A Fabulous Weekend in San Antonio

Let’s face it, a weekend in San Antonio is never a bad idea!  This vibrant city is bustling with life at every turn. 

San Antonio boasts a rich history, fabulous food, and drink scene, and so much to see and do, it will have you coming back again and again! 

Honestly, Marty and I have been to San Antonio more times than we can count. 

When we are looking for a fun getaway, a San Antonio weekend is always the answer!

This is one of the awesome road trips in Texas that we love. So, pack up your road trip essentials and hit the road!

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A Weekend in San Antonio

Where to Stay in San Antonio

In our opinion, deciding where to stay in San Antonio is always an easy choice. 

We love the Riverwalk area. 

One of the most popular areas in San Antonio, the San Antonio Riverwalk is full of things to do and is easily walkable, making it a great choice. 

Even if you don’t stay directly on the river, choose a hotel close by so you can park your car for your weekend in San Antonio and enjoy!

Here are our top choices for Riverwalk hotels:

Omni La Mansion Del Rio

We love staying at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio. 

The property evokes a fabulous elegance and charm, and the riverfront rooms with private balconies are the best! 

This is our favorite place to stay in San Antonio.  I love hanging out in the pool and enjoying wine on my balcony overlooking the Riverwalk.

Book Your Stay With Omni La Mansion:  Hotels.com | Hotels Combined | Booking.com

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

Another great hotel on the Riverwalk is the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk. 

This hotel puts you right in the heart of the action with easy access to the Riverwalk and the Alamo! 

Not only that, but this hotel has a great pool, a fabulous spa, and wonderful restaurants.

Before booking, be sure to sign up for the World of Hyatt loyalty program to earn points toward your next stay!

Book Your Stay with Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk:  Hotels.com |  Hotels Combined | Booking.com

Crockett Hotel

Located in the heart of central San Antonio but not directly on the Riverwalk, the historic Crockett Hotel is a great choice for those who want a nice hotel that is easier on the budget. 

The Crockett Hotel sits right across the street from the Alamo, making the location fabulous. 

They have a pool and offer guests a great breakfast as well.

Book Your Stay with the Crockett Hotel:  Hotels.com  | Hotels Combined | Booking.com

San Antonio Weekend Things To Do

Explore the Riverwalk

I assume you are probably arriving on a Friday night, if so, then the first place you will want to explore is the San Antonio Riverwalk. 

If you are arriving on a Saturday morning, I would start with the Alamo and return to the Riverwalk.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is about 15 miles long, but the section of the Riverwalk we will stick to for our weekend in San Antonio is only about 2 miles. 

The Riverwalk is fascinating to visitors. 

It is bustling with activity even during the sweltering heat of the Texas summer. 

That alone speaks volumes about how special this place is. LOL!

My favorite way to explore the Riverwalk is by foot. 

Marty and I walk along the stone path, taking in all the sights and sounds surrounding us by the water’s edge. 

Truly, this is my favorite way to navigate the city!

You can also take a boat tour on the Riverwalk if you would like. 

A boat tour is a great way to get an entirely different perspective of the Riverwalk while simultaneously learning a little of San Antonio’s history. 

If interested, you can even do a San Antonio Riverwalk Hop-On, Hop-Off Cruise.

Pop into the shops you pass during your walk to get some great Texas souvenirs before grabbing a drink at one of the many local restaurants.

This is the perfect area to have a great meal and do some people-watching!

If you are lucky enough to visit during one of the many riverwalk celebrations, you are in for a treat. 

The San Antonio Riverwalk hosts many parades and celebrations throughout the year. 

We especially love their Mardi Gras boat parade and visiting the San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas.

The entire city of San Antonio is amazing during the holiday season, making it a great place to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

Tour the Alamo

Most people know of the Alamo thanks to the famous battle fought here when Texas was battling for its independence from Mexico. 

The Alamo was built in the 18th Century as one of five Spanish missions in San Antonio.

I would advise building the Alamo first thing in the morning as this attraction is very popular and gets busy fast. 

We love that the Alamo is one of the free things to do in San Antonio. 

Yes, you read that correctly: entry to the Alamo is free! 

