I’m sometimes a been-there-done-that traveler, however there’s one metropolis that retains me coming again any likelihood I get.
It’s not solely the nostalgia of my household’s chosen trip spot rising up; it is the colourful tradition, welcoming locals, sensational delicacies, a maze of waterfront wonders — and did I point out margaritas to-go at virtually each restaurant?!
How one among America’s largest cities nonetheless appears like a hidden gem is past me, however that is the case for San Antonio, Texas.
Despite having visited a minimum of a dozen occasions, my most up-to-date journey after a 10-year hiatus reinvigorated my love for San Antonio’s fascinating historical past, scenic River Walk, sensational barbecue and Mexican delicacies, and seemingly endless festivities — particularly since I had the pleasure of visiting throughout Fiesta, an annual 11-day competition that needs to be circled in your calendar each spring, which honors and celebrates heroes of the Alamo and wealthy heritage.
Not solely is that this festive metropolis a nonstop fiesta, San Antonio holds surprising delights past the world-famous Alamo, similar to Hopscotch, a trippy immersive artwork gallery that additionally occurs to serve some imply cocktails. If you thought tequila and mezcal have been your most popular poisons, you have not tried sotol but.
Then there’s the insightful Witte Museum filled with surprises, the place you are welcomed inside with a Pterosaur on the ceiling — San Antonio’s closest factor to Jurassic Park.
But, earlier than you begin trying to find the following flight to ‘San Antone’, be sure to snag a CityCross, my favourite approach to discover town. The move is nice for 9 days of quick access to 4 of my favourite sights:
The Alamo (reservation required)
Tower of the Americas
Go Rio River Cruises
Witte Museum
The Famous River Walk: Explore San Antonio’s Waterfront Wonders
Frankly, I’ve been to 36 international locations, and I am unable to consider a single comparability to San Antonio. This is basically due to its declare to fame—the winding River Walk zigging and zagging by bustling downtown, the place there’s at all times one thing charming it doesn’t matter what the clock reads.
Places like Indianapolis and Monterrey, Mexico, have their very own interpretations, however they do not maintain a candle to downtown San Antonio’s scenic walkways alongside the man-made riverfront.
Lined with all the things from wine bars, luxe inns, Tex-Mex patios, and even hidden cocktail bars beneath bridges, the one factor the River Walk is lacking is railings (significantly, do not fall in!).
The River Walk stretches for 15 miles give or take, however the coronary heart of the motion is smack dab downtown.
I am unable to suggest taking a Go Rio River Cruise sufficient, particularly because you’re allowed to carry your personal meals and drinks aboard for the fast, but insightful, tour piecing collectively San Antonio’s fascinating historical past as you cruise alongside calm waters among the many cover of cypress tree, which you will admire much more come summer time — and you will undoubtedly wish to seize a neighborhood ice-cold Texas beer like I did or wander the Rivercenter mall for memento procuring (or pretending to buy, however actually benefit from the A/C).
San Antonio’s Vibrant, Magnetic Culture
They say “southern hospitality” is virtually contagious all through the South, however San Antonio deserves a class of its personal.
I’ve been to 33 states and who is aware of what number of cities, however San Antonio could be the friendliest and most welcoming of all of them.
As Silicon Valley brats have invaded Austin, and Dallas has at all times been unimpressed with anybody who would not drive a model new shiny F-150, San Antonio is the antithesis to each as a come one, come all haven of real heat.
Seriously, regardless of the place I went, everybody was filled with cheer like Christmas morning and could not have been extra pleasing to be round.
While New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago all have their very own distinctive allure, with dynamic blends of backgrounds and designated neighborhoods like Little Italy, San Antonio’s tradition is unmatched, even with the South’s very personal New Orleans, Miami, and Charleston.
Whether it’s the step-back-in -time really feel of Market Square, a business hub bustling with the flavors and sounds of outdated Mexico, flipping the web page again to bygone eras at San Antonio’s free-to-enter Missions websites, or just perusing the River Walk and stumbling upon impromptu Mariachi exhibits, there’s by no means a uninteresting second in S.A.
Leave “Tex-Mex” To Dallas – Enjoy Authentic ‘Texas Mexican’ Food
Don’t permit a few of the typical vacationer traps each metropolis has, like Margaritaville and Rainforest Café, to masks San Antone’s true culinary soul, as there are quite a few genuine eating places alongside the River Walk and speckled across the metropolis.
Alamo legend Davy Crockett as soon as stated, “You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas”.
