San Antonio Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Alamo: A San Antonio essential. San Antonio is nicknamed “Alamo City”, the old Catholic mission is situated right in the heart of downtown and the famous Riverwalk. There is a large exhibit inside and outside of the Alamo building itself that explains the history of the building and the events that transpired there (Remember the Alamo!). Parking can be a pain downtown but once you get into the riverwalk area (you will know you are there when you see signs next to stairways that say “Riverwalk” with an arrow point below street level) then you can park in any garage you find, expect to pay somewhere between 10-20 dollars depending how far away you are. Getting an Uber is also a good option, and since you are close to downtown it will likely be inexpensive.
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El Álamo
300 Alamo PlazaThe Alamo: A San Antonio essential. San Antonio is nicknamed “Alamo City”, the old Catholic mission is situated right in the heart of downtown and the famous Riverwalk. There is a large exhibit inside and outside of the Alamo building itself that explains the history of the building and the events that transpired there (Remember the Alamo!). Parking can be a pain downtown but once you get into the riverwalk area (you will know you are there when you see signs next to stairways that say “Riverwalk” with an arrow point below street level) then you can park in any garage you find, expect to pay somewhere between 10-20 dollars depending how far away you are. Getting an Uber is also a good option, and since you are close to downtown it will likely be inexpensive.
The San Antonio Museum of Art: The SAMA is located in the old Lonestar brewery on Jones Ave, there is parking directly across the street. The museum has a large collection of art from different cultures and eras in history with rotating special exhibits. Usually the museum has “free” hours on Sunday and a weekday, these change from time to time so it is best to check the website for details before visiting (https://www.samuseum.org). Situated behind the museum is Tre Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that serves up scratch made pastas and has seating overlooking the river.
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Museo de Arte de San Antonio
200 W Jones AveThe San Antonio Museum of Art: The SAMA is located in the old Lonestar brewery on Jones Ave, there is parking directly across the street. The museum has a large collection of art from different cultures and eras in history with rotating special exhibits. Usually the museum has “free” hours on Sunday and a weekday, these change from time to time so it is best to check the website for details before visiting (https://www.samuseum.org). Situated behind the museum is Tre Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that serves up scratch made pastas and has seating overlooking the river.
The McNay: The McNay art museum is a contemporary art museum with works from many renowned artists. They have a newly renovated lawn with many outdoor pieces of art as well. Similar to SAMA, the McNay offers special times with free admission but it is best to check the website before going to make sure they don’t change (https://www.mcnayart.org).
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Museo de Arte McNay
6000 N New Braunfels AveThe McNay: The McNay art museum is a contemporary art museum with works from many renowned artists. They have a newly renovated lawn with many outdoor pieces of art as well. Similar to SAMA, the McNay offers special times with free admission but it is best to check the website before going to make sure they don’t change (https://www.mcnayart.org).
The Witte: The Witte is a nature and science museum that has everything from dinosaurs to local agriculture and wildlife with many interactive exhibits and lots of stuff to see. The Witte also has hours of free admission, be sure to check the website before planning a visit (https://www.wittemuseum.org).
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Museo Witte
3801 BroadwayThe Witte: The Witte is a nature and science museum that has everything from dinosaurs to local agriculture and wildlife with many interactive exhibits and lots of stuff to see. The Witte also has hours of free admission, be sure to check the website before planning a visit (https://www.wittemuseum.org).
The Do-Seum: The Doseum is an interactive museum for kids. Unfortunately we have never visited but we have heard many great things from friends with children.
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El DoSeum
2800 BroadwayThe Do-Seum: The Doseum is an interactive museum for kids. Unfortunately we have never visited but we have heard many great things from friends with children.
