Month: April 2020
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Month: April 2020

Truly Outstanding Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas

Discover the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas most famous travel destination.

 2-day weekend travel itinerary in San Antonio, Texas, covering all must-sees and hidden gems!

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The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.

San Antonio was considered in 2018  nothing less than one of the top 50 destinations in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine and one of the 21 best places in the world to visit by National Geographic.

This charming Texas city transpires culture and history everywhere and is the ideal place to better understand the Texan cultural roots. San Antonio has a strong Mexican influence, that will make you sometimes forget that you are stepping on American territory. It is a unique and beautiful Texas town.

A lively place that totally deserves the attention it gets. It offers tons of amazing tourist attractions, as well as things to do off the beaten path.

Weekend travel itinerary in San Antonio: best things to do

The best way to experience the authentic San Antonio is mixing both the famous and under-the-radar awesome attractions.

This is what you’ll find in this post: a complete itinerary comprising San Antonio must-sees and unmissable hidden-gems, that will make your trip to San Antonio even more unique and special.

So, fasten your seat belts and follow me. Have the time of your life in San Antonio and unveil the best that one of the world’s top tourist destinations has to offer!

And if you are looking for more trip ideas in Texas and surrounding states, check our Trips from Dallas page.

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Weekend Travel Itinerary in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Texas Travel Itinerary - Day 1

1. Alamo and Mission San Jose

The Alamo

Start off your weekend travel itinerary in San Antonio at the world-famous and world-heritage site The Alamo. This is one of the most iconic places in San Antonio and the most popular tourist attraction in Texas.

The Alamo is the most well-preserved of all five Spanish missions in San Antonio. And it’s where the infamous Battle of the Alamo took place, almost two centuries ago.

It offers a free museum and movie which I recommend watching to put you into context and make your visit more enjoyable.  Make sure to enter the ancient church as well – lines tend to be long but move fast.

Menger Bar

On your way out of The Alamo, check out the Menger Bar, the oldest bar in Texas, just next door.

It was voted one of the top 10 Most Historic Bars in the U.S. and it’s the place where Roosevelt used to spend his time back in the Spanish-American War days.

For a treat, stop by the nearby Belgian Sweets – their cheesecake it to die for.

Mission San Jose

Head then to the less famous but not less interesting Mission San Jose.

Known as ‘The Queen of Missions”, Mission San Jose is the largest Spanish Mission of all five ones in San Antonio – and my favorite even over the Alamo! Which I know that is a very controversial statement but… I prefer less touristy attractions. 

There you can explore less crowded and more rustic grounds. Get charmed by a well-preserved Catholic Church from the 1700s. Step back in time exploring the remaining ruins of the places where the natives being catechized by the Spaniards used to live.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Bike Tour

If time, weather and will allows, take San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Bike Tour, a different and active way to explore the area.

The five missions part of the National Park are about 2.5 miles apart from each other totaling about 15 miles. Check the map to plan your route.

2. King William Historic District

Weekend Getaway Dallas - San Antonio Texas

Head to King William District for lunch. Some excellent options there are the San Antonio classic Gunther House, overlooking the river, or Stella Public House, a charming and modern spot at the Blue Star Complex.

Then stroll through the streets to see historic preserved houses. Explore the Blue Star Complex, home to a local brewery overlooking the river – the Blue Star Brewery – and to several indie contemporary arts venues, shops and studios.

When you’re done, take a pleasant 20-minute walk along the river towards the Riverwalk, your next stop.

3. San Antonio Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is another San Antonio iconic attraction you can’t miss.

A lively and charming area full of restaurants, shops and entertainment. You can explore it walking along the river or taking a river boat cruise. 

Stop by La Villita Historic Arts Village  for alluring local shops and boutiques. Check on the Aztec Theater, the second most popular attraction in Texas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and maybe watch a show. Step onto the oldest Riverwalk bar, the Esquire Tavern.

For fine dining, head to the charming Fig Tree restaurant and have dinner at their patio overlooking the river.

San Antonio Texas Weekend Travel Itinerary - Day 2

1. Pearl Weekend Market at Pearl District

On the second day of your weekend travel itinerary in San Antonio, check on the local and lively Pearl Weekend Market, at the trendy Pearl District. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday mornings in a charming and revitalized part of San Antonio around the iconic Pearl Brewery.

