Honor the Alamo—but Don't Overlook These Hidden Gems in San Antonio

As someone born and raised in San Antonio, I find comfort in our unofficial motto, Keep San Antonio Lame, a twist on Austin's Keep Austin Weird. Life moves at a slower pace here compared to bustling cities like Los Angeles, New York City, or even Austin—the mornings are gentler, conversations linger, and plans are more adaptable. Yet, change is swiftly approaching.

During the pandemic, San Antonio emerged as a top destination for newcomers—adding 18,889 new residents from 2020 to 2021, making it Texas's second largest city and the seventh largest in the nation. However, after returning home this spring, it’s clear that San Antonio has preserved its rich character amid this rapid growth.

While Alamo City is famously associated with the Alamo, there’s an abundance more to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant arts scene, enjoy a variety of unique independent eateries, and choose from an array of luxury and boutique accommodations. The River Walk now extends 15 miles, with 5 miles winding through downtown's lively core, perfect for hiking or biking. The transformation of the Pearl Brewery into a lively cultural hub has created a fresh favorite spot in the city.

Here’s everything you need to plan your ideal trip to San Antonio—from the top attractions to the best places to stay.

Things to Experience in San Antonio

Plan Your Visit Around Fiesta

• Venue: Citywide

Fiesta is an 11-day extravaganza that transforms the city every spring, celebrated annually since 1891, except during World War I, World War II, and COVID. This vibrant event is traditionally held every April to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto, the pivotal battle of the Texas Revolution. Fiesta features a variety of events throughout the city, with highlights including the lively Battle of Flowers Parade, the enchanting Texas Cavaliers River Parade (complete with beautifully decorated floats on the river), and the spectacular Fiesta Flambeau Parade.

Yet, Fiesta offers more than just parades—the true gems are the neighborhood celebrations. La Villita hosts the four-night festival known as Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA), the King William neighborhood showcases the King William Fair, and Brackenridge Park presents A Taste of New Orleans. Don’t forget to look out for Fiesta pins—local businesses create unique pins to represent themselves, which can be collected throughout the festivities.

Enjoy a drink at Re210 Urban Winery

• Address: 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 106

Just ten years ago, Texas’s wine industry was often overlooked. Today, however, Texas ranks as the fifth largest wine producer in the U.S. and boasts the fifth highest number of wineries, according to the National Association of American Wineries. Most of the grapes are cultivated in the Hill Country, about 90 minutes from San Antonio, which has become known as the state's wine country. Vineyard owners are innovating with grape varieties that flourish in the region's rocky terrain. Visitors to San Antonio can experience Texan wine culture at Re210 Urban Winery, situated in Hemisfair Park. Owned by sommelier and wine educator Jennifer Beckmann, all wines at Reare sourced and produced in Texas. With wine classes and special events like chef-led dinners, she makes wine accessible and enjoyable. Refeatures a kegged wine system, allowing guests to choose from various wines on tap and refill glasses or bottles with each visit.

Embark on a Walking Tour with MOV Tours

San Antonio has a rich Texan history waiting to be explored. One of the most engaging ways to dive into local culture and folklore is through a walking tour with MOV Tours. They offer four unique options: The ICONS Tour is perfect for those seeking a foundational understanding of San Antonio’s history; the HERstory Tour presents a female-centered perspective of the city; the Mission San José Tour introduces visitors to Texas’s sole UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Pearl Taco Walking Tour invites food enthusiasts to sample some of the finest tacos in the area.

Explore an Art Museum

One of San Antonio’s best-kept secrets is its vibrant museum scene. The city has long attracted artists and art lovers, drawn by its affordable living. Visit the McNay Art Museum, housed in a lovely 24-room Spanish colonial revival mansion, showcasing works by Picasso, Matisse, and Cezanne; the San Antonio Museum of Art for ancient Mediterranean, Latino, and Asian collections; the Contemporary at Blue Star for insights into the local art scene; and the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery and Studio to discover works by Black artists from San Antonio.

