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San Antonio, The Alamo

One Day In San Antonio, Texas; 6 Must-Do Things

Briscoe Museum, San Antonio Texas

November 26, 2018 //  by Five Family Adventurers//  43 Comments

  253    

We always travel with our kids. However, when my husband was invited to speak at a conference in San Antonio Texas, we figured this may be a great weekend away just the two of us. Lucky for us, his parents live in Dallas. So we flew from Baltimore to Dallas, dropped the kids for an awesome, fun-filled weekend with the grandparents, and took the next flight to San Antonio, Texas.

We didn’t arrive into San Antonio until evening. The sun had already set, and we headed straight to the Hilton Palacio Del Rio for check-in. Despite some issues with our room, we eventually settled in. The hotel has an interesting history as it is the only modular built hotel. Other than that, it is a rather non-descript, average hotel.  The Hilton Palacio Del Rio is a convenient walk to the convention center and right on the Riverwalk.


Craving some good Tex-Mex, we headed to Paloma Blanca, a restaurant a bit outside of the city that was recommended by a friend. We can’t get good Tex–Mex where we live, so when in Texas, we try to search out some good stuff. Paloma’s is a large, with seating both inside and outside. It’s about a 15-minute Uber ride from the downtown. The food was good; serving a variety of enchiladas, fajitas, flautas, and some house specialties. What really stood out were the salsas. They were spicy, tangy and fresh. I gorged myself on their homemade chips and salsas while rinsing it down with some margaritas.

River Walk

After a good night sleep and still full from dinner, I grabbed a coffee and headed straight out the hotel to the river walk. The River Walk is located right below street level of downtown San Antonio. I was happy to get there early and beat the onslaught of crowds. I found it to be a nice alternative to taking a walk on the city streets. It’s not a place where I would sit and eat in one of the many restaurants that line the river, as they cater to the tourist trade. There’s a section that runs through downtown that has a multitude of convenience/t-shirt shops. But overall, hit the pavement early in the morning, and you’ll have a chance for a charming walk along the river.

Riverwalk, san Antonio texas

When I was out, most of them were not yet open, so I enjoyed watching the runners, the early morning walkers, the ducks and birds and drinking my coffee. It was cool and shaded by trees and buildings. It is a total of 15 miles in length, with only a couple of those miles in the downtown area. It is was a nice walk while I enjoyed my morning coffee and worked off some of the chips and salsa from the night before. My walk was a mile or two, but I enjoyed the watching the ducks and the people. You can also use the  Riverwalk as an alternative way to get to the many attractions in San Antonio instead of the busy streets of the downtown. It’s prettier and more peaceful.

San Antonio, riverwalk

River Barge

Along the River Walk, in the downtown San Antonio area, there are river barges giving tours of the river area sites. I was a bit skeptical;  it seemed like an overly touristy thing to do, with canned commentary. However, the guide used humor and wit, discussing history and points of interest on the tour, and engaging us all. He even told us to come back as it was Saturday and chances of us seeing one of the many weddings that happen on a small island called Marriage Island would be high and he would be happy to take us. The tour is 30 minutes in total which is a perfect length for kids.

River trips, San Antonio Texas

Briscoe Museum 

After surprisingly enjoying the river barge tour, I walked down the Riverwalk and over to The Briscoe museum. I have to be honest, before the barge tour, I didn’t know what the Briscoe was. Upon entering, paying my $10.00USD entrance fee, I was instructed to start the tour on the third floor. That was different: usually, museums start their exhibits on the first floor and make your way up. Makes sense though;  starting on the third, you work your way down, eventually to the first-floor exit.

Briscoe Museum, San Antonio, Texas

I was immediately drawn into the museum’s total dedication to the American West experience. The museum featured exhibits of ornate Western-style saddles, including one that once belonged to Pancho Villa, the famous Mexican fighter. The saddles were encrusted with silver, had designs all over, and must have weighed a ton. I could only imagine the poor horse that had to carry this on its back.