The area is lined up by boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a culinary school, and it is the place were locals hang out.

Make sure you come with an empty stomach to try the gourmet delicatessens sold by small and local vendors. Grab a bite, a beer or wine and sit by the grass to watch a live music free concert.

2. Historic Market Square

Historic Market Square San Antonio

Head then to the Pearl Weekend Market famous cousin, the Historic Market Square. It is a lively and colorful street market with Mexican roots. A more touristy but not less interesting experience, and one of the best things to do in San Antonio.

Browse souvenirs at the tons of local vendors indoors and outdoors. Sit by one of the several patios to sip an authentic margarita. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

One of the most famous restaurant options around is Mi Tierra. Lines are huge, so if you plan to have a late lunch there before heading back to Dallas, stop by first thing when you arrive to the Market Square to ask for a table. Then you’ll have plenty of time to take a walk and explore the area while you wait for your turn.

Summing Up

The number one travel destination in Texas

San Antonio is the number one touristic destination in Texas and one of the top places to visit in the whole world. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out!

The main and most famous touristic attractions in San Antonio are the Alamo – the top 1 tourist attraction in Texas, the San Antonio River Walk and the Historic Market Square.

Places you shouldn’t miss while visiting the city and that you can explore wisely by following the recommendations in this post.

They are among the best things to do in San Antonio, but not the only ones!

Amazing things to do in San Antonio off the beaten path

No visit San Antonio would be complete without a stop at some of city’s top hidden gems: Mission San Jose, King William District, Blue Star Complex, Pearl Weekend Market and the historic Menger Bar, just to name a few.

Mixing traditional and under-the-radar attractions is the best way to experience the most authentic version of San Antonio and make you fall in love with the city.

So, go ahead and try the suggestions you found in this complete weekend travel itinerary in San Antonio. Then get back here and let me know your impressions.

If you happen to know of any amazing thing to do in San Antonio not covered in this post, please leave a comment below! I’ll love to hear your ideas and try them next time I’m in the city.

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Florida 30A Travel Guide

Discover the 5 best beaches to visit on Florida 30A and the top things to do in each one of them! 

Your ultimate guide to highway 30A in Florida, the most jaw-dropping and exclusive portion of the Emerald Coast.

Let’s cut to the chase: Florida Emerald Coast is home to some the most incredible beaches in the whole United States. And it’s within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas.

So yes, you can spend your next vacations on Caribbean-style white sugar-sand emerald water beaches without even hoping on a plane – or leaving the US.

This is what I did last Spring Break. I headed to a portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast known as Florida 30A, in South Walton. And oh boy, this place beat all my expectations! I want to go back really bad, like NOW lol. 

Here I share with you my top findings there, so you can plan your own adventure without missing out on the absolute best things that the Florida Gulf Coast has to offer.

FLORIDA 30A ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

▶  Where is Florida Emerald Coast? And What is Florida 30A?
▶  What is there to do in Florida 30A?
▶  Where to stay in Florida 30A?
▶  5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A (and the best things to do in each one of them!)

Where is Florida's Emerald Coast? And what is Florida 30A?

Florida’s Emerald Coast comprises about 100 miles of Gulf Coast beaches from Pensacola to Panama City, along five counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay.

Florida 30A is a 24-mile portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast in south Walton county, between Sandestin and Panama Beach, roughly 11 hours driving from Dallas. 

Its name derives from Country Road 30A, a winding and narrow highway connecting 12 beachfront communities: Dunne Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, Watersound, Allys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach.

What is there to do in Florida 30A?

Road Trip Texas Florida Emerald Coast Panama Beach

Florida 30A is home to stunning white sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes and two gorgeous state parks – Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park. Each one of its 12 charming and upscale beachfront communities has a unique style and offer its own entertainment options.

This is a place to unwind, to soak into nature and beach vibe at its best. Spending the day by the beach, paddling the gorgeous dune lakes, hiking, indulging in excellent eateries, pubs and breweries and riding your bike throughout the beach communities are some of the must-dos there.

Most of the 30A beach communities offer public beach accesses – some well-signaled, others trickier to find. And some beach accesses are private, requiring a gate code to enter.

