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!
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.
Weekend Travel Itinerary in San Antonio, Texas
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
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.
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
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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