The ornateness didn’t stop there. The spurs used for the horses were silver with detailed designs and spikes that formed a circle that spun with the movement of the rider’s boot. Once again, my mind went straight to the horses that had to bear the kick from the rider wearing the spur. Among the other artifacts were stagecoaches, covered wagons, pottery, and swords.

San Antonio Briscoe

On the second floor, one room taught me about the chuck wagon, the forerunner of our modern-day food trucks. The cowboys would actually rate the chuckwagons and the quality of the food. I was fortunate enough to be there during an exhibit that highlighted women and the Western experience. It spoke to me knowing that their lives were not easy. Many of them raised their families, tended to the farm and animals, and fought right along with the men, yet not get their fair recognition. I was happy to see the education on how tough their life was; these women did it and made it work.

My visit took about an hour, and worth it as it is uniquely dedicated to the American West. It’s not a museum you will find in many places.

Lunch At The Esquire

My husband finished his conference and met me on the Riverwalk so we could enjoy lunch together. We opted to visit one of the oldest bars in San Antonio, The Esquire. The Esquire was opened right after alcohol prohibition in America ended in 1933. We entered from the street and right away noticed the long wooden bar on our left-hand side. We soon came to find out that it is the longest wooden bar in all of Texas. Things are always bigger in Texas. We headed back to the host stand and were fortunate enough to grab one of the few (maybe 4) tables out on the back deck. The deck overlooks the Riverwalk and is shaded nicely by the many trees and buildings.

Since it was a bar with a bar menu, burgers, sandwiches, few salads, some entrees like Frito pie which I understand is a Texas thing. We chose to go with the standard bar food, burgers and ordered some of the local San Antonio craft beers. It’s not destination dining but hit the spot.  Eating in a bar that’s been around for almost a century doesn’t happen often.

The Alamo

After lunch, we headed to the Alamo for a visit. It was an easy 10-minute walk from the Esquire. I had always imagined The Alamo being located out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dry, flat, dirt land with few shrubs, and tumbleweeds rolling by. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Alamo was right in the middle of the city of San Antonio, surrounded by busy streets and souvenir shops. A bit of a letdown from what I had imagined being, but I was still excited to see The Alamo, as it was such an important part of American history.

San Antonio Alamo

We did have to wait in a line that took about 40 minutes, but once in, the first visit was the missionary church of the Alamo. The church was empty, just some details explaining the different areas, nothing more. Blank, stone, walls, and a small interior. It was a short visit, maybe 10 minutes top. The Alamo is definitely a must-see USA, bucket list, but check out these other bucket list, must-see places in the USA.

Once outside, we then headed to a couple of different areas. First, we walked past the living history encampment where actors are dressed in time period costumes, recreating scenes from the time of the battle. We caught a quick glimpse, but it seemed they were on a “break” from battle as they were all just sitting around.

The Alamo, san antonio, texas

After we headed towards the Long Barrack Hall. The Long Barrack Hall is a museum dedicated to The Alamo and the Texian- Mexican Battle. I was impressed with all of the artifacts and information inside the area. It is a narrow building so it did get a bit crowded in some areas, but nothing to impossible to work with. I spent a while reading about the long history and politics that went far beyond The Alamo itself.  The exhibit is highly descriptive and interesting and helped me understand just how complicated the entire Texian-Mexican battle was.

The Pearl

On the recommendation of a friend, we chose to spend our evening at The Pearl. The Pearl is a mixed-use space built in the former historic pearl brewery. It is a sprawling complex of residences, restaurants, retail, events, hotel, an amphitheater, and is a third campus to The American Culinary Institute. When we arrived, there were families hanging out in a common area, enjoying the evening hours with picnics, couples walking and having drinks, and friends out for the night. Right away we thought of how much fun it would be to have the kid there with us.

