Today I am excited to share with you a guide for visiting San Antonio, TX. I have lived here for 15 years now and so I’m compiling a list of the best restaurants, hotels, activities, and sights to see on your next trip to good ol’ San Antone!
The food:
San Antonio has some of the best Mexican food out there as it is so close to the border of Mexico! You can’t go wrong with a good hole-in-the-wall taco shop, and lucky for us this city is full of them. Instead of focusing solely on the Mexican food (as this list could easily be 100% Mexican food recommendations), I am instead going to try and keep it varied when it comes to type. This list is not in order.
3. Southerleigh
5. Mash’D
7. Alamo Cafe
The fun:
1. Visit the San Antonio Riverwalk
Although it’s best to visit in December when the Christmas lights are lit, the San Antonio Riverwalk is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, drinks with friends, a boat tour of downtown, or even get a little bit of shopping done at Rivercenter Mall. A little tip: parking can be scarce so I suggest taking an Uber if possible, or parking in one of the parking garages as lots tend to fill up early in the day.
2. The Alamo
Ok so it’s not the most fun thing to do, but it’s a given that if you visit SATX then at some point you should take a trip to see the Alamo- I mean it’s history right 💁🏼
If you’re a thrill seeker you will love Fiesta Texas. It’s 200+ acres of roller coasters, games, food, and fun. This is a great place to take your family. *Tip: go early in the day and ride as many rides as possible as the park fills up fast and lines can be very long. I suggest investing in a flash pass to pass up the lines!
This is by far one of my fav spots in SATX. It’s filled with the cutest shops, eateries, and the most glam hotel (Hotel Emma- read below). Every Sunday they have a farmer’s market that is to die for. I recommend visiting on a Sunday (even though there’s crowds), have brunch literally anywhere, grab a cocktail at Hotel Emma, and end your afternoon grabbing a delicious ice cream at Lick or a sweet treat from Bakery Lorraine.
5. Float the river
There’s actually two popular tubing areas. You can float the Guadalupe or the Comal River. The Comal river is probably the most fun as it has a tube shoot and it’s super popular for tourists to float. You can drink whatever you prefer on the river but be wary of changing laws when it comes to cans/ glass/ cooler size. A great way to check to see if you are following the rules is to check the river rules. I also recommend renting a tube rather than taking your own unless you intend on floating frequently because many locations give you free rides to and from the river. ALWAYS bring sunscreen because you will get burned and don’t take expensive sunglasses unless you feel like losing them on the way down the tube shoot.
The relaxation:
There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels anywhere and everywhere… these choices are a little pricey but definite staple hotels in SA.
1. Hotel Emma
This is definitely a pricey hotel but it is stunning. It was once a 19th century brew house and it still has that rustic, yet absolutely beautiful brew house feel. I highly recommend sipping a cocktail in the lobby and people watching! This hotel is located in the Pearl and is seconds away from all the food, fun, and sightseeing you can handle.
This luxury hotel is perfection. It overlooks the Riverwalk and is closer than close to all Riverwalk restaurants and activities. This is a great place to stay if you plan on hanging at the Riverwalk and not straying too far.
3. JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa
This is such a pretty resort. It’s perfect for families- great food, outdoor water park, an elegant spa. This hotel has it all. Located on a beautiful golf course and surrounded by over 600 acres of gorgeous land, you and your family will love a stay at this beautiful spot. I totally recommend taking some family portraits here if you are needing them done. The views are stunning. This is where I took prom pics (lol) in HS.
The tradition:
The following are a few San Antonio events that are fun for the whole family to enjoy!
1. Fiesta
Fiesta is an event that is held each April. This year it’s going on (now!) April 19- 29. This is an event that was created to celebrate the lives of those who fought in the Alamo as well as San Jacinto. What started as a small one-day parade has turned into a festival of parades, food tastings, mariachi bands, cascarones, and more. It’s a great way to get out and see some culture and try some yummy food!
2. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Though not as popular at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the San Antonio Rodeo is quite the show. If you come to Texas and have never been to a rodeo, it is a Texas must no matter what city you visit. Each night features a different celebrity act (think Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, etc.) combined with some BA bull-riding… you’re in for a fun time. Tip: traffic is INSANE so if you can leave a bit early go for it because most stay till the very end and it can be hours to leave the AT&T arena. The Rodeo usually happens in the month of February.
3. Wurstfest
Y’all this festival is so fun. Every year in October at Landa Park, New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest which is a German festival full of German eats, pitchers of beer, live music and dancing (also a crowd of German Alpine hats). I suggest coming during the day if you are looking for a family atmosphere because it can get wild at night due to lots of college kids! Tip: purchase tickets online because there’s usually a discount code on the website! Also- buy a pitcher of beer instead of a cup because the beer lines are insanely long!
I could easily keep going but this list is a pretty good feel of what San Antonio has to offer, so come on down to South Texas and enjoy some margs on the Riverwalk, a bowl of TO-DIE-FOR queso at Alamo Cafe, or even a float in the lazy river at the JW Marriott and you likely won’t be disappointed.
*disclaimer* I don’t own any of the photos used!
Leave a comment below and tell me your best experiences of visiting San Antonio! 💕