San Antonio Holidays

Ask anyone what they remember about San Antonio and you’re likely to hear rave reviews of its food, culture and architecture. Two of the most popular attractions are The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, where you can step back in time without leaving the hustle and bustle of the city.

San Antonio River Walk is a city park and network of walkways packed with restaurants, bars and shops, and you’ll see lots of colourful public artwork. They connect major tourist hotspots, including the Arneson River Theatre, the San Antonio Museum of Art and La Villita Historic Arts Village.

Kids will love a day out riding the thrilling rollercoasters of Six Flags Fiesta Texas or watching the wildlife at SeaWorld or San Antonio Zoo. The largest commercial caves in Texas, Natural Bridge Caverns, are less than a 30- minute drive away, too.

Ten years ago, you could only find Mexican food in San Antonio. But the city has been branching out and is currently experiencing a culinary revolution. Some of the newest restaurants are in Southtown, where you’ll find everything from funky grill houses to fine-dining delights, capturing the spirit of San Antonio’s’ eclectic neighbourhood.

The Pearl is at the centre of San Antonio’s foodie revival. The former brewery complex is home to world-class restaurants, cafes and bars. With dishes cooked up by the Culinary Institute of America’s student chefs, Savor offers an intimate dinner experience and modern, high-quality cuisine. And the farmers’ market hosts over 45 vendors, so you can sample some of the finest local delicacies.

Near the San Antonio Museum of Art, you’ll find coffee and wine bar Rosella. With breakfast favourites and tasty sandwiches, it’s a top spot to satisfy hunger before exploring the impressive museum.

No holiday to San Antonio would be complete without visiting the El Mercado Historic Market Square. The three-block strip of 32 speciality shops and restaurants is the largest Mexican market in the US. Overflowing with colour and flavour, this place meets all your souvenir and accessory needs, and serves lots of tasty bites.

Head to Pearl and explore more than a dozen independent shops, many of which feature the work of local artists. With a nod to South Texas culture, this enchanting neighbourhood is home to buzzing markets like the popular Pearl Brewery. At what many believe to be the gem of the city, you can browse stalls selling local wine, honey and cheeses while listening to live band performances.

If you want the classic American mall experience, The Shops at La Cantera is your best bet. Filled with brands you know and love, this award-winning open-air shopping centre is just a five-minute drive from the Six Flags Fiesta Texas. 

The summer season is when San Antonio is at its busiest and hottest. Packed with tourists, the city’s top attractions have lengthier queues and it can be difficult to get seated at restaurants. It’s common for temperatures to reach 37°C during this time, but May, June and October are also the wettest months – so you’ll need to pack an umbrella. San Antonio’s family-orientated attractions, like Six Flags Fiesta Texas, extend their opening hours during the summer, but most are open year-round too.

If you want to avoid crowds and have daily highs in the early-twenties, plan your San Antonio holiday between November and April. At this time of year, temperatures are more comfortable for exploring the 300-year-old Alamo and early San Antonio architecture at Casa Navarro State Historic Site. You’ll also be able to experience some of the city’s best festivals. The Alamo Bowl, Fiesta San Antonio, and San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo are three key events that take place annually.