2 Days in San Antonio: The Best Things to Do

San Antonio is a unique place in that it’s a blend of 2 distinct yet prominent cultures. Mexican influence from the south is an intricate part of the city’s food, festivals and traditions. That said, it’s still Texas. There’s no shortage of cowboy hats, country music and BBQ. These cultures combine to create a truly special city that is worth getting to know. As a former resident, I’m sharing my favorite spots around town to plan an incredible 2 days in San Antonio.

San Antonio Fun Facts

• It’s the most visited city in Texas.
• It also has the most visited attraction in Texas, The Alamo.
• Former president Teddy Roosevelt recruited his famous Rough Riders over drinks at the Menger Hotel.
• The sun shines three hundred days a year and the average temperature is in the 70s.
• The world’s tallest cowboy boot sculpture (Guinness World Record) sits outside North Star Mall.
• The world’s largest bat colony can be found just outside the city at Bracken Cave.

When to Go to San Antonio

The most popular times for tourists to visit San Antonio are in the warmest months from May to October. Texas families like to visit during summer breaks to enjoy the family friendly theme parks and historical attractions. This means bigger crowds and higher prices. Humidity is high and temperatures can reach upwards of 100 degrees in July and August.

The best time to visit is between November and April. Temperatures are much more comfortable, ranging from the low 60s to the low 80s. With the kids back in school, tourism slows down significantly. This is a great time to save money on hotels as well.

Festivals

San Antonio is home to multiple festivals from November through April, making it an even more exciting time to visit. If you really want to experience the heart and soul of San Antonio, consider planning a trip when a festival is in town. Keep in mind, hotels book up quickly during these events so give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead.

The Dia De Los Muertos festival takes place in early November. This 2 day event celebrates the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday for families to remember and celebrate their deceased relatives. It may sound depressing but the festivities are anything but.

Not technically a festival, the Alamo Bowl is a college football bowl game that draws visitors from all over the country. It’s usually played at the end of December at the Alamo Dome.

In February the Stock Show and Rodeo comes to town. A truly Texan event, the Rodeo first took place in 1950 and now attracts over 2 million visitors a year.

For a classic San Antonio experience, plan your trip in mid to late April to attend Fiesta. What began as a single parade to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, is now a 10 day festival full of carnivals, balls and parades.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

Since San Antonio is an easy city to navigate, picking a hotel should be based on budget and style. There are plenty of great options around the city in every price range.

Staying downtown near the Riverwalk is a popular option for many tourists. Most of Day 1 will be spent downtown, so choosing a hotel near the action is both convenient and exciting. Stepping onto the Riverwalk in the morning gets you right into the spirit of the city.

The downsides of staying near the Riverwalk are obvious; costs, parking and crowds. Room rates will be higher and many places are valet only, making it a little harder to come and go. For a weekend stay though, the extra convenience can be worth the extra charge. If staying in the thick of things isn’t your style, it’s also easy to drive downtown, park, and explore for the day.

Menger Hotel

The Menger Hotel is my absolute favorite downtown hotel. It’s less than 1000 feet from the Alamo and just a few blocks from the Riverwalk. Just about everything you want to see downtown is within walking distance from the Menger. It’s an elegant hotel full of history and charm that you won’t find at a chain hotel.

Even better, it’s haunted. Well, that is what the locals say anyway. The Menger is a main stop for ghost tours and both employees and guests have claimed to have had ghostly encounters there. While I’ve never run into a ghost at the Menger, that bit of local lore makes for an extra exciting stay.

Location: Downtown. 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Havana

Also downtown but a little more secluded is Hotel Havana. It sits on a quiet part of Riverwalk that is not overrun with tourists. Built in 1914 in the Mediterranean Revival style, Hotel Havana is the perfect place to relax and recharge. Even though it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, rooms are modern and vibrant with a minimalistic feel. You are still within walking distance of downtown attractions, but sitting on the restaurant patio surrounded by palm trees, it feels 100 miles away.

Location: Downtown. 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Emma

Hotel Emma is in the Pearl District, a trendy area with lots of cool shops and restaurants. It opened in 2015 in the old Pearl Brewery, a San Antonio landmark. A complete remodel turned the former brewery into a luxurious hotel that is both trendy and cozy.

What makes Emma special is it’s dedication to creating a one of a kind experience. That experience begins right at check in, when guests are greeted with a fresh margarita. In-room mini bars (which they prefer to call ice boxes) are stocked with local beer, fresh treats from the farmers market, and all the ingredients and tools needed to make a second margarita when the mood strikes.

The coolest part of Emma? The 3,700 volume library once owned by Texas novelist Sherry Kafka Wagner. Besides being gorgeous to see, books can be checked out using the library’s vintage card system. Comfy club chairs and soft lighting make it a truly special place to hang out and read, or just relax!

