A San Antonio Vacation Guide: The USA’s Most Underrated City?

Last updated on November 26, 2024

Truth be told, before visiting San Antonio, Texas, it wasn’t even on my radar as a vacation destination, let along on my bucket list. But this charming, culture-filled city ended up becoming one of my favourite places in the USA. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been before – a distinctly American city but with a huge Hispanic influence and a laidback pace of life despite being the seventh most populous city in the states.

We loved it and a San Antonio vacation is something I highly suggest adding to your wish list. Even better if you can coincide it with one of the epic San Antonio festivals, like Day of the Dead, which blew our minds.

This guide is here to help you make the most of your vacation, be that a San Antonio weekend getaway or something longer (we were there for 5 days). It’s includes all the best places to visit in San Antonio, plus restaurants, accommodation, and more. And we also have a separate guide to the best family and kids attractions in San Antonio.

I also highly recommend a day trip (at least) to Bandera.

Let me know if you have questions.

Our trip to San Antonio was part of a hosted media trip with Visit San Antonio and Travel Texas. Our accommodation, activities and most meals were provided by the hosts. But, as always, all opinions are my own. If I don’t think something’s worth sharing, I don’t write about it.

What’s San Antonio like?

To me San Antonio feels unique among U.S. cities. The architecture of the sunken River Walk gives it an almost European feel, while the streets above are distinctly American.

And that blend extends elsewhere with an intersection of American and Mexican culture, evident in its cuisine and celebrations. Over 90% of the population identifies as Hispanic. We loved it there, finding the people warm and the vibe relaxed. It’s one of the most interesting cities we’ve ever been to in the USA.

The San Antonio CityPASS can save you money on your vacation. It gives you access to four of San Antonio’s top attractions over nine days, saving you at least 38%. It includes entry to the: Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises, San Antonio Zoo, The Tower of The Americas, The DoSeum, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, and The Alamo — Exhibit and Church.

Things to do on a San Antonio vacation

While San Antonio is very much a lived-in city, there’s also plenty for visitors. A lot of the classically tourist attractions are gathered around the River Walk, close to the Alamo. And while some of those fall into the class of tourist trap, there are also many sights worth seeing, even in that busy area. And the River Walk itself is stunning. However, be sure to venture a little further afield as there’s more magic of San Antonio to be found.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in San Antonio.

The Alamo

This UNESCO World Heritage site tends to be a must-see for anyone visiting San Antonio. The Alamo’s story of resistance and resilience is captivating, and the surrounding plaza is a beautiful taste of the city’s history.

We enjoyed the new interactive experience called ‘Surrounded!’, which allows you to use individual iPads to explore and ‘time travel’ through the Alamo’s history. This was perfect for the kids as it kept their attention and they actually learned a few things along the way.

We also enjoyed the Ralston Family Collections Center with artifacts from the Alamo. I found it intriguing that signer Phil Collin’s has had a lifelong obsession with the Alamo and you can see parts of his collection within the museum. He also narrates part of the exhibit!

River Walk

For me, the River Walk is one of the main things that sets the city apart from other U.S. destinations. It was one man’s vision in 1929 to harness the river and have a series of winding pathways and picturesque bridges along its banks. With dams and flood plains, it helped solve the city’s issue with flooding, while also creating a beautiful focal point for the city where businesses have flourished in the years since.

The sunken walkway is a peaceful retreat from the streets above, with boats floating by and restaurants and hotels lining the banks. The central part is more built up and touristed while the northern and southern ends are much quieter and a place where locals take their exercise.

Even the most touristed bit is beautiful with huge cottonwoods and sycamores towering above. It’s quite breathtaking in its beauty and one of the most beautiful city settings I’ve seen in the USA.

To explore the River Walk, either stroll its length of take a boat ride on the water. You can even go on dinner cruises at night. The boat rides can be booked with Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises.

We especially loved seeing the Day of the Dead River Parade where brightly coloured floats travel down the river with plenty of live music and accompanying festivities. We watched it from the banks of the river outside the InterContinental Hotel as they were also hosting a party – but to be in the thick of it, you can go to the Arneson Theatre, where they have more live music and commentary.

Historic Market Square

The largest Mexican market in the USA, this colourful market is the perfect place to find authentic Mexican food, handcrafted souvenirs, and live music. We went a bit crazy buying souvenirs here! And it was particularly fun during Muertos Fest when there was a big parade along the street. The market has been active since the 1820s when women known as “Chili Queens” used to sell their wares.

Pearl District

The Pearl District is a trendy neighborhood known for its cool architecture, excellent dining options, boutique shopping, and the famous Pearl Brewery. It’s a cultural hub in the city and definitely worth exploring. We loved being there on a Sunday when there was a brilliant market taking place. And we also had great meals in the Pearl at Best Quality Daughter, La Gloria and Down on Grayson. I also loved The Twig bookshop.

