When most people think about San Antonio they think of the Alamo, which despite the saying, most of us CAN’T remember why we’re supposed to “remember the Alamo.” However, when you visit San Antonio, there are plenty of unforgettable sites, bites, and activities.
For a quick San Antonio weekend getaway, look no further.
The Alamo and World UNESCO Heritage Sites
Surprisingly, most people don’t realize that the Almo is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with four other missions. Built during the 18th century by Franciscan missionaries, the goal of the five missions was to colonize and evangelize Spain’s new territory. The missions harbor horrible histories of colonization of the Native Peoples of Texas, an extensive collection of tribes called Coahuiltecan. Yet, they are architecturally beautiful and show off the design and ingenuity of the people who lived at that time. Designed to be self-sustaining each mission had what it needed to survive.
Though the Alamo may be the most famous, it’s not the prettiest of the missions. If you have a few hours, take a tour of the five missions that make up the World Heritage Site and enjoy all the differences between each building. You can either bike or drive the mission trail. This free audio tour is available in both English and Spanish, with sound effects, music, and heaps of information; it’s a great way to learn about the historic missions while you explore. At Mission San Jose, you’ll find a National Park Service center with guided tours, a movie, and a gift shop. You can also get your Jr. Rangers badge and World Heritage Badge here.
The River Walk
The San Antonio River runs through the heart of downtown San Antonino. Due to flooding in the 1920s, the city discussed paving over the portion of the river known as Great Bend. However, Robert HH Hugman designed the River Walk, saving the downtown portion of the river and setting into motion the river walk we love today. Inspired by conservation efforts in New Orleans, Hugman designed the river walk to celebrate the Spanish heritage of Texas.
The Riverwalk was completed in 1940 but didn’t really take off until the World’s Fair in 1968. Since then, the River Walk has been one of the biggest tourist destinations in Texas. Now, you can stroll along the river banks and enjoy the beauty of the water and the lush greenery that surrounds it but also explore the shops, hotels, and restaurants that make up the river bank. Boudro’s is a great place for dinner if you’re looking for a classic River Walk stop. Try the table-side guac and the blackened prime rib. Make reservations ahead to avoid a long wait.
For a fun tour of the River Walk, hop on the $15 narrated River Walk boat tour to learn about the city and River Walk history.
Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square has a rich history of food vendors, Chili Queens, immigrants from all over, and Tejano culture. Now it’s home to over 100 local vendors who sell everything from food to handmade goods. Roam the lively and colorful shops where you’ll find Talavera Pottery, handmade leather goods, clothing, hand-painted hats, and more. On weekends the stages that dot the plaza come alive with Folklorico dance and Tejano music.
Historic Market Square is home to Mi Terria, a San Antonio Instituion. Stop here for baked goods, dinner, or homemade dulces. You may want to stuff your suitcase full of all the incredible things you’ll find in the bakery, I know I did.
Pearl
J. B. Behloradsky Brewery and the City Brewery founded The San Antonio Brewing Company in 1883. In 1894 the iconic Pearl Brewery building was erected. By 1916, the San Antonio Brewing Association had taken over and become the largest brewery in Texas. Then the Great Depression hit. After changing hands many times, Silver Ventures eventually purchased the property from PBR in 2001 and began turning the site into a mixed-use development.
The Historic Pearl is now home to incredible restaurants, locally owned shops, a stunning hotel, and a weekend market. Pearl is a great way to spend the afternoon or evening.
The food in Pearl is unmatched. With over two dozen eateries, including everything from high-class restaurants to quick-service local bites, there’s a bit of everything for everyone. For a snack or dessert, stop into Bakery Lorraine for marvelous macarons and coffee. For lunch or dinner, Best Quality Daughter has incredible new Asian-American Cuisine that people have been raving about since it opened in 2020. The Food Hall is home to mom-and-pop restaurants including a pizza place, a ramen stop, Mexican Street food, Caribbean food, and a bar.
The Saga – Main Plaza
Projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral, The Saga is a 24-minute video projection of the history of Texas and US history. International artist Xavier de Richemont created this incredible display. Since its debut in 2014, visitors to San Antonio have flocked to the Cathedral to catch a show. You can catch this free show three times a night on Tuesdays and Fridays – Sundays. Check the website for showtimes and cancellations.
If you’ve been or are from San Antonio, let me know what you think of these stops or anything I missed. If you’ve been inspired, tell me in the comments below what you want to check out when you visit San Antonio!
The Great Big Wonder 
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