Location: The Pearl District. 136 E. Grayson Street, San Antonio, TX 78215

WaterWalk Apartment Hotel

The WaterWalk is a perfect place to stay when you want something at a lower price point. Apartments are equipped just like hotel rooms, but with extra living space, full kitchens, and in-room washers and dryers. While you may not need those extras for a weekend stay, they are nice to have just in case.

The location is farther out of the city, about 20 minutes from the Alamo. I never found this to be a problem though; since the Waterwalk is right off the highway it’s very easy to get to. With free parking and lower rates, it’s a great option for a budget stay.

Location: Northside. 5423 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249

2 Days in San Antonio: Day 1

Many of the iconic sites in San Antonio are located downtown, so planning to spend an entire day in that area is an easy way to make the most of your trip.

What to See and Do

The Alamo

Start the day by seeing the most famous building in the city. Let me warn you though, it’s not going to be what you expect. The Alamo is right in the middle of the city center, surrounded by hotels, restaurants and tourist traps. There are people selling snow cones and lemonade from carts on the lawn. It’s not what you see in the movies. Still, it’s a must see. The Alamo is a former mission and fortress, and a vital piece of history in the Texan’s quest for independence from Mexico.

Visiting is free, although to really understand its legacy I recommend taking a guided tour. Tours last about an hour and tickets are $40.00. If you decide to do a tour, tickets should be booked at least 24 hours in advance online. Some tickets are available beginning at 9am at the welcome center, but they do sell out. If you don’t want to do the tour, plan to spend 20-30 minutes exploring the buildings and grounds.

San Fernando Cathedral

From the Alamo, head over to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest standing church in Texas. It’s a gorgeous cathedral that is referred to as the heart of San Antonio, as it sits right in the middle of the city. No matter what your religious affiliation, the breathtaking architecture is worth the visit. You can stop in any time of day, but always be respectful of those sitting in prayer or reflection.

Historic Market Square

Next stop is the Historic Market Square. This 3 block plaza is full of restaurants and shops making it the largest Mexican market in the U.S. There are 2 large indoor shopping areas as well, full of Mexican arts, crafts and food.

Make sure to stop at Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery. It’s a famous spot for lunch but also for pastries from the huge bakery inside. There are so many traditional Mexican sweets to choose from, but I always pick up a few Conchas to go. Conchas are sweet breads with brightly colored, crunchy sugar toppings.

If you are ready for lunch, La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a yummy place to stop for Mexican Food and Margaritas.

Next stop is the Riverwalk, which has tons of restaurant options. Although there are a lot of chains and touristy places, some great restaurants are mixed in like Acenar, Ocho, and Boudro’s. No matter where you eat, sit outside and enjoy the vibrant scene.

River Walk

Walk off your lunch by taking a stroll along Riverwalk. There are access points down to the river all over downtown. To find the most convenient entry point, download this map and bring it along with you.

Shops and bars here tend to cater to tourists, but it’s still fun to walk up and down the river to see the sites. Check out any place that catches your eye and soak up the energy of the crowd.

I’ve never done one personally, but if you don’t feel like walking, taking a boat cruise on the river is another option. Boats depart every 15 minutes and tours last about 35 minutes.

La Villita Historic Arts Village

La Villita was the first neighborhood in San Antonio, and today it is a thriving artists community. The cobblestoned streets are lined with artisan’s boutiques and galleries. This is where you are going to want to shop for souvenirs. Bird & Pear is a fun shop for modern gifts while Casa Manos Alegres specializes in Mexican folk art.

King William Historic District

Are you tired of walking yet? It’s time to hop in the car and leave downtown! A quick 10 minute drive from downtown is a part of the city not on most tourists radar. The King William Historic District is somewhere I never visited until after I moved out of San Antonio, but now I love recommending it to first time visitors. It showcases a completely different side to the city.

Restored Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate homes with picturesque gardens are found throughout the 25 blocks of the district. The area was settled by German immigrants who are credited for building many of the homes and mansions.

While most of the homes are privately owned, The Steves Homestead Museum and the Gunter House are open to the public.

Stop at the headquarters of the San Antonio Conservation Society, 107 King William St. (tel. 210/224-6163; www.saconservation.org) for a map.

Where to Eat

Now it’s time to think about dinner. Trying a place on Riverwalk is an option, but since you’re already in the car I recommend driving out of the downtown area for something more authentic.

Los Barrios

If you’re a fan of The Food Network, you may have caught Los Barrios on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Owner Diana Barrios-Trevino beat Bobby in the throwdown of a classic San Antonio favorite, puffy tacos. Fresh masa is fried until air bubbles puff it up into a fluffy, slightly crispy shell, and then topped with the usual fillings to create a perfect puffy taco.