Outdoor Activities
The San Antonio Riverwalk: The San Antonio River Walk is the crown jewel of this city. When you visit the Alamo you will undoubtedly visit the portion of the river walk downtown that is full of shops and restaurants and plenty of touristy souvenirs and museums. There is a lot to see and do when you are downtown there but our best recommendations are to do the boat tour. We have done the boat tour many times and we always learn something new about San Antonio when we do them. However! Do not make the mistake and think that the touristy section of the river walk is the whole river walk. The river walk stretches all the way downtown and follows the river about two miles North and ends up at the Pearl. There is nothing we love more about this city than walking the beautifully manicured river walk away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
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River Walk
River WalkThe San Antonio Riverwalk: The San Antonio River Walk is the crown jewel of this city. When you visit the Alamo you will undoubtedly visit the portion of the river walk downtown that is full of shops and restaurants and plenty of touristy souvenirs and museums. There is a lot to see and do when you are downtown there but our best recommendations are to do the boat tour. We have done the boat tour many times and we always learn something new about San Antonio when we do them. However! Do not make the mistake and think that the touristy section of the river walk is the whole river walk. The river walk stretches all the way downtown and follows the river about two miles North and ends up at the Pearl. There is nothing we love more about this city than walking the beautifully manicured river walk away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Southtown: Southtown is an area of San Antonio slightly south of the downtown river walk area nestled near the historic King William district. It is marked by local favorites such as the Friendly Spot, Batallion, and the Blue Star Arts Complex. Southtown offers a lot of restaurants and bars in a local community setting which makes it great for a night out with friends and family.
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Southtown
Southtown: Southtown is an area of San Antonio slightly south of the downtown river walk area nestled near the historic King William district. It is marked by local favorites such as the Friendly Spot, Batallion, and the Blue Star Arts Complex. Southtown offers a lot of restaurants and bars in a local community setting which makes it great for a night out with friends and family.
San Antonio Botanical Garden: The Botanical garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon among the flowers. There is a restaurant (Jardin) inside the Botanical that is also within walking distance and you do not need to purchase admission to go. Additionally the Botanical garden often hosts events such as plays, food and drink tastings, etc. Be sure to check the website to see what’s going on during your trip, https://www.sabot.org
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Jardín Botánico de San Antonio
555 Funston PlSan Antonio Botanical Garden: The Botanical garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon among the flowers. There is a restaurant (Jardin) inside the Botanical that is also within walking distance and you do not need to purchase admission to go. Additionally the Botanical garden often hosts events such as plays, food and drink tastings, etc. Be sure to check the website to see what’s going on during your trip, https://www.sabot.org
Japanese Tea Garden (free admission): The Japanese Tea Garden is a must-see while staying here. You will find a beautiful collection of flowers and landscaping that offers some of the most scenic views in San Antonio.
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Japanese Tea Gardens
3853 N St Mary's StJapanese Tea Garden (free admission): The Japanese Tea Garden is a must-see while staying here. You will find a beautiful collection of flowers and landscaping that offers some of the most scenic views in San Antonio.
The Alamo Quarry Market: The Quarry Market is large outdoor shopping complex with many shops and restaurants. You will find many major clothing stores as well as brunch spots, the grocery store, and a few ice cream shops. The iconic Lucchese Bootmaker store is located here as well.
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Alamo Quarry Market
255 E Basse RdThe Alamo Quarry Market: The Quarry Market is large outdoor shopping complex with many shops and restaurants. You will find many major clothing stores as well as brunch spots, the grocery store, and a few ice cream shops. The iconic Lucchese Bootmaker store is located here as well.