Dining and Drinking Spots in San Antonio

Best Quality Daughter

• Address: 602 Avenue A

Best Quality Daughter opened its doors in 2018, founded by chef Jennifer Dobbertin, one of the few Asian American female chefs in South Texas. She is also the visionary behind Hot Joy and the now-closed, beloved Tenko Ramen. The menu showcases Dobbertin’s Taiwanese American roots and her San Antonio upbringing, featuring dishes like mochi cheddar hush puppies, cashew chicken, and orange chicken-fried steak. With a passion for Thai cuisine—cultivated during her years working in Thailand—she offers Thai favorites like tom yum noodles and phat kaphrao fried rice. No visit to Best Quality Daughter is complete without trying one of their signature cocktails, such as the Are You There God? It’s Me Margarita, infused with lychee and rosewater, or one of the boozy bobas (I particularly enjoy the Thai tea-inspired I Used to Live in Thailand).

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

• Address: 312 Pearl Pkwy.

I know it might sound a bit unusual to seek out French cuisine in Texas, where barbecue and Tex-Mex reign supreme, but Brasserie Mon Chou Chou offers some of the finest French dishes any Texan could hope to enjoy outside of France. The restaurant’s decor transports you straight to a Parisian bistro, featuring black-and-white tiles, rattan chairs, and art deco lighting. Owned by Laurent Réa, Philippe Placé, and Jérôme Sérot—three friends from France who met in San Antonio—the menu draws inspiration from their grandmothers' recipes. Mon Chou Chou is particularly famous for its raclette, served with a dramatic flair by melting a portion of cheese from a wheel at your table. However, every item on the menu is a must-try. Start with the St. Jacques à la Chou Chou, enjoy the beef bourguignon with its rich sauce for your main course, and don’t miss out on the delightful berry-topped crème brûlée for dessert.

Little Em’s Oyster Bar

• Address: 1001 S. Alamo St.

Little Em’s is located in a charming former gas station in San Antonio’s trendy Southtown area, particularly in the historic King William neighborhood known for its grand mansions. Opening its doors in 2020, Little Em’s is the city’s first authentic oyster bar and arguably the most adorable one west of the Mississippi. With a bright white interior highlighted by cheerful blue and pink accents, the restaurant is undeniably Instagram-friendly. It features a weekly rotating selection of East Coast oysters, along with delicious options like lobster rolls, burgers, and clam linguine for those who prefer cooked seafood. While the indoor space may be compact, the spacious patio provides an ideal spot to sip on a pinot grigio or Michelada while enjoying some cold oysters with friends.

Shopping Destinations in San Antonio

Explore the Pearl Farmers Market

• Address: 312 Pearl Pkwy.

Wondering how to spend your weekend in San Antonio? Visit the Pearl Brewery, where the Pearl Farmers Market happens every Saturday (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). Enjoy live music while exploring a wonderful selection of South Texas vegetables, fruits, meats, natural beauty products, and delicious treats. After checking out the fresh produce at Green Bexar Farm, grab some hand salve from Byccombe Natural Solutions, and don’t forget to pick up a steak or two from Braune Farms. For dessert, indulge in the gelatos from OroBianco Italian Creamery, made with water buffalo milk—the strawberry stracciatella features locally sourced Fredericksburg strawberries.

The Twig Book Shop

• Address: 306 Pearl Pkwy., Unit 106

The Twig Book Shop is the oldest and most cherished independent bookstore in San Antonio, named after a quote from Alexander Pope: “‘Tis education forms the common mind; just as the twig is bent, a tree’s inclined.” Established in 1972, the Twig originally opened on Broadway but relocated to its current spot in 2009. Here, you’ll discover a robust selection of popular books for both children and adults, along with puzzles, games, and San Antonio-themed souvenirs. The Twig frequently hosts storytime for kids and events featuring authors—check their event calendar for upcoming activities.

Historic Market Square

• Address: 514 W. Commerce St.

Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the United States. This vibrant outdoor plaza spans three blocks and is filled with over 100 shops offering everything from serapes to pottery and handcrafted leather goods. Among its treasures is Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia, a renowned bakery famous for its vast array of pan dulce and Tex-Mex favorites like enchilada plates. The market also serves as a key gathering spot during major events in San Antonio. During Fiesta, it comes alive with street food vendors and musicians, and during Dia De Los Muertos, it features beautifully decorated altars.

Accommodations in San Antonio

The Hotel Emma

Elegantly designed and steeped in history, the 146-room Hotel Emma truly embodies luxury. Once the manufacturing hub for Pearl Beer, a beloved Texas brew in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the building has a fascinating past. Pabst Brewing Co. acquired it in 1985, discontinuing Pearl Beer production by 2001. Prior to its purchase by local firm Silver Ventures in 2002, there were plans to demolish the structure for a Walmart distribution center. Fortunately, it was preserved, and renovations began in 2012, blending the brewery's historical charm with modern amenities.

Upon arrival at Hotel Emma, guests are welcomed with a La Babia margarita, touted as one of the best in Texas, featuring a refreshing mix of lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. The hotel offers cast-iron clawfoot bathtubs for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring the nearby River Walk extension, which leads to the town center in about 30 minutes on foot. Guests can also indulge in a complimentary snack bar filled with local treats and enjoy plush beds with crisp linens. Additionally, Hotel Emma visitors gain exclusive access to a library featuring over 3,700 books donated by local historian and author Sherry Kafka Wagner.

Hotel Emma boasts two delightful dining venues on-site. Supper focuses on classic American dishes made with ingredients from South Texas, including perfectly seared scallops and crispy Hill Country quail served with creamy mashed potatoes. For post-dinner drinks, guests can head to Sternewirth, located in the brewery’s former fermentation area, where they can savor small plates and inventive cocktails, such as the Three Emmas—named after the three women romantically linked to the original brewery owner, Otto Koehler; one of these women was involved in his tragic demise in 1914.

Thompson San Antonio

Opened in 2021, the Thompson San Antonio stands out as one of the city’s most stylish hotel options. This 20-story tower features 162 guest rooms and 59 luxury condominiums, beautifully situated along the River Walk, close to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Each room is designed with a midcentury modern flair, showcasing cowhide rugs, warm leather accents, Tivoli Bluetooth sound systems, open-concept bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and stunning views of the San Antonio skyline and River Walk. The hotel also boasts a signature scent, Velvet, a captivating blend of leather and amber. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art and 25 minutes to Pearl Brewery.

Hotel Havana

Hotel Havana, managed by Bunkhouse—a design-centric hospitality group—has become the go-to choice for trendy accommodations in San Antonio. Conveniently situated off the River Walk, this historic building was originally built in 1914 by local grocer Edward Mulcher to accommodate vendors stocking his store. Now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the property has changed hands several times before being renovated by Bunkhouse in 2010. Inside, guests will discover a delightful array of antiques, vibrant Turkish rugs, local artwork, and a SMEG refrigerator filled with beverages sourced from Texas. With 27 distinctive rooms, each offering a unique layout, you’ll find a personalized experience here. Be sure to dine at the on-site restaurant, Ocho, led by Chopped winner chef Jesse Kuykendall, featuring a menu inspired by South Texan and Cuban culinary traditions—don’t forget to indulge in the chocolate churros for dessert.

The Mokara

Located in the vibrant heart of downtown San Antonio, the Mokara boasts 99 luxurious Italianate rooms. The hotel lobby features a front desk crafted from stretched leather, with portraits of Wild West cowboys adorning the walls, a nod to the building’s history as a saddlery in the 1800s. Guests will enjoy plush four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, and stunning views of downtown San Antonio. After a day of exploring the River Walk, guests can relax with a massage or facial at the two-story full-service spa and enjoy a meal at the acclaimed seafood restaurant, Ostra, famous for its delicious shrimp cocktail.