The guided tour of the Pearl District also looks fun.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum

Downtown on the River Walk, The Briscoe Western Art Museum is housed in an historic building that was San Antonio’s first public library. The museum is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and creation of art of the American West. It’s an interesting one for Europeans in particular to visit as we don’t have many places with Western Art in Europe.

Hopscotch

This experiential art gallery houses some of the world’s most prominent interactive artists and is a really fun way to spend some hours. We loved the giant illuminated ball pit, the illusion room and all the interactive light displays, especially one where you got to jump around on a giant bouncy cushion while splatting colours along the walls! 

Plus they also do some incredibly creative cocktails, and the gift shop has some excellent treasures. Hopscotch is definitely one of the most fun places to visit in San Antonio (with kids or without).

Witte Museum

The Witte Museum is a great place to learn more about Texas through its nature, science and culture. They also host special exhibitions, like one about spiders, which our kids were enthralled by.  It’s San Antonio’s most-visited museum and one to add to your to-do list, especially if travelling with kids.

The DoSeum

If you’re travelling with little kids, the DoSeum is a fantastic children’s museum with all sorts of opportunities for interactive play. We don’t have these types of museums dedicated to play in the UK, and I love them so much (you can see more rave reviews in my guides to Savannah, Charleston, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more!). I’ll be sad when our kids are too old for them!

Natural Bridge Caverns

Around 25 minutes outside of San Antonio is Natural Bridge Caverns. Discovered in 1960 by local cavers, it’s the largest cavern in Texas and has been transformed into a premier tourist site and show cavern. It’s a spectacular sight to behold with amazing limestone formations.

They offer two types of cave tours of varying lengths (the shortest is about an hour). And it’s fairly easy to navigate with paths the whole way through (they are pretty steep in places though).

As well as the caves, there’s also an adventure ropes course, climbing walls, gem panning, and a maze.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is a really special place. Two parents, inspired by their daughters’ strength in the face of physical and cognitive special needs, decided to create a theme park that was completely accessible for people with special needs. They wanted to create a place where people could gain a greater understanding of each other through the common language of play.

It was the first of its kind when it opened in 2010, and it’s a wonderful place to visit. There’s a big playground and a handful of rides, including a carousel, train, 3D theatre, and an extraordinary zipline. In the summer, there’s also a waterpark.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

If you’re keen on history, the Alamo is only one of five missions in San Antonio. Visit Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada for a deeper dive into the area’s Spanish colonial past. There’s a guided tour you can do of the missions too.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Escape the city and unwind in this beautiful garden filled with lush plants and epic views. There’s also a Japanese tea garden in the city with koi ponds and stone walkways.

The Tower of The Americas

The Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot tower an observation deck, revolving Chart House restaurant, and 4D theatre. It has incredible views of the city and the Alamo.

Do a guided tour

There are some fun guided tours to do in San Antonio, including this murals and hidden gems e-bike tour. See some more options from Get Your Guide below.

Suggested 3-Day San Antonio itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Start at the Alamo to explore Texas history.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at Hemisphere and then explore your choice of museum/gallery – like the Briscoe, Hopscotch or San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
• Evening: Head to the River Walk for dinner, enjoying a riverside meal at Boudro’s.

Day 2:

• Morning: Explore the Pearl District and grab breakfast at one of its trendy cafes. You could even stretch your time to enjoy lunch there too.
• Afternoon: Go to one of the attractions you missed yesterday or perhaps head slightly out of the centre to visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden, The Witte, Doseum or Morgan’s Wonderland.
• Evening: Head back to the Pearl District for some of San Antonio’s best dining, for example, at Best Quality Daughter.

Day 3:

• Morning: Discover Market Square and pick up unique souvenirs. Have lunch at Mi Tierra.
• Afternoon: Walk or take a boat tour along the River Walk.
• Evening: Pick your favourite from the Pearl or River Walk and eat at one of its restaurants. You could even dine on the water.

Where to stay in San Antonio

San Antonio has a huge amount of hotels to choose from, especially along the River Walk. Accommodation in the city tends to lean more heavily towards large hotels rather than boutique and small guesthouses – although you can find a few. Personally, we decided to lean into the big hotel vibe, and stayed at the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk, which we loved. There are some more details below, plus a few other options to consider.

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk

The InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk is a brand new hotel on a quiet section of the River Walk, just a 10-minute walk from the tourist hub. The 21-storey hotel has a sophisticated style with nods to San Antonio’s heritage and an attention to detail that elevates it above a classic chain hotel aesthetic.

We were there for four nights and it was a perfect base to come back to after a busy day sightseeing. We stayed in interconnecting rooms, with a living area in the middle, which made it feel like a full apartment. They even set up a tipi and toys for the kids.

There’s a lovely café on site with good coffee and pastries by a James Beard chef. And the onsite restaurant, Cavalier, serves an excellent breakfast in an elegant setting. We ordered breakfast in bed one day, which was a luxuriously delicious treat.

