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Visit San Antonio THE OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE

Vibrant San Antonio! EXPLORE, DINE,

STAY & PLAY!

Plus FAMILY FUN: PLAY ALL DAY WHERE TO EAT IN THIS FOODIE CITY EXPERIENCE THE LIVELY ARTS & CULTURE SCENE

VisitSanAntonio.com Where Nature, Science and Culture Meet

3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 210.357.1910 | WitteMuseum.org VISIT SAN ANTONIO Contents Is the official publication of Visit San Antonio VISITSANANTONIO.COM 02 WHAT’S NEW 800-447-3372

President & Ceo Casandra Matej 06 FAMILY FUN Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Tourism Andres Munoz

Marketing Manager 14 OUTDOORS Alyssa Bailey-Smith

Marketing Manager Stacey Carroll 16 SPORTS

17 MAPS From the publishers of

28 THIS IS SAN ANTONIO Senior Project Manager, Where Nature, Science Content Development Science Nature, Where Kathy McFarland Design 30 HISTORY AND CULTURE Emily Critz Meet Culture and Vice President, Business Development David Dunham 38 PERFORMING ARTS Writers Kate Hull Heidenreich, Anne Heinen, Karen O’Donnell Krajcer, Jennifer Simonson, Kendall Talbot 40 FOOD

Copy Editor Anne Heinen

Production Director 51 NIGHTLIFE Aaron Chamberlain

Production Coordinator Vanessa Ramirez 54 URBAN TRAVELER Editorial Assistants Carson Buffett, Kelsey Smith

SALES & STUDIO ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 60 EVENTS & FESTIVALS Marina Garcia

64 GETTING AROUND

ON THE COVER: San Pedro Creek Culture Park 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX TX Antonio, San Broadway, 3801 210.357.1910 | WitteMuseum.org | 210.357.1910 VisitSanAntonio.Com 1 WHAT’S NEW

What's New in San Antonio

San Antonio invites you to discover the city’s newest offerings.

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK

2 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide SAN ANTONIO ZOO MORGAN’S WONDERLAND

FAMILY FUN people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Two new rides bring waves of excitement traditional summer camp activities—such to SeaWorld & Aquatica San Antonio. as swimming, horseback riding, archery, Reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour, and hiking—in an ultra-accessible™ SeaWorld’s Texas Stingray is the tallest, environment. Similarly, Morgan’s fastest and longest wooden rollercoaster Wonderland Sports, a 3-acre ultra- in Texas. At Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water accessible sports complex, offers adaptive park, Tonga Twister’s body slides send and Paralympic-style sports programs, such riders on 415 feet of twists, turns and drops as basketball, softball, football, soccer and through AquaLucent™ tubes that create an tennis as well as playing fields with LED electrifying light show. lighting for the visually impaired. Experience weightlessness on a thrilling Twisted Trails Adventure Course, the new ride from Six Flags Fiesta Texas! world’s largest outdoor skytrail, is now The Joker: Carnival of Chaos is a swinging open at Natural Bridge Caverns. Four pendulum ride that reaches top speeds of 75 different levels feature activities and miles per hour. At 172 feet, it is the tallest obstacles and there are straight and curved ride of its kind. The new ride whips back Sky Rails. Twisted Trails Tykes is available and forth, offering riders staggering views for smaller explorers. of the world below. Enjoy an outback adventure with an all- SEALIFE Aquarium features a tropical new interactive experience at San Antonio ocean tank with a walk-through underwater Zoo, Kangaroo Krossing. Get up close and tunnel, hands-on interactions with anemone, learn about red kangaroos while feeding sea stars and sea urchins, and other them a tasty snack. opportunities to view more than 250 different species of marine and freshwater creatures. ARTS & CULTURE Morgan’s Wonderland continues its The Alamo is undergoing a multi-year, mission of inclusion with two new additions. multi-phase restoration and enhancement Morgan’s Wonderland Camp invites process. While the Cradle of Texas Liberty is

VisitSanAntonio.Com 3 What’sWHAT’S NEW New

being preserved for future generations, the areas, and native plantings to enhance the Alamo will remain open and is always free to beauty of Texas’s first modern art museum. visitors. For more on this project, see page 25. The San Antonio Botanical Garden’s new Inspired by a dream of founder Linda Pace, Education and Event Center provides the Ruby City is a contemporary arts center that perfect perch for gazing out at the recently houses more than 900 paintings, sculptures, opened Grand Lawn, the lush centerpiece of installations, and video works by contemporary this 38-acre urban oasis. artists from around the world, including more Just west of downtown, the San Pedro than forty pieces from Pace’s personal art Creek Culture Park exemplifies beauty collection. Designed by preeminent architect with purpose. The historic creek, where the Sir David Adjaye, Ruby City shares an arts native Payapa people lived for thousands of campus with picturesque Chris Park and years prior to the Spanish settlements, is Studio and is free and open to the public. transformed into a two-mile, linear park that The River Walk Public Art Garden engages both body and mind. Public art by showcases permanent and rotating local and international artists, thoughtful installations steps above the iconic San architectural design, local craft and historic Antonio River, including original mosaic preservation all enhance native landscaping murals created for the 1968 World’s Fair and ecosystem restoration. In addition to and the Antorcha de Amistad (Torch of temporary installations, performance art Friendship) sculpture. and special events, visitors enjoy tile murals, The McNay Art Museum blooms with ceramic artwork, and poetry and historic an exciting grounds transformation.Updates text etched into limestone—all reflecting the include scenic walkways, meditative seating cultural history of San Antonio.

RIVER WALK PUBLIC ART GARDEN SEAWORLD’S TEXAS STING RAY

4 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide

FAMILY FUN

San Antonio, Family-Style

Kid-friendly San Antonio hits the spot for everyone in the family, no matter the season.

THE WITTE MUSEUM

6 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide It’s true—San Antonio’s history, cuisine, and culture are stellar. But the Alamo City is also one of the family-friendliest destinations in the U.S. Thrilling theme parks, outdoor excursions, multitudes of museums, and animal encounters are just some of the attractions that beckon every age, ability, and taste, every day.

