San Antonio has officially become a very special place for our family. This trip was unlike any other—we weren’t just here for sightseeing or food (though, wow, did we eat well!); we were here to visit our adult daughter on base. (How did that happen so fast?!) It was such a different experience than our usual family trips—no car seats to lug around, no snack bags packed to the brim—but one thing that didn’t change? Plying our girl with food at every opportunity.
Military installations largely account for San Antonio’s rapid growth after 1940. Fort Sam Houston (1879), inside the city, is the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Army and is the site of a national cemetery and the Academy of Health Sciences, the army’s basic school for medical personnel.
Britannica
And honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better city for it. San Antonio isn’t just rich in history (hello, The Alamo!), it also proudly holds the titles of both the Culinary Capital and the Theme Park Capital of Texas. The city is home to the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas—the iconic Alamo and the Spanish Missions National Historical Park—and is one of just two U.S. cities recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Basically, if you love food, you’re in the right place! With a mix of diverse flavors, local ingredients, and deep culinary heritage, it’s no surprise San Antonio is also one of only five Texas cities featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. In other words, the food here is next-level, and we made it our mission to fully experience it!
If you’re planning a visit to see a loved one stationed here or simply want a fun getaway, here’s everything we loved about San Antonio—from where we stayed to the best spots to eat and explore.
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Where to Play: The Best Things to Do in San Antonio
San Antonio is packed with history, culture, and adventure. Here are the places we explored and loved:
- The Alamo – A trip to San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without visiting this historic site. Walking through the grounds and learning about the history of Texas independence was both moving and fascinating. While the chapel and grounds are free to explore, we highly recommend checking out the Ralston Family Collections Center for a deeper dive into the history of the 1836 battle. The new exhibits, including artifacts donated by Phil Collins, bring this legendary site to life.
The battle of the Alamo, which Alamo historian Stephen Hardin has characterized as the “most celebrated military engagement in Texas history,” immortalized San Antonio’s converted first Franciscan mission and its Texan defenders as symbols of sacrifice, and generations would recognize the rallying cry of “Remember the Alamo.”
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- San Antonio River Walk – We spent a lot of time strolling the River Walk, taking in the lively atmosphere, and stopping at shops and restaurants along the way. It’s the heart of the city and the perfect place to unwind. And I HIGHLY recommend a kayak trip down the river for a little exercise or even a guided river cruise… both a fantastic way to see the city from the water.
- Pearl District – This revitalized historic area is filled with unique shops, amazing restaurants, and a fun weekend market. It was one of our favorite spots to explore, and we loved the mix of old and new in its design.
- Discovering the Witte Museum – We really enjoyed our visit to the Witte Museum, which is a must-see for anyone interested in Texas history, nature, and science. With interactive exhibits and fascinating displays, it was a fantastic way to engage with the cultural heritage of the region, plus, our twins are OBSESSED with dinosaurs, so we took so many photos and videos of the massive dino exhibits to share with them.
- Brackenridge Park & the Japanese Tea Garden – After the museum, we took some time to wander through Brackenridge Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a leisurely walk. One of our favorite stops was the Japanese Tea Garden, where we enjoyed the tranquil koi ponds and stunning waterfall—a hidden gem in the city.
- San Fernando Cathedral Light Show – This was such a cool experience! The nightly light show, projected onto the cathedral, tells the history of San Antonio in a stunning visual display.
- Exploring San Antonio’s Missions – San Antonio is home to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas: The San Antonio Missions. We visited Mission San José, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” and from there took our BCycle ebike rentals on the trails to see even more of the beautiful sights and history on the area.
- Tower of the Americas – We visited both during the day and at night, and while both offer stunning views, we highly recommend going in the evening when the city lights up—it’s breathtaking! Standing at 750 feet tall, this iconic tower gives you a panoramic view of San Antonio, plus there’s a 4D theater ride and a revolving restaurant if you want to make an experience out of it.
If you’re planning a trip to San Antonio, we definitely recommend getting a CityPASS—it makes exploring so much easier (and more budget-friendly!). With CityPASS, you get prepaid admission to any four of these must-visit spots:
Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises
The Alamo (Collections Center)
San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio Zoo
The DoSeum
Tower of the Americas (a must!)
Witte Museum
It’s such a great way to hit the highlights while saving money, and we loved that it let us experience so much of what the city has to offer!
Five Must-Do Activities in San Antonio
- Explore the Food Scene – From street tacos at La Gloria to upscale dining at Supper, the culinary offerings are diverse and unforgettable.
- Step into History – Visit The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions to learn about the city’s deep historical roots. We rented BCycles to explore!
- Adventure on the River – Kayak, take a Go Rio River Cruise or stroll along the famous River Walk.
- Discover the Pearl District – Shop, dine, and take in the lively atmosphere of this revitalized brewery area.
- Connect with Nature – Spend time at Brackenridge Park, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
San Antonio is a city that truly has something for everyone, whether you’re visiting family, exploring its rich history, or indulging in its world-class food scene. Our weekend was filled with unforgettable experiences, and we left with full hearts (and full stomachs). If you’re planning a visit, be sure to make time for these must-see spots!
Where to Eat: Our Favorite San Antonio Restaurants
We love experiencing a city through its food, and wow—San Antonio absolutely delivered! From the tacos to the pastries (and everything in between), every meal felt like a highlight. Here are the spots that made our trip extra delicious:
La Gloria
Tacos, margaritas, and a view? Yes, please! We couldn’t get enough of the street-style tacos and fresh ceviche bar, all enjoyed on their colorful outdoor patio overlooking the River Walk. Oh, and their margarita? Officially called the best in San Antonio… and after trying it, we totally understand why!
