I'm typically a been-there-done-that traveler, but there's one city that keeps me coming back any chance I get.
It's not only the nostalgia of my family's chosen vacation spot growing up; it's the vibrant culture, welcoming locals, sensational cuisine, a maze of waterfront wonders — and did I mention margaritas to-go at practically every restaurant?!
How one of America's biggest cities still feels like a hidden gem is beyond me, but that's the case for San Antonio, Texas.
Despite having visited at least a dozen times, my most recent trip after a 10-year hiatus reinvigorated my love for San Antonio's fascinating history, scenic River Walk, sensational barbecue and Mexican cuisine, and seemingly never-ending festivities — especially since I had the pleasure of visiting during Fiesta, an annual 11-day festival that should be circled on your calendar every spring, which honors and celebrates heroes of the Alamo and rich heritage.
Not only is this festive city a nonstop fiesta, San Antonio holds unexpected delights beyond the world-famous Alamo, such as Hopscotch, a trippy immersive art gallery that also happens to serve some mean cocktails. If you thought tequila and mezcal were your preferred poisons, you haven't tried sotol yet.
Then there's the insightful Witte Museum full of surprises, where you're welcomed inside with a Pterosaur on the ceiling — San Antonio's closest thing to Jurassic Park.
But, before you start searching for the next flight to ‘San Antone', make sure you snag a CityPass, my favorite way to explore the city. The pass is good for 9 days of easy access to 4 of my favorite attractions:
- The Alamo (reservation required)
- Tower of the Americas
- Go Rio River Cruises
- Witte Museum
The Famous River Walk: Explore San Antonio's Waterfront Wonders
Frankly, I've been to 36 countries, and I can't think of a single comparison to San Antonio. This is largely because of its claim to fame—the winding River Walk zigging and zagging through bustling downtown, where there's always something captivating no matter what the clock reads.
Places like Indianapolis and Monterrey, Mexico, have their own interpretations, but they don't hold a candle to downtown San Antonio's scenic walkways along the man-made riverfront.
Lined with everything from wine bars, luxe hotels, Tex-Mex patios, and even hidden cocktail bars underneath bridges, the only thing the River Walk is missing is railings (seriously, don't fall in!).
The River Walk stretches for 15 miles give or take, but the heart of the action is smack dab downtown.
I can't recommend taking a Go Rio River Cruise enough, especially since you're allowed to bring your own food and drinks aboard for the quick, yet insightful, tour piecing together San Antonio's fascinating history as you cruise along calm waters among the canopy of cypress tree, which you'll appreciate even more come summer — and you'll definitely want to grab a local ice-cold Texas beer like I did or wander the Rivercenter mall for souvenir shopping (or pretending to shop, but really enjoy the A/C).
San Antonio's Vibrant, Magnetic Culture
They say “southern hospitality” is practically contagious throughout the South, but San Antonio deserves a category of its own.
I've been to 33 states and who knows how many cities, but San Antonio might be the friendliest and most welcoming of them all.
As Silicon Valley brats have invaded Austin, and Dallas has always been unimpressed with anyone who doesn't drive a brand new shiny F-150, San Antonio is the antithesis to both as a come one, come all haven of genuine warmth.
Seriously, no matter where I went, everyone was full of cheer like Christmas morning and couldn't have been more enjoyable to be around.
While New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago all have their own unique charm, with dynamic blends of backgrounds and designated neighborhoods like Little Italy, San Antonio's culture is unrivaled, even with the South's very own New Orleans, Miami, and Charleston.
Whether it be the step-back-in -time feel of Market Square, a commercial hub bustling with the flavors and sounds of old Mexico, flipping the page back to bygone eras at San Antonio's free-to-enter Missions sites, or simply perusing the River Walk and stumbling upon impromptu Mariachi shows, there's never a dull moment in S.A.
Leave “Tex-Mex” To Dallas – Enjoy Authentic ‘Texas Mexican' Food
Don't allow some of the typical tourist traps every city has, like Margaritaville and Rainforest Café, to mask San Antone's true culinary soul, as there are numerous authentic restaurants along the River Walk and speckled around the city.
Alamo legend Davy Crockett once said, “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas”.
