A visit to San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without at least a stroll on the city’s famous River Walk, a developed stretch of the San Antonio River full of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and endless entertainment. In fact, there’s so much to do along the River Walk that you could spend an entire trip just exploring this Alamo City treasure. Whether you’re planning an in-town staycation or a weekend getaway from another part of Texas, here are a few ideas of how to spend a weekend at San Antonio’s famed River Walk.
Book a Room at San Antonio’s Coolest Boutique Hotel
From the posh Saint Cecilia in Austin’s trendy SoCo district to the eccentric, nomadic El Cosmico campground out in Marfa, Austin hotelier, Bunkhouse Group, is known for its unique collection of boutique hotels that wow guests. And their San Antonio property, Hotel Havana, doesn’t disappoint. Located right on the river, the Hotel Havana is a quiet retreat from the more touristy, older section of the River Walk just a half a mile to the south. Check into one of the hotel’s 27 beautiful (yet surprisingly affordable) rooms, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another time and place. Some of the carefully chosen touches include colorful serape robes, retro refrigerators jammed full of carefully selected refreshments, and luxurious Red Flower bath products. A night or two at this peaceful haven will leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated.
Start Your Morning Right at Local Coffee
Local Coffee is, well, arguably San Antonio’s best local coffee joint. While there are six Local Coffee locations throughout the Alamo City, the southernmost location at the Pearl Brewery development is most convenient to the River Walk. The historic Pearl Brewery complex, filled with shops and dining, is just a pleasant mile-and-a-half stroll from Hotel Havana. If you want relief from the overly touristy areas farther south, this is the place to come. Local Coffee brews coffee from its sister company, Merit Roasting Company, which is located just a few miles down the road in Southtown. Local Coffee has curated the best cup of coffee in San Antonio by painstakingly overseeing the entire coffee-making process – from purchasing the raw beans from farmers around the world to hand-pouring every last drop of coffee.
Take a Spin on a BCycle
San Antonio BCycle is a bike sharing program that makes getting around the city on two wheels cheap and easy. A 24-hour day pass costs just $12 and gives you the ability to check out a bike for an hour at a time from one of the dozens of BCycle stations scattered around the city (there’s even one on the Hotel Havana property). To avoid additional riding fees, you simply re-dock and un-dock your bike at any station in San Antonio, and the 60-minute timer starts over. BCycle is a great way to easily explore the 15-miles of sidewalks and paths along the River Walk.
Explore San Antonio’s Historic Missions
Almost everyone has heard of the Alamo, the site of an important battle in Texas’ quest for independence from Mexico, but did you know San Antonio is home to four other historic missions? All five missions, which are maintained by the National Park Service, are located along a ten-mile stretch of the River Walk known as the Mission Trail. While you can quickly drive between these historical sites, if you’re feeling more adventurous you can complete the Mission Trail by bike. Starting at the Alamo, check out a BCycle from one of the nearby stations, then wind your way along the river, stopping at Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and finishing at Mission Espada. Round trip, the Mission Trail is about a 20-mile ride, so if you like a challenge, you won’t be disappointed. On the return trip, we recommend stopping for refreshments at Halcyon or Blue Star Brewing in the King William neighborhood.
Sip the City’s Best Margarita While Enjoying Some Supper
San Antonio is known for having some of the best margaritas in Texas, but if you want to try THE BEST, head over to Supper at the Hotel Emma. According to a waitress, the La Babia Margarita is the hotel owner’s own recipe, and the tequila, Naranja, and lime concoction couldn’t be more refreshing after a day spent exploring the city. Of course, since Supper dishes up some of San Antonio’s best food, you must stay for more than just drinks. Crowd pleasers include the Salt & Vinegar Brussels Sprouts, the Warm Roasted Mushroom Salad, the Kabocha Pumpkin Soup, and the Grilled Beef Bavette. After your meal, retire to the hotel bar, the Sternewirth, for a post-dinner cocktail.
These recommendations are just a few of the many things you could do during your visit to the River Walk. You may also want to check out the San Antonio Museum of Art, take in a performance at the Tobin Center, hop aboard a river cruise, or dine at one of the many Tex-Mex joints along the river. From our San Antonio moving team, we hope you enjoy your time in San Antonio!