The Pearl, San Antonio

We strolled around taking in the area, checking out the shops, various restaurants, until we finally settled for a glass of wine at High Street Wine and Co. A cozy wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating, serving select wines with a small assortment of cheese and charcuterie to accompany the wines.

We then headed over to Cured for our dinner. The restaurant cures its meats in their own “cave” as well as pickling their vegetables in house. They source their meats, produce, cheese, and most beer locally. We decided to split 6 of the charcuteries options along with some of the cheese offerings. The 12 month cured culatello ham melted in our mouths, and pork rillettes mixed with apple and jalapeños ( the jalapeños must be a Texas thing), had the perfect combination of salt, sweet and spice spread on homemade flat, toasted bread. The local cheeses were aged perfectly and we enjoyed one crumbly cheese and one hard cheese.

The Pearl San Antonio

It is a family-friendly restaurant. Vegetarians be warned, the selections will be few.

Cured, San Antonio

It was a great way to wind down a full day in San Antonio before heading back through Dallas to grab the kids before heading home.

Texas is full of exciting cities large and small and full of history with great art scenes, If you want to check out a smaller Texas town, head over to Buda Texas, located in the Hill Country, to check out what small towns of Texas have to offer.

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Category: Favorite Posts, North America, Texas, Uncategorized, USATag: Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas, USA

About Five Family Adventurers

I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristin

    November 29, 2018 at 7:56 am

    San Antonio is on our list of places to visit. Sounds like there are lots of interesting things to see and do! Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  2. Missy Debnar

    November 29, 2018 at 9:03 am

    These ideas are great for San Antonio. We have not been there yet. Now was have a list of activities to do when we visit.

    Reply
  3. jen

    November 29, 2018 at 11:35 am

    I loved this post! And now San Antonio is on my list!
    https://www.thisfamilyblog.com

    Reply
  4. Pam

    November 29, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    We spent Thanksgiving weekend in San Antonio years ago and it was a wonderful trip. We loved the River Walk and just the whole area.

    Reply
  5. Phyllis

    November 29, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    Love my town! Loved your post!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      November 29, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      I loved it too. So much fun and energetic

      Reply
  6. Shirley

    November 29, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    This looks so fun! I never got to visit San Antonio during my short time of living in Dallas many moons ago. Maybe one day I can get back there.

    Reply
  7. Janine

    November 30, 2018 at 1:38 am

    I love San Antonio! The Riverwalk, the Alamo (which was much smaller than I thought it would be), the Blue Bell ice cream….

    Reply
  8. Dani

    November 30, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    You had me at river walk. I love cities located along a river! Looks like a fantastic place to explore.

    Reply
  9. Flor

    November 30, 2018 at 11:42 pm

    I love San Antonio, I’ve been there a couple of times, but I haven’t heard of Cured. I’ll definitely plan a new visit just to go there and try their meat!

    Reply
  10. Sheila

    December 1, 2018 at 12:36 am

    San Antonio is on our list of places to visit. You’ve laid out a great plan I’ll be sure to check out when we do get there. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Lanell

    December 1, 2018 at 9:04 am

    Great blog and pictures. I live near SA and never heard of Briscoe Museum. I will be there for xmas to check it.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 1, 2018 at 10:43 am

      Check out the Briscoe. It is fun view into the Western experience.

      Reply
  12. Diana

    December 1, 2018 at 9:47 am

    This came at the perfect time as I expect to be visiting San Antonio in the new year. A lot of great things to do and see.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 1, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Have a great time. Hope you have good weather.

      Reply
  13. Anna | theRunaway

    December 1, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    I’ve never been to San Antonio, but it seems like a lovely place to visit. I love walking along rivers in cities.

    Reply
  14. Bilal

    December 1, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Thanks for breaking it down with a list of things to do! The cured restaurant will definitely be a spot we hit. Its so cool that they cure themeats in their own cave as well as pick their vegetables in house

    Reply
  15. Dominique

    December 2, 2018 at 12:02 am

    The San Antonio Riverwalk is definitely on my bucketlist. Great post!

