A culinary capital, a historical hub, and a cultural mecca, the “Alamo City” makes a great weekend getaway for visitors to Texas.
San Antonio offers plenty for every kind of visitor: History buffs will marvel at the collection of 18th century Spanish Colonial missions—including the Alamo—which, together, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Food-lovers will delight with the options in this culinary capital, which has been designed a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Art buffs will get lost among the myriad world-class museums on offer. And families will delight in the theme-parks, special events, and uniqe attractions that make this city a top Texas destination!
Where to Stay
Whether you stay in a hotel that overlooks the famed River Walk, or choose something steps from the Alamo or in the Pearl district near downtown, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to the impressive selection of cool hotel options.
From scandals to ghosts to famous guests, San Antonio’s historic hotels have seen it all. One such hotel is the landmark Sheraton Gunter Hotel, built in 1909. The hotel is famous for the legend of its Room 414, where blues musician allegedly Robert Johnson recorded his first session, and where some guests have reported sensing his presence even today. Nearby, the Crockett Hotel is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the Alamo defenders, including the ghost of Davy Crockett.
Celebrating more than 150 years, The Menger Hotel is steps from the Alamo, as well as the River Walk. From its elegant Victorian lobby to its large heated pool, this hotel is just plain fun to stay in. Don’t miss the legendary Menger Bar, built in 1887 as a replica of London’s House of Lords Pub, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited cowboys to serve as Rough Riders. Here, you’ll also find fascinating photos and memorabilia and the bartenders with tales of paranormal activities.
At the vibrant Pearl development, Hotel Emma offers visitors plenty of luxury along with historical ambiance. Housed in the original 1894 Pearl brewhouse, this elegant hotel offers a rooftop pool, several dining options, a tavern and club room, and a spa—all set on the picturesque banks of Museum Reach and the Pearl Plaza and Park.
Day One
Begin with a hearty pancake breakfast at the historic Guenther House, the former home of Pioneer Flour Mills founder C.H. Guenther, and tour this Art Nouveau-style home and museum afterward. Then head to the famed River Walk. Hop aboard a colorful GO RIO River Walk boat for a tour of the San Antonio River to get your bearings. Experiencing the iconic Alamo Church is a must-see, and don’t miss the fascinating new Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center. Grab lunch on the San Antonio River at Tre Trattoria and then visit the San Antonio Museum of Art next door. After lunch, explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to four Spanish colonial missions. You can book a guided tour or rent a bike and ride the eight-mile stretch of the River Walk’s Mission Reach to access the missions. Enjoy some late afternoon shopping at El Mercado and La Villita, offering unique and artistic clothing and wares. Enjoy dinner with a view at one of the many restaurants perched on the River Walk, such as Biga, Domingo’s, or Boudro’s. After dark, view “The Saga” – the free colorful visual narration projected onto the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza, which takes viewers through a 24-minute historical journey of San Antonio. Night cap at The Esquire Tavern or the rooftop bar at The Moon’s Daughters.
Day Two
Tuck into breakfast along the San Antonio River at Ocho or grab coffee and a croissant at Bakery Lorraine. Head over to Pearl Weekend Farmer’s Market or visit Sea World or Fiesta Texas. Or take your pick of the many world-class museums here, including Briscoe Western Art and The Witte, as well as the McNay. Or take a self-guided walking tour of the King William historical area. For meals, you have many choices in this City of Gastronomy. Hot Joy, The Friendly Spot, Little Em’s Oyster Bar, Rosario’s, and The Good Kind are just a few to pick from. In the evening, grab a show at the Tobin Center, The Aztec Theater, or Empire Theater. Still have energy to burn? Check out live music and dancing at Stable Hall or John T. Floore’s Country Store. Or end your evening with a historical downtown ghost tour.
From the River Walk, historic Pearl, various theme parks, world class museums, and a myriad of outdoor activities, San Antonio combines a sense of history and community that makes this destination truly special and a perfect weekend getaway!
