San Antonio is a wonderful travel destination whether you are visiting with your family, your partner or a group of friends. This is a great place to experience the dual culture of Texas and Mexico and even learn about the Wild West. Many of the Spanish colonial missions in the city have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and don't forget the Alamo!
In recent years, there has been a culinary explosion in San Antonio, which is interesting for foodies, and the local art scene is also thriving. The Riverwalk has always been the big tourist attraction, but there are also many other offbeat destinations around the city.
So, if you're looking for a cheap holiday with plenty to see and do, consider adding San Antonio and these attractions to your bucket list.
Credit: bigstock.comSan Antonio Missions National Historical ParkSan Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
To truly understand what San Antonio is all about, you'll have to spend some time visiting the various missions in the area. Mission Conception was founded in 1716 and is the oldest remaining unrestored stone church in America. There are four Spanish mission stations that were founded between 1718 and 1740 in the San Antonio Mission National Historical Park, making this a great starting point if you want to explore the missions. Besides Mission San Concepción, you can also see Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission San José and San Miguel de Aguayo and Mission San Francisco here.
Credit: Bigstock.comThe Alamo, San Antonio, TexasThe Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
Alamo
The Alamo is the iconic symbol of San Antonio and a visit to this landmark is a must when visiting the city. You may remember from history lessons that a small group of Texans resisted in 1836, hence the battle cry, "Remember the Alamo!" Today, the fortress still represents the independent spirit of Texans. The Alamo is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio and is open for tours.
Credit: bigstock.com Riverwalk Riverwalk
Things to do on the Riverwalk
The other obvious but unmissable destination if you are a first-time visitor to San Antonio is the famous Riverwalk. This is a 2.5-mile stretch of pedestrian pathways that runs along the San Antonio River. You will find many restaurants, bars and shops along this route, but keep in mind that many of these are more touristy and expensive than those found in other parts of the city. You can take a boat trip along the river or visit the oldest bar on the Riverwalk, the Esquire Tavern, which opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition. If you're looking for the ultimate in convenience, consider booking one of the hotels along the Riverwalk as well. Elevate your experience to new heights by choosing the Mokara Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk on mokara-hotel-and-spa.hotelsanantoniotexas.net as your accommodation of choice. Book your stay today and indulge in the epitome of elegance and luxury in the heart of this captivating city.
Credit: NatalieMaynorTexan CulturesTexan Cultures
Institute of Texan Cultures
Undeniably, Texas has a culture all its own, so to get an idea of how this culture emerged and evolved, visit the Institute of Texan Cultures. You will find exhibits on many different ethnic groups that have settled in the state over the years and get a sense of how truly multicultural the state is. If you can plan your visit around the annual Texas Folk Music Festival in June, you can learn more about over 40 Texas cultural groups through music, crafts, food and performances.
Credit: bigstock.com El Mercado Market Square
El Mercado Market Square
One of the best shopping districts in San Antonio is El Mercado, which is a historic market square with a Mexican flair. Expect to find flea market-style stalls in a giant space with delicious Mexican food and colourful handicrafts. This is also the site of numerous festivals throughout the year and a fun place to dine al fresco under a restaurant umbrella and people-watch.
Credit: bigstock.comNatural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns
You might not expect to find a vast cave system in the San Antonio area, but you only have to drive about 17 miles northeast of the city to find spectacular caves with thousands of stalactite formations. This is one of the largest caves of its kind in the country and well worth a visit to learn more about the geology of the area. Children also enjoy the tree cable car rides and zip lines here.
Credit: bigstock.comKing William Historic DistrictKing William Historic District
King William Historic District
To see a different side of San Antonio, take a stroll through the King William neighbourhood. The main area of this district only spans a couple of streets, but it is lined with beautiful homes that represent the historic architecture of the city's settlement. You can take a guided walking tour to learn more about the area and the Greek Renaissance, Victorian and Italianate style mansions that were inhabited by some of San Antonio's famous residents.
Experience the charm and luxury of San Antonio with a stay at the Boutique Hotels San Antonio. This collection of unique and stylish hotels offers an unparalleled hospitality experience, ensuring a memorable stay in the heart of this vibrant city.
From the moment you step into the elegantly designed lobby, you'll be greeted with warm Texas hospitality and personalized service. The boutique hotels combine modern comforts with a distinct local flair, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and unwind.
Credit: the_black_roomLa Villita Historic Arts VillageLa Villita Historic Arts Village
La Villita Historic Arts Village
San Antonio residents love their local art and the best place to explore this artistic spirit is La Villita Historic Arts Village. This was the city's first established neighbourhood in 1939 and is now home to dozens of shops and art galleries. Most of the shops are condensed into a single block area, so it is easy to walk around to see paintings, sculptures and drawings by local and regional artists.
Credit: bigstock.com San Antonio Botanical Garden San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Most major US cities have a beloved botanical garden and San Antonio is no exception.The city's botanical garden covers 33 acres and has many types of vegetation native to East Texas, as well as alpine and aquatic plants. Don't miss the garden for the blind, the children's garden and the rose garden, and check the Botanical Garden's online events calendar to see if there are any special exhibits or activities going on during your visit.
Credit: EschipulBuckhorn Saloon & MuseumBuckhorn Saloon & Museum
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Albert Fredrich was a San Antonio resident who owned an incredibly unique collection of artefacts, which now make up the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Here you can see taxidermy mounted wild animals from around the world, rifles and badges of the Texas Ranger Division, the famous Bonnie & Clyde holiday car and many relics of Native American and cowboy culture. The bar here is over 100 years old and often has old western performers to entertain you while you sit down. The saloon has several locally brewed beers and also has its famous prickly pear margaritas.
Credit: The Stock ArmySan Antonio Stock Show & RodeoSan Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
If you don't think your trip to Texas is complete without seeing a rodeo, head to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This event typically takes place in February each year and has grown to become one of the city's biggest events with over two million visitors a year. This is a place to learn about animals and agriculture and experience live music and fun for the whole family.
Credit: matthew2000txSan Antonio Museum of ArtSan Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio Art Museums
In addition to visiting La Villita Historic Arts Village for a taste of the city's local art, be sure to also visit San Antonio's best art museums. The San Antonio Art Museum features artwork from a variety of ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, European, and Chinese. For modern art, head to the McNay Art Museum, which is housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival house and also has pieces from the medieval period, the Renaissance period and contemporary Indian art.