Adrenaline rules at Six Flags Fiesta JOKER CARNIVAL OF CHAOS Texas with dozens of rides, shows, a water park, and activities for everyone, from tots to thrillseekers. Walk on the wild side and maybe land a kiss from a giraffe at San An- The Ride of Your Life! tonio Zoo or at Natural Bridge Wildlife Six Flags Fiesta Texas, open year-round, Ranch. Jaw-dropping, giant underground is always upping the ante with exciting new caves at Natural Bridge Caverns show off rides and shows. The new Joker Carnival Mother Nature’s artistic best. Rides at Sea- of Chaos pendulum ride stands at a record- World & Aquatica San Antonio range breaking seventeen stories and reaches from floaty rafts to hypercoasters, while screeching speeds of up to 75 miles per kids of all ages connect with the park’s sea hour. White Water Bay water park turns lions and underwater creatures. Weave in cooling off into a good time with a lazy river, the favorite building blocks of all time and a wave pool, and more. see even more sealife at LEGOLAND Dis- In Texas, where everything is said to covery Center and SEALIFE Aquarium. be bigger, SeaWorld San Antonio has When it comes to special events, the party unveiled the Texas Stingray, the tallest, never ends in San Antonio. In addition to fastest, and longest wooden roller coaster filling the calendar with live music, sporting in the state. Promising speeds of up to 55 events, and festivals, the city goes all out for miles per hour, the rattling track joins the its pride and joy, the flower-filled Fiesta San park’s four other roller coasters as well as Antonio. This unique, eleven-day celebra- rides at all points on the thrill meter, from tion in April features parades on both land splashy Rio Loco rafts to Sea Swinger, a and river, coronations, dances, and more. screamingly exciting pendulum swing. At San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is SeaWorld’s water park Aquatica San one of the largest indoor rodeos in the world, Antonio, check out Tonga Twister, a with plenty of roping, riding, and big-name new water ride featuring two body slides, entertainment. With so much family fun, the each with distinct twists and runs and biggest challenge will be deciding what to do! luminescent tubes that create special-effect

VisitSanAntonio.Com 7 FAMILY FUN

THEDOSEUM

lighting patterns for an electrifying light Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s show. And don’t miss Turtle Reef, a first-of- first ultra-accessible playground and theme its-kind biofiltration habitat where guests park, opened Morgan’s Wonderland Camp can get an up-close look at endangered and Morgan’s Wonderland Sports this year. and rescued sea turtles and multi-colored Year-round summer-camp style experiences fish, while learning more about the human for those with and without special needs are impact on the oceans. ultra-accessible in every way, with on-site cabins, a multi-platform zipline, an arts and ACTION & ADVENTURE crafts center, and more. Power up childrens’ minds through play At Natural Bridge Caverns ziplines at The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum and a mysterious Hidden Passages Tour for kids. The Big Outdoors area is home to add pizzazz to this already-spectacular cave waterworks, a giant checkers board, and a encounter. Intrepid visitors crawl and slide super tall slide. Head inside for tinkering through the earth on Adventure Tours— at the Innovation Station and make-believe spelunking excursions into the deepest play in child-scaled Little Town. accessible recesses. Or stay above ground The new LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a LEGO-centric playland, hits its LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER minifig stride with Creative Workshops led by LEGO building experts, as well as little-one fun at the Duplo Farm. Special seasonal events like the Holiday Bricktacular add spice to year-round LEGO- lover activities that include a LEGO 4-D cinema and the enchanting Miniland of San Antonio landmarks. SEALIFE AQUARIUM

8 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Good Eats You’ll delight your taste buds and have a ball at these family locales.

Chili’s Grill & Bar Baby back ribs, steaks and “fresh mex” in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Dave & Buster’s at The Shops at Rivercenter NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS Grab a bite, play a game, and watch sports—all under one roof.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana and experience AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a Authentic Italian pizza and attention 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze. And don’t miss to detail are hallmarks here. the new Twisted Trails Adventure Course, the The Guenther House world’s largest outdoor sky trail! Stroll the grounds, visit the museum, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has and enjoy breakfast or lunch in an 1860s mansion. a wild adventure for you. After a drive among free-ranging animals like zebras, Jimmy Buffett’s giraffes and ostriches, visit a rhino habitat, Margaritaville Take a bite from paradise while scheduled animal feedings, and a petting enjoying live music. zoo. It’s all possible at this 450-acre home to La Gloria at Pearl more than five hundred animals from forty Don’t miss La Gloria’s casually exotic, native, and endangered species. amazing, chef-derived menu, inspired by interior Mexican street Brand-new SEALIFE Aquarium vendors and taquerias. San Antonio is home to more than five thousand marine and fresh-water creatures. Lone Star Café A balcony above the River Walk is a Touchable sea urchins, anemones and sea great place to enjoy Texas barbecue stars are ready at the Rock Pool, while a and homestyle fare. fifty-foot-long tunnel winds under a tropical Mi Tierra Café y Panadería ocean tank filled with blacktip reef sharks, This cheerful, authentic Mexican bakery and Tex Mex restaurant is jellyfish, moray eels, and more. Watch a open 24 hours a day. feeding or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Adventure awaits visitors of all ages at The Rainforest Café Step into this safari for the Witte Museum, part science museum, part senses and enjoy tropical treats history museum and all fun. Kids love the Naylor and a full menu. Family Dinosaur Gallery and get hands-on in the Whataburger interactive H-E-B Body Adventure exhibition. Want a taste of Texas? This San Antonio-based chain is beloved by Families will lose track of time exploring the Texans for its tasty burgers, shakes, special events planned throughout the year. and onion rings.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 9 FAMILY FUN

More Family Fun Kiddie Park at Amp up the kid-friendly San Antonio Zoo good times. A carousel, pint-size Ferris wheel, and other sweet rides Andretti Indoor and games attract fans to this Karting and Games nearly hundred-year-old park. Experience high-speed electric NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH Superkarts on two, three-level Ripley’s Believe It or tracks at this fun family center, Not!, Louis Tussaud’s located at The Rim Shopping Waxworks, and Ripley’s Center, which also features more 4-D Moving Theater than 100 interactive games, a The odd, the unusual and the just ropes course, a zipline, laser tag, plain freaky all have a home in and more. the dozens of galleries in Ripley’s Odditorium. Look for the world’s Amazing Mirror TEJAS RODEO COMPANY largest tire, the car that Lee Maze & The Vault Harvey Oswald rode in the day he Laser Challenge Schlitterbahn assassinated President Kennedy, See infinite reflections of Choose your own waterpark bricks from the Berlin Wall, and a yourself in every direction in this adventure from plenty of water shrunken head. At Louis Tussaud’s, mesmerizing visual maze. coasters, high adventure tube grab a selfie with your favorite slides, and lazy rivers. Buckhorn Museum celebrities in wax and see more & Saloon and Texas than two hundred life-like wax Splashtown Ranger Museum figures in themed sections that San Antonio Western buffs get a kick out of include Hollywood, U.S. history, Cool off at a dive-in movie and the old-timey saloon, shooting and Lone Star heroes. Ripley’s 4-D enjoy more than fifty rides and gallery, cafe, and museums. Moving Theater brings movies attractions. to life as you’re blasted with air, Experience Real History Tejas Rodeo Company tickled, misted with water, and Try the Experience Real History Live rodeo, live music, and bumped in a sensory experience Augmented Reality at the an authentic steakhouse pay enhanced by 3-D glasses. Alamo app, which uses exciting homage to Western heritage. augmented reality tech to recreate San Antonio TopGolf the famous Alamo battle scene. Botanical Garden All ages and skill levels get to For hours of fun, head to the Extreme Escape score at golf games and enjoy a Family Adventure Garden here, a Eight escape themes set the chef-driven restaurant. 2.5 acre nature play and learning puzzle-solving stage at this place for families. Children can Tower of the Americas escape room destination. interact with plants, water, and Dine in the revolving restaurant iFLY wildlife in child-scaled landscapes, high above the Alamo City or Indoor skydiving lets you ride each with its own unique nature contemplate the view from the the wind. and play components. observation deck.

