Photo: Yinan Chen [Public Domain]
# 1 – The Riverwalk
Firstly, there is the Riverwalk! There is no better way to start out our things to do in San Antonio, Texas, but with the Riverwalk. If you’re in San Antonio, you’ve got to experience this beautiful river ride and the shops, parks, and art galleries that surround this beautiful river. From amazing restaurants, gourmet chocolate shops, novelty shops, fun and games galore, and beautiful art; there are endless options for you to explore on the Riverwalk. The music, the lights, and the all-around ambiance of the place just feels so much fun, so vibrant, and exciting. And there are things to do for the whole family too, adults and kids alike. All you need to bring is your sunscreen and your joie de vivre.
Photo: Another Believer [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
# 2 – Nature and Gardens
If you want to enjoy a little nature, San Antonio has plenty of that too! You can check out the Medina river. Here you can go fishing, hike the many trails, and enjoy the Texas sun. You also have Government Canyon State National Park, where you can enjoy the canyons, the hiking trails, and the Texas wildlife. This place is particularly lovely in the spring time because you everything is so lush and the air is perfumed with honeysuckle.
And speaking of honeysuckles, if flora and fauna are your thing then the Botanical Gardens in San Antonio is a must-see! It is nature in its most beautiful, colorful, and exquisite form. It’s great for taking unforgettable photos too!
# 3 – Food, Food, Food
If there is one thing San Antonio is legendary for, it is their food! One of the great things about Texas is its culture, and we have it in abundance! When you combine Mexican and American culture and that good ole southern style hospitality that Texas is known for, you can guarantee you won’t be disappointed with a good burger or barbeque joint. However, there are a few that stand out just a little more than the rest.
Let’s begin with the Rainforest Café. This little gem is located right at the heart of the famous Riverwalk. Its atmosphere is lush and gardenesque, just like an actual rainforest. It also has a large menu of delicious things to choose from, so there is something for everybody to enjoy and it’s so much fun to eat and feel like you’re in the middle of a dense jungle.
If you’re into a good ole fashion steak house, then The Texas Roadhouse is a must do! Their bread rolls and cinnamon butter are to die for and practically famous all on their own. I can personally guarantee that you will struggle to not fill up on them while you’re waiting for your actual steak.
Lastly, The Big Bib Barbeque is a city gem! Just one smell will leave you salivating and stomach grumbling. Their authentic, old style grilling and barbequing, is absolutely delicious and you’re gonna want to come back again and again!
Photo: Judgefloro [CC0]
# 4 – Arts, Music, Museums
San Antonio is also known for its art and music! There are many museums, galleries, and shows that are guaranteed to wow you and inspire. One really unique event that San Antonio hosts is called “First Fridays.” Every first Friday of the month, local artists band together downtown to show off their amazing skills and work. People perform music on the streets, everybody dances, there is delicious food trucks that sell everything from roasted corn to fresh fruits. There are plenty of novelty coffee shops in the area as well as candy shops. But can you even imagine an entire portion of the city dancing and engaging in beautiful art! It is truly an incredible sight to behold and if you have to means to experience this event, I strongly recommend you do! I’ve been all over and have never seen anything else quite like it.
But, if you prefer quieter art galleries, there is always the McNay museum and the San Antonio museum of art. Both museums are filled to the brim with beautiful works of art, the McNay even has an art garden, and both of these lovely museums are very enjoyable and a lot of fun if you’re looking to be swept up.
# 5 – History and Landmarks
San Antonio is also known for its history and it’s famous landmarks. Here you can actually explore the Alamo, take haunted ghost tours of the city, enjoy antique shopping, and enjoy shows and events that teach you so much about the city’s past and how it has evolved into the beautiful, thriving, metropolis that it is today.
Downtown San Antonio is also home to one of the most haunted hotels in the world; the Menger. You can browse through the hotel, grab a drink or two at the bar, and see old photographs, learn the hotels history, and if you’re brave enough … stay the night. I never personally saw any ghosts during my visit, but you certainly can feel the history inside. It has plenty of spooky vibes to it. Plus, a lot of the staff there are willing to share their stories of strange things they’ve seen; things moving on their own, lights going on and off, strange shadowy figures lurking on the stairwells. It’s a lot of fun if you’re into spooky stuff and oddities.
And this is but a taste of all the wonderful things that the city of San Antonio has to offer. This city is romance, history, adventure, music, art, and great food! So come and experience it. You won’t forget this beautiful city and I can promise you, you’re going to have the time of your life.
Photo: Noconatom [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]