Another highlight is the rooftop pool, which is surrounded by stylish cabanas, perfect for relaxing and taking a break between swimming. There’s a bar – High Praise – beside the pool, which was hopping on weekend nights. I highly recommend their margaritas, especially the blood orange one!

Check the latest availability and prices now

Other San Antonio hotels…

• Hotel Emma: Located in the cool Pearl District, this boutique hotel is one of San Antonio’s most stylish. Check the latest availability and prices now.
• Hotel Havana: Another of San Antonio’s most stylish hotels, and also home to the acclaimed Ocho restaurant by Chef Jesse Kirk. This is where I’d stay if I didn’t have kids. Check the latest availability and prices now.
• Menger Hotel: Next to the Alamo, this historic hotel is a charming option with a lot of character. Check the latest availability and prices now.
• Valencia Hotel: A Mediterranean-inspired hotel with a fantastic terrace overlooking the River Walk. Check the latest availability and prices now.

Where to eat in San Antonio

We ate so well in San Antonio, especially when it came to authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. But it doesn’t end with Tex-Mex, the city is also home to all sorts of innovative restaurants and cuisines, especially around The Pearl district. These were some of our favourites…

Mi Tierra Café y Panadería

A San Antonio institution, Mi Tierra is a family-run restaurant and 24-bakery that started as a three-table café and now spans a whole block. It’s the city’s most popular Tex-Mex restaurant and visiting is an experience in itself, with the whole place decked out in festive Mexican décor and with live mariachis doing the rounds. Be sure to order a margarita (in fact, you should probably order a margarita everywhere you go in San Antonio!).

Best Quality Daughter

Home to the best meal we had in San Antonio, Best Quality Daughter was opened by Jennifer Dobbertin who wanted to address the sparsity of Asian-American female chefs in South Texas.

It started as a pop-up and now has a brick and mortar restaurant in a historic house in the Pearl district. The forward thinking Asian cuisine is exquisite and they also do excellent cocktails. The décor is cosy and stylish, but also welcoming to families.

La Panaderia

La Panaderia has become a San Antonio staple since it was opened in 2014 by two brothers who wanted to share their love of Mexican baking. The downtown branch gets an epic line on weekend mornings, but they have other, less heaving shops across the city. 

We went to the one of Broadway and had some epic treats, including the signature concha sweet bread. The breakfast and lunch menu is excellent too, including build-your-own sandwiches with different bread options and lots of fillings. There’s plenty for vegetarians.

Bombay’s Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club is a family-owned, local spot with two locations in the city.  We went to the newer Hemisfair location and had some excellent veggie burgers and margaritas. The outdoor area is ideal for families with lots of space, and a playground nearby. Interestingly, there’s no hint of Indian influence, so don’t go expecting an Asian meal!

Down on Grayson

Down on Grayson is another great option on the edge of the Pearl Brewery area. The casual, modern-American restaurant serves a mixture of classic and contemporary dishes in a fun and casual atmosphere. The patio is particularly pretty. And it’s a perfect place for families.

La Gloria

We loved La Gloria, an atmospheric Mexican restaurant in the Pearl district. The menu includes street-style tacos, ceviches, and other traditional Mexican dishes. The scenic fairy-lit patio overlooks the River Walk and they also live music on select nights.

Jardin

Located at the entrance to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Jardin has a beautiful setting with a cute outdoor patio and carriage house home. The menu draws on its location and has a focus on freshness with gorgeous salads, mezze and garden-inspired dishes. The cocktails are great too.

Boudro’s on the River Walk

Famous for its tableside guacamole and prime location on the River Walk, Boudro’s has been one of San Antonio’s most popular restaurants since 1986. Eating on the River Walk is a San Antonio must and this is a good spot to do it. The focus is on meat, but they do have a veggie platter, which we enjoyed. It’s wonderfully atmospheric sitting on the pavement and watching the boats go by.

Map of things to do in San Antonio

When to Go to San Antonio

San Antonio is generally warm year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These months offer generally pleasant weather and fewer crowds. If you visit in spring, don’t miss Fiesta San Antonio, a lively 10-day celebration featuring parades, food, and music. And in fall, there’s Muertos Fest and all the cities Day of the Dead celebrations. That’s when we went, and it was an amazing way to immerse ourselves in the city’s Mexican culture.

Summers can be very hot and humid, so not the best time to visit if you struggle with high temperatures. That said, for some people it’s the perfect time as the summer vibes are fun, and the city comes to life in the evening when the temperatures cool.

Getting around San Antonio

San Antonio’s downtown is very walkable. We got to most places on foot, and the River Walk in particular is a lovely place to wander.

To reach further out attractions, consider renting a car or using rideshare services. We did both, occasionally using our rental car to get to places like Morgan’s Wonderland and the caves. But we found Uber was sometimes more economical/convenient for shorter distances and then we didn’t have to pay for parking (and could enjoy a margarita!).

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