Support Us Button Widget

How to spend a day in San Antonio, according to an Austinite

Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.

A massive structure covered in vines with a round red sign that reads "XXX Pearl."

Bonus: Don’t forget to grab a brew from Pearl Brewery when you visit San Antonio.

Photo by ATXtoday

Hey y’all, City Editor Figi here. As much as I love the Capital City, sometimes you just have to get out of town, and San Antonio is a great place to go.

I recently spent a weekend in the Alamo City, which is roughly 80 miles south of Austin. With the help of a resident friend and SATXtoday, I filled my time with some fantastic spots that I want to share.

A well-lit restaurant space with tropical plants, rattan furniture, husk chandeliers, plenty of people, and a gigantic green door on the back wall.

Stop by Pullman Market restaurants, Mezquite and The Mezcaleria, for a seat in this airy space.

Photo by ATXtoday

Coffee: Pullman Market

I can’t start my day without something to drink, and Pullman Market delivered. We got an iced chai and an iced vanilla latte to sip while strolling the rest of the market, where you can find food stands, artisan goods, dried flowers, local salsa, wine, ice cream, produce, a full-service restaurant, and more.

Lunch: Chilaquil

Rule No. 1 of visiting San Antonio is that you don’t leave without eating tacos. This teeny tiny stand inside Pearl Brewery specializes in chilaquiles, but we ordered the chilachicken tacos on blue corn tortillas and corn in a cup.

An overhead view of the red table at Best Quality Daugher, which is topped with white plates of Korean corn egg rolls, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, roasted brussels sprouts, and shrimp tom yum noodles.

Do not leave Best Quality Daughter without trying at least one of these items.

Photo by ATXtoday

Dinner: Best Quality Daughter

Dishing up Asian American food in a renovated house, Best Quality Daughter serves high-quality eats and high-quality atmosphere. Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist — I’m still thinking about the roasted Brussels sprouts, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and creamy coconut tom yum noodles we ordered.

Bar: Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen

The theme at this mostly outdoor bar is whimsy, and as such, it’s an Instagrammable paradise. You can enjoy brews (including from Austin’s own Pinthouse Pizza and Austin Eastciders) inside a greenhouse, in a boat, next to a dinosaur-shaped topiary, or facing the River Walk.

Indoor activity: McNay Art Museum

If you enjoy meandering through art museums, this one is a can’t-miss. The McNay’s lush garden and naturally lit interiors make it easy to spend hours gazing at the rotating collection.

The San Antonio River Walk under a bridge, which has nine swimming red and blue fish hanging from the rafters.

These swimming fish on the River Walk were a delight to walk beneath.

Photo by ATXtoday

Outdoor activity: San Antonio River Walk

It’s a classic for a reason — walking along this 15-mile thoroughfare through downtown San Antonio is a beautiful way to spend your day. If you only visit one area in San Antonio, it should be the River Walk, because it will lead you to dozens of restaurants, bars, concerts, boat tours, and — you guessed itThe Alamo.

Shop: Feliz Modern POP

If you’re looking for a fun, colorful souvenir to remember your time in San Antonio, this little shop has something for everyone. I took home this cactus sticker, of course.

There’s plenty to see in the historic city, so subscribe to SATXtoday if you want to see even more.

More from ATXtoday
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Let’s dig into the delicious picks, including seven stars, 16 local Bib Gourmand Awards, and a handful of MICHELIN-recommended spots for the MICHELIN Guide Texas.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
You know Bigfoot, but have you heard of The Candy Lady or The Hairy Man?
From historic landmarks to rooftop bars, this guide rounds up the must-try restaurants, sights, and nightlife spots that make the Capital City shine.
Austin’s housing market has been a roller coaster ride for the last five years, but this time, it’s swinging back in favor of buyers.
Austin’s plethora of delightful food festivals offer something for everyone, so only one question remains: Which should you attend first?
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
The City of Austin is asking residents to vote on a property tax increase that would generate ~$109.5 million to go toward the new fiscal year budget.
The Downtown community center has agreed to sell some of its land for new housing while expanding and building a new facility.