By Amanda Mactas

Things might get weird down in Austin, but San Antonio is the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet cultural escape. As one of the oldest cities in Texas, San Antonio is rife with history and is worth exploring should you be looking for a getaway where you can not only dine like a king (or queen) but also absorb some fascinating nuances of US history. It’s not as big or as bustling as some of its big city brethren like Houston or Dallas, but San Antonio has a charm all of its own, and that’s exactly why it’s one of the most popular cities to visit in the entire country. Indeed, it’s San Antonio’s lively, yet laid-back atmosphere that resonates so strongly with travelers.

Stay

Located right on the riverwalk, The Westin Riverwalk is ideally situated for travelers to stroll along the river and easily get from place to place when staying in town. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, and the rooms here prove it. Equipped with ample space, a private balcony or terrace that provides lovely views, and outfitted in Spanish colonial decor, The Westin sets the precedence for your stay in San Antonio. Plus, the grand hotel has an outdoor heated pool, a 24-hour fitness studio, and even pet-friendly rooms should you be traveling with a furry friend.

Explore

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the area is by hopping on a Go Rio river cruise. With many docking spots throughout the riverwalk, it’s easy to score a ride on one of the company’s electric riverboats. You can even BYOB aboard! On this short, 30-minute tour, your guide will point out city landmarks and explain some of the colorful history of the city along the way.

Hailed as the heart of Texas, The Alamo is of course one of the big draws of visiting San Antonio. And while it’s certainly worth a visit, especially for a history buff, I highly recommend the often overlooked other Missions for an even more all-encompassing dose of history, culture, and architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the five San Antonio Missions date back over 300 years during the times of the Spanish colonial period. The remnants of these churches and community hubs today are worth a visit – in fact, many tourists opt to view them along the hike & bike trail, which connects all the missions along an easy trail path. The visitors center is a great place to start so you can learn all about the history of the missions before you embark on your journey.

A short drive from the city center lies a Japanese Tea Garden built over 100 years ago. A truly beautiful and majestic sight, this garden – which features koi ponds, stone bridges and walkways, a waterfall, and a spot to score refreshments or sit down for a meal – is the consummate place to escape to should you be looking for some downtime.

Shop

Located right on the riverwalk, La Villita, which once stood as San Antonio’s first neighborhood, now houses a unique local art community, where visitors can peruse artwork, jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more. Make sure to stop inside Villa Tesoros, Bird & Pear, and the River Art Gallery. Plus, don’t forget to wander to the Pearl District on your excursions. Not only does this area have delicious restaurants, but it’s also home to The Twig, a renowned bookshop that’s over 50 years old.

Wine + Dine

As previously mentioned, the Pearl District has many wonderful places to mosey around. Among them is Bakery Lorraine, one of the top bakeries in the country. It’s an idyllic spot to venture for breakfast, with its array of quiches, sandwiches, and soups, but as a bakery, it has a countless array of goodies, including macarons, French pastries, and tarts. In the same vein, a visit to La Panaderia is a must. With many locations throughout the city, it’s best to come before you’re hungry as there’s typically a wait to get in. The restaurant and bakery specializes in handmade bread and pan dulce, but has a whole array of breakfast items to make your mouth water.

Back at the hotel, dinner at Zocca makes for a quintessential San Antonio evening. Situated right along the riverwalk, patrons can watch the sunset as visitors stroll by, while enjoying Italian fare with a Texan twist in an approachable, yet elevated ambiance. Nearby, Little Rhein Prost Haus is a great place to post up for happy hour and a lively atmosphere. Lastly, don’t miss out on Tito’s Mexican Restaurant for some authentic eats. This local hotspot is a casual watering hole and eatery that serves some of the best Tex-Mex in town.