new tab) north of downtown with restaurants, shops, and a weekend farmers market. Worth a stop if you are already heading downtown.
SeaWorld San Antonio
Very close to Lackland (opens in new tab), but a full-day commitment. Only consider it if you have a free Wednesday afternoon, no other plans, and your Airman is genuinely enthusiastic. The curfew will cut the day short.
Through Waves of Honor (opens in new tab), active-duty military, your new Airman included, get one complimentary admission per year plus up to three free tickets for dependents. Parents and siblings typically do not qualify as dependents, but they can get discounted military rates. Verify this year's terms at seaworld.com before you go.
Thursday priorities
Thursday is about your Airman, not tourism. After the Graduation Parade, your time together has a hard stop at 6:00 PM. Use it well.
Help them pack
They are allowed : their issued green duffle, their issued backpack, and one personal suitcase. A hotel room is a lot easier than a dorm room for sorting gear.
One good meal
Keep it close to the base. You do not want to be watching the clock on the drive back.
Tech school supplies
Many families bring items their Airman needs: comfortable civilian shoes, civilian clothes for off-duty hours, toiletries, phone chargers, and snacks for the bus or flight. See our What to Bring guide for the full packing list.
Planning tips
Book a hotel near base to minimize drive time. See our Hotels guide for vetted options within 10 minutes of Lackland.
Check the town pass boundary. Anything within one hour of JBSA-Lackland is fine. Review Town Pass Rules for the full list of conduct requirements.
San Antonio's BMT Graduate Family Access Pass (opens in new tab) has historically offered discounts at local attractions and restaurants for graduating families. As of July 2026 it is listed as temporarily unavailable, so check the official page before your trip in case it is back.
Frequently asked questions
- What should we do during Town Pass?
- Most families prioritize eating a great meal together. Your Airman has been eating dining facility food for 7.5 weeks, so a real restaurant meal is the highlight. After that, the River Walk, The Alamo, and shopping are popular options. On Thursday, help your Airman pack for tech school. Keep drive times in mind: downtown San Antonio attractions are about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour.
- Where should we eat near JBSA-Lackland?
- Military Drive and US-90 near Lackland have dozens of restaurants including chains and local Tex-Mex within a 10-15 minute drive. For a San Antonio experience, the River Walk or Market Square downtown is about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour away. Ask your Airman what they have been craving. Common requests are BBQ, Whataburger, and Tex-Mex.
- Can we visit the River Walk during Town Pass?
- Yes. The San Antonio River Walk is well within one hour of JBSA-Lackland and is a popular Town Pass destination. The drive is about 15 to 20 minutes in typical traffic, longer at rush hour. The River Walk is free to walk and lined with restaurants. Budget drive time and parking (use a parking garage downtown). Best for Wednesday when you have a longer liberty window. On Thursday the shorter curfew makes a downtown trip tight.
- Can I take my Airman off base after BMT graduation?
- Yes, during Town Pass your Airman can leave base with you. Wednesday curfew is 8:00 PM. Thursday curfew is 6:00 PM. Your Airman must stay within one hour of JBSA-Lackland (use Google Maps or Waze to confirm), remain in uniform at all times, and follow all rules: no alcohol, no changing into civilian clothes, and no driving. Liberty is granted based on merit and can be pulled or shortened last-minute for weather or safety.