    Reply
  16. Ryan Kretch

    December 3, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    Big fan of the River Walk and Alamo! Didn’t get enough time there though, so will check out these tips next time I go 🙂

    Reply
  17. Keshia Richmond

    December 22, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    I’ve been to San Antonio and this is a pretty good roundup in downtown San Antonio. The missions are also a good place to visit.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 23, 2018 at 8:58 am

      I really wanted to go to the missions, but we ran out of time for them. Next visit!

      Reply
  18. Brittany

    December 23, 2018 at 1:24 am

    I actually really want to visit San Antonio, TX one day! Thanks for the post on ideas

    Reply
  19. Georgina Nderitu

    December 23, 2018 at 6:39 am

    San Antonio sounds like an excellent place to visit… now, it’s definitely on my to-do list.. thanks for the tips

    Reply
  20. Dani Flanders

    December 23, 2018 at 7:04 am

    I lived in Dallas for 9 years as a little kid, but I don’t remember ever going to San Antonio (or at least not this part of San Antonio … we may have visited my Uncle who lives there a time or two). I’d love to go back – I think I would especially love a morning stroll on the River Walk like you suggested. And seeing all of the history!!

    Reply
  21. Sandra

    December 23, 2018 at 10:59 am

    Awesome destination!! I’ve never been toTexas but I have always been curious of what it’s like to visit it. Finally have a grasp of what places to check out! Thanks for this!

    Reply
  22. Flyingkids

    December 23, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    San Antonio sounds so promising 🙂 It’d be great to visit this with your family 🙂 Merry Christmas 🙂

    Reply
  23. Bismah-Bonnie

    December 24, 2018 at 7:50 am

    San Antonio looks like a great place to visit. I would really enjoy sitting near the river barge with a hot cup of coffee taking in the beautiful scenery.

    Reply
  24. Heather Barber McMechan

    December 24, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Museums are one of our go-to attractions when we travel. San Antonio must be beautiful this time of the year.

    Reply
  25. Sri ramani

    December 24, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    one of my friends live in San Antonio, she told me about the musuem once.Now after seeing your post,I want to visit it soon!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 25, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      It is unique to the western experience

      Reply
  26. Angela

    December 24, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    I have family in San Antonio. I can’t wait to see some of these places!

    Reply
  27. Echo

    December 25, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    I absolutely loved reading this. I only do short trips, so this was super helpful!

    Reply
  28. Rosey

    December 25, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    Well, I am happy to have come across this because we are thinking of taking a trip to Texas this summer. We haven’t decide the city yet though.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 25, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      Austin and San Antonio are awesome.

      Reply
  29. David Elliott

    December 25, 2018 at 11:38 pm

    I have heard about all the great places out there in San Antonio. I would really love to finally make it there someday. I was supposed to when I was a child, but we weren’t quite able to make it.

    Reply
  30. lexi

    December 26, 2018 at 12:22 am

    i would love to visit san antonio! texas is a great place to visit! lots of culture and great food!

    Reply
  31. Binge on Basics

    December 27, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    I have never been to San Antonio yet but now I have a list of things that I can do while I am there. Definitely going to the Pearl when I visit this place

    Reply
  32. ohmummymia

    December 27, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    If I would be able to visit Texas I would definitely do all those 6 things in San Antonio:)

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      December 27, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      Hopefully you can get there

      Reply
  33. Julie Gazdecki

    January 3, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    Pinning this for reference! San Antonio is such a beautiful place. I love all the stone.

    Reply
  34. Meet Saxena

    April 5, 2019 at 5:13 am

    I have heard from some of my friends who have visited San Antonio that it is a best place to visit if planning to visit Texas. I guess this guide will be very helpful on my visit to San Antonio.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      April 5, 2019 at 7:20 am

      I hope you get there soon. It’s a fun city with plenty to do and see

      Reply

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I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives. Read More…



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