Say hello to San Antonio, the larger-than-life southern Texas hub best known for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, iconic, meandering River Walk, and historic Spanish colonial missions, which have been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage site — the only one in all of Texas. (And Texas is a very big state.)
Welcome to San Antonio, Texas. (Photo Credit: Henry Becerra)
Take a stroll along the iconic River Walk. (Photo Credit: Yeshwarya Pakki)
In San Antonio, you’ll find a sprinkling of true under-the-radar gems from outdoor gardens to parks and art walks, and — naturally — some deep-rooted history. Grab your boots as we check out a few hidden spots around Alamo City.
First You Feast (And Sip)
For classic Mexican fare, the popular lunch-only spot, RO-HO Pork & Bread, has been dubbed as having the best sandwich in all of Texas. This Texas hotspot serves up Mexican sandwiches (torta ahogada) made with birote bread, a spread of bean puree, and your choice of protein, which is then doused with tomato salsa, cabbage, pickled onions, and lime.
Mexican food is an absolute must when visiting Texas. (Photo Credit: Christine Siracusa)
For locally-grown food without the crowds, The San Antonio Farmers Market Association hosts three weekday markets at Olmos Basin (Tuesdays), Leon Valley Community Center (Wednesdays), and St. Matthews Recreational Center (Fridays). Swing by for some of the freshest produce in all of Texas, as well as locally made pickles, jellies, and breads.
Every spring, Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is known to buy pounds upon pounds of Poteet strawberries to add to its famed seasonal milk stout. You’re also welcome to tour the distillery or sample small-batch, grain-to-glass Texas bourbon (think single malt and rye whiskey) made with local ingredients.
The Pearl, in downtown San Antonio, is worth a visit. (Photo Credit: Henry Becerra)
Set in the former Pearl Brewery, the newish jazz club, conveniently called Jazz, TX lets you pass through an entryway made from a salvaged 1800s elevator shaft before enjoying live music, brisket tacos, pecan pie, and tasty cocktails.
Art, History, and Culture
Tucked away outside the Briscoe Western Art Museum — which is well worth a visit — you’ll find the McNutt Sculpture Garden. (It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled!) Shaded by stately live oaks and wild native grasses, the flagstone garden is adorned with two dozen bronze sculptures depicting Native Americans, European settlers, and local animals.
Looking to stand out in the center of town? The San Fernando Cathedral (est. 1731) is chock-full of history. The church was used as a lookout during the Battle of the Alamo, and it’s said that Texas Revolutionary James Bowie and Davy Crockett are entombed near the front.
The San Antonio Missions are steeped in history. (Photo Credit: Joshua Cotten)
At the missions, learn about the history of Texas and its colonization by the Spanish. (Photo Credit: Joshua Cotten)
The San Antonio Missions were built in the early eighteenth century and “illustrate the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize, and defend the northern frontier of New Spain”, according to UNESCO. Learn about the history of Texas, and how the efforts of the missions affected the lives of the indigenous population.
The Great Outdoors
While the hilly Friedrich Wilderness Park is the de facto restorative place for most visitors and locals looking to stretch their legs, the nearby 200-acre Crownridge Canyon Park provides a lovely respite full of hiking trails, grasslands, and native plants.
Back in the heart of San Antonio, you’ll find an underground world (literally) at the “wild” Robber Baron Cave Preserve. Once used as a prohibition spot, and hidden under Nacogdoches Road in the charming neighborhood of Alamo Heights, you can visit the sprawling passages when the Preserve hosts an open house (check the website for details) and provides guests with helmets, lights, and knee pads (yes, you’ll have to do a bit of crawling).
Take a breather at the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden. (Photo Credit: Matthew Lejune)
For stargazing, just look up! On the campus of San Antonio College, the Scobee Planetarium puts the dazzling Texas sky front and center. Guests can also explore space-themed simulators, Mission Control, and the Orion Launch Vehicle.
In the late morning, visit the restored San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden for a lovely sprawl of flowers, greenery, stone walkways, a waterfall, and a lily pond with koi fish and turtles.
Where to stay: Kimpton Santo Hotel