10 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Close to Everything. Far from Expensive.

If you’re looking for value, convenience, and genuine hospitality in the middle of San Antonio’s main attractions, Balcones Heights is the place to stay! It’s the perfect starting point for your next San Antonio adventure.

sanantoniocentral.org

VisitSanAntonio.Com 11 FAMILY FUN

SEAWORLD & AQUATICA SAN ANTONIO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS MUSEUM

GOOD TIMES KEEP ROLLING R&R for Moms

Guinness World Records San Antonio and Dads Museum, Ripley’s Fire Museum Riding herd on kiddos Haunted Adventure, Don firefighter gear and is as tiring as it is and Tomb Rider 3-D climb on a real firetruck at fun. These sumptuous San Antonio spas are Try your luck at breaking a this hidden gem near the ready to restore your world record in Guinness’s Alamo. body, mind, and soul Attempt Arena and see with salt caves, expert Texas Air Museum world-record artifacts and massage, restorative Aviation pioneers and interactive exhibits. Ripley’s facials, and more. military fire power are the Haunted Adventure has focus at the second oldest frights around every corner, airport in the U.S. enhanced by creepy special Efore Spa at Embassy Suites by Hilton San effects and live actors. Texas Transportation Antonio Brooks Hotel Visit Tomb Rider 3-D, an Museum & Spa interactive, scary adventure See historic transportation Eilan Hotel & Spa ride into the ancient tomb of that rolled on rails and Loma de Vida Spa & Egyptian God Anubis. roads, and take a locomotive Wellness at La Cantera train ride. Resort & Spa The Magik Theatre Mokara Hotel & Spa Shows, camps, and classes Windﬂower Spa at the bring children’s books to life Hyatt Regency Hill Country on the stage. Resort & Spa

12 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Itinerary Three Days of Play

DAY AT THE PARK

Pack up the family and head to a world-class theme park for a full day of rides, shows, and oh-so-good park snacks and food. Morgan’s Wonderland accessible theme park lets people of all abilities enjoy new summer camp and sports-oriented areas with a stable and horses, archery range, a challenge course for all abilities, and more. SeaWorld & Aquatica San Antonio boast thrill rides and up-close- and-personal experiences with sea creatures, whether they’re seen in behind- the-scenes tours, or ready for a pat in a petting pool. The Aquatica water park wonderland keeps everyone cool and having a splashing good time with watery playscapes and exciting slides. Six Flags Fiesta Texas’s non-stop action includes rides, games, shows, and food for every age and thrill-seeking level, as well as a full-on water park, White Water Bay. Soar like a super hero on the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, the world’s ﬁ rst single-rail coaster, and then strap into the new Joker Carnival of Chaos, the world’s tallest pendulum ride. Or join a special SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS event, like the park’s Mardi Gras Festival and Parade.

Outside Outings

For young naturalists, take a safari-style driving tour among roving antelope and giraffes at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Then dip into Natural Bridge Caverns, an underground treasure trove of ancient stalagmites, stalactites, and soda straws. At 300-acre Brackenridge Park, chug along in an iconic miniature train to the San Antonio Zoo, home to a multitude of species and one of the world’s largest bird collections. Explore San Antonio Botanical Garden, a 38-acre living-plant museum with colorful ﬂ oral displays, futuristic glass pyramids ﬁ lled with exotic plants, and a Family Adventure Garden that encourages unstructured play and exploration. Yanaguana Park at Hemisfair downtown entices with a splash pad, ping pong and cornhole games, a winding promenade, and nearby eateries. YANAGUANA GARDENS

mad for museums

The Witte Museum keeps a family-friendly focus on nature, science, and culture. Dig for dinosaur bones and travel through H-E-B Body Adventure, a four-ﬂ oor journey of interactive activities to learn all about the miracle of the human body. At The DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s museum, check out the Sound Maze that invites everyone to make and listen to intriguing sounds, or Spy Academy, where children use mathematical skills to solve covert missions. Then take a trip around the world at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures via its many festivals, exhibits, and free themed family days packed with crafts, games, special guests, performances, and more. Located at Hemisfair, the institute highlights the cultures UTSA INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES and stories of people from across the globe who call Texas home.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 13 OUTDOORS

Rolling Adventures Cruise the city streets and public trails via bike for a Get Outside fun way to explore!

San Antonio Bike Tours With its greenbelts, waterways, and Take a personal guided tour on easy access to the Texas Hill Country, comfortable, stable recumbent trikes, San Antonio offers a host of activities for ranging from two- to six-hour trips outdoor enthusiasts, families, and people through a variety of neighborhoods. with active lifestyles. Mission Adventure Tours Led by an expert guide, explore the San Antonio Missions on an 8- or 15- mile bike tour along Mission Reach.

San Antonio BikeShare Get between Point A and Point B with an up-to-one-hour rental from San Antonio BikeShare’s public rental spots around town. Rent, ride, return, repeat!

San Antonio Detours See Alamo City as never before with food tours, scavenger hunts, and more.

THE CLUB AT SONTERRA Ride the life-giving waters of the San Antonio River on a colorful river barge, kayak or paddle board. Or Whether you prefer your green spaces manicured, explore the River Walk’s 15-mile like the San Antonio Botanical Garden, or rugged path by foot or bike through urban and interactive, like the 69-plus miles of hike and landscapes, riparian ecosystems, and bike trails of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails parks. The beautiful 300-plus-acre System, San Antonio’s parks will get your heart Brackenridge Park offers visitors beating. With more than 300 days of sunshine a full day of activities, from the annually, San Antonians play a lot of golf, and Japanese Tea Garden and San with over 50 local courses Alamo City golfers can Antonio Zoo, to the beloved continuously challenge their games. Tee off at Alamo Brackenridge Park Golf Course, City Golf Trail, Canyon Springs Golf Club, The design in 1916 and designated as Club at Sonterra, TPC San Antonio, Hyatt Hill a top twenty golf course in Texas Country Gulf Club, and The Quarry Golf Course. by Golfweek.

14 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Explore San Antonio is packed with adventures as big as Texas! Explore the outdoors with these favorite scenic tours and exciting attractions.

