San Antonio, TX Travel Guide

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Get Your Bearings in San Antonio

San Antonio Expert

By Kimberly Suta
San Antonio Expert

See & Do
Stay
Eat
Party
Shop

Things to See

San Antonio is one of America's premiere tourist destinations, and for good reason! This city is filled with exciting things to do! Families come here for Fiesta Texas, Seaworld and the San Antonio Zoo, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Couples love strolling hand-in-hand along the picturesque riverwalk  on a beautiful day and everyone loves the plethora of theaters, museums, parks, shopping opportunities and nightlife revelry. One of the city's newest destinations, Confluence Park, recently won one of architecture's highest honors. This gorgeous waterside space offers educational programs and recreation along the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River.   

Caution: Beware of people on scooters, especially if you're driving.

Hot Tips: Check out the Pearl Farmers Market on the weekends.

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Where to Stay

There's a multitude of hotel options in San Antonio, but if you want a taste of the burgeoning culture in town, there's nothing more exceptional than Hotel Emma at the Historic Pearl. Once a brewery, this stunning luxury boutique hotel has been transformed into a true gem. You also can't go wrong at any of the hotels located along the riverwalk, from the Grand Hyatt to the Hotel Havana, another historic hotel with a lot of character. For something on the northside of town, stay at the incredible Eilan hotel, where you might just wonder if you're still in Texas.   

Hot Tips: Hotel Emma is right next to luxury spa, Hiatus Spa and Retreat, which makes for a winning combo!

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What to Eat

San Antonio is one of just two cities in America that has been awarded a Creative City of Gastronomy designation by UNESCO. The culinary scene has exploded here, in part, because of the Culinary Institute of America. Visit their student restaurant, Savor and CIA Bakery Cafe. This city is ripe with talented chef-driven restaurants, such as the new Eastside Kitchenette, Gwendolyn, Cured, The Cookhouse, Botika and Rebelle. Another fun way to see what's new and happening is going to the Pearl Farmers Market or check out Homegrown Chef, a local culinary series that highlights the delicious food scene here.   

Caution: Riverwalk restuarants can be tourist traps so be sure to do your research first!

Hot Tips: Visit Eastside Kitchenette, only minutes from downtown, for brunch on Saturday or Sunday.

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Places to Party

San Antonio knows how to party like no other city in Texas! In fact, they dedicate nearly the entire month of April to a series of parties known as Fiesta. This is a great time of year to visit. The nightlife options run the gamut from salsa dancing at Azuca to two-stepping at Cowboy's Dancehall to modern dancing at club and historic mansion, Bonham Exchange, located in the heart of downtown. As for top bars, the choices range for open-air bars, such as Burleson Yard, where you can kick back relax all night long, to chic bars such as Paramour. 

Hot Tips: Impress a date with dinner and a top-notch show at Jazz, TX.

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Where to Shop

There are quite a few fantastic malls and shopping destinations in San Antonio, from Rivercenter Mall, which is home to an AMC Theatre, to The Rim on the north side of town. However, make sure to venture off the beaten path to find some unexpected delights, such as the independently-owned shops in Alamo Heights. Sloan-Hall, for one, is a must if you're trying to find something unique. The Market Square, filled with Mexican imports, also makes for a fun shopping experience, especially for the kids. It's the perfect place to find souvenirs!

Avoid: South Park Mall and Crossroads Mall if you can.

Hot Tips: Find gifts for foodie friends at the Larder, where they showcase locally-made foods.

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Things to do in San Antonio
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San Antonio is known for...

Five of San Antonio's most unique features and characteristics.

1. Fiesta:

Fiesta started over 120 years ago with a horse drawn carriage decorated with flowers. Honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, the procession became known as the Battle of Flowers parade.   It is considered the most famous part of Fiesta and is the only parade in the U.S. coordinated by women, all of whom are volunteers.  These days, there are eleven parades and eleven days of scheduled celebrations.  Fiesta hosts over 100 official events all hosted by non-profit organizations or military units.  Guests choose from festivals, concerts, parades, contests and more.

2. River Walk:

‘America’s greatest vacation destination’ is just one description of the San Antonio River Walk.   Like San Antonio itself, the River Walk is a multi-cultural buffet of experiences.  Visitors can stroll along the river banks or take a river taxi. Tex-Mex, Italian, Irish and other fine restaurants line the watersides.  Locals and tourists alike sip cold margaritas in the sunshine.  Visitors enjoy outdoor musical performances at historic Arneson Theatre.  During San Antonio’s eleven day Fiesta celebration, the annual floating Fiesta Flambeau Parade is a magical event.  The Alamo and the Tower of Americas attract millions of visitors each year and are within walking distance.

3. Tex-Mex:

Considered a cultural crossroads, San Antonio is most directly influenced by its Spanish and Mexican roots.  Here, Tex-Mex is a dietary mainstay.  Jalapeños accompany many dishes (even hamburgers!) and reflect San Antonio’s love for spicy cuisine.  Melted cheese and tortillas are the heart of many Tex-Mex meals.  Fajitas, a traditional meal made with flank steak or chicken and served in tortillas is a Tex-Mex invention.   Diners like to enjoy margaritas, beers, iced tea and wines made in the wineries surrounding the city.  With over a million people, San Antonio offers an endless choice of restaurants for all budgets and occasions.

4. Family Friendly Destinations:

San Antonio boasts eight different theme parks.  The world’s largest marine life park, Sea World San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are the two largest.  In addition to modern day attractions, the city is home to Kiddie Park, the nation’s oldest amusement park.  Locals rent tubes and float down the Guadalupe River.   Experience an important part of San Antonio’s history and see the Alamo.  Visit the River Walk, see the San Antonio Zoo, play miniature golf, enjoy local museums or take in an outdoor concert.  The city also offers a wide range of free or inexpensive options.

5. San Antonio Spurs:

San Antonio is home to spectacular food, beautiful sights and exciting destinations.  Still, it can be argued that locals are the most proud and have the most passion about their professional basketball team, the San Antonio Spurs.  Spurs’ fans are enthusiastic and dedicated to their team.   One family recently named their twin babies after point guard, Tony Parker and power forward, Tim Duncan.  The Spurs have won four NBA championships and home court is at the AT&T Center.  Many visitors to San Antonio time their vacation to coincide with a Spurs’ game.