A Weekend in San Antonio

Where Fun & Heritage Collide

Words & Photos Ashley Bowling

A visit to San Antonio is sure to be met with playfulness and indulgence as this historic city unveils the wonder of its destination and a plethora of activities. Whether this getaway is a first-time experience or a trip that marks one of many, visitors of any caliber are in for some new surprises as this city just keeps getting better and better.

Day One
Nestled in the heart of San Antonio’s famous River Walk, where green parks and ancient waterways thrive under a canopy of market lights, lies San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. Just beyond the doors of this newly-renovated hotel are promises of an unforgettable family vacation filled with a vibrant art scene, rich history, mouthwatering food, and captivating adventures.

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk is an ideal home-away-from-home for a family vacation with 82 spacious suites that easily sleep up to six people in plush queen beds next to modern amenities. Every detail has been meticulously designed to enhance the guest experience and at a fraction of the cost one would expect. The hotel provides a seamless blend of convenience and elegance, ensuring that each stay is nothing short of extraordinary—starting with their onsite restaurant, Tributary. From a stellar breakfast buffet to a carefully curated and locally sourced dinner menu to the exceptional bar program, every detail is crafted to elevate the guest experience, whether it be tailoring a menu item to dietary needs to making something extra special for the pickiest of eaters.  

After enjoying an unforgettable meal, step outside the hotel into the mesmerizing world of the River Walk. Meandering along the banks of the San Antonio River, this vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare is a treasure trove of entertainment, casual and fine dining, as well as cultural experiences, a charming atmosphere, and stunning historical architecture that lines the waterfront. Guests can troll, instead of stroll, the River Walk by hopping on a riverboat ride just steps from the hotel, where expert tour guides give a lay of the land. Soaking up this wealth of knowledge on the first day will provide guests with bucket list experiences for the weekend that will spill into future visits to this colorful city.

Day Two
After a night in one of the coziest beds, rise rested, and ready for a day of delight. San Antonio boasts numerous attractions that cater to families of all ages, including San Antonio Botanical Garden. Enchanting young and old alike, visitors encounter whimsical growing giants through their Imaginary Worlds sculptures. Before leaving the sprawling gardens, enjoy lunch at Jardín, a Mediterranean restaurant that will satisfy any foodie with their flavorful cuisine while also lending itself to plenty of Instagrammable moments from their colorful plates to their charming atmosphere. 

For an educational adventure, Witte Museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that inspire the curiosity of children and adults. Those who are fascinated by Jurassic worlds should plan to visit the Witte by September to experience their interactive Antarctic Dinosaurs and Tyrannosaurs Meet the Family exhibits.

End the evening at El Mercado, a lively outdoor plaza which celebrates San Antonio’s cultural history and is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. While filling shopping bags with souvenirs from market vendors, also fill hungry bellies with traditional Tex-Mex at Mi Tierra Cafe. For 80 years, this establishment has been pleasing the public with authentic fare, table side Mariachi, and homemade pan dulce from their bakery.  

Day Three
A trip to San Antonio is not complete without a visit to the Alamo, where guests can immerse themselves in the rich history and heroic tales that define Texas. This historical site has undergone large changes to their grounds and, as of March 2023, has opened a new exhibit hall full of relics and archived stories. With this new exhibit and more in the works, grade-schoolers, long-time Texans, those new to the Texan title, and history-buffs alike will relish in a tour from one of Alamo’s experienced curators.

Next, bring the little ones along and watch as their eyes light up with wonder and excitement at Hopscotch. The thought-provoking art experience has created an esthetically pleasing environment where kids can explore and let their imaginations run wild. Meanwhile, adults can sip celestial libations from the bar as guests are invited to immerse themselves in colorful installations that encourage play and integrate virtual reality experiences, while they’re transported to otherworldly realms. This exhibit is a sensory playground that sparks joy and curiosity—no matter the age. End the night captivated by a breathtaking performance at Majestic Theatre, a beautifully restored venue that hosts a wide array of family-friendly shows.

It’s no wonder that San Antonio has earned a title that one of only two cities in the U.S. hold:  UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. 

From its German and Mexican food heritage to its cultural and arts hub, from its historical River Walk downtown to its newly revitalized arts district, The Pearl, this city is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. It proudly displays authenticity, encompasses a sense of cleanliness and safety that many big cities lack, has downtown water views, and embraces family activities galore. A getaway to San Antonio promises an extraordinary experience with unforgettable memories.