If interested, you can take a guided tour for $15/person. 

A guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Alamo and the surrounding area.

Be sure to tour the entire grounds and buildings during your visit. 

Don’t be surprised at how small the Alamo is, though, it is a common reaction. LOL!

Shop in La Villita Historic District

La Villita means “little town, ” which is exactly why this must be part of your San Antonio weekend. 

The La Villita area of San Antonio began as a Spanish settlement along the river. 

The historic adobe huts were built by the incoming Anglo and European immigrants who began to call this area home. 

Now, these cute buildings are how to create a thriving art scene. 

We love going through the little shops and admiring the handmade goods for sale.

Another fun way to explore San Antonio is to do a Segway tour. 

This is especially fun if you are participating in a Segway ghost tour!

Explore San Antonio’s Mission Trail

While the Alamo is the most famous of the missions, San Antonio comprises five missions that comprise the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas. 

Exploring the San Antonio Mission Trail is a great way to learn more about Texas’ intriguing history.

Getting to the San Antonio Missions is easy. 

You can bike or hike the mission trail if you are up to it or take a bus. 

We usually choose to take public transportation as it is clean and efficient. 

Just jump on the VIA bus number 36 Mission San Juan and then work your way back to the Alamo.

All the missions are unique and have their own buildings and history, so they are all worth exploring. 

I especially love doing a tour with the Park Ranger at Mission San Jose. 

Tours with the Rangers are given for free, and they are so informative.

When you have finished your tour at Mission San Jose, walk down the street to Nicha’s. 

This is our go-to restaurant when in San Antonio.  They have amazing Tex-Mex and delicious margaritas.

Admire the San Fernando Cathedral

Evenings are a great time to admire the San Fernando Cathedral. 

If you are in San Antonio on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you are in for a treat!! 

For you see, at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 p.m., the exterior of San Fernando Cathedral is lit up with an awesome light display. 

The video is a tribute to San Antonio’s culture and history.  It is truly an amazing display that is well worth your time on your weekend in San Antonio.

Pearl Brewery

It is no secret that the San Antonio Riverwalk area is very touristy. 

To escape this area and get a feel for another area in San Antonio, head to the Pearly Brewery area. 

What used to be a brewery is now home to a trendy collection of shops, restaurants, and hip housing. 

Located a short drive from the Riverwalk area, the Pearl Brewery area is a cool place to hang out. 

There is also a great farmer’s market located here on Saturdays. 

We love coming to the Farmer’s Market and tasting all the yummy treats for sale!

Discovery the King William’s Historic District

King William’s Historic District is located in southern San Antonio. 

Here, you will find beautiful Victorian-style mansions, shops, and bars. 

This 1-mile area is full of history and is truly a hidden gem in San Antonio. 

We love walking or biking the neighborhood and admiring the gorgeous houses.

You can even visit a couple of the houses! 

The Steves Homestead is open for tours, as is the Guenther House.

I would allow a couple of hours to explore this area, especially if you want to pop into any of the little bars.

Market Square

Another great area is San Antonio’s Market Square. 

Just a short walk from the San Antonio Riverwalk, you will find a fabulous little area that makes you feel like you have been transported to Mexico.

If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, we recommend Mi Tierra while in Market Square. 

Not only do they have amazing Tex-Mex, but they also have a fun, vibrant atmosphere that is so much fun. 

You have to enjoy some of their delicious baked goods also. 

You can’t miss them, there is a HUGE display as you enter the store. 

If you overeat for dinner, then be sure to get them to go!

Be sure to explore Market Square while you are here. 

Visit all the great shops and find the perfect San Antonio souvenir. 

You will find some fabulous Mexican products in the stores in this area. 

There are often festivals and live music happening here as well!

Final Thoughts on Our San Antonio Weekend

Honestly, there is so much to do in San Antonio.  We have only scratched the surface with this San Antonio weekend itinerary. 

San Antonio is one of the places in Texas that you can return to repeatedly.

They have great food, fabulous history, and fun events happening year-round. 

Hopefully, we have also inspired you to spend a weekend in San Antonio!

If you are interested in more great San Antonio tours, please use our link for Viator.

Until next time, safe travels, friends!!

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