Without taking a deep dive into this famous quote's significance, if he were alive today, I'm sure he would be referring to San Antonio's sinfully delicious food scene ranging from sizzling fajita skillets, fresh batches of guacamole, award-winning “puffy tacos”, and even more enticing margaritas, which, yes, you really can take to-go practically anywhere (thanks Covid!).
Not once was a meal here even sub-par during my recent 4-day trip. I indulged in everything from multiple platters of the aforementioned fajitas to flawless steak loaded with chimichurri and even delighting myself with fresh seafood, as Corpus Christi is only 2 hours away.
Sorted by neighborhood, every restaurant listed below is a true recommendation, but one long-standing community staple is undoubtedly a destination unto itself with a backstory representing the heart and soul of the city with impeccable dishes to match.
The Pearl District:
La Gloria – serves incredible ‘street foods of Mexico', and the Arrachera Molcajete justifies its near-$30 price tag; their Tajín-rimmed mezcalitas were fantastic freshly blended and to-go
Down on Grayson – a casual hangout to cool off with patio misters and a much-needed break from Mexican food overload; start off with perfectly crisp Onion Rings, followed by Steak Chimichurri, and the ultimate prize, a slice of Strawberry Cake bigger than my ex's ego!
(Ask for Delaney's section; I guarantee you she's the best server you'll have in San Antonio)
Downtown/River Walk:
La Panadería – a line-out-the-door breakfast hotspot known for their long-cultured breadmaking; arrive early and leave happy after a Dirty Chai Latte, Ranchero Eggs Benedict or choose to ‘Build-Your-Own- delicious torta!
Àcenar – the River Walk's anti-tourist trap serving ‘bold flavors', offering ‘unmatched views'; grab a patio seat and watch the action below all while slurpin' down Buttermilk-fried Oysters to start, capped off by sizzling Crispy Pork Tip fajitas
The Airport:
Cabo Bob's Burritos – while there's Texas favorite Whataburger inside the airport, I highly recommend Cabo Bob's Burritos a stone's throw away, offering hand-made flavored tortillas, juicy brisket, signature Red 66 sauce, even their own brand of sodas; Chipotle would go out of business if only more people knew of Bob!
The Outskirts:
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant is a destination unto itself. If there's one place you have to eat in SA, it's Los Barrios.
The Olive Garden must've stolen the phrase “when you're here you're family” from Diana Trevino, the current owner of what her late mother Viola Barrios envisioned when she transformed a former Dairy Queen shack into what's now a thriving community staple serving authentic ‘Texas Mexican' cuisine over the rest of the state's over-hyped ‘Tex-Mex' fusion.
It's not hard to figure out who Diana is when you walk in — she's the one decades-long loyal patrons are hugging upon arriving and kissing on the cheek upon leaving after a sensational meal, just as if they popped into Abuela's casa to be spoiled with soulful, secret-recipe comfort foods.
And the proof is in the pudding — Los Barrios' famous puffy tacos beat Bobby Flay on The Food Network and even served President Obama during his presidency.
As great as the puffy tacos and sizzling shrimp fajitas are, whatever you do, don't leave without trying the chimichurri sauce. I could drink it by the bottle, but a marg to-go is more socially accepted…
Marriott Rivercenter: The Perfect Base For Exploring San Antonio
Wondering where to stay?
The Marriott Rivercenter sits adjacent to the Rivercenter Mall and makes for the perfect base.
It's mere steps from the River Walk, a block and half from the historic Alamo, and a short Uber ride to hit up San Antonio's trendiest neighborhood, the Pearl District, brimming with cozy cafes, popular breweries, a farmers market and food hall, and a couple of my new favorite restaurants listed above.
I had a 17th-floor King room with sweeping views of the city rivaling those of the nearby Tower of the Americas.
As the notorious Texas heat picks up the next few months there's a glistening rooftop pool waiting for you that's partially indoor and outdoor, so you can enjoy catching rays for a bit and move inside if it becomes too hot to handle.
My suggestion? Grab a handcrafted cocktail to-go from Tributary, located in the lobby, and enjoy your afternoon poolside, cooling down in luxury.
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Visit San Antonio, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.