Mission Adventure Tours See the city sites from the water as you cruise the San Antonio River with Mission Adventure Tours’ kayaking exhibitions. Choose from thrilling, guided down-river trips to peaceful two-hour, family-friendly tours.

San Antonio Zoo Learn and explore at San Antonio Zoo. Get up close with a tortoise, feed towering giraffes, and hop aboard the Zoo Eagle Train as it chugs past the city’s most popular park. Discover the newly renovated rhinoceros’ habitat with viewing deck and natural features, a part of the zoo’s efforts to help the endangered Southern White Rhinoceroses.

River Walk Cruise Step into the soul of San Antonio with GO RIO Cruises as you meander through the famed River Walk on an eco-friendly electric river boat that is as festive as the sites you’ll see. Book narrated or specialty cruises and chartered excursions, or catch a ride on the GO RIO river shuttle from downtown to the Museum Reach. San Antonio Botanical Garden Explore bubbling creeks, beckoning hills, and sandy shores at San Antonio Botanical Garden’s new 2.5- acre Family Adventure Garden with fifteen adventure- themed areas encouraging nature play and discovery. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair offers 4.1 acres of MISSION ADVENTURE TOUR play environment designed for all ages and abilities, a splash pad, climbing structures, and must-try eateries. Untitled-1.indd 1 Japanese Tea Garden At the Japanese Tea Garden, you’ll find a lush year- round garden and floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and koi ponds.

Alamo Helicopter Tours Fly over the Alamodome and the Alamo. Zip over the San Antonio Zoo, the Quarry Market, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Or take the Hill Country Tour and ﬂy over Six Flags Fiesta Texas and over beautiful Texas wine country. Or opt for a romantic sunset tour.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 15 SPORTS

For Sports Lovers

From the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which attracts more than two million visitors annually, to national televised Spurs basketball, San Antonio sports get everyone cheering.

GOLF

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO

The Alamo City is home to the five- time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs and the multitude of fans who SAN ANTONIO SPURS FANS love them—when the streets fill with black and silver, you know it’s basketball season! San Antonio is also home to the seven-time Texas League plays in the United Soccer League. The eyes champion San Antonio Missions, a of Texas college football fans are upon San minor league baseball team. Recent Antonio each year when the annual NCAA additions to the San Antonio sports Division Valero Alamo Bowl is held here family include the city’s first Major in December or January. Each April, golf League Soccer team. Four years fans descend on San Antonio for the annual ago, San Antonio welcomed the San Valero Texas Open, a 98-year-old pro golf Antonio Football Club (SAFC), which tournament on the PGA TOUR.

16 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide SAN ANTONIO AREA MAPS

San Antonio Area Maps

Points of Interest and Landmarks

For guided tours that provide a comprehensive, interactive perspective on hidden gems and themed experiences, check out The Barwalk, Food Chick Tours, Nightly Spirits, San Antonio Bike Tours, Yanaguana Mission Heritage Tours, RJA Ghost Tours, San Antonio Detours, Alamo Helicopter Tours, and Gray Line Tours.

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S AN A NTONIO S AN A NTONIO Famously local Famously &

Some things are not to be missed. The River Walk. The Alamo. And the Shrimp Paesano at Ristorante Paesanos. For over 50 years, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the contemporary setting, Italian/Mediterranean cuisine and Old World service of these culinary landmarks. Join us on the River Walk, near the Quarry Market in Lincoln Heights or at Loop 1604 Northwest. Curbside To-Go and favordelivery.com available, visit our websites.

LUNCH I DINNER I 7 DAYS A WEEK North Central River Walk North West PAESANOS LINCOLN HEIGHTS PAESANOS RIVERWALK PAESANOS 1604 555 East Basse Road 111 West Crockett Street 3622 Paesanos Parkway (210) 828-5191 (210) 227-2782 (210) 493-1604 paesanos.com paesanosriverwalk.com paesanos1604.com

Locally Famous Locally READER SPREAD: LEFT SIDE PANEL Enjoy patio dining overlooking the san antonio river walk.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily

FREE Mexican Churros with purchase of entrée.* VSA

421 E. Commerce St. | (210) 226-8462 riorioriverwalk.com

*Purchased entrée does not include daily specials, appetizers, happy hour,

alcohol or desserts. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer unless stated. READER SPREAD: RIGHT SIDE PANEL SAN ANTONIO AREA MAPS

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HA R 12 V E EZ WAY AMERICAS THE OF TOWER

BL V Henry B. González VD I

R Convention Center GUILBEAU

URBAN LOOP I 10 8 S. PRESA

O ARCINIEGA T Hemisfair Park

A 25 SANTA ROSA AVE.

N S. ALAMO A 7 S

ARSENAL

GARFIELD W. CESAR E. CHAVEZ BLVD

GUADALUPE King William LAVACA TURNER MATAGORDA Historic District REFUGIO WASHINGTON 19 SHERIDAN S.PRESA BARRERA

11 INDIANOLA H S.ST. MARY’S C A BEAUREGARD E CAMARGO R JOHNSON CITY N 27 KING WILLIAM SANTOS O SAN ARTURO I

S MADISON S. FLORES S SHERIDAN I LABOR M 23 CALLAGHAN AVE. CAMP Southtown CANAL RISCHE S. ALAMO 20 31 LEIGH TOMISSION TRAIL GUENTHER JOHNSON

PEREIDA

EAGER CEDAR

ADAMS SWEET 4 WICKES RIDDLE FORCKE S. ALAMO 116 Blue Star DEVINE

19 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Downtown & River Walk POINTS OF INTEREST

1 The Alamo 1 Paesanos River Walk PaesanosRiverWalk.com, 210-227-2782 2 The Alamodome Classic and contemporary Italian and Mediterranean dining 3 The Aztec Theatre with riverside seating.

4 Blue Star Arts Complex 2 Rio Rio Cantina and 5 Casa Navarro State Naked Iguana Lounge Historic Site RioRioCantina.com, 210-226-8462 Serving fresh Tex-Mex–breakfast, lunch, dinner–and happy AUSTIN 6 Central Library hour on the River Walk. LAMAR 7 Hemisfair Park 3 Maverick Carter House 8 The Henry B. González MaverickCarterHouse.org, 210-226-1715 HAYS Convention Center The 1893 Victorian Maverick Carter House has opened to the public as a home Museum and cultural destination. 9 Historic Market Square The home’s 23 rooms retain their original furnishings 10 The Instituto Cultural plus a chapel and rooftop observatory. Tours and events CHESTNUT BURNET de México are booked online at maverickcarterhouse.org or for info: (210) 226-1715. Located at 119 Taylor Street. 11 King William NOLAN Historic District 4 Sheraton Gunter Hotel

BOOKER 12 La Villita Historic www.SheratonGunter.com, 210-227-3241 Arts Village Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this DAWSON landmark hotel continues to be part of the city’s unique 13 Main Plaza/San Fernando heritage. The hotel is located at the Center of Everything Cathedral in Downtown, whether you are visiting for business or

