How to Spend a Weekend in San Antonio
Even if you only have a weekend in San Antonio, you can still experience the top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife in the city. This guide will show you everything to do for a fun-filled weekend in San Antonio.
Friday Evening
When you arrive on Friday, you’ll have 72 hours in San Antonio. Check into your hotel near the central business district to freshen up, then head into the city to enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant. San Antonio has a wide range of ethnic cuisine options, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Botika Pearl is a perfect example, with Chinese-Peruvian and Japanese-Peruvian favorites.
A great way to start your night is with a bike tour. YourBikerGang is a great company that provides tours that mix flair and fun for the whole family. You could also try a haunted tour like the Alamo Ghost Tour, which takes you to some of the lesser-known parts of the city to experience its dark history. Haunted tours are a combination of a pub crawl and ghost tour, all with a guide that will tell you the creepy tales of the city’s past.
If you prefer a more conventional party experience, San Antonio has plenty of nightclubs to choose from. The 502 Bar is perfect if you take your music seriously. The sound crew here is second to none and they go the extra mile to ensure each of their shows impresses.
Saturday Morning
On Saturday morning, start your next 48 hours in San Antonio with coffee and breakfast at a coffee shop or brunch at a local restaurant. In addition to traditional breakfast options, like coffee, eggs, and pancakes, San Antonio is also famous for delicious breakfast tacos and other southwest cuisines. Paloma Blanca is a weekend brunch institution that can’t be missed. They serve traditional Mexican breakfast options.
After breakfast, you can experience the top attractions in San Antonio. The Alamo is a must-see Spanish mission that was the fortress used during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico. You can also tour the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which takes you through the fascinating 18th-century grounds.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll have endless family-friendly attractions to choose from. Kids will like the San Antonio Zoo, an acclaimed zoo with over 750 species of animals in naturalistic habitats and historic train rides, and SeaWorld San Antonio, an aquatic theme park with shows and rides.
Be sure to grab lunch at one of the city’s many restaurants like The Cookhouse, a New Orleans inspired spot, before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the night out.
Saturday Evening
On Saturday night, San Antonio comes alive with a rich array of nightlife options. If you head out early in the evening, you can walk along the river to see unusual attractions and shops like James Avery Jewelers and the Historic Market Square. There are also numerous restaurants along the way, so stop in for dinner and drinks.
The River Walk, which encompasses 15 miles of bicycle and walking paths, also has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers a wide variety of live music venues, wine bars, martini lounges, all-hours restaurants, dance halls, and more.
If you prefer a more low-key night, you can catch a show at the Tobin Center. This famed performance venue was named after Robert L.B. Tobin, a local citizen, and boasts modern architecture and advanced acoustic technology. You can see everything from ballet and opera to concerts and acoustic performances.
Sunday Morning
On Sunday morning, you’ll have 24 hours left in San Antonio. Wake up early and get breakfast at a café or coffee shop like Rosella Coffee, or enjoy brunch at a local restaurant like the Pigpen before sightseeing.
You’ll have numerous options for how to spend your Sunday. You can have a fun family or couple’s outing at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an amusement park with exciting thrill rides and a water park, or the Natural Bridge Caverns, an underground cave system with tours and canopy adventures.
If you prefer a more relaxing afternoon, you can visit the Witte Museum to see exhibits on natural history and local Texas history and culture. San Antonio also has gorgeous, tranquil gardens, such as the San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden, to enjoy the sunshine and unwind. You’ll also like the San Antonio Museum of Art, a museum with works ranging from Egyptian to Latin American artists.
Sunday Night
Sunday night is a great time to experience anything you’ve missed during the trip. Start with dinner at Tower of the Americas, a massive observation tower with a revolving eatery, to see stunning aerial views of the city.
After dinner, visit Market Square, a sprawling Mexican market in the downtown area. The Market Square has over 100 shops spread over 3 blocks that offer food, handicrafts, and apparel. This spot is a favorite of both locals and tourists, and you can see stage shows and demonstrations throughout the market.
If you want to relax before your trip home, Bandera Late-Night Bingo is the ideal option. The venue offers a snack bar with chips, candy, and small bites, and you can spend your time trying to win some money with a variety of bingo games.
San Antonio has a lot to see and do, but you can still experience the best the city has to offer on a short trip. If you’re planning a trip to San Antonio, visit Expedia to check out San Antonio hotels and get ready for your fun-filled weekend.
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