Down on Grayson
This place has all the cozy charm, thanks to its history as a former gas station—now transformed into a trendy, laid-back eatery with twinkle lights and patio vibes. We went for dinner and enjoyed the most amazing burger (seriously, SO good!), plus wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood. It’s the kind of place you can hang out for hours, and we loved every second of our al fresco dining under the stars.
Box Street Social
If you want a brunch that makes your taste buds and Instagram feed equally happy, this is the spot. Box Street Social started as a food truck and grew into an all-day eatery, and let me tell you—they know how to do comfort food right. We devoured their over-the-top French toast, fried chicken and waffles (with fried ice cream on top!!), and the fluffiest donuts ever. Pair it all with a craft coffee or a mimosa, and you’re in brunch heaven.
Piatti at Éilan
We are always down for a great Italian meal, and Piatti completely delivered. Fresh, housemade pasta? Check. Cozy, rustic ambiance? Check. An aperitivo hour with delicious drinks and apps? Yes, yes, and yes! Everything is made from scratch daily, and they even let you take home their signature pasta to recreate the magic later. We loved sitting on their beautiful patio and soaking up the atmosphere.
Freight Fried Chicken
This spot is more than just incredible fried chicken (which, by the way, is next-level crispy and flavorful). It’s a tribute to the Black women known as “Waiter Carriers,” who sold fried chicken to travelers in the 1800s. The dry batter recipe honors their history, and every bite was packed with Southern goodness. Their loaded potato salad? Locally famous—and now, I totally get why.
Breakfast at Bakery Lorraine
What started as a small farmer’s market stall has now been recognized as one of the Top 100 Bakeries in the U.S. (and after one bite, we could see why!). Bakery Lorraine serves up the dreamiest pastries, along with hearty breakfast plates that fueled us up for the day. We couldn’t resist grabbing a few of their signature macarons, and let’s just say… we regret nothing.
Lunch at Ave Brazil
If you’re going to do Brazilian steakhouse dining, this is the way to do it. Ave Brazil offers the full churrasco-style experience, where gaucho chefs carve perfectly grilled meats tableside until you say “no more” (which, let’s be honest, takes a while). Add in an impressive salad bar (including waffles and omelets for weekend brunch!!), Brazilian cocktails like caipirinhas, and a fun, social vibe, and you’ve got a meal to remember.
My girl was super impressed with the seafood offered as well, we both highly recommend the salmon. And you’ve GOT to try the “fire cheesecake”… just trust us on this one!
Best Quality Daughter
This was such a unique dining experience! Best Quality Daughter brings together Chinese, South Texas, and Southeast Asian flavors, and every dish was a work of art. We tried the chorizo, egg, and cheese potstickers, Taiwanese popcorn fried chicken, and their famous fat-noodle short rib—each one packed with bold, unexpected flavors. The restaurant itself is housed in a beautifully restored 1900s home in the Pearl district, with vibrant decor that makes the whole experience feel extra special.
Some others to try:
- Pinkerton’s Barbecue – Texas is all about barbecue, and Pinkerton’s is next-level. Their brisket was incredibly tender, the sides were flavorful, and the whole experience felt like an authentic taste of Texas. If you love good BBQ, this place is a must.
- Boudro’s on the River Walk – This iconic spot on the River Walk serves up delicious tableside guacamole and a truly memorable blackened prime rib. The ambiance, right by the water, made it even better.
- La Panadería – A perfect breakfast spot with fresh-baked pastries and incredible coffee. Their pan dulce is a must-try, and the croissant sandwiches are an ideal way to start the day.
- Cured – Located in the Pearl district, Cured specializes in charcuterie and farm-to-table dishes. The historic setting, paired with thoughtfully crafted dishes, makes this one to remember.
- The Esquire Tavern – A San Antonio institution, this spot has the longest wooden bar top in Texas and serves up fantastic cocktails and classic comfort food. A great place for a late-night bite or a drink with a view of the River Walk.
If you’re looking for a place to take in a mix of San Antonio History, while enjoying a multitude of dining options, you really can’t go wrong at The historic Pearl district… it houses a few of the places we’ve mentioned above and so much more, with shopping, desserts and drinks as well!
San Antonio seriously spoiled us with incredible food, and we already have a list of places to try next time. If you’ve got a favorite SA restaurant, drop it in the comments—we’re always looking for our next meal! 😋
Also check out: Scottsdale Girls Trip: AZ Travel Guide for an Epic Girls Getaway!
Where to Stay in San Antonio
For our trip, we stayed at Hotel Gibbs, a boutique hotel located right by the Alamo. What makes this hotel unique is that it was once the city’s first high-rise office building, and now it blends that history with modern comfort. Its location was perfect—ACROSS THE STREET from The Alamo, walking distance from the River Walk, historic sites, and plenty of restaurants.
If you’re looking for a more upscale stay (or even just a cool place to check out), Hotel Emma is a must-see. Housed in the historic Pearl Brewery, this stunning hotel has maintained so much of its original character while transforming into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind experience. Even if you don’t stay there, take time to visit and soak in the atmosphere. The library, restaurant, and overall aesthetic make it one of the most unique places in San Antonio… and I loved grabbing a coffee to enjoy, of course.
Getting Around: San Antonio is a very walkable city, especially around the downtown and River Walk areas. However, if you’re venturing beyond that, consider using Uber/Lyft, the VIA bus system, or even renting BCycle electric bikes or e-scooters for quick trips.
We did rent a car since we knew we’d be making multiple trips on and off base, though, parking downtown can be tricky, so if you have a car, look for hotels with included parking or plan to use nearby garages. Many times, we parked and walked most of the day around town until we needed to head back to base — which is really close by!
San Antonio was such a special trip for us, and getting to experience it alongside our daughter made it even more meaningful. Whether you’re visiting family, stationed here, or just exploring, we hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip!
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