The rest of the menu focuses on down home Tex-Mex, full of Barrios family recipes. They have my favorite chips and salsa in Texas (and looking over lots of Yelp reviews I’m not alone) which may explain why I can’t ever eat more than one puffy taco at dinner. One more thing not to miss is the guava and cream cheese empanada for desert. I always get it to go, then end up eating it in the car on the way home.

Lupe Tortilla

Although it’s not technically local since there are locations all over Texas, the amazing Tex-Mex served at Lupe Tortilla makes it worthy of a mention. The menu is full of Tex-Mex favorites, but the fajitas are the real star of the show.

What makes them unique is the signature lime pepper marinade used on all the proteins. You can’t go wrong with any of the classics like beef, chicken or shrimp. For something extra special try the lobster tail or jalapeño sausage.

Rudy’s BBQ

In 1989 a little gas station and grocery store started selling BBQ, and the rest is history. Although it’s expanded to a few states, the original location in San Antonio is a classic.

Orders are taken cafeteria style and meat is ordered by the pound. Pick a few different cuts like brisket, ribs and chicken to share. Meats come with white bread and pickles so you can make a sandwich if the mood strikes. Sides are your typical BBQ favorites like coleslaw and beans but the cream corn is a MUST try.

Burgerteca

Beloved local chef Johnny Hernandez’s Burgerteca brings a Mexican flair to classic American burgers. Flavors are inspired by cooking traditions and regional flavors of Mexico. Some menu standouts are the Al Pastor Burger and Mole Fries.

2 Days in San Antonio: Day 2

What to See and Do

Today’s itinerary starts out with a history lesson and ends exploring a trendy neighborhood.

Breakfast at Lulu’s Diner

Locals have loved it for years, but an appearance on Man Vs. Food is what really put LuLu’s on the map. The main attraction is their famous 3lb cinnamon roll. I don’t know how Lulu’s can make a cinnamon roll that big taste that good but they do and it is. Order one for the table to share and try some of the other local favorites like chicken fried steak or breakfast tacos.

Or just coffee!

Not a breakfast person? San Antonio has a thriving coffee scene with new roasters hitting the scene every year.

My absolute favorite latte in the US is served at Local Coffee. That is a BIG statement; I know! The meticulously roasted beans, local milks, and homemade syrups combine to create the perfect dreamy latte.

Note: Some Local Coffee shops are now called Merit, but they are the same. Merit is the roasting company owned by Local Coffee.

Another place to check out is Philocoffee for a Shakerato…a shaken up espresso and syrup topped with cream. Seriously the perfect summer drink.

Missions National Historical Park

One of the most significant things to see in San Antonio to appreciate its history are the Spanish colonial missions, the first World Heritage Site in Texas. Spanish priests built five missions along the river to provide sanctuary to the local communities. Missions National Historical Park is made up of 4 missions; Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The fifth is the Alamo, but it’s not considered part of the park. 

Each mission is spaced about 2.5 miles from the next, so driving between them takes just a few minutes. San Jose is the largest and has a visitors center full of information, so it’s a great place to start and learn about the missions in depth.

Museums

It would be easy to spend the entire weekend in San Antonio visiting just museums, but instead I’ll recommend the best.

• Witte Museum: A mix of Texas history, art and anthropology.
• The McNay Art Museum is filled with modern art and rotating special exhibits.
• Briscoe Western Art Museum is the perfect place to absorb the history and culture of the American West.
• San Antonio Museum of Art: A more traditional museum famous for its collections of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art.

The Alley on Bitters

The Alley on Bitters is another worthwhile spot to shop for unique souvenirs. It’s a small collection of galleries, boutiques and studios. If you’re ready to grab lunch, The Bread Box at the Alley has a full menu of pastries and sandwiches. Everything is baked from scratch daily.

Pearl District

The Pearl District is a relatively new area in San Antonio. In 2001, Silver Ventures purchased the Pearl Brewery with a plan to revitalize what was at that time a not so nice neighborhood. Today it is a thriving 22 acre complex full of shops, restaurants and meeting spaces. While you’re there, make sure to:

• Pick up macaroons or other sweet treats at Bakery Lorraine.
• Check out the architecture and library at Hotel Emma.
• If you are a coffee lover and haven’t tried Local Coffee yet, now is the time.
• Browse books and gifts at The Twig Book Shop.
• Wander through the Bottling Department food hall and relax at the bar with a specialty cocktail.

Where to Eat

I’ll bet it’s tempting to eat somewhere at the Pearl, but I really hope you revisit the restaurant options I mentioned in Day 1 and try another one from the list.

Depending on where you decide to stay, it may be helpful to switch up the itinerary for a more efficient route. Take a look at the map below to see what works best for you. If you do change things up, make sure to check the opening and closing hours of each attraction.

Enjoy your visit to San Antonio!