Do you love history, culture, and tacos and margaritas? If so, you’ll love spending a weekend in San Antonio, Texas!
San Antonio is a fantastic destination for a three-day weekend trip (though you could definitely spend longer if you wanted to, in my opinion!). I’ve been to San Antonio two times, and after both visits, I was sad to leave — the city has so many incredible attractions to explore and activities to enjoy (and, bonus, many are free!).
If you plan on spending a weekend in San Antonio soon… you’ve come to the right place! Below, you’ll find my detailed weekend in San Antonio itinerary covering all the can’t-miss attractions and recommendations for the best places to eat and stay. Let’s jump right in!
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Day 1 – The Alamo & River Walk
If you arrived in San Antonio last night or early this morning — it’s time to start exploring! Today, we’ll explore all the top historical sights and most notable attractions in Downtown San Antonio. And the best part? Everything on today’s itinerary for our weekend in San Antonio is within walking distance if you’re staying in Downtown San Antonio (yay!).
If you’re staying further outside the city, don’t have a car, or want to leave the driving to someone else, I highly recommend checking out this Small-Group San Antonio Tour with the Alamo, Tower, and River Cruise.
This small-group tour includes a 35-minute river cruise on the San Antonio River Walk, a guided tour of The Alamo, admission to the Tower of the Americas and San Antonio Missions, and transportation. This tour includes everything on our itinerary today — and more! It’s really a great deal, and it has excellent reviews.
Breakfast at Commonwealth Coffeehouse
Start your weekend in San Antonio on the right foot with a delicious breakfast and handcrafted coffee at Commonwealth Coffeehouse & Bakery.
This local coffee chain has several locations around San Antonio, including two in Downtown San Antonio. Either works well for this weekend in San Antonio itinerary — I recommend choosing the one closest to your hotel. I ordered the Breakfast Croissant, and it was delicious. I also enjoyed my Spiced Caramel White Mocha — it had such a unique flavor and was so tasty!
San Fernando Cathedral
While sipping your coffee, walk over to San Fernando Cathedral. This stunning cathedral was founded in 1731 and is both the oldest-standing church building and the oldest continuously-functioning church in Texas!
You can admire the outside of this church at all times of the day, or if the building is open, be sure to take a peek inside! The cathedral opens at 9 AM on all days of the week, except for Sunday, when it opens at 7 AM. Mass is held once on weekdays and at multiple times on the weekends, so if you want to look around inside, check the calendar to time your visit around service times.
Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square is less than a ten-minute walk from San Fernando Cathedral. It opens at 10 AM and is worth a stop on your morning tour of Downtown San Antonio — especially if you love vibrant colors, delicious food, and live entertainment!
Historic Market Square is filled with 100+ locally-owned businesses that showcase the sights and flavors of the Southwest and Mexico, including restaurants and shops where you can purchase handcrafted goods, including pottery, painting, leather goods, candies, and more!
Lunch at Casa Rio
After exploring Historic Market Square, you’ve probably worked up the appetite for lunch! While there are plenty of places to eat at Historic Market Village, I recommend going to the San Antonio River Walk for lunch at Casa Rio for an authentic Mexican lunch in a beautiful setting.
While Casa Rio is more of a “touristy” spot to eat than I would usually go for — it’s hard to pass up because of its iconic location on the San Antonio River Walk! If you have ever seen photos of the River Walk with multicolored umbrellas overlooking a bridge — those colorful umbrellas are at Casa Rio! In fact, this restaurant was the first to open on the river in 1946 and helped shape the River Walk into what it is today. So, for the history alone, you have to dine here!
I highly recommend asking to sit outside next to the river so you can watch the gondolas and boats pass by while enjoying your meal. I ordered the Flauta Plate and a Red Sangria, and my husband ordered the Beef Street Tacos with the Peach Sangria. Both were delicious!
San Antonio River Walk
After filling up on lunch, spend some time exploring the shopping, dining, and entertainment on the San Antonio River Walk. This attraction is one of the most popular things to do in San Antonio (if not the entire state of Texas!), and for good reason — it is so much fun!
One of the best ways to experience the San Antonio River Walk is on a River Walk Boat Cruise. Each cruise is about 30 minutes long and includes a narrated tour with fun facts about the city’s history and views of the city’s top attractions. After your boat cruise, spend some time walking around — you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in the city’s charming waterways!
The Alamo
Next up, head to one of the most iconic attractions (if not the most iconic attraction) in San Antonio — The Alamo! The Alamo is known for its critical role in the Battle of the Alamo, which took place in 1836 during the Texas Revolution and was critical in helping Texas gain its independence from Mexico.
The Alamo is free to visit — you’ll just need to stand in line for a timed reservation ticket and stand in line to enter the building, which you can walk through in a single-file line. Aside from the inside of the building, you can explore the rest of the grounds at your own pace. If you want to learn more, you can purchase a one-hour guided tour for $45 per person, though I think the exhibits are pretty comprehensive!