E. HOUSTON 14 The Majestic/Empire pleasure, we know you are going to love the Sheraton Theatres Gunter Hotel! 15 The River Walk 5 Hotel Valencia River Walk San Antonio CROCKETT hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com, 210-227-9700 16 The Shops at Rivercenter With its prime River Walk location, the Hotel Valencia offers 17 San Antonio Fire Museum 213 luxury hotel rooms and suites. Enjoy our in-room spa services and 24-hour room service. Dine at our vibrant N. CENTER 18 San Antonio Museum of Art Dorrego’s Restaurant & Naranja Bar, featuring the fl avors 19 San Antonio Art League and fl air of Argentinian infl uenced cuisine. Enjoy your & Museum favorite cocktail, small plates, and gorgeous views of the River Walk. Reservations: 855-596-3387. 19a San Pedro Creek Culture Park See map on page 21 for locations. 20 Southtown Arts District 21 Southwest School of Art 22 Spanish Governor’s Palace

MONTANA 23 Steves Homestead 24 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 2 25 Tower of the Americas Alamodome 26 VFW Post 76 27 Villa Finale 28 Official Visitor Information Center 29 Centro de Artes Gallery 30 Cultural Commons Gallery 31 Ruby City 32 Maverick Carter House HOEFGEN

VIRGINIA

MAVERICK CARTER HOUSE OBSERVATORY 4

BONHAM HOUSTON 5 14

LOSOYA COLLEGE 17 28 The 1

FLORES MAIN AVE.

COM SOLEDAD Alamo .

15 Alamo NAVARRO

ST. MARY’S Plaza 1 BOWIE

CROCKETT CROCKETT 3 SHUTTERSTOCK

13 Main Plaza , 16

2 ALAMO COMMERCE The Shops at Rivercenter LABOUNTY 15 ELM

MARKET FRED :

DWYER AVE.

VILLITA PHOTO 15 ALAMO River Walk

HOTEL VALENCIA THE ALAMO

MUSEUMSHERATON REACH GUNTER HOTEL MUSEUM REACH PRUE

B A 3 B O.P. Schnabel C WURZBACH PKWY. O C BRAUN BANDERA Park K West/Sea World HUEBNER

WO LF E GUILBEAU TON IL POINTS OF INTEREST HAM

L MEDICAL

Z JACKSONKELLER E ECKHART T 1 Basilica of the National

EVERS LOUIS PASTEUR Shrine of the Little Flower

WEST AVE.

CALLAGHAN CUL VANCE JACKSON EBRA 1 2 Deco District on Fredericksburg M BASSE O FREDERICKSBURG S I S G R BABCOCK 3 Government Canyon WIS ILLS EMA R H N E V BLANCO O FRESNO SAN PEDRO T 4 ES Guadalupe Cultural W SeaWorld BANDERA 2 HILDEBRAND Community Center & INGRAM 7 & Aquatica SUMMIT the Virgen de Guadalupe Mosaic San Antonio WOODLAWN 8 MULBERRY CINCINNATI WOODLAWN MILITARY 5 W ESTSI E JBSA Lackland AFB E D EX POTRANCO PR CULEBRA 1 San Pedro L E L S I S Park S W O A N Y Rosedale 6 Nelson Wolf Stadium

N.W. 36TH Park

ZARZAMORA

HUNT LN. W. COMMERCE MARTIN 7 SeaWorld & Aquatica

COLORADO

S.W. 24TH

ACME BUENA VISTA San Antonio EL PASO 4

CALLAGHAN GUADALUPE OLD HIGHWAY 90 W. GENERAL McMULLEN MARBACH RD. CASTROVILLE 8 Woodlawn Lake Park LAREDODowntown

PATTON S.W. 19TH

PINN MILITARY DR. 6 Camargo BRAZOS 1 San Antonio Central–Balcones 5 Park GROWDON Heights

CUPPLES

Port T D

JBSA N SanAntonioCentral.org, San Antonio FRIO CITY RD. A B Lackland AFB O JBSA BILLY MITCHELL RD. R NOGALITOS P 210-732-0055 Y HI DR. Lackland AFB VALLE Kelly Field East DIVISION Close to everything—far from expensive. Annex MILITARY DR. Kelly Field SOUTHCROSS

PLEASANTON MEDINA BASE

SOMERSET

HOLM NEW LAREDO HWY. MILITARY DR.

1 North Central/

BLANCO

HUEBNER Airport DE ZAVALA N.W. MILITARY POINTS OF INTEREST

Phil Hardberger BITTERS LOCKHILLSELMA 1 Park Walker Ranch Monte Vista Historic District Historic Landmark Park 2 Museum Reach

3 3 Phil Hardberger Park & Dog Park 4 San Antonio College/Scobee

WEST AVE. WURZBACH PKWY. Planetarium

B A B San Antonio C O C K International 1 Paesanos 1604 HUEBNER Airport Paesanos1604.com, 210-493-1604 WO LF E TON IL Classic and contemporary Italian/ HAM JONES MALTSBERGER MEDICAL Mediterranean dining featuring oak-grilled specialties and terrace seating.

JACKSONKELLER

E. BASSE LOUIS PASTEUR

WEST AVE.

CALLAGHAN

VANCE JACKSON

TUXEDO BASSE NEW BRAUNFELS

FREDERICKSBURG BROADWAY

BABCOCK Olmos Basin

BLANCO Park

SAN PEDRO

FRESNO McCULLOUGH

BANDERA HILDEBRAND 1 Brackenridge SUMMIT Park MULBERRY WOODLAWN

WOODLAWN MAIN AVE. CINCINNATI ’S Y

San Pedro 4 R

CULEBRA A

Park

ZARZAMORA .

T JOSEPHINE

. Rosedale N 2 N.W. 36TH Park

VisitSanAntonio.Com 22 SAN ANTONIO AREA MAPS

1 BABCOCK Northwest, Six Flags,

Eisenhower Park

LLIS BU Medical Center P M CA POINTS OF INTEREST

PK . A W 1 ER Y Friedrich Park D T R N

P A

O C 2 O 1

L A

L 2 ® C 2 I Six Flags Fiesta Texas N E C S Six Flags Fiesta Texas® 3 South Texas Medical Center 4 The University of Texas–San Antonio 4

UTSA BLVD. 1 Six Flags Fiesta Texas Sixflags.com, 210-697-5050 DE ZAVALA

IE W. HAUSMAN SL Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Thrill Capital of South E LOCKHILLSELMA L Texas, features all of your favorite thrills, including the EPIC Iron Rattler, Wonder Woman: Golden SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS Lasso Coaster, and The Joker: Carnival Chaos. Plus, our refreshing water park, White Water BANDERA Bay, is FREE with your theme park admission. PRUE For more information on hours of operation and making a reservation, check out sixﬂ ags.com. B A B C O O.P. Schnabel C K 2 BRAUN Park Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Andrettikarting.com/sanantonio, HUEBNER 210-469-0700

WURZBACH PKWY. N WO LF E GUILBEAU TO At Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, we take IL HAM

MEDICAL go-karting seriously. We have tons of games, L

Z E rides, and excitement-ﬁ lled activities waiting T ECKHERT for you, all under one roof. Come visit us at 3 The RIM off 1604 and I-10. Andretti is your one

LOUIS PASTEUR EVERS stop destination for all things entertainment!

