My meticulously curated travel guide for San Antonio, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
San Antonio’s rich history, diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and fabulous attractions offer something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are visiting San Antonio, I recommend staying near the Pearl Brewery. It’s a former brewery that includes restaurants and shopping near the Riverwalk.
Get up early and go for a run or walk along the Riverwalk. On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the farmer’s market at the Pearl.
Skip the restaurants along the river walk. There are better options nearby.
STAY
Hotel Emma is a boutique hotel at Pearl Brewery.
EAT
Palamo Blanca is my favorite restaurant. The ’09 Margarita with salt is a local favorite.
Central Market is a gourmet grocery store.
Vegeria serves vegan and gluten-free Tex-Mex.
Pharm Table is a healthy restaurant and bar serving natural wines and beer.
Torcy’s Tacos has the best queso in town.
Guenther House is a great place for brunch.
Cookhouse serves New Orleans cuisine, including po-boys.
Dough Pizzeria is the best pizza in town.
Stout Signature is a fabulous upscale dining experience.
Mixtli is an upscale Mexican restaurant.
Reese Brothers BBQ is the best BBQ in town.
GLUTEN-FREE:
Palamo Blanca is my favorite restaurant. The ’09 Margarita with salt is a local favorite.
Bird Bakery has the best cupcakes.
Vegeria serves vegan and gluten-free Tex-Mex.
Central Market is a gourmet grocery store.
Pharm Table is a healthy restaurant and bar serving natural wines and beer.
Lick Ice Cream is an ice cream shop at Pearl Brewery.
Stout Signature menu includes gluten-free pizza.
SWEETS
Lick Ice Cream is an ice cream shop at Pearl Brewery.
Bakery Lorraine is a lovely cafe for French pastries.
Bird Bakery has the best cupcakes.
DRINK
Gravves Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in town.
Brown Coffee is a coffee shop downtown.
Revolution Coffee & Juice is a coffee and juice bar located downtown and in Alamo Heights.
Shotgun House Coffee is located in the eclectic Southtown neighborhood.
The Menger Bar is located next to the Alamo. This historic bar, where Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders would hang out, serves great cocktails to sip on while you take in its history.
The Esquire Tavern is home to the longest bar in Texas, this tavern and its fantastic drinks are a must-visit.
Maverick Whiskey is located in a restored bank building. This San Antonio distillery offers fabulous cocktails.
SHOP
Baker Tatum, Hanley-Wood for home goods.
Penny Lane Boutique has a great jewelry selection.
James Avery is another excellent jewelry store.
Nowhere Book Shop is a locally owned independent bookstore.
The Tiny Finch is located at the Pearl. A lovely selection of home goods and jewelry.
LeeLee is a designer boutique with a great shoe selection.
Adelante Boutique is a women’s boutique located at the Pearl.
Julian Gold, Citrine Home, Framed, and Meadow are located on McCullough Street in Olmos Park.
DO
Pearl Farmer’s Market takes place on Saturdays at the Pearl.
Riverwalk is famous for its holiday lights. While you can walk along the River Walk, the boat tour is also fun.
Southtown is a section of eclectic restaurants, unique homes, bars, etc.
San Antonio Zoo and the Breckenridge Train
King William District is a historical neighborhood downtown.
MOVE
Riverwalk hike and bike trail: The 30-mile trail is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
San Antonio Public Transit: You can ride Bus #9 from downtown to Broadway for $1.30 or a day pass for $2.50.
EVENTS
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
DAY TRIPS
Gruene: Eat a chicken fried steak at the Gristmill and visit the oldest dancehall in Texas.
Fredericksburg: Great antique stores.
FOLLOW
TRAVEL GUIDES:
Laurel // Waco // Jacksonville // Philadelphia // Austin // Richmond // Palm Springs // Venice Beach // Oxford, MS // Portland, Oregon // 30A Florida // Charleston // Portland, Maine
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