Weekend In San Antonio, A Pre Planned Itenerary
San Antonio, if you haven't been it's worth a trip. A city rich in history with plenty to see and do. This itinerary puts you at activities around the Riverwalk. It is for families, couples, or people traveling solo that don't want to do too much planning.
Where To Stay
Grand Hyatt Riverwalk
If you want a fun place to stay, especially in summer months, check out the Grand Hyatt on the RIverwalk. It has a top pool deck where you can swim and watch the hustle and bustle of the riverwalk below. If you plan to do the riverwalk on multiple days, this is a good spot to be. Also a bonus they do accept dogs. Within walking distance are restaurants and shopping at River Center Mall. Book at a discounted rate if available.
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
Located at 200 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205, This 485 room hotel was constructed for the 1968 Worlds Fair.It also has a world record for fastest construction, completed in 202 days the hotel's rooms were pre -built, furniture and all, then hoisted with a crane and stacked on top of each other. These days, they have an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and put you pretty close to the Alamo.
Of course you can do a VRBO or Air BnB rental, San Antonio is easy enough to navigate and has the usual city traffic at peak times.
Day 1
Cruise The Riverwalk
If you are staying downtown and get in before evening, consider a riverboat cruise to get your bearings of downtown. Go Rio is one that offers some really neat history, you pass multiple historical sites as they cruise around for about 35 minutes. You see a few things you wouldn't from land, and they are open until 10 pm.
Dinner On The RIverwalk
If you are unsure on which type of food, mexican is never wrong in San Antonio. The Iron Cactus is a solid dinner choice. it's mexican done right. They have standard enchiladas, also dishes like brisket quesadillas and a robust kids menu.
Casa Rio is also right on the Riverwalk. It is one of San Antonio's oldest restaurants and a fun place to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the riverwalk. Itis a more casual choice, and offers tex-mex favorites like tacos, flautas, and ceviche. The Casa Rio chile recipe is based on a recipe from the 1800s sold right in River Square.
Day 2 The Alamo
Located at 300 Alamo Plaza, the Alamo is one of Texas most famous missions and battleground of Texas history. If you are staying downtown check to see if your hotel does a shuttle to the Alamo, some hotels you are close enough to walk. There is no parking onsite but there are parking lots downtown. You can park pretty close at the Houston garage at 111 College Street. Here is a map with all parking garages around the Alamo.
The Alamo opens for touring at 9 AM closing at 5 Daily. Open all days except Christmas. Reservations are required and once you know which day you want to visit the Alamo, go here to pre purchase tickets and pick your preferred time. You can do a self guided tour or join a pre-scheduled group. There are multiple historical sites and real artifacts from the Alamo you can see. Make sure to see the Wall of History and the Calvary Sculptures.
Lunch
If you are dining with little ones, there is a Rainforest Cafe near the RiverWalk. The Shops and River Center have more casual options, and if you are with an older crowd and wonder what it's like for your waiter to be mean to you, check out Dicks Last Resort, only if you can take a joke or ten.
Day 2 Afternoon
If you wrap up at the Alamo and still want to have some fun, there are a few really neat attractions right in the downtown area. Check out HemisFair, the repurposed site of the 1968 Worlds Fair hosting the Tower of The Americas. Think San Antonios Space Needle. You can ride up to the top and see all of the city or just hang out at the playground, splashpad or lawn.
The Shops At Rivercenter
If you have teenagers or kids who like a little shopping this is a fun mall. There is a Legoland Discovery in River Center as well as a bungee course and Sea Life San Antontio with live exhibits.
If you head to 105 Plaza De Armas you can see the Governors Residence built in 1749. It is donation only and a neat piece of San Antonios history.
Dinner Day 2
Duck out of the River Walk area down to South Alamo Street. You will find casual to fancy and a variety of cuisines. Pizzeria Vesuvio has Neopolitan Style Pizza, there is chicken at Gus's, and a few foodie restaurants like La Frite and Leche De Tigre.
If you take an evening stroll, Rositas Bridge at 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205 is a bridge dedicated to Tejano music legend Rosita Fernandez. Check this one out right before dusk as it can get crowded during the day.
Day 3
If you are staying another night, check out Six Flags Fiesta Texas or Sea World for a solid way to spend a day. Fiesta Texas has family rides, and a section for kid rides as well as some really thrilling rides. The Poltergeist is a must ride, as well as the Iron Rattler, The Boomerang, and Batman.
Sea World San Antonio has some cool rides like the Steel Eel and a few where you get wet. Sea World is nice on a really hot day. You can see the sea life, or book custom experiences with puffins or dolphins. Check the SeaWorld Website for daily deals before you purchase tickets.
If you are headed home, drive safely. For a Texas breakfast, find a breakfast taco, add potatoes. If you have any time on your way out of town, check out the worlds largest pair of cowboy boots at North Star Mall, also a good place to grab lunch before your drive out.