Without taking a deep dive into this well-known quote’s significance, if he have been alive as we speak, I’m positive he can be referring to San Antonio’s sinfully scrumptious meals scene starting from scorching fajita skillets, recent batches of guacamole, award-winning “puffy tacos”, and much more attractive margaritas, which, sure, you actually can take to-go virtually wherever (thanks Covid!).
Not as soon as was a meal right here even sub-par throughout my latest 4-day journey. I indulged in all the things from a number of platters of the aforementioned fajitas to flawless steak loaded with chimichurri and even delighting myself with recent seafood, as Corpus Christi is simply 2 hours away.
Sorted by neighborhood, each restaurant listed under is a real suggestion, however one long-standing group staple is undoubtedly a vacation spot unto itself with a backstory representing the guts and soul of town with impeccable dishes to match.
The Pearl District:
La Gloria – serves unimaginable ‘avenue meals of Mexico’, and the Arrachera Molcajete justifies its near-$30 price ticket; their Tajín-rimmed mezcalitas have been unbelievable freshly blended and to-go
Down on Grayson – an off-the-cuff hangout to chill off with patio misters and a much-needed break from Mexican meals overload; begin off with completely crisp Onion Rings, adopted by Steak Chimichurri, and the last word prize, a slice of Strawberry Cake greater than my ex’s ego!
(Ask for Delaney’s part; I assure you she’s the perfect server you will have in San Antonio)
Downtown/River Walk:
La Panadería – a line-out-the-door breakfast hotspot identified for his or her long-cultured breadmaking; arrive early and depart completely satisfied after a Dirty Chai Latte, Ranchero Eggs Benedict or select to ‘Build-Your-Own- scrumptious torta!
Àcenar – the River Walk’s anti-tourist entice serving ‘daring flavors’, providing ‘unmatched views’; seize a patio seat and watch the motion under all whereas slurpin’ down Buttermilk-fried Oysters to start out, capped off by scorching Crispy Pork Tip fajitas
The Airport:
Cabo Bob’s Burritos – whereas there’s Texas favourite Whataburger contained in the airport, I extremely suggest Cabo Bob’s Burritos a stone’s throw away, providing hand-made flavored tortillas, juicy brisket, signature Red 66 sauce, even their very own model of sodas; Chipotle would exit of enterprise if solely extra individuals knew of Bob!
The Outskirts:
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant is a vacation spot unto itself. If there’s one place you need to eat in SA, it is Los Barrios.
The Olive Garden should’ve stolen the phrase “when you’re here you’re family” from Diana Trevino, the present proprietor of what her late mom Viola Barrios envisioned when she reworked a former Dairy Queen shack into what’s now a thriving group staple serving genuine ‘Texas Mexican’ delicacies over the remainder of the state’s over-hyped ‘Tex-Mex’ fusion.
It’s not exhausting to determine who Diana is once you stroll in — she’s the one decades-long loyal patrons are hugging upon arriving and kissing on the cheek upon leaving after a sensational meal, simply as in the event that they popped into Abuela’s casa to be spoiled with soulful, secret-recipe consolation meals.
And the proof is within the pudding — Los Barrios’ well-known puffy tacos beat Bobby Flay on The Food Network and even served President Obama throughout his presidency.
As nice because the puffy tacos and scorching shrimp fajitas are, no matter you do, do not depart with out attempting the chimichurri sauce. I may drink it by the bottle, however a marg to-go is extra socially accepted…
Marriott Rivercenter: The Perfect Base For Exploring San Antonio
Wondering the place to remain?
The Marriott Rivercenter sits adjoining to the Rivercenter Mall and makes for the proper base.
It’s mere steps from the River Walk, a block and half from the historic Alamo, and a brief Uber journey to hit up San Antonio’s trendiest neighborhood, the Pearl District, brimming with cozy cafes, in style breweries, a farmers market and meals corridor, and a few my new favourite eating places listed above.
I had a Seventeenth-floor King room with sweeping views of town rivaling these of the close by Tower of the Americas.
As the infamous Texas warmth picks up the following few months there is a glistening rooftop pool ready for you that is partially indoor and out of doors, so you may get pleasure from catching rays for a bit and transfer inside if it turns into too scorching to deal with.
My suggestion? Grab a handcrafted cocktail to-go from Tributary, positioned within the foyer, and luxuriate in your afternoon poolside, cooling down in luxurious.
**Travel Off Path was a visitor of Visit San Antonio, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and sights. Our opinions, suggestions, and strategies stay our personal.**
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.