Finding Old World Charm in Modern San Antonio

Guides

Photograph by f11photo/Getty Photos

Few American cities mix Outdated World allure with trendy consolation fairly like San Antonio. With a various heritage that features Mexican, Tejano, German, and Irish influences, the southern oasis embraces its historical past whereas persevering with to develop—and the month of May may be the proper time to go to earlier than the town’s notoriously scorching summer time temps set in.

With sights round each bend, the famed River Stroll is the perfect place to begin your journey. The 15-mile promenade gives every little thing from stylish retailers and eating places to 5 Spanish missions untouched by time, together with the legendary Alamo, which is a block away. Or, for a special perspective, hop aboard a river-barge boat tour by Go Rio Cruises and coast by iconic landmarks comparable to Selena’s Bridge.

Seeking to dive even deeper into Texas historical past and tradition? Try the close by Witte Museum’s Heritage Middle, the place you may peruse tons of of artifacts from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. For a extra avant-garde visible expertise, take a spin by way of Hopscotch, an immersive artwork gallery that includes a rotating assortment of enlightening installations, such because the colourful “Partitions Inside” exhibition—a vibrant show of murals dropped at life by the San Antonio Avenue Artwork Initiative—and a glowing ball pit.

In fact, you’re actually right here to benefit from the area’s many pure wonders—together with Pure Bridge Caverns, the place you may descend 180 ft beneath the floor to witness awe-inspiring geological formations on the Discovery Tour. The Hidden Passages Tour gives additional immersion, venturing into one other a part of the underground labyrinth. For a extra enjoyable stroll, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard contains 38 acres of picturesque trails and gardens contemporary off a $40 million renovation.

Naturally, dinner in Texas is all in regards to the steak. These feeling extremely daring (and hungry) can saddle up on the Tejas Steakhouse & Saloon, the one place within the space the place you may get pleasure from a stay rodeo together with your rib-eye. If craft cocktails are extra your velocity, the bar scene in San Antonio is bursting with choices—together with Pastiche, a European cocktail bar set inside a Thirties cottage. Within the temper for a extra rollicking time? Let your hair down and throw your palms up at Luna—half speakeasy, half nightclub, and 100% San Antonio.

Photograph by Greg Ceo

Getting There

Hop on JetBlue’s newly launched nonstop flight from Logan to San Antonio Worldwide Airport, with fares beginning round $134 this month.

Staying There

The swanky but refined Thompson San Antonio, which opened final 12 months on the town’s River Stroll, options 162 visitor rooms and a 5,000-square-foot full-service spa. The property additionally gives three eating spots, together with a rooftop bar with dazzling views of the town skyline.