Top Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas
Remember the Alamo, cruise the River Walk and don't forget to stop at a bar visited by Theodore Roosevelt.
What to Do
The Alamo Walk the grounds of the humble Spanish mission that became a pivotal site during the Texas Revolution. thealamo.org
Battle for Texas: The Experience A soundtrack of exploding cannons accompanies a walk-through history of the Alamo, steps from where the actual battle occurred. battlefortexas.com
Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises Entertaining tours along the city's famous River Walk highlight local history and reveal sites from films including Miss Congeniality. goriocruises.com
Market Square (El Mercado) Vendors sell embroidered dresses and boldly painted pottery while mariachi bands play at the largest Mexican market in the United States. visitsanantonio.com
Missions National Historical Park Explore Mission Concepción and three more Spanish missions, which were given UNESCO World Heritage Site status-along with The Alamo-in 2015. nps.gov/saan
Where to Eat
Ácenar This stands out as one of the "real deals" of Tex-Mex along the River Walk (there are plenty of posers). The jicama shrimp tacos are a must-try. acenar.com
The Esquire Tavern Open since Prohibition's Repeal Day in 1933, the swanky bar serves cocktails and kicky twists on comfort food. esquiretavern-sa.com
Restaurant GwendolynEverything here is made using methods that existed in 1850 or earlier, but the dishes have a modern edge. Savor a tasting menu of dishes like deconstructed shortcake with strawberries prepared five ways. restaurantgwendolyn.com
Supper Stem-to-root veggie dishes, such as sorghum-roasted carrots with poppy seed crema, showcase simple, delicious elegance. supperatemma.com
Where to Stay
Hotel Emma A former brewhouse, this luxe property stars in The Pearl shopping and dining district. Industrial-chic touches include brewing-tanks- turned-bar-booths and exposed pipes from the palatial building's former life. thehotelemma.com
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk Stay downtown in sleek Spanish Colonial-style rooms accented with plantation shutters. On-site restaurant Dorrego's dishes Argentinian cuisine, such as duck empanadas and flaming provolone. hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com
Menger Hotel The oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi features a grand roster of guests. Sip a cocktail in the same room where Theodore Roosevelt relaxed with his Rough Riders before the Spanish-American War. mengerhotel.com
For more information: visitsanantonio.com