Blue Star Arts Complex: Complex of shops, art vendors, and restaurants located in Southtown San Antonio on the river walk. This is a great place to spend an evening for dinner and drinks as well as shop for local art. https://bluestarartscomplex.com
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Blue Star Coffee
Blue Star Arts Complex: Complex of shops, art vendors, and restaurants located in Southtown San Antonio on the river walk. This is a great place to spend an evening for dinner and drinks as well as shop for local art. https://bluestarartscomplex.com
Mexican Food
Pete’s Tako House: Can order online for pick up, dive-ish but super good tacos and Mexican food. Would recommend eating there and then going for a walk on the river after. https://petestakohouse.com
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Pete's Tako House
502 Brooklyn AvePete’s Tako House: Can order online for pick up, dive-ish but super good tacos and Mexican food. Would recommend eating there and then going for a walk on the river after. https://petestakohouse.com
Rosario’s: Located in Southtown, Rosarios is a popular spot for tourists (outside of the riverwalk) with a nice atmosphere and good food. https://rosariossa.com
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Rosario's
722 S Alamo StRosario’s: Located in Southtown, Rosarios is a popular spot for tourists (outside of the riverwalk) with a nice atmosphere and good food. https://rosariossa.com
Paloma Blanca: Nicer sit-down restaurant located in Alamo Heights . https://www.palomablanca.net
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Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine
5800 BroadwayPaloma Blanca: Nicer sit-down restaurant located in Alamo Heights . https://www.palomablanca.net
Taco Broadway: Probably the most authentic Mexican food on this list. It is run by a sweet lady who moved here from Mexico and her family. Very divey with limited seating inside (maybe 5 tables).
Taco Broadway
3610 BroadwayTaco Broadway: Probably the most authentic Mexican food on this list. It is run by a sweet lady who moved here from Mexico and her family. Very divey with limited seating inside (maybe 5 tables).
Velvet Taco: Non-traditional taco spot in the pearl, Americanized version of tacos located at the pearl. Lots of outdoor seating and drink choices. https://www.velvettaco.com/location/grayson-st/
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Velvet Taco
103 West Grayson StreetVelvet Taco: Non-traditional taco spot in the pearl, Americanized version of tacos located at the pearl. Lots of outdoor seating and drink choices. https://www.velvettaco.com/location/grayson-st/
Breakfast / Brunch
Ida Claire: Restaurant in the Quarry offering a large brunch menu with lots of outdoor seating and live music (they also have great options for lunch and dinner). The chicken and waffles, and sticky bun are a must try. https://www.ida-claire.com
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Ida Claire
7300 Jones Maltsberger RdIda Claire: Restaurant in the Quarry offering a large brunch menu with lots of outdoor seating and live music (they also have great options for lunch and dinner). The chicken and waffles, and sticky bun are a must try. https://www.ida-claire.com
Snooze AM Eatery: Snooze is also located in the Quarry, very trendy and tends to fill up quickly so best to make a reservation online before visiting unless you are going early. https://www.snoozeeatery.com
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
255 E Basse RdSnooze AM Eatery: Snooze is also located in the Quarry, very trendy and tends to fill up quickly so best to make a reservation online before visiting unless you are going early. https://www.snoozeeatery.com
Earl Abel’s: Known for their fried chicken, Earl Abels has a great brunch menu and a delicious pie/cake/baked good counter. I always make sure to grab an eclair or cream puff before we leave and walk around the pearl. https://www.earlabelssa.com
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Earl Abel's
1639 BroadwayEarl Abel’s: Known for their fried chicken, Earl Abels has a great brunch menu and a delicious pie/cake/baked good counter. I always make sure to grab an eclair or cream puff before we leave and walk around the pearl. https://www.earlabelssa.com
City/town information
Austin: Bustling city about 1 hr north on I-35, definitely worth a trip to visit if you have time.
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Austin
Austin: Bustling city about 1 hr north on I-35, definitely worth a trip to visit if you have time.
Fredericksburg: Quaint old German town about an hour away from here. Great place to visit for the day to shop boutiques and enjoy authentic German food. If you are a history buff, Fredericksburg is also home to the largest museum dedicated to the Pacific theater of World War II (Admiral Nimitz Museum).
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Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg: Quaint old German town about an hour away from here. Great place to visit for the day to shop boutiques and enjoy authentic German food. If you are a history buff, Fredericksburg is also home to the largest museum dedicated to the Pacific theater of World War II (Admiral Nimitz Museum).
