Explore San Antonio: Your Ultimate Summer Vacation Guide
San Antonio is one of the best places in Texas to enjoy your summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or just with friends, you can enjoy its storied history, iconic art scene, extensive attractions, and amazing culinary offerings.
Founded more than 300 years ago, history comes alive in the Alamo City. Numerous museums featuring contemporary and modern art embellish downtown, and there’s a thriving public art scene. The city is known as the Culinary Capital of Texas and is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for its unique and exciting eats.
Add to those the world-famous River Walk, an exciting and vibrant nightlife, and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, and it’s easy to spend four days in this Texas gem. Here’s how you can, and why summer is the best time to experience it all.
Day 1: Downtown
Begin your adventure at San Antonio’s most iconic landmark – The Alamo. This Spanish Colonial mission, officially known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, was built in 1718 and became a fort in the 1800s. It was here in 1838 that a few hundred revolutionaries including Davy Crockett, William Travis, and James Bowie died defending the fort – vastly outnumbered by Mexican troops.
Today you can experience the history of the mission and the famous battleground as you walk through the grounds. British singer Phil Collins has donated his large private collection of Alamo memorabilia to form the basis of the new Ralston Family Collections Center, which is an excellent introduction to the site.
Stroll the River Walk
The River Walk was built in 1938 as a flood control and beautification project for downtown San Antonio’s bend in the river. With cypress trees standing tall and ducks darting between river boats, it’s an appealing attraction to all kinds of travelers, and it’s cool in every sense of the word. You can reach the River Walk (which is below street level), through beautiful stone staircases found across downtown. Elevators are also available in several locations.
Colorful San Antonio River Tour barges are an iconic image of the city, providing a shady way to enjoy a summer afternoon while learning the history of downtown. These barges have recently received a sustainability boost with electric motors and accessibility enhancements. Pro tip: Snag an online ticket to avoid its snaking line.
After your introduction to the sites and history of the River Walk, grab an outdoor table at Boudro’s, best known for its wood-grilled steaks and blackened seafood. It also has outstanding tableside guacamole service – a Tex-Mex delicacy.
Art & Culture Galore
Once you’ve enjoyed San Antonio’s two most popular locations, you should be ready to go a little deeper into what makes this city unique. There’s no better way than by diving into its rich artistic and cultural offerings.
Learn even more about the American West – and find out why San Antonio is the birth of the American cowboy – at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. These atmospheric gems feature contemporary Western artists and intermingled Western artifacts like Pancho Villa’s saddle, Santa Ana’s sword, a replica of a Wells Fargo and Company mail stagecoach, and historic Texas Ranger artifacts.
From there, continue to other world-class museums at the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the McNay Art Museum. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the rich cultural tapestry and history exhibited through various mediums in these institutions.
Day 2: King William Historic District and Southtown
An easy walk or scooter ride from downtown, the King William Historic District features Victorian homes and trestle bridges along with a selection of restaurants that will surprise you with their diversity and creativity. For starters, Guenther House serves up a traditional Texas breakfast. As befits the home of the Pioneer Flour Mill, the biscuits and pancakes are the star.
Steps from the breakfast table, the Blue Star Arts Complex is home to many local artists with a calendar of art events. Blue Star also features indie shops, galleries, and live music venues. Grab a cup of coffee to go and enjoy the cultural vibe that permeates the area.
Dinner, Cocktails, and a Ghost Story
As the sun sets, downtown San Antonio transforms into a vibrant entertainment district. Get started with dinner at the Historic Pearl for culinary delights and fun. Anchored by the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio campus, you’ll find an exciting blend of culinary fusions, from food trucks to five-star restaurants. Try some next-level authentic French or Asian-American cuisines. On weekends, a farmers market offers fresh favorites.
After dinner, enjoy evening activities for any interest. For a rooftop view of the city, find charming signature cocktails or head over to enjoy authentic tapas. If you’re in the mood for nightlife, there are excellent dance venues.
Day 3: Broadway Two Ways
For families, a visit to the San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park is a must. The zoo is ranked among the best in the country, housing 9,000 animals from 750 species. It’s best explored in the morning when the animals are active.
Catch a ride on the miniature train from the Zoo Depot to the Witte Museum. Its expansive dinosaur display is an ideal indoor activity where visitors learn about both plant and meat eaters of Texas.
Day 4: Missions and Bats
Get an early start at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia for a plate of huevos or chilaquiles, Tex-Mex breakfast staples. Across the pedestrian walkway, you can find Market Square – a lively shopping hub with live music and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
For the history aficionados, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas is a must-visit experience. Take a guided bike tour down the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River to the four missions. As the summer sun sets, make your way to San Fernando Cathedral, where a nighttime light show projected on the façade tells the story of San Antonio in brilliant color.
San Antonio offers unique and authentic experiences wherever you look. It’s richly steeped in history, brimming with arts and cultural opportunities, wonderfully varied in culinary options, and filled with exciting entertainment for adults and children alike. Exploring the city is a perfect way to spend your summer vacation.