Pro Tip: The Alamo closes at 5:30 PM daily, so stop by at least an hour before to tour the grounds and inside the building. However, if you want a picture of The Alamo without all the crowds, stick around until 6 PM (or so) to snap a photo of the outside of the building!
Dinner at the Tower of the Americas
The Tower of the Americas is a must-visit attraction in San Antonio — and it’s an even better place to stop for dinner! This 750-foot tower was built in 1968 to celebrate San Antonio’s 250th anniversary and offers spectacular views of San Antonio. It was the tallest observation tower in the United States until the Stratosphere Tower was completed in Las Vegas in the 1990s.
During my first trip to San Antonio, I had dinner at Chart House at the top of the Tower of the Americas, and it was such a cool experience! The restaurant serves delicious seafood, meats, and sides that you can enjoy while slowly rotating around and watching the city of San Antonio sparkle from below. Be sure to make reservations, and as a bonus, if you show your receipt, you can get free access to the observation deck!
Day 2 – The Pearl & Brackenridge Park
After a busy first day exploring all the famous and most notable attractions in Downtown San Antonio, it’s time to enjoy a slow-paced morning at The Pearl — a trendy spot for shopping and dining in San Antonio.
The Pearl was formerly a brewery established in 1883 and grew to be the largest brewery in Texas in the early 1900s. After closing in 2001, the property was purchased to become a mixed-use development, which would include shops, restaurants, and a boutique hotel. Hotel Emma opened in 2015 and pays homage to the site’s history, as do many of the restaurants in the complex.
The Pearl is such a cute and trendy spot — I couldn’t get enough of it! Though I could only include a few spots at The Pearl on this San Antonio weekend itinerary, you can read my complete guide to The Pearl in San Antonio to learn more about all the shops, restaurants, and things to do here if you have more time to explore.
Breakfast at Supper
Start the morning with breakfast at Supper, located in the lobby of Hotel Emma.
From Chia Seed Pudding and French Toast to Avocado Toast and a Breakfast Burger, this breakfast spot has a wide range of options for every palate. You can also order coffee, espresso, and juices. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere inside was peaceful and relaxing. This is a great place to start the day at The Pearl!
Hotel Emma
After enjoying breakfast, take some time to explore the lobby of Hotel Emma (if you’re not already staying here, which I would totally recommend — though I loved staying on the River Walk, I would love to stay here next time I’m in San Antonio!).
This gorgeous boutique hotel is located on the northernmost end of the River Walk in the heart of The Pearl District. The lobby is stunning and has lots of information about the history of the building, including a timeline that details the brewery’s history. The hotel is named in honor of Emma Koehler, the successful businesswoman who ran the brewery after her husband, Otto, died in 1914. She even managed to keep the brewery going during Prohibition!
Hotel Emma offers incredible amenities like a rooftop pool, three restaurants (we’ve already stopped at one, and we’ll stop at one more below!), a spa, and more. Even if you can’t stay here, definitely take some time to explore this hotel — it’s beautiful!
Coffee at Larder
Before taking off to explore more of The Pearl, stop at Larder in Hotel Emma to grab a coffee (and maybe a pastry, too!). I ordered an Iced Caramel Latte, and it was delicious! The pastries also looked tasty, though I didn’t get one since I was still full from breakfast.
If you want to grab something to eat, Larder also has breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, and lunch sandwiches. The patio is also gorgeous if you want to sit down to sip on your coffee!
Pearl Farmers Market & Shopping
If you’re visiting The Pearl on a weekend (which I assume you probably are since this is a weekend itinerary for San Antonio!), be sure to stop by one of The Pearl’s Markets.
On Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, you can shop at the Farmer’s Market, where you’ll find local produce and meats from farmers and ranchers. On Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, you can shop at the Maker’s Market for handmade goods from local artisans, like pottery and home goods. All vendors are located within a 150-mile radius of San Antonio.
In addition to the market, you can also shop at more than a dozen local shops and boutiques at The Pearl, selling everything from clothing and accessories to sporting goods and books. I enjoyed shopping at The Twig Book Shop — I love independent bookstores!
San Antonio Zoo
After taking the morning to explore The Pearl, head two miles north to the San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park for a fun afternoon. This beautiful zoo has a great layout, and it is a fun place to spend a few hours, whether you have kids or not. The zoo is home to 750+ species, including giraffes, hippos, and flamingos. We spent 2–3 hours here and had a fantastic time!
In addition to the animal exhibits included with admission, the San Antonio Zoo has some cool animal experiences, including a giraffe feeding, a kangaroo encounter, and a butterfly pavilion. We checked out the butterfly pavilion, and it was awesome! I have been to many zoos, and this was by far one of my favorites. I definitely recommend it during a weekend in San Antonio!
