Enjoy a Weekend in San Antonio

Escaping the Cold

The winter of 2019 gets a bit boring after a couple of months. So, sometimes it’s great to get away from it all. Thankfully, I had an excuse to get away the last weekend in January. As a speaker and attendee of the Teacher Self-Care Conference, I took the opportunity to enjoy a weekend away in San Antonio.

Founded in 1718

I arrived in San Antonio via a non-stop flight on Southwest Airlines. In two and a half hours the polar vortex was a but a distant memory. The coat, hat, and gloves quickly came off in the beautiful 65-degree weather. I was in heaven!  Note, winters are very mild in San Antonio so it’s a great time to visit.

Hotels in San Antonio

When planning your weekend in San Antonio you have a plethora of hotels to choose from either downtown or outside of the main tourist area. My choice of hotel was the Hilton Garden Inn. It’s an affordable, mid-range hotel with great customer service. Along the downtown area, hotel choices range from three to five stars. If you want luxury you can have it, too. Check out the St. Anthony Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel. It is one of the first luxury hotels in San Antonio and known for having many famous guests. The ambiance and decor represent elegance and tradition.

To enjoy a weekend in San Antonio plan your trip. Forty-eight hours goes quickly and there is much you can do in the city. San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas. It’s an old city that was founded in 1718. It is well-known for the battle for Texan independence at the Alamo from Mexico in 1836. San Antonio is also well known for its rich culture, traditions, food, and tourist attractions.

Things to Do in San Antonio

Let’s talk about tours and things to during your weekend in San Antonio. Everyone hears about the Riverwalk. It’s 15 miles long including downtown San Antonio, missions, and museums. I walked a few miles along the Riverwalk before my hunger pangs got the best of me. It was a very pleasant and calm stroll along the river. People were seen walking, jogging, or riding aboard a tour boat. The Riverwalk is free as you can walk, shop, and dine along the way.

Restaurants

Food is plentiful in San Antonio. Mexican cuisine is very common in the city. Texas is known for BBQ ribs and brisket. You won’t go hungry! When I arrived in San Antonio I asked the car rental attendant, “Where can I find some great BBQ?” The Barbeque Station, 1610 N.E. Loop 410 was a great recommendation. Nice tender smoked ribs and chicken along with string beans and macaroni and cheese filled my stomach. Another eatery to visit is Ocho Restaurant with Pan-Latin fare. It’s a beautiful setting on the riverside and located in the Havana Hotel, 1015 Navarro Street.

The Alamo

On to the Alamo during your weekend in San Antonio. The Alamo is a historical site and centrally located in downtown. The grounds and gardens are a beautiful stroll. Along the stroll, you can participate in interactive tours, exhibits and re-enactments of the Texas Revolution. General admission is free. Guided tours are $10-$15 per person. Also, audio tours are available in various languages for $7 per person.

Shopping and More

Don’t leave out visiting the Historical Market Square. You can find over 100 locally owned shops and stalls. If you’re a shopping fiend, visit the Shops at River Center with over 100 retailers. The shopping center is attached to the Marriott River Center. From there you can walk the Riverwalk and visit various restaurants along the way.

San Antonio is a very walkable city, especially the downtown area. My Fitbit logged many steps during my weekend in San Antonio. If you’re not into walking you can take various tour buses including the Hop On Hop Off bus. If you’re an art lover, you won’t be disappointed either.  Art galleries, museums, theatres, the San Antonio Ballet make for a great art scene.

Closing

A weekend in San Antonio is just enough to get a taste of the city. My visit was too short, so I plan to visit again. Some natives recommended additional restaurants outside of the downtown area. Plus I did not have enough time to visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Additionally, time is needed to do some food, beer, and wine tours in the city and surrounding areas.

Again, plan your visit and weekend in San Antonio. Check out the Visit San Antonio website for more assistance and information. I hope to see you there on my next visit.

Resources

Things to do in San Antonio, Texas

https://www.visitsanantonio.com/category/attractions/

The Go San Antonio Card

https://www.visitsanantonio.com/location/go-san-antonio-card/

https://www.visitsanantonio.com/category/arts-culture/