CALLAGHAN

Brackenridge Park

JBSA Fort Sam Houston

JOSEPHINE

ATT CTR. PKWY.

ANDRETTI KARTING GEMBLER 4 AT&T Center

E. HOUSTON 5 The 2 Alamo E. COMMERCE 1 Martin Luther King Park 3 MARTIN LUTHER KING GEVERS WALTERS East/AT&T Center NEW BRAUNFELS

POINTS OF INTEREST PINE HACKBERRY

1 Alamodome RIGSBY 2 Carver Community Cultural Center

ROLAND 3 Ellis Alley/St. Paul Square CLARK

4 Hays Street Bridge PECAN VALLEY

5 Southside Lions Southside Lions Old SA City Cemeteries Park Park East Historic District

24 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide POINTS OF INTEREST Northeast/Morgan's 1 Brackenridge Park 2 The DoSeum Wonderland 3 Japanese Tea Garden 4 McAllister Park Schlitterban Waterpark, 5 Pearl McAllister THOUSAND OAKS New Braunfels BITTERS King Park 19.2 miles 6 Quadrangle & U.S. Army Medical Museum NACOGDOCHES JONES MALTSBERGER 4 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston 7 San Antonio Botanical Garden STARCREST NAKOMA Morgan’s 8 San Antonio International Airport W U Wonderland R Z B WETMORE A 9 8 CH The Witte Museum P KWY. San Antonio BITTERS 10 San Antonio Zoo International Airport 1 Alamo Quarry Market S BROADWAY HE PERRINBEITEL OC GD QuarryMarket.com, 210-824-8885 CO NA Follow the iconic smokestacks to San Antonio’s premiere McArthur JONES MALTSBERGER County Park open-air lifestyle center featuring Regal 16-Plex Cinemas, more than 75 distinguished stores and boasting a WALZEM fabulous collection of ﬁ ne and casual dining for any palate. Alamo Quarry Market is located within minutes 2 E. BASSE from the airport or downtown, just off TX Hwy. 281. HARRY WURZBACH HARRY

1 AUSTIN HWY. EISENHAUER 2 Paesanos Lincoln Heights Paesanos.com, 210-828-5191 TUXEDO NEW BRAUNFELS

BROADWAY Classic and contemporary Italian and Mediterranean dining.

RITTIMAN 3 The Witte Museum WitteMuseum.org, 210-357-1900 CULOUGH Olmos Mc Basin Park GIBBS SPRAWL The Witte Museum is Where Nature, Science and Culture Meet. Discover Texas Deep Time in 6 3 BURR HILDEBRAND spacious galleries located on a beautiful, riverside 10 9 JBSA campus. Explore dinosaurs, Chili Queens and cattle 3 7 Fort Sam Houston Brackenridge kings, original Gallery Theater plays and so much Park more. Come discover your Witte Museum. 2

S ’

A 1 M

. 5

T JOSEPHINE

. N PINE

3 CLARK GEVERS

2 WALTERS

PROBANDT NEW BRAUNFELS South/Missions Southside Lions Park 1 Mission POINTS OF INTEREST Concepción 1 Confluence Park

PECAN VALLEY GOLIAD

M PRESA 2 I Mission Reach – Hike/Bike Trail S S I O N R D 3 . The Missions National Historical Park PLEASANTON Mission San José 4 Mitchell Lake Audubon Center SA Missions National Historical Visitor Center 5 The Nature Trail at Mission San Juan S. FLORES MILITARY DRIVE 1 Alamo Helicopters Tours Alamohelicoptertours.com, 210-921-2359 Brooks Located at Stinson Municipal Airport, Alamo ROOSEVELT Mission City Base San Juan Helicopters offers a variety of tours and charter ﬂ ights in San Antonio and surrounding areas 5 1 including: City and Hill Country tours, romantic Stinson Airport sunset tours, winery, BBQ and corporate charters,

discovery ﬂ ights for the aspiring pilot, and more! MOURSUND PLEASANTON Mission Trail

Mission 4 Espada ALAMO HELICOPTERS

VisitSanAntonio.Com 25 SAN ANTONIO AREA MAPS

Fredericksburg 3 BEYOND SAN ANTONIO

Luckenbach

Blanco 1 Blanco

SISTERDALE RD. SISTERDALE State Park

CH R Comfort RAN D. 473 4 San Marcos 7 Canyon Lake Guadalupe State Park Boerne 2 Gruene 2

Bandera New Braunfels 1 4 5 Camp 5 Bullis

14 MILES Selma Helotes 6 Panna Maria 52 miles south Seguin 3 Castroville of Segin 55 miles southwest of Helotes 6 Downtown

Beyond San Antonio POINTS OF INTEREST 4 Natural Bridge Caverns 1 Blanco 5 New Braunfels NaturalBridgeCaverns.com, 210-651-6101 2 Boerne 6 Panna Maria Natural Bridge Caverns is a family 3 Castroville 7 San Marcos adventure park that features one of the world’s premier show caverns. 4 Comfort 5 Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch 1 Bandera, Texas “Cowboy WildlifeRanchTexas.com, Capital of the World®” 830-438-7400 BanderaCowboyCapital.com, An African safari, only Texas style. 830-796-3045 Species from all over the world roam We’re what you come to Texas for—cowboys! freely. Ranked in USA Today Top 10 Safari Parks in the nation. 2 Cascade Caverns CascadeCaverns.com, 6 Uvalde County 830-755-8080 Visituvaldecounty.com, Come and see Texas’ Oldest Cave Attraction 830-232-4310 (cave tours since 1875). Home to the Just 90 miles west of San Antonio lies Hermit, Rex the Dinosaur, and Sally the the Texas Hill Country River Region. The Salamander. I-10 exit 543 in Boerne. Sabinal, Nueces and Frio Rivers offer endless outdoor fun, and the natural beauty of the 3 Fredericksburg– canyons and Garner State Park make Uvalde The Texas Hill Country County an exciting vacation destination. VisitFredericksburgTX.com, 830-997-6523 7 San Marcos Immerse yourself in sophisticated shopping, Toursanmarcos.com, regional cuisine, award-winning wineries, 512-393-5930 eclectic art galleries, scenic hiking with From exciting outdoor adventures to beautiful views, wildﬂowers, spas, museums the largest outlet shopping center in and unique places to stay, from hotels to the United States, San Marcos is only BANDERA COWBOY B&Bs to guesthouses. Willkommen! 45 minutes north of San Antonio.