Japanese Tea Garden
Before grabbing dinner, stop by the Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park to soak up the beauty of this gorgeous garden that has been around since 1901. The Japanese Tea Garden is only a five-minute walk from the zoo entrance, making it an easy place to stop by, and bonus — it’s free to visit! However, the garden does close at 5 PM, so be sure to stop by before then.
If you have some extra time after the zoo or are looking for something to do in place of the zoo, consider checking out some of the other attractions at or near Brackenridge Park, including Witte Museum, a museum detailing the natural history of Texas, and the DoSeum, an interactive children’s museum that promotes learning and discovery.
Dinner at La Gloria
After spending the afternoon exploring Brackenridge Park, you’ve probably worked up a pretty big appetite, so it’s a good idea to head back to The Pearl for dinner at La Gloria!
La Gloria was one of our favorite places we ate during our entire trip to San Antonio! The tacos were simple but delicious — we both ordered the Bistec Especial with beef, cheese, cilantro, and onions — and the drinks were super refreshing, too. Apparently, the margaritas are some of the best in town (my husband would agree!), but I also really liked the sangria.
Dessert at Lick Honest Ice Creams
Before calling it a day, walk over to Lick Honest Ice Creams at The Pearl to grab some ice cream before returning to the hotel. This local chain serves artisanal ice creams made with premium ingredients and no artificial colors, high fructose corn syrups, or preservatives.
They have some classic flavors, like Caramel Salt Lick (this one was so good!), as well as some more unique flavor combinations, like Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey or Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. Or, you can try something regional, like Texas Sheet Cake or Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean! Whatever you choose — it’s bound to be delicious.
Day 3 – Amusement Parks & Day Trips
During your last day in San Antonio, take the opportunity to explore some of the iconic theme parks just outside the city, or go on a day trip just an hour or two away from San Antonio!
Although it’s possible only to spend a two-day weekend in San Antonio (follow the itinerary for the two days listed above), I recommend adding this extra day to see and experience more of what the “Lone Star State” offers! Here are some ideas:
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, located in the Texas Hill Country, is only a 70-mile drive from San Antonio and offers a nice change in pace from the big city. This charming town is filled with gorgeous flower fields, wineries, and peach orchards and has a quaint downtown area that was settled by the Germans in the 1800s. The town’s heritage is evident in its architecture, food, and culture!
I recommend spending more than a day in Fredericksburg, but it also makes a great day trip from San Antonio if you only have a day! If you’re traveling without a car, consider taking this Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour that includes a stop in Fredericksburg, the LBJ Ranch, Luckenbach, and one of the wineries in the Texas Hill Country. It also includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in San Antonio!
Austin
Though it would be impossible to see all of Austin during a day trip from San Antonio, it is technically possible to visit Austin for the day since it’s only an 80-mile drive from San Antonio. If you only have time to spend one day in Austin, I recommend sticking to one area of the city to explore, like South Congress or Downtown Austin.
However, if you’re planning to visit both Austin and San Antonio on the same trip (which I really recommend!), I would plan at least five days (if not a week) to explore all that both cities have to offer. Both cities are extremely large, so a day trip just isn’t really enough to cut it for either!
Natural Bridge Caverns
Located about half an hour from Downtown San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is a must-visit attraction if you have time for a day trip during your weekend in San Antonio! This natural cavern is the largest cave in Texas and descends 180 feet below ground at its deepest part.
I had the chance to visit Natural Bridge Caverns during my first trip to San Antonio several years ago, and it was so cool! My dad, who went on the trip with me, still talks about it whenever we reminisce about out trip. Though we only went on the Discovery Tour of Natural Bridge Caverns, you can also participate in other cavern tours and fun activities above ground, like a ropes course with zip rails, gem and fossil mining, and more!
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Located just a 20-minute drive from Downtown San Antonio is one of the most popular Six Flags amusement parks — Six Flags Fiesta Texas!
If you love roller coasters and other thrill rides, this is a great way to spend the last day of a three-day weekend in San Antonio. Many of the rides at this park are superhero-themed, so you’ll be able to blast off on roller coasters dedicated to the Joker, Superman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Batman.
SeaWorld San Antonio
San Antonio is home to one of three SeaWorlds in the United States (the other two are in San Diego and Orlando). SeaWorld San Antonio is actually the only SeaWorld I haven’t been to, but based on my experiences at the others, I know this one would be just as fun to visit and a great addition to this weekend in San Antonio itinerary.
This park is home to thrilling attractions, like Catapult Falls, Texas Stingray, Steel Eel, and Journey to Atlantis, and plenty of animal presentations and activities, like the Orca Encounter, Ocean Discovery with Beluga Whales and Dolphins, and a Sea Lion Experience. If you purchase your tickets to SeaWorld San Antonio beforehand, you can skip the line!