7. San Marcos Outlet Malls: Huge outlet mall about 20 minutes from here, great spot if you like to shop. https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos
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San Marcos
7. San Marcos Outlet Malls: Huge outlet mall about 20 minutes from here, great spot if you like to shop. https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos
New Braunfels
San Antonio // Texas Things
Bucee’s: Bucee’s is about 15 mins away from here (New Braunfels location), but it is one of the coolest gas stations you will ever visit. No, that was not a typo, Bucee’s is the largest gas station in the world and a Texas favorite. It’s a great place to visit for BBQ, snacks, and your favorite beaver-covered apparel.
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Buc-ee's
2760 I-35Bucee’s: Bucee’s is about 15 mins away from here (New Braunfels location), but it is one of the coolest gas stations you will ever visit. No, that was not a typo, Bucee’s is the largest gas station in the world and a Texas favorite. It’s a great place to visit for BBQ, snacks, and your favorite beaver-covered apparel.
The San Antonio Zoo: A short drive towards downtown is the San Antonio zoo, a great escape for families a small children. https://sazoo.org
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Zoológico de San Antonio
3903 N St Mary's StThe San Antonio Zoo: A short drive towards downtown is the San Antonio zoo, a great escape for families a small children. https://sazoo.org
Fiesta Six Flags Amusement Park: Fiesta Six Flags is located near La Cantera and has many great thrill rides and is a fun place to spend the day.
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W I-10Fiesta Six Flags Amusement Park: Fiesta Six Flags is located near La Cantera and has many great thrill rides and is a fun place to spend the day.
San Antonio Rodeo: The San Antonio rodeo comes every year and is blast if you have never been to a rodeo before. There is a large carnival and Texas vendors come to sell many different rodeo-esque things, then there’s the rodeo itself which boasts cowboys and cowgirls wrangling and riding an assortment of animals. https://www.sarodeo.com
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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
723 AT&T Center ParkwaySan Antonio Rodeo: The San Antonio rodeo comes every year and is blast if you have never been to a rodeo before. There is a large carnival and Texas vendors come to sell many different rodeo-esque things, then there’s the rodeo itself which boasts cowboys and cowgirls wrangling and riding an assortment of animals. https://www.sarodeo.com
Chicken ‘n’ Pickle: This is a pickle ball complex that is inside of an outdoor restaurant. If you’re an avid player or have never heard of it Chicken n Pickle offers a unique pickle ball experience with the ability to play and order drinks and food while you do. If you’re not in the mood to play, that is no problem and you can just hang out and eat and drink all night. They also have live entertainment on the weekends and an assortment of other outdoor games as well. https://chickennpickle.com/san-antonio/
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Chicken N Pickle- San Antonio
5215 UTSA BoulevardChicken ‘n’ Pickle: This is a pickle ball complex that is inside of an outdoor restaurant. If you’re an avid player or have never heard of it Chicken n Pickle offers a unique pickle ball experience with the ability to play and order drinks and food while you do. If you’re not in the mood to play, that is no problem and you can just hang out and eat and drink all night. They also have live entertainment on the weekends and an assortment of other outdoor games as well. https://chickennpickle.com/san-antonio/
Schlitterbahn: Large water park located near New Braunfels voted the worlds best. https://www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels
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Parque acuático Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
400 N Liberty AveSchlitterbahn: Large water park located near New Braunfels voted the worlds best. https://www.schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels
Fiesta: Fiesta is a yearly San Antonio festival that spans weeks and has many events and activities culminating in the parade. Fiesta consumes the city and is a part of its culture, it is a blast to celebrate it each year.
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Fiesta San Antonio Commission
110 BroadwayFiesta: Fiesta is a yearly San Antonio festival that spans weeks and has many events and activities culminating in the parade. Fiesta consumes the city and is a part of its culture, it is a blast to celebrate it each year.
La Cantera: Area NW of here that boasts upscale living and dining options as well as an outdoor mall that is always a great place to walk on a nice day. Near here is also “The Rim” which is a large shopping center.
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La Cantera Parkway
La Cantera ParkwayLa Cantera: Area NW of here that boasts upscale living and dining options as well as an outdoor mall that is always a great place to walk on a nice day. Near here is also “The Rim” which is a large shopping center.
Gruene
Enchanted Rock Summit