Plan a San Antonio weekend getaway in Texas and visit the San Antonio Riverwalk. You will enjoy these ideas for visiting San Antonio with kids or without. And we are giving you several suggestions on where you might like to eat and for hotels riverwalk San Antonio.
Are you looking for a hip spot for a weekend getaway? Then plan a visit to San Antonio. This south-central Texan city boasts a rich history, an excellent culinary scene, and a variety of activities to entertain even the most hard-to-please travelers. You can easily spend a couple of days enjoying all this popular destination has to offer.
San Antonio historically may be best known for the Alamo, site of a famous battle during the Texas revolution. It’s when Mexican military leader Santa Anna and his troops overtook a group of rebels trying to hold the Alamo. Today, San Antonio is best known for a 5-mile stretch of the San Antonio River. While the river runs 15 miles through the city, the San Antonio Riverwalk is the area’s most popular attraction. So, combining history with modern attractions helps make San Antonio a “must” visit in the Lone Star State.
If you enjoy this San Antonio weekend getaway then see these other Weekend Getaways in Texas
6 things to do in San Antonio with kids or without:
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
With so many options available, it may be challenging for you to plan a visit to San Antonio. But, if you want a taste of the area’s attractions, these attractions will satisfy any visitor. You can choose from historical sites such as The Alamo to tourist and shopping attractions along the Riverwalk to animal encounters. San Antonio is a theme park itself, just waiting for you to come and explore.
If you are ready to plan the perfect San Antonio weekend getaway we are here to help you. Here are some of the best things to do, spots to stay, and places to eat at one of the most popular weekend getaways in Texas
1. San Antonio Riverwalk:
The River Walk is a can’t-miss in San Antonio. This picturesque path runs along the water in the middle of the city and is lined with restaurants offering patio seating so that you can enjoy dinner (or lunch) with a view!
The San Antonio Riverwalk is known more for a five-mile stretch downtown with hotels, shops, and boutiques, as well as restaurants. So it’s easy to spend an entire day along that stretch of the city. Add in historical attractions, such as the Spanish Governor’s Palace, Alamo and the Tower of the Americas, and the Riverwalk is a perfect place for you to visit San Antonio. The Spanish Governor’s Palace was the home and office of the commanding officers of the Spanish army when it occupied Texas from the early-1700s to the early 1800s.
The Six Flags Over Texas Observation Deck is a popular spot at the Tower of the Americas, where you can look out for miles and see the region. While there, you can also learn about the six national flags that have flown over Texas through the years.
If you are a shopping enthusiast, the Riverwalk Center is home to several outstanding stores and boutiques, such as Disney, H&M, Macy’s, Texas Treasures and James Avery Artisan Jewelry. Don’t forget to stop at the Historic Market Square, home to about 100 unique shops.
You could splurge on a boat tour along the San Antonio Riverwalk with your crew, or take a stroll along the sidewalk – either way, you’ll appreciate the experience. You can also travel along the river through cruises, water taxis, and shuttles through Go Rio Cruises. The boat company offers narrated tours of the Riverwalk, as well as the shuttles that take you from the Riverwalk to the museums.
2. The Alamo
“Remember the Alamo!” How many of us remember that from history class as kids? If you’ve never been, you can’t go to San Antonio without paying a visit to The Alamo. It’s the most-visited historical site in Texas and was the site of a famous 1836 battle during the Texas revolution when Mexican army leader Santa Anna’s troops overtook the Alamo. This historic site is home to the of the same name, and you’ll admire the fortress – a former Spanish mission – situated in the center of the modern city.
Today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the mission and significant spots regarding the battle. The Alamo also offers unique educational programs, as well as special exhibitions.
And the best part? Your admission is free and the museum is open daily, except Dec. 25. So unless you want a souvenir from the guest shop, you won’t spend a dime at this popular attraction.
3. San Antonio Zoo:
With more than 750 species of wildlife represented, a visit to the San Antonio Zoo is basically a walk around the world. From North American black bears to African hippos, giraffes, lions and more, the San Antonio Zoo offers a day’s worth of attractions on more than 50 acres of land. Amphibians, reptiles and wild cats can be seen as you stroll around the zoo.
For additional fees, you can take part in special animal experiences, including walking among kangaroos, feeding giraffes and getting a behind-the-scenes look at rhinos. Of course, there are other fun attractions, such as a train ride and lory landing zone.