Just 70 miles northwest of San Antonio VisitFredericksburgTX.com This is San Antonio

This is San Antonio

There is so much to see in the Alamo City. From the famed River Walk to Pearl, to Historic Market Square and La Villita Arts Village, to the missions— San Antonio is home to rich culture and dramatic history. With its world-class museums, colorful days-long Fiesta, and many other special events, the city is a living celebration of arts and culture. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, San Antonio is also a culinary capital, where visitors will delight in endless dining options. And, of course, you’ll want to visit the Alamo. Welcome, we are so happy to help you

explore San Antonio. GO RIO RIVER BARGE

28 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide VisitSanAntonio.Com 29 HISTORY & CULTURE

The Cultural Heart Of Texas

San Antonio is a city with a rich heritage that embraces so many cultures from around the world. From major exhibits to neighborhood cultural attractions, there’s a whole world to explore at San Antonio’s renowned museums, galleries, and historic places.

The city’s eighteenth-century Spanish colonial missions—San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada— have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, these five missions represent the largest collection of Spanish colonial missions in the United States.

MISSION SAN JOSÉ

30 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Uncover History For Yourself

Historical and cultural wonders are woven into the fabric of the Alamo City. Walk through San Antonio’s rich past and explore its vibrant city streets dotted with must- see galleries and museums.

THE ALAMO San Antonio’s Crown Jewel, The Alamo And The Missions The Alamo, Is When you step inside any of the five historic Being Polished missions, you take a step back in time and into Be a part of history— the lives of the early Spanish settlers who founded witness and explore the what would become the city of San Antonio. Alamo’s preservation and Begin your historic journey at the Alamo, improvements as they happen. first established as Mission San Antonio de The Alamo, one of the most historically Valero in 1718. Now known as one of the most signiﬁcant sites in the U.S., is being pivotal battle sites in the country, the Alamo preserved and enhanced for future generations through a multi-year, multi- became a military outpost in 1793, cementing its phase restoration and enhancement iconic role as a central locale on Texas’ road to process. The restoration includes independence. (See sidebar.) preservation of the Alamo Church and Long Barrack and the creation of a world- Next, Mission Concepción looks much as it did class museum and visitors center. two centuries ago when it was first built, being The Alamo is the site of the legendary the best-preserved Spanish colonial structure in battle, where 189 Texian defenders fell on the United States. On the church’s exterior, some March 6, 1836 after repeated attacks by the Mexican Army led by General Santa of the original geometric designs are still visible. Anna. But the story of The Alamo goes Inside, the frescoes remain vibrant, showcasing back much further. Founded in 1718 as a Spanish colonial mission called San the stunning artwork typical of the time. Antonio de Valero, the Alamo has a multi- Continue south to Mission San José, also layered history that stretches before and known as the Queen of the Missions because beyond the historic battle. When visiting the Alamo, guests will be able to witness it has the largest structure. Notice its striking the preservation efforts. Throughout the rose window and façade, a lavish example of restoration, the Alamo is open and is always free to visit. The businesses around Spanish colonial ornamentation. You can also Alamo Plaza also continue to welcome find a central visitor’s center here, as well as visitors during this time.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 31 HISTORY & CULTURE

MISSION CONCEPCIóN

the departure point for free park ranger- guided tours. During the mid-1700s, Mission San Juan ARBOL DE VIDA AT MISSION ESPADA was known for its fertile farmlands and abundant crops, a prime example of a self- sustaining community. The mission also extends south of downtown to connect the sustained fellow communities, providing River Walk to four of the five UNESCO goods to the surrounding regions as far status San Antonio Missions. Mission south as Mexico. Reach winds through an eight-mile Finish up at Mission Espada, the riparian woodland ecosystem, featuring southernmost mission. Take in the smooth walking and biking paths compound’s blacksmith shop, colonial-style punctuated by public art for a pleasant irrigation system, and still-functioning kiln outdoor experience. and spinning wheels for a glimpse into the Native Fiesta San Antonio American and Honoring the memory of the battles fought “Remember Spanish settlers’ at the Alamo and San Jacinto, Fiesta San the Alamo!” agrarian ways Antonio has remained the city’s signature More than 2.5 million people of life. event since the late nineteenth century. visit the Alamo a year, making it Move among Since 1891, it has evolved into an eleven-day the most visited attraction in the Lone Star State. the missions extravaganza with more than one hundred using Mission events that celebrate the history, arts, and Reach, which cuisine essential to its heritage.

32 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide STOP BY THE OFFICIAL VISITOR Live INFORMATION CENTER San Antonio’s Ofﬁ cial Visitor the Information Center has Lore! everything you need to make your getaway amazing. Our staff is ready to help you with questions, and you’ll also ﬁ nd maps, tour information and discounted attractions tickets, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. And make time to browse our gift shop, full of souvenirs, exclusive items and pieces by local artists. Located across the street from the Alamo, we’re here to help make your

trip unforgettable. photo by iHorse media group 317 Alamo Plaza Kick off your boots and stay awhile. (210) 244 2000 Spend your days riding horses, hiking or driving the famed “Twisted Sisters”. Kick back at a ranch. Listen to the birds and sample the VISIT SAN ANTONIO music or two-step the night away at a local honky-tonk. You’re in Bandera…ALL Cowboy! BanderaCowboyCapital.com 830-796-3045

Untitled-1.indd 1 HISTORY & CULTURE

Gallery Scene Artpace is San Antonio’s premier nonproﬁt contemporary art venue. View the creations of artists-in-residence. Blue Star Contemporary is home to San Antonio’s longest-running MCNAY ART MUSEUM contemporary art space. Ruby City is a contemporary art center for local A Cultural Melting Pot and internationally San Antonio is a melting pot of different cultures. Its past and acclaimed art. present are made up of remarkable people from around the world Sala Diaz offers an and the multitude of influences they brought with them when they alternative gallery made this city their home: Cowboys and cowgirls, Spanish and experience, for the creation and display of German settlers, Mexican influence, poets, entertainers, artists— contemporary art. the list is long and all-encompassing. Uncover artists on the As a result, San Antonio’s art and culture shine. From the cowboys rise at the Southwest at the Briscoe Western Art Museum to the modernist painters School of Art. Check out the beloved at the McNay Art Museum, from the contemporaries at the San Art-o-Mat, a vending Antonio Museum of Art to the paleontological exhibits at the The machine selling local art for $5 apiece. Witte Museum, the Alamo City isn’t lacking in dynamic museums. Art lives everywhere: unique shops in Market Square, picturesque Southtown The Arts District galleries in La Villita Historic Arts Village, hidden under bridges comes alive during on the River Walk and stretching across building facades in colorful First Fridays and murals. Historic neighborhoods such as Monte Vista and King William Second Saturdays for nights of good showcase walkable galleries of architecture. And San Antonio’s food, music, and art. flourishing performing arts scene, championed by the Tobin Center Stop by Rosario’s or B&D Ice House and for the Performing Arts and its neighboring historic theaters, the take in free musical Majestic and Empire Theatres offers a full calendar of theater, showcases at the First dance, opera, live comedy, and celebrated international, national, and Friday Market and Music at Brick at local musical acts. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio’s Blue Star. Zona Cultural on the grounds of Historic Market Square, Centro de Artes gallery is an exhibit space dedicated to telling the story of Put on your walking the Latino experience with a focus on South Texas. Located in the shoes and head Plaza de Armas building, Culture Commons consists of a storefront to San Antonio’s bustling and gallery located on the first and second floors, as well as a 1,500 square energetic art walks foot exhibit hall that features visual art exhibits, performances, peppering the city. invited speakers and workshops.