Discover in this article the public beach access locations, the best things to do in each of the top Florida 30A beaches and other valuable insider tips.

Where to stay in Florida 30A?

Road Trip Dallas Florida Emerald Coast - Alys Beach

Each Florida 30A beachfront community has its own vibe. Choosing one to stay really depends on what you’re looking for. 

For party goers, consider Seaside. If you’re looking for exclusivity, Rosemary Beach and Watercolor are amazing options. If you prefer a more authentic and laid-back vibe, head to Grayton Beach.

Florida 30A is a very sought-after beach destination, especially during summer, so make reservations in advance to assure the best prices. 

There are tons of hotel and rental options in the area, for all budgets and needs. Search for the best deals here:

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No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to explore the other beach communities – it’s the combination of all of them that make Florida 30A such a unique place. Grab your bike or your car, use the recommendations below as a starter guide and go find your favorite spots!

5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A

(and the best things to do in each one of them!)

1. Grayton Beach

Road Trip Dallas Florida Gulf Coast - Grayton Beach

Florida 30A beaches are all stunning. But Grayton Beach somehow manages to be even more breathtaking than its gorgeous neighbors, with the magnificent white sand dunes and natural pool formed by Western Lake. 

Grayton Beach is my favorite Florida 30A beach from far and one not to be missed. If you need to pick only a single beach to visit on your Florida 30A road trip, choose this one.

Unlikely some of its 30A peers, Grayton Beach has a large public beach access: 

The landscape there is absolutely startling. Right when you arrive, you’re greeted with a stunning view of dunes and a small natural pool formed where Western Lake coastal dune lake meets the ocean. 

It’s the perfect place for kids to play in the shallow waters or to launch your kayak or SUP and paddle along the coastal dune lake, surrounded by sugar-white sand dunes.

I used my own inflatable kayak for this adventure, which I love taking along with me as it fits perfectly in my trunk and is inexpensive compared to recurring rental costs. But you might be able to find places to rent one around doing some research. 

Grayton Beach has a laid-back vibe and is home to Grayton Beer Brewpub, an awesome place to sample beers and have dinner after a perfect day by the beach.

Road Trip Dallas Florida 30a Beaches Grayton Beach

Browse here the best deals in Grayton Beach and make reservations in this hidden slice of paradise:

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2. Seaside

Road Trip Dallas Florida 30a Emerald Coast Seaside

Seaside is the most famous and popular Florida 30A beachfront community, thanks to The Truman Show movie, starring Jim Carey. Seaside was used as a filming location to bring to life the fictitious town of ‘Seaheaven”, featured in the movie. 

Yep, the place exists in real life. And it’s totally gorgeous, with its distinctive architecture and immaculate streets. You can visit Jim Carey’s character house (31 Natchez Street) and other places that appear in the movie there.

Seaside Florida 30a Food Trucks
Seaside Florida Truman Show Jim Carrey House 31 Natchez Street

Some of Seaside highlights and best things to do, other than enjoying the gorgeous beach itself, include exploring the Town Square boutiques and eateries, grabbing a bite in one of the several food trucks daily parked there and having brunch or lunch at waterfront Bud & Alleys.

There is a large public beach access in Seaside right across the street from the food trucks, by Bud & Alley’s, the Coleman Beach Pavilion – check the map below. It is the place to be if you’re looking for buzz, especially during high season.

Otherwise, Van Ness Butler Jr beach access, between Seaside and Watercolor, is only a 5-minute walk from there, and usually less crowded (see “Watercolor” for map).

Seaside is your best bet at Florida 30A if you’re looking for fun and a lively atmosphere.

Find the best hotel and rental deals in Seaside/ Seagrove here:

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3. Rosemary Beach & Inlet Beach

Rosemary Beach is a gorgeous Florida 30A beachfront community, with an exclusive and unique vibe. It is home to an extra charming Main Street and a cozy town square – The Village of South Walton. 

Rosemary Beach’s Main Street is the perfect place for a leisure walk. 

It has a distinctive architecture, resembling a European village, and is filled with lovely boutiques, good restaurants, and eateries – La Crema Tapas & Chocolate and Edwards Fine Food & Wine are some of the recommended places to try.

