The Comprehensive San Antonio Couple's Guide: Where to Stay & Things to Do

The Hill Country and other romantic haunts await couples who select a weekend getaway to the Texas destination.
A gorgeous evening along the San Antonio Riverwalk
Photo: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
by
James Wong
james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
James Wong
Travel Writer & Expert
  • James Wong is a freelance travel writer and expert.
  • He's reported for publications including VOGUE, GQ, Time Out and Thrillist.
  • James has lived in London, Tokyo and New York; and has traveled to almost every corner of the world.
Updated Jun 19, 2023
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A destination rich in US history always makes for an enchanting visit, but San Antonio couples activities aren't all walking tours and lessons on the Alamo. As one of Texas's biggest cities, lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to date night fun. Most of the swoon-worthy goodies center around the Riverwalk, a guaranteed romantic stroll for all couples. Veer off it and you'll find even more gorgeous gems.

These include the San Antonio Botanical Garden, a chance to get lost in the world's most beautiful flora, and immersive museums like Hopscotch to let loose. For those with a car at their disposal, a trip to San Antonio's gorgeous Hill Country resorts for spas and overnight seduction. Let's not forget all the fabulous food the city has to offer: diverse, tasty, and a real treat to share. Whether visiting on honeymoon or simply living in San Antonio, here are all the best things to do for couples with love on the brain.

In this article:

Fun and Romantic Things to Do in San Antonio for Couples

Explore the Riverwalk, and the botanical garden, or book candlelight concert tickets for a romantic day or night out together.

Take a Stroll or Cruise the Riverwalk

First-timers to San Antonio won't want to miss its number one attraction, also the most romantic stroll and cruise in town. The 15-mile urban waterway is lined with stores, restaurants, and bars. Look out for Selena's Bridge, made famous by the 1997 Jennifer Lopez movie, Selena. Those hoping to capture the vibrant colors of the Riverwalk can do so by booking a professional local photographer on Flytographer.

849 E. Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78105

Let Loose at an Immersive Museum

There's viewing art, and there's being immersed in art. Hopscotch lets you be part of the wild and wacky creations inside—the works of talented local, national, and international artists sprawled over 20,000 square feet of space. You'll jump in (literally) to ball pits, camera reels, and more in rotating exhibits, many of which are themed to inclusivity, positivity, and love. A full-service bar turns up the fun for two.

711 Navarro St., San Antonio, TX 78105

Attend a Candlelight Concert

If you've been seeing beautiful mansions decked out with candles all over the internet recently, you're not alone: Fever's Candlelight Concerts have taken place in 100 cities around the world. Thankfully, San Antonio is currently one of them, so you and the boo can be serenaded by live musicians performing classical sounds to Beyoncé, along with flame-style illumination all night long. Venues and shows vary, check the website for upcoming performances.

Explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio boasts sunshine throughout the year (albeit sometimes a little too much), and the best way to take advantage of glorious weather is in its lush green spaces. The city's famous botanical garden houses an impressive array of flora from every corner of the globe, with 38 acres of indoor and outdoor displays of living plants. Pack a blanket and sweet treats, along with SPF and water .

555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78105

Date Night Restaurants in San Antonio

Here's where to wine and dine during a couple's getaway in San Antonio. We've narrowed down the most romantic restaurants in the region (if not all of Texas).

Best Quality Daughter, Pearl District

This isn't a typical Chinese restaurant, but rather a flirty pink bungalow serving inventive Asian-American cuisine. (In other words, designed for date night!) The char siu roasted pork shoulder served with little bao buns is a winning combo, and vegan couples will love the crispy soft tofu in impossible mapo sauce. A separate bar within the bungalow hosts post-dinner drinks.

602 Avenue A, San Antonio, TX 78105

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, Castle Hill

Texas may be famous for Frito Pie, but pizza pie in San Antonio holds its own, too. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana has two locations in the city, and is famed for generous meat-heavy toppings. Get the sweats (in a good way) over the Amore Di Maiale, or the Pork Love, which as you'd expect is loaded with sausage, speck, and soppressata. Wash it all down with one of their delicious house Italian reds.

6989 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78105

Mon Chou Chou, Pearl District

Mon Chou Chou gives San Antonians a chance to romance in Paris from the comfort of their own city. The quaint brasserie is beautifully decked in mosaic floors and brass fixtures, and the plates are just as pretty. (Both the dishware and the food that's been expertly plated on it.) Try the escargots and the rotisserie chicken, and save space for the creme brûlée, and you may start feeling like you're in Emily in Paris… in San Antonio. (Sequel, maybe?)

312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78105

The Best Hotels in San Antonio for Couples

Check out our list of the best hotels in San Antonio for couples, from Riverwalk stars to a Hill Country spa getaway.

Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk, Riverwalk

In a similar fashion to uptown Dallas, San Antonio's glam can be found in the heart of the Riverwalk, at Canopy by Hilton. This towering new building features a riverside restaurant, Domingo, and the popular bar, Otro. Upstairs, 195 rooms are outfitted with local art, chic monochrome bathrooms, and selected rooms have a balcony overlooking San Antonio's famed sights.

123 N. St Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78105

La Cantera Resort and Spa, Hill Country

Despite being out in the Hill Country, La Cantera is just 20 minutes from downtown, meaning a quick and easy escape for staycations. The property is situated on 550 acres of land, consisting of guestrooms and villas, restaurants, pools, a golf course, and a luxury spa with the option to book any treatment in tandem at their Duo Room.

16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78105

The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio, Downtown

This historic downtown hotel is the reason many come to San Antonio—it's an attraction in itself. In fact, stars from George Clooney to John Wayne have stopped by while in Alamo City. Opened in 1909, the luxury hotel is like a step back in time, with old-world touches like Italian marble and Corinthian columns.

300 E. Travis St., San Antonio, TX 78105

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