Due to us living only 2.5 hours from San Antonio I expect this guide of places to see, do, eat, and stay will be updated regularly. We moved to the Fort Hood area mid-2013 and have just started visiting San Antonio recently. Actually, it has become a Christmas Vacation tradition to visit for 2 nights right before Christmas.
If you have never visited San Antonio during Christmas time, you definitely should. I will say, that I expected a lot more lights on the riverwalk but nonetheless it was still magical and beautiful!
Without further ado, here are the places we have visited, ate, or stayed at while in San Antonio. If there is no clickable link, just know that I am still working on that post or that I felt it didn’t need a post of its own! There will be no clickable links for most of the restaurants as I will not make separate posts about them unless I feel they need their own individual review.
This list will continue to grow as we visit San Antonio more and more. So check back for the latest reviews!
Area Attractions in San Antonio
The Alamo – Obviously one of the main “attractions” and really what San Antonio is known for all over the world. It should be your first stop!
River Walk – The river walk is absolutely peaceful and gorgeous! They have millions of twinkling lights at Christmas!
Mirror Maze & Vault Laser Challenge – This is something fun for kids and adults alike!
Horse Carriage Tours – I didn’t make an individual post about this, but it is something fun to do, and allows you to see the downtown area without getting your feet sore!
Mission Concepcion – One of the many missions on the San Antonio mission trail.
Mission San Jose – One of the many missions on the San Antonio mission trail.
Mission San Juan – One of the many missions on the San Antonio mission trail.
Mission Espada – One of the many missions on the San Antonio mission trail.
Buckhorn Saloon – The oldest saloon still stranding in Texas.
Places to Eat
Rainforest Cafe – This is a national chain, however, not many cities have them. If you have never eaten at one I suggest you do especially if you have children. For those without children, you will enjoy it too! For pictures click the title.
Hardrock Cafe – If you are a Hardrock Cafe fan, you will obviously want to stop in and eat here. We love collecting the cups for each one we eat at, so this was a must stop and eat at joint for us!
Places to Stay
Holiday Inn Riverwalk – Located on the “backside” of the river walk loop. Prices are reasonable. When we were there they were doing work on the pool which was on the floor above us. You can imagine how noisy it was! They did not bother to tell me this when I booked (I would have booked elsewhere). There is a restaurant inside (which is overpriced). It’s doubtful that we will ever stay here again. The service was pretty horrible.
Drury Inn & Suites Riverwalk – We LOVE this place! Click the link for the full review and to find out why!
Have you been to San Antonio? What do you recommend?
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Love visiting San Antonio. The Pearl was a favorite area of mine.
I have never been to San Antonio, but it’s on my list of places I want to see! It sounds like a lot of fun. Christmas would be a great time to go!
This guide is literally so perfect. I live 45minutes, and my boyfriend and I are thinking of taking a weekend getaway. This is perfect–thank you!
This is a great list. I love visiting Texas, but have never gone to San Antonio. Will put it on my list for my next trip!
This is so helpful! Can’t wait to check some of these places out
I love the River Walk too. I haven’t been in several years. We took our kids to see the Alamo and the river walk. Back in the day I loved to visit their Toys R Us and the Babies R Us but alas, those have now gone the way of the DoDo Bird. :’,( Thanks for sharing!
Everything sounds like so much fun! I love the idea of visiting during Christmas!
I’ve never spent much time in Texas – except for layovers. But I have a few spots on my list and San Antonio is one of them
I have always wanted to visit San Antonio! My sister just moved there so it will make it all the easier to!
I’m keeping this on hand! I can’t believe I’ve never been to San Antonio. I really want to visit!
I have always wanted to visit San Antonio for the Riverwalk, but looks like there is more to do! Still would love to get there some day soon!