Where to Stay During a Weekend in San Antonio
I recommend staying in the Pearl District or on the River Walk for this weekend in San Antonio itinerary to fully maximize your time exploring and to spend less time driving around. Here are my recommendations for hotels:
- Hotel Emma — As mentioned earlier in this post, Hotel Emma is a boutique luxury hotel in The Pearl. It’s a beautiful place to stay with fabulous on-site amenities and nearby access to dining, shopping, and other top attractions in San Antonio! This is where I will stay during my next weekend in San Antonio. It’s gorgeous!
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk — We stayed at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk and loved the convenient location. This hotel is on the “quieter” side of the River Walk and connects directly to the stretch of restaurants and shops on the River Walk (which is so fun!). It’s also within walking distance from other top attractions, like The Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral.
- Mokara Hotel & Spa — Mokara Hotel & Spa is another stunning hotel right on the River Walk I considered staying at. The rooms are modern and beautiful but have a romantic, “old-world” feel, and the hotel offers on-site dining, a spa, and a rooftop pool. Many of the rooms overlook the River Walk!
Where to Eat During a Weekend in San Antonio
In addition to the dining recommendations already included in this weekend in San Antonio itinerary, here are some other restaurants to consider checking out in San Antonio. All of these were on my list to try, but unfortunately, we only had time to check out a few of them!
- Domingo Restaurant — Domingo is one of the best (and nicest!) restaurants that overlooks the San Antonio River Walk. They serve a refined menu that celebrates the flavors of South Texas, with dishes like Braised Short Rib and Ribeye Pipian.
- Battalion — Battalion looks like a fantastic place for Italian food in San Antonio. The restaurant is located in a historic, restored firehouse, so it has a unique vibe, and the menu looks spectacular, with pasta, meats, fish, salads, and appetizers on the menu.
- Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery — We did have a meal at Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery at The Pearl during our weekend in San Antonio, but I didn’t have room to squeeze it into this itinerary. The menu and atmosphere feel like an upscale brewpub, emphasizing coastal classics with southern cuisine. I’m generally not a sweet drinks kind of person, but I had a delicious frozen cocktail here!
- Cured — Cured, also at The Pearl, focuses on serving local, organic, handcrafted meals. Though they serve heartier entrees, like steak, chicken, pork, and seafood, the thing that caught my eye on the menu was the “build-your-own” charcuterie board. I’d love to enjoy one of these boards over a glass of wine during a weekend in San Antonio!
- Postino — I’ve never been to Postino in San Antonio, but it is one of my favorite places to eat in Scottsdale, so I can vouch that it’s good! Postino is a wine bar that specializes in spectacular bruschetta boards. This would be an excellent spot for lunch or dinner during a weekend in San Antonio. There is a location close to Brackenridge Park.
Best Time of the Year to Visit San Antonio
The best time of year to visit San Antonio is in the late fall and spring, especially in November, December, March, April, and May. We spent a weekend in San Antonio at the end of March, and it was a lovely time to visit — the mornings and evenings were a little chilly, but the afternoons were warm, sunny, and beautiful!
I would steer clear of visiting San Antonio during the summer. San Antonio attracts the most tourists from June through August for summer break, making hotels more expensive and tourist attractions more crowded. San Antonio is also hot and humid in the summer (no thanks!).
FAQs – Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary
Is San Antonio a good weekend trip?
Yes, San Antonio is a great weekend trip! Although it would be impossible to see all the sites and tourist attractions in San Antonio in one weekend, it is possible to see most of the popular spots, like The Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk, and The Pearl, while also enjoying some fantastic dining and shopping during a three-day weekend.
Is San Antonio a walkable city?
Overall, San Antonio is walkable. If you stay downtown, you can reach many famous attractions on foot, like The Alamo, the Tower of the Americas, and the River Walk. The Pearl and Brackenridge Park are only 2–3 miles from Downtown San Antonio, so getting a Lyft or Uber would be an option if you’ll be visiting San Antonio without a car.
Is it cheaper to stay in San Antonio or Austin?
Hotels in San Antonio are generally cheaper than in Austin, but the difference is minimal. Both cities have a wide range of hotels that can accommodate a range of budgets, so it should be feasible to find an affordable place to stay in each city.
Make Memories in the Lone Star State with This Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary
Whether you’re a history buff who wants to learn all about the Texas Revolution at The Alamo, a foodie who wants to explore the city’s culinary scene, or a thrill seeker who wants to uncover all the fun at the theme parks and day trips in and around San Antonio — you’re bound to have an unforgettable time while following my recommendations in this weekend in San Antonio itinerary.
I hope you fall in love this city as much as I have — have a ton of fun!
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