Check out our fun-filled itinerary for those looking to get out of town.
By Kaiti Neuman
San Antonio might be best known for its more famous attractions like the Alamo, the River Walk, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld, but there’s no reason to stop there. Check out our must-visit stops for a fresh take on Austin’s neighboring city.
Tap into your inner creative at Artpace.
Designed to be a “laboratory of dreams,” Artpace opened to the public in 1995 and continues to foster contemporary art today. Unlike traditional museums, nine artists live and work in the space. Currently, three of the in-house artists are from Texas, three are from out of state and three are international. Artpace hosts regular events like sunset yoga on the second Friday of each month for an interactive experience.
Paddleboard through the historic King William District on the King William Paddle Trail.
We’ve all driven through expensive neighborhoods purely to stare at the lavish homes while our tongues dangle shamelessly in awe. To view some of San Antonio’s most drool-worthy homes, start the morning leisurely on the King William Paddle Trail. As you focus on keeping your balance, give the extravagant Victorian mansions a little dreamy side-eye. For a guided tour, rent a paddleboard through SUP SATX. Afterward, dish on barbeque at B&D Ice House, grab a beer at The Friendly Spot or enjoy the live music at Blue Star.
Explore San Antonio’s Missions on a bike.
For a new spin on the some of the city’s most prized monuments, bike through San Antonio’s missions along the river on the 15-mile Mission Reach Trail. Bring your own bike or rent from the B-bike stations at each mission.
Visit the Pearl.
Are you looking for inspiration? Head to the Pearl. This mixed-use space functioned as a brewery from 1883 to 2001, and was later transformed into the eclectic destination it is today. The Pearl includes/encompasses/features a hotel, a live-music venue, gourmet restaurants, various shops and art galleries, a splash pad for kids and a farmers market on the weekends. This summer, the Pearl will host the Olé, San Antonio interactive event in honor of San Antonio’s tricentennial and Spanish heritage.
See who can have the most fun at Morgan’s Inspiration Island.
Summer has arrived and the whole family can cool off at the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park. Located next to Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island strives to include and inspire guests with special needs to join in on the fun. Featuring five wheelchair-accessible water-play areas, a riverboat adventure ride and many other splash-filled elements, everyone is sure to have a blast.
Grab some grub at Burgerteca after a long day in the sun.
Perfect for when you’re craving a burger but want to experience local flavor, Burgerteca offers custom-made burgers that utilize local ingredients and play on the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. After dinner, indulge in Mexican ice cream, shaved ice or frozen popsicles.
Poke around downtown bars.
Finish the day with a nightcap at one of the city’s many quirky downtown joints. For example, if you happen to have a rattlesnake tail or deer antlers with you, you can trade them in for a drink at the Buckhorn Saloon. If the supernatural is more your style, lounge in the sleek atmosphere of Haunt in the St. Anthony Hotel and enjoy one of the cocktails named after local ghosts.