4. Six Flags over Texas:
Photo courtesy of Six Flags
If you or your family are theme park enthusiasts, you’ll enjoy spending a day at Six Flags over Texas. The amusement park is a San Antonio staple, attracting thousands of visitors annually. With the skill level of rides varying from easy (recommended for children) to thrill (for older children and adults), Six Flags over Texas offers something fun for everyone. The park is home to some of the largest rides in the world, such as El Diablo. The 14th roller coaster for the park challenges riders to hold on to their sanity and the handles as they immediately rock back-and-forth, eventually building up steam and making several loops before stopping mid-stream for only a few seconds, but may feel like an eternity, before going backward for the remainder of the experience. The 32-passenger coaster seats people face-to-face, so you can also see the reaction of your cohorts.
5. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch:
Referring to itself as an “African Safari, Texas Style,” the 450-acre Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to more than 500 animals from around the world, including a few endangered species. The wildlife park offers visitors a drive-thru tour (in your own vehicle) with an opportunity to see animals from every continent except Antarctica, including giraffes, zebras, gazelles, kangaroos, and lemurs. These are wild animals, so visitors are not allowed to get out their vehicles to approach them nor can they feed the animals.
The ranch, which has offered sanctuary to the animals for more than 30 years. It has a “walkabout” area, featuring a petting zoo and animal viewing areas, including lemurs and gibbons. Peacocks roam about freely and may pose for pictures. The ranch also has a gift shop and safari grill. You are allowed to bring in your own food and will be able to eat at a designated area. It’s located about 28 miles north of San Antonio. Your tour of the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch takes about 60-90 minutes, but you can stay as long you’d like during its hours of operation, which vary based on the season.
6. Witte Museum:
Are you traveling with little ones? One indoor attraction perfect for a rainy day – or an overly warm one – is the Witte Museum. This well-loved local attraction is geared toward younger visitors and offers you a little bit of everything. You’ll find interactive exhibits featuring dinosaurs, Texas history, plants and animals, and even the human body. Also, you might wish to call ahead or check to see which events are being held today. It’s a great place for you to visit if you are in San Antonio with kids.
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you make a purchase we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Hotels Riverwalk San Antonio
If you’re only in town for a weekend getaway, you’ll probably want to stay near the city’s main attractions. You will enjoy finding a hotel in downtown San Antonio to serve as your home base for a couple of nights. And as long as you’re positioned well, you may not even need to rent a car for your trip. And you will find several great hotels riverwalk in San Antonio.
The Hotel Contessa is one option you’ll want to consider. This modern, luxurious property offers you great views of the River Walk. And the guest rooms are equipped with separated sleeping and living spaces, making it a comfortable place for you to kick back and relax at the end of a long day.
The Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is another excellent choice. They offer you plenty of amenities, including free hot breakfast to start your day and a rooftop pool to wind down in the evenings. And you will be within easy walking distance of many of the attractions on your itinerary.
Where to Eat in San Antonio
If San Antonio is known for one food, it’s Tex Mex is king. While everyone in San Antonio will argue their favorite Tex Mex spot is the best, you can’t go wrong with this one. Because if you’re only in town for a couple of days, you’ll want to check out Rio Rio River Walk for some seriously delicious eats. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have an amazing happy hour. You can get your fill of Tex Mex right on the riverwalk.
While San Antonio may be best-known for its Tex Mex, there’s no denying the state of Texas is one of the best places in the nation to find some good BBQ. So we know you’ll want to add that to your list, too. You will have so many awesome options in town, it’s hard to choose one that truly rises above the rest. But you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at The Barbeque Station. Once a filling station, this building has been converted into one of the tastiest spots in town for smoked and grilled meats, and your little ones will have fun at the onsite playground.
Are you craving something sweet while you’re in town? Then you need to stop by Viva La Dough, a shop serving up ready-to-eat cookie dough. Yes, you read that right. Their egg-free cookie doughs are safe for you to scoop and eat, no cooking necessary. You could try a standard selection of well-loved flavors like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and sugar, as well as rotating options like gingerbread, black forest, and chai latte.
What other Weekend getaways in Texas would you like to see?
This San Antonio weekend getaway is guaranteed to be a weekend well-spent if you keep these spots in mind! And we hope you enjoyed this Guide for a San Antonio Weekend Getaway. We would love to hear how your trip goes and if you have any suggestions for hotels on the riverwalk San Antonio, or where you ate. Also, we would love to hear how you enjoyed visiting San Antonio with kids or if you enjoyed a romantic weekend with just the two of you.
And if you’re familiar with San Antonio, did your favorite local eatery or activity make the list? If not, how would you recommend spending your time in San Antonio with kids if you only had a couple of days to enjoy the city? Leave a comment and let me know!
Also before you leave for your trip learn more about San Antonio, it’s history and Tex Mex Food with these suggestions below:
