Insider Guide to San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas, wears its size lightly. Wrapped in centuries of vibrant Hispanic heritage, it has the warmth of a small town and pulses with culture much deeper than the waters of the River Walk. It’s also a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the best U.S. cities in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.

It only takes one visit to see San Antonio is far more than just the home of the Alamo. Beyond its storied past, the city has an evolving food and beverage scene, and it radiates modern pride and tradition. From Spurs games to evenings at the Pearl to heartfelt Selena tributes and breakfast tacos from some of the nation’s best taquerias, San Antonio is a world of its own—fiercely loved by locals who proudly call these hallmarks “puro San Antonio.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Emma 

A former brewhouse with a scandalous love story, Hotel Emma pours its bold spirit into every detail—from its Michelin-recognized hospitality and sophisticated Sternewirth bar to the refined comforts of Supper (its on-site restaurant) and its 146 artfully designed rooms. In 2025, it was featured as one of the top city hotels in the U.S. in T+L’s World’s Best Awards.

La Cantera Resort & Spa 

For travelers seeking a more modern retreat in San Antonio, there’s La Cantera Resort & Spa. The property offers sleek luxury in the Hill Country, with contemporary rooms, a world-class spa, championship golf, and panoramic views that feel far from the city—even if it’s just a few minutes away. 

Thompson San Antonio

Experience luxury, a prime location, and one of the city’s best hotel pools at Thompson San Antonio. The Hyatt property sits in the heart of downtown, steps from the Tobin Center, and its 20th-floor rooftop bar, The Moon’s Daughters, is known for its sweeping views, elegant indoor-outdoor seating, and elevated Mediterranean cuisine.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Another alternative to the hustle and bustle of downtown San Antonio, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa features a nine-acre water park, the Lantana Spa, a golf course, multiple bars and restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It also received the T+L reader stamp of approval in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.

Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk

The Kimpton Santo is a recent addition to San Antonio’s hotel scene, having opened in August 2024. Highlights include a speakeasy serving cocktails inspired by classic literature, an elevated steakhouse, a breezy rooftop bar with views of the Tower of the Americas, and stylish, artfully appointed rooms. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, countless local bars and restaurants, and La Villita.

Best Things to Do

Stop for a photo op at the Selena Bridge.

San Antonio played a key role in the 1997 “Selena” film, and a River Walk bridge near the Mokara Hotel & Spa and Omni La Mansión del Rio was featured in a romantic scene between Selena (played by Jennifer Lopez) and Chris Pérez (played by Jon Seda). Today, it’s a popular and free photo spot for anyone honoring the Tejano music icon.

Visit the Japanese Tea Garden.

The Japanese Tea Garden is a peaceful retreat with koi ponds, a Japanese-style pavilion, and lush greenery. Free and open since 1917, it’s a favorite for proposals, photo shoots, and relaxing escapes.

Join the Dreamers Run Club.

While you can certainly go for a run on your own, there’s also the option to join a larger crew. Dreamers Run Club hosts free, scenic runs around San Antonio; it’s a fun way for visitors to connect and socialize.

See the Alamo.

A monument to a famous last stand for the fight for Texan independence, the Alamo is undoubtedly a huge draw for tourists eager for a slice of San Antonio history. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit.

Go on a barbecue or taco tour.

San Antonio’s barbecue and taco scene is reason enough to visit. Standout spots for sliced brisket and mouthwatering tacos include 2M Smokehouse, La Generala, El Pastor Es Mi Señor, Garcia Barbecue, Reese Bros Barbecue, Taquitos West Ave., and Taqueria Los Cuates.

Best Restaurants

Mixtli

From its humble origins as a 12-seat boxcar in 2013 to earning San Antonio’s first Michelin Star in 2024, Mixtli stays true to its mission: telling Mexico’s culinary story through refined, rotating tasting menus. Now in Southtown, it offers an intimate, home-like setting with an open kitchen and a bar, where the manager and sommelier received Michelin Guide recognition for their service.

Pullman Market

Dubbed the “largest culinary market in the Southwest,” the Pullman Market debuted in 2024 with five distinct sit-down restaurant concepts, from elevated Italian at Fife & Farro to Sonoran-inspired cuisine at Mezquite. Notable bites include the dry-aged wagyu at Isidore, the market’s flagship steakhouse, and a boundary-pushing, dessert-only tasting menu at Nicōsi. The 40,000-square-foot space also features a specialty grocer, a wine cellar, an artisan butcher, a flower shop, and five creative grab-and-go counters.

Leche de Tigre

A love letter to Peruvian cuisine, Leche de Tigre is owned and operated by brothers Emil (who was recently a Best Chef: Texas semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards), Axel, and Alec Oliva. The siblings are a constant presence in the vibrant Southtown eatery, where the menu boasts fresh ceviche, pisco cocktails, and a hearty lomo saltado, a Peruvian spin on beef stir-fry with crispy Andean potatoes and choclo rice.

Best Quality Daughter

Named after a line in “The Joy Luck Club,” Best Quality Daughter is James Beard Award semifinalist chef Jennifer Dobbertin’s bold, modern tribute to her Chinese heritage. Located in the historic Pearl Brewery, the local favorite fuses inventive Asian flavors with Texas flair. Standouts include sweet, chili-kissed cashew chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts with a peanut tamarind sauce. The playful cocktail menu—featuring boozy bobas and cheeky drinks like Over My Dad Body—adds to the restaurant’s spirited, rebellious charm.

