The state capital, Austin, is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from San Antonio, which is in south central Texas and makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Boasting a rich and colourful past that has shaped Texas, the city is overflowing with culture, legacy, and tradition. There is a lot to discover, take in, and do in San Antonio, from the fabled Battle of the Alamo to the city’s pronounced Spanish influence to the famous man-made riverwalk.
The area surrounding the riverwalk is, in my opinion, the nicest place to stay. This area is teeming with life, partying, and history, all conveniently located near foot. On a map, the river runs along Market Street, Alamo Street, and W. Crockett Street in a circle. There are riverfront hotels, stores, eateries, pubs, historic attractions, and more lining the river. To get the most of this amazing city and explore the finest of San Antonio’s attractions, schedule a weekend stay. And this is the method!
Getting to and Around San Antonio
Since all the activity lies in the area surrounding the river walk, which is where we would advise you to stay anyhow, San Antonio is quite walkable! Bring comfortable shoes because the majority of the major sights are all within walking distance of one another over the course of a weekend.
If you live a little more away or are unable to walk everywhere, you will either need to rent a car or take the VIA Metropolitan Transit public bus system in San Antonio.
The closest airports if you’re arriving by plane are:
The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is located 10 miles (10 minutes by car) from the city center.
The Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located 82 miles (one hour and thirty minutes) from the city center.
Day 1- Historical Places (Morning)
A key figure in the Texas Revolution, San Antonio is a city rich in history. You may learn a lot about the history and culture of this magnificent city by visiting the historical places.
Visit the Alamo, one of the most well-known locations in all of Texas, to kick off your day. This location, which played host to the renowned Battle of the Alamo in 1836, is significant to Texas history.
Experience the mood of the past by taking a tour or just meandering around. You will be taught about Davy Crockett’s and his 200 men’s 13-day siege, during which they fought under the banner of “Victory or Death.” After just ninety minutes of fighting on March 6, all of the defenders were killed by the Mexican soldiers.
It costs nothing to visit The Alamo, and it only takes about an hour to see the entire site. Remember to pack your camera so you can document your indoor and outside experiences at this amazing location!
Take a journey to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park after seeing the Alamo. Four of the five Spanish missions that were first built in the eighteenth century are preserved and protected inside the boundaries of this park. In addition, you will get to see some natural areas as you hike miles of paths that go through forests and beside rivers.
The best-preserved Spanish mission in San Antonio is called Mission San Jose. It is a superb illustration of colonial architecture and was established in 1720 by Franciscan missionaries. Make sure to see the National Historic Landmark church located on the site as well!
This tour will take you along the eight-mile mission route where you will learn about the background of San Antonio’s four missions and why it has been inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1 (Evening)- City market and highlights
After learning about history, walk downtown to experience some food and culture.
Take a stroll along the famed River Walk, a picturesque stretch of riverside dotted with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. You can spend hours simply roaming around this area or eating Mexican food at one of its many excellent eateries.
You can walk the canal with a drink in hand or join one of the classic boat cruises for a more leisurely experience.
After you’ve satisfied your hunger, take a trip to San Antonio’s Historic Market Square. This is a large open-air market where local sellers offer anything from homemade jewelry and textiles to traditional Mexican cuisine.
After a long day of touring, you’ll have built up an appetite for the wonderful street cuisine available here. From churros to elote in cups, it’s like being transported back to an abuela’s kitchen—unbeatable!
Finish your day in the San Fernando Cathedral. Every week, San Antonio puts on a stunning light show to commemorate its heritage. This free event is held every Tuesday and Friday through Sunday at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Since 1731, the astoundingly gorgeous San Fernando Cathedral has stood as an icon of Texas’ rich cultural legacy, making it one of the state’s oldest continually functioning religious monuments!
Day 2- Outdoor activities
Begin your day at one of my favorite coffee shops near Brackenridge Park, Commonwealth. It’s the prettiest tiny French bistro, with a warm ambiance and wonderful coffee. They offer outside sitting and make delicious handmade croissants!
After your caffeine fix, travel to The Japanese Tea Gardens. This lovely paradise is located in Brackenridge Park and has Japanese-style bridges, a koi pond, and multiple waterfalls. It’s the ideal area to unwind and shoot some shots!
Jinju House Cafe is a great place to take a relaxing tea break. The views of the picturesque surroundings will take your breath away!
From the Tea Garden, you can go to the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which has a variety of plants and flowers from around the world
After a morning of calm exploration, drive 30 minutes outside the city to see the Natural Bridge Caverns. This is undoubtedly one of the coolest spots to see in San Antonio. It’s a massive subterranean cave system with self-guided excursions available on each level. After you’ve explored the caves, drive back into town and meander through San Antonio’s historic King William Historic District. This region is filled with well-preserved Victorian mansions erected in the 1800s and listed as a National Historic Landmark. It’s a gorgeous neighbourhood that will show you another aspect of San Antonio.
Day 3- Final Day
Make your way to the Pearl Brewery, a former brewery that has been converted into a culinary and cultural powerhouse for the city. On Saturdays, they have a beautiful farmers market with local merchants selling fresh vegetables, baked foods, and handcrafted crafts. You can have a coffee from Local, which uses handcrafted Mexican vanilla and is delicious, or a freshly produced juice from one of the many stands. Stroll through the various booths, engage in their yoga programs, or simply relax on the lawn while listening to fantastic music. Many families and pets enjoy their time here; it’s a terrific place to spend the day!
Once you’ve finished visiting the Pearl, proceed to the McNay Art Museum for an afternoon of art enjoyment. This is one of Texas’ most stunning museums, with a large collection of modern and contemporary art.
The McNay Art Museum boasts a beautiful collection of 22,000 items. As you move through the rooms, you’ll come across one astounding masterpiece after another, from Van Gogh’s fascinating Women Crossing the Fields to works by famous European artists like Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Munch, and Rodin.
To conclude your tour to San Antonio, visit the Tower of Americas. It’s Texas’ highest structure, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city! Take the elevator to the top floor and have a romantic supper or drink at the Tower’s Chart House restaurant.
Make a reservation ahead of time because this place gets busy!
