Joe & Mary Beth
Joe & Mary Beth
San Antonio River Walk
We love the River Walk and hope you will, too! We recommend starting at the Pearl District and walking towards the Downtown section where you will find restaurants and entertainment galore!
The Pearl
The Pearl District is a fun, open space that invites all guests. Check out Hotel Emma (where Joe proposed!), the Food Hall, and wander around the Green Space in the middle. On weekends there is a local Farmer's Market that is definitely worth checking out.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The famous Alamo is just one of the many missions here in San Antonio (and the park itself is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in TX!). If you follow the river south of downtown, you will find four more Missions: Mission Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and San Francisco. These are an absolute must see!
We recommend renting bikes at Blue Star Shopping Center and biking along the river to see the first 3 missions (about 5 miles or so), or 10 miles to reach San Francisco. If biking isn't on the agenda, you can drive to each of the Missions as well.
Japanese Tea Garden
Previously a quarry in the early 1900s, this area was restored as a beautiful, lush year-round garden with Koi-filled ponds, a 60-ft waterfall and marked walkways. Stop by the garden and take a stroll through all the greenery
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Spend a couple hours wandering through the relaxing grounds, pop into the cactus display and explore the colorful orchid room. Grab a bite to eat at the yummy on-site Mediterranean restaurant, "Jardin".
King William Historic District
King Williams boasts some of the most historic homes in San Antonio & several have been converted into museums. Check out Villa Finale (displaying fine & decorative art), the Steves Homestead (Italian Villa-style mansion), and Beethoven Maennerchor (featuring local German festivities & music).
Hikes & Parks
Eisenhower Park- We love this park! Lots of well marked trails (and shade for those sunny days!) for all levels
Friedrich Wilderness Park- Over 600 acres of Hill Country terrain with 10 miles of paved + unpaved trails. We love the Main Loop to Restoration way path
Government Canyon State Natural Area- A TX state park with over 12,000 acres of wilderness to explore. Make sure to check out the infamous dinosaur tracks!
Museums
San Antonio Museum of Art - A city favorite located right on the River Walk just past the Pearl. Check out the featured rotating exhibition
Witte Museum- Natural history & hands-on exhibits
McNay Art Museum- World class art displays (think Picasso & O'Keeffe) & sculpture garden
Shopping & Entertainment
The Shops at La Cantera- An open-air shopping center, with over a dozen restaurants (we love Whiskey Cake!) and high-end retailers
The Rim- Over 100 shops and stores, with everything from boutique shops to big-brand department stores
Alamo Quarry Market- Close to home, the Quarry features a top golf course along with our favorite gelato shop & other stores
Day / Overnight Trips
Fredericksburg- Just over an hour, Fredericksburg (affectionately known as "Hill Country") is a quaint German town that is known for its historical roots (Lyndon B Johnson is buried 20 mins from here) & local vineyards. Browse the boutiques & country stores along Main Street, explore the city's rich history (National Museum of the Pacific War, Pioneer Museum), and most importantly, indulge in some Texas Wines!
Austin- The "Live Music Capital of the World" does not disappoint in terms of fun attractions, delicious restaurants & vibrant bars and year-round outdoor experiences. Check out the TX State Capitol Building, join a guided walking tour, or window shop along South Congress street.
Food
San Antonio is of course home to fantastic Tex Mex, but there are SO many delicious restaurants around town! In general, we love the Southtown area for food + drink, restaurants along Broadway, Tobin Hill, and the St Marys Strip (just to name a few). There are a TON of delicious food trucks & hidden gems around the city, too. Listed below are just a few that we recommend!
Mexican/ Tex Mex
La Fonda on Main
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine
Soluna
American
Cappy's Restaurant
Bar Loretta
Supper (Hotel Emma)
Whiskey Cake
North Italia
Barbaro
The Esquire Tavern
Breakfast
La Panaderia
NOLA
Extra Fine
Magnolia Pancake Haus
Coffee/Bakeries
Gravves Coffee
Local Coffee
Merit Coffee Co.
Philo Coffee
Bakery Lorraine
Bird Bakery
Tacos (no trip is complete without them!)
Torchy's Tacos
Taquitos West Avenue
Pete's Tako House
Con Huevos Tacos
Big Papa Tacos
Drink
Breweries & Bars
Sternewirth Tavern (Hotel Emma)
The Hoppy Monk
Roadmap Brewing Co.
Back Unturned
The Modernist
Bar 1919
Wine
High St Wine Co
Scorpion
Little Death