Road Trip Dallas Florida 30a Beaches - Rosemary Beach
Road Trip Texas to Florida Emerald Coast - Rosemary Beach

The Village of South Walton town square features food stands, a fire pit and bike rentals to explore the area.

Head there early in the morning to try mouthwatering Charlies Donuts, which lives up to the hype – I’m not a donuts person and I loved it. Or go at the end of the day and grab a bite in one of the trucks to be enjoyed on the lounge chairs surrounding the firepit (with live music in the background if you’re lucky).

Road Trip Texas Florida Emerald Coast - Alys Beach
Road Trip Texas Florida 30a Beaches - Alys Beach

Rosemary Beach does not have a public beach access – they are all gated and require an access code, provided to residents and hotel/ rental guests. 

Closest public beach accesses are in neighboring and stunning Inlet Beach.

One of them only a short 10-minute walk from Rosemary’s Beach Main Street (see map below). If you’re driving though, head to Inlet Beach public beach access at the intersection of S Orange St with W Park Pl Ave, which has a lot of public free parking available and is absolutely gorgeous.

Road Trip Dallas Florida Emerald Coast - Inlet Beach

If you want to enjoy it all, including the exclusive beach, consider staying at Rosemary Beach.

Browse here for the best lodging options there:

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4. Dune Allen Beach & Blue Mountain Beach

Florida 30a Stinky Fish Camp Dune Allen
Florida 30a trip from Dallas - seafood

In the west end of Florida 30A scenic road lie two beautiful residential beach communities: Dune Allen and Blue Mountain, featuring dune lakes and gorgeous (usually uncrowded) beaches.

But here the highlights are two well-known Florida 30A eateries: Stinky’s Fish Camp and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.

Stinky’s Fish Camp is one of the best seafood restaurants along Florida 30A Country Road. Fresh homemade food is served in a cozy setting overlooking beautiful Allen Lake, one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Stinky’s Fish Camp is right across the street from one of Dune Allen’s public beach accesses, perfect for a leisure walk after indulging in delicious fresh oysters. 

Blue Mountain Beach Creamery features homemade ice creams and it’s within a short driving distance from the restaurant. It’s one of the most traditional ice cream shops in the area. Head there late in the afternoon, grab your cone and walk a few minutes down the street to enjoy it by the beach watching the most beautiful sunset at Blue Mountain Beach.

Road Trip Dallas Florida Emerald Coast Blue Mountain Beach

5. Watercolor

Road Trip Dallas Florida 30a Watercolor Beach

Watercolor is a small and exclusive Florida 30A beachfront community featuring amazing outdoors, including beautiful and immaculate parks and gardens, and one of 30A largest and most scenic coastal dune lakes.

The beach access is private there, but Watercolor is right by Van Ness Butler Jr public beach access (a short 5-minute leisure walk from the parks and boutiques):

How to spend a perfect day in Watercolor? 

Enjoy the beach. Take a leisure walk through beautiful and immaculate Cerulean Park. Rent a bike at Watercolor Bike Barn and explore Marina Park bike trails. Rent a kayak or SUP at the BoatHouse and paddle stunning Western Lake, one of the largest coastal dune lakes along 30A.

Top off with shopping at the local boutiques and dinner paired with a glass of wine at the Wine Bar.

Summing Up

Florida Emerald Coast beaches are absolutely stunning, and the 30A portion of it a must-visit summer destination in the United States.

If you are looking for the best beaches to visit from Dallas, look no further and use this post to guide you through the most amazing beach vacation driving from Texas. 

The roughly 11-hour driven is well-worth the jaw-dropping white sand beaches waiting for you at the end of the rainbow 🌈.

In this post we covered all of the best neighborhoods and beaches to explore during your visit to this exclusive portion of Walton County, Florida – aka South Walton – as well as the best things to do and must-try activities in these amazing destinations.

Grayton Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen Beach and Watercolor are all highlighted here, for different reasons, and together make the most superb beach escape from Dallas.

Now make your plans and hit the road to enjoy the finest beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast!

Browse here the best deals and make reservations in advance to assure the best prices:



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Have you ever been to Florida 30A? Do you know of any gem there not mentioned here that is worth adding to the travel itinerary? 

Share your wisdom in the comments below and help our travel community to travel more and better! 🧡

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