Mare e Monte

At Mare e Monte, owner Prince Blakaj blends his love for America with a tribute to his Kosovo roots and the region’s shared ties to Italy. A Kosovo War survivor, Blakaj honors his journey with a “1999” sign on the wall—marking the year he began building his American dream. The menu itself delivers honest, satisfying Italian fare: lemon sole oreganata in white wine, standout lamb chops, fresh pastas, and a deep wine list. With its heartfelt hospitality, Mare e Monte channels the charm of a classic Italian trattoria.

Toro Kitchen + Bar

In a city known for its Mexican cuisine, Toro Kitchen + Bar is a flavorful detour with traditional Spanish fare. Signature shareable paellas and housemade sangria pitchers are must-tries across its three San Antonio locations—one of which hides the popular underground speakeasy, Cellar Mixology.

The Jerk Shack

Inspired by chef Nicola Blaque’s own family roots and her time in the Army, The Jerk Shack successfully marries Caribbean-fusion fare with Southern soul. Now with a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, The Jerk Shack has become the go-to spot for smoky jerk chicken, signature fried plantains, spiced curry bowls, and award-winning fried chicken.

Curry Boys BBQ

In one of the best unexpected flavor fusions in the city, Curry Boys BBQ’s confident union of Thai curry with oak-smoked prime brisket earned the loyalty of locals and a James Beard Award nomination for founders Sean Wen, Andrew Ho, and Andrew Samia.

Best Nightlife 

The Modernist 

One of San Antonio’s premier speakeasies, The Modernist is an unassuming hideaway near downtown where expert bartenders craft bespoke cocktails that exceed every expectation. Don’t be fooled by its modest exterior—inside, guests find some of the city’s most skillfully balanced and imaginative drinks, crafted by bartenders who speak spirits fluently.

The Esquire Tavern

The oldest bar on the River Walk also has the longest wooden bar top in Texas. Opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, The Esquire Tavern keeps it fresh with a mix of elevated classic cocktails and signature favorites like the Como la Flor, another nod to the queen of Tejano.

Bar 1919

A date-night favorite, Bar 1919 channels Prohibition-era elegance with expert cocktails, dim lighting, and vintage vibes, making it a top nightcap spot in San Antonio’s Blue Star Arts Complex.

El Mirasol

El Mirasol—and its stylish sibling, Soluna—is a local favorite for vibrant Tex-Mex and the chispa, a local twist on the margarita. Born in San Antonio, this boozy sip swaps the sweet-and-sour mix for smooth orange liqueur, making it lighter in calories but just as strong.

Amor Eterno

Intimate and sexy, Amor Eterno’s tiki-inspired cocktails add a sweet kick to this cozy, neon-lit bar where locals gather for a night out.

Double Standard

Double Standard’s central location, hearty bar fare, and extensive beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktail list make it a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike. It also has some of the best happy hour deals in town.

Best Shopping

The Shops at La Cantera 

With its dog-friendly atmosphere, resort-style landscaping, and blend of dining, drinking, and shopping, La Cantera has become a one-stop destination in the Alamo City. Visitors can sip a to-go margarita from Tiny Cantina while browsing a mix of high-end and classic boutiques. The sprawling complex is also home to an impressive lineup of restaurants, including Texas favorites like Haywire and Whiskey Cake, the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and local gems like Toro Kitchen + Bar. 

Historic Market Square

No shopping destination captures San Antonio’s spirit quite like Historic Market Square, known as the largest Mexican market in the U.S. Stroll beneath fluttering papel picado and browse more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls offering handmade crafts, pottery, leather goods, and traditional Mexican imports. This downtown landmark also has classic restaurants like Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery and La Margarita, plus plenty of events every week, from commemorating Dia de Los Muertos to serving as a hub for Fiesta celebrations. 

PicaPica Plaza 

A family-friendly indoor shopping mall on San Antonio’s Southside, PicaPica Plaza is a vibrant hub for locally owned businesses. The plaza’s motto, “Eat, Shop, and Play,” rings true here, with attractions like Flip’z Trampoline Park and an arcade to keep little ones entertained. Cool off with a mangonada or paleta from one of the vendors before browsing the boutiques, jewelry shops, bakeries, and more.

The Rim 

Anchored by the Palladium, a popular Santikos movie theater, the sprawling complex blends retail, dining, and entertainment with local flair. Shoppers can browse big-name stores like Sephora and Dick’s Sporting Goods, then unwind with a scoop from Austin-based favorite Lick Honest Ice Creams or a craft cocktail at neighborhood bar Rock and Rye. Plus, it’s just a short drive from La Cantera.

More Boutique Shops

San Antonio is also home to an assortment of small, female-owned boutiques that sell a variety of gifts, home goods, dresses and more. Capri by Sunset & Co. in the Alamo Heights neighborhood is a mother-daughter-owned shop specializing in luxury women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, and shoes. Over near the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, Honey Mercantile offers seasonal gifts for every occasion, luxurious candles, sophisticated home goods, and coffee syrups and sweets.

Best Time to Visit

One of the best times to visit San Antonio is in April for Fiesta, an 11-day celebration of the city’s heritage and history. The fall—September through December—is also lovely, with cooler weather, festive River Walk lights, and family-friendly holiday events. February, meanwhile, is a great time to experience one of San Antonio’s proudest traditions: the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Since 1949, this beloved event has brought together Texans for live music from major country stars and classic rodeo pageantry. Beyond the fun, it supports a meaningful mission—the organization has awarded more than $255 million in scholarships to Texas students over the years.

How to Get There

If you’re flying into the area, book a ticket to San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Traveling within Texas? Driving is a budget-friendly option—as long as you don’t mind navigating I-35 traffic.

How to Get Around

Transportation in San Antonio varies by location. A rental car is best for covering long distances, but if you’re staying near the Pearl or River Walk, ride-share services are more cost-effective since many spots are within walking distance.