34 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Must-See Museums San Antonio is for art-lovers and history buffs alike. Make time to explore the city’s delightful art and historic wonders inside these captivating museums and galleries.

Devoted to science and natural history, The Witte Museum displays children’s exhibits, traveling exhibits, and a renowned collection of early Texas art. After a recent expansion that brought more ARTPACE than 170,000 square feet of renovated exhibition space, the Witte now offers the Mays Family Center, Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, the H-E-B Body Adventure, and The South Texas Heritage Center, among other historic and cultural attractions on its ten-acre, garden-laden campus.

Founded in 1954, the McNay Art Museum is Texas’ original modern art museum, boasting a pristine assortment of more than 200,000 works of modern art that stems from its namesake Marion Koogler McNay’s seven-hundred-piece collection. Known best for its Medieval and Renaissance art, as well as its nineteenth- through twenty-ﬁrst-century European and American collections, the McNay CENTRODEARTES enchants all who enjoy the visual arts.

Located just off the River Walk downtown, the Briscoe Western Art Museum captures the spirit of the West with three ﬂoors of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more. Learn about the rich history and culture of the American West through the museum’s fascinating exhibitions, each of which tells a unique story.

Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery downtown, the San Antonio Museum of Art features 30,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history and culture from countries spanning the globe. The museum holds the largest collection of Asian art in the Southern U.S., as well as one of the most RUBY CITY comprehensive collections of Latin American Art.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 35 HISTORY & CULTURE

Just a short walk from the Tower Department from 1775 to Budding contemporary artists of the Americas, the UTSA present day. can showcase their work in the Institute of Texan Cultures 11,000-square-foot exhibition Located in Hemisfair, the exhibits how diverse cultures space, four on-site galleries, and Mexican Cultural Institute from around the world have multiple offsite locations that offers a wide variety of artistic, inﬂ uenced the Texan identity. make up Blue Star Arts Complex. academic and cultural activities. Gain a new insight into the Lone Blue Star is the perfect place to Star State as you share in the Dedicated to preserving start exploring when you visit the experience of people from all San Antonio’s African Southtown Arts District. corners of the globe who call American history, the San A Victorian-style neighborhood Texas home. Antonio African American dotted with dynamic galleries, Community Archives Nestled in the heart of the King fascinating museums, and historic and Museum maintains an William District, San Antonio homes, King William Cultural evolving digital collection of Art League and Museum is Arts District is a crown jewel related artifacts in the form of the oldest arts organization in of the Southtown Arts District. a community-based archive. San Antonio. A stunning and While in the area, visit Villa Finale Uncover stories of the city’s intimate house-turned-museum Museum and Gardens or take a African American descendants and gallery, the space houses self-guided tour of Edward Steves that date back hundreds of more than four hundred works Homestead Museum. years to Spanish colonialism in all media focused on Texas and the Texas Republic. artists, including revolving contemporary exhibits, and is always free to the public.

A gem of San Antonio’s Eastside, the Carver Community Cultural Center holds artistic performances that celebrate the diverse cultures and creativity thriving throughout the city. The Carver honors its African and African American heritage, boasting a history of hosting renowned entertainers.

The historic Fort Sam Houston is home to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum, an establishment that aims to educate visitors on the history of the Army Medical BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

36 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Historic Tours

Whether by bus, boat, or even horse- drawn carriage, there is no shortage of fun (and sometimes spooky!) ways to take in history in the Alamo City.

Gray Line Tours Amigo Walking Dive deep with a full- Tours Enjoy day historic city tour exploring Downtown or take a day trip to or the King William Texas Hill Country. District on this unique free tour. Alamo Helicopter Tours See the River GO RIO River Walk, the Missions, Cruise Tour and the Hill Country Climb aboard a from new heights on colorful and eco- this aerial tour. friendly GO RIO river barge for a The Barwalk narrated, 35-minute Hop between some ride along the San SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN of the most historic Antonio River. COMMUNITY ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM bars in San Antonio and in Texas. RJA Ghost Tours Learn about local City Sightseeing history and legend Double Decker alike on this San Antonio spooky walking Grab a seat on one tour in Downtown of City Sightseeing San Antonio. San Antonio’s double-decker buses Sisters Grimm for a variety of Ghost Tours captivating tours. Discover San Antonio’s haunted Food Chick Tours history with four Join food writer tour options, Julia Celeste for including walking a tour of the city’s and bus tours, as culinary heritage. well as a dinner tour and the Ghost Bus San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl. Detours Enjoy Downtown San Antonio tours, a Missions tour, food and drink tours, as well as Hill Country tours and scavenger hunts.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

MISSION SAN JOSÉ

VisitSanAntonio.Com 37 PERFORMING ARTS

Performing Arts Take Center Stage

San Antonio’s historic theaters and music venues never fail to wow visitors with nights of theater, dance, live music, and spoken word performances.

AZTEC THEATRE

38 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide TOBIN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

On the banks of the River Walk, the state-of- the-art Tobin Center for the Performing Arts features world-class dance, musical, and theatrical performances. The Tobin GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER Center is overflowing with talent—resident companies include Ballet San Antonio, AtticRep Theater Company, Opera San In the Dignowity Hill Historic District to Antonio, Youth Orchestra San Antonio, the the east, the Carver Community Cultural Classical Music Institute, Children’s Chorus, Center celebrates its African and African and Chamber Orchestra. American heritage with dance, music, theater, Guests are transported back to the golden and spoken word. In the historic Westside, the age of Hollywood at the gold trimmed Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, city’s home for Latino, Chicano, and Native beautifully restored to its original 1914 American performing arts and entertainment. splendor. Icons including Charlie Chaplin Inside, the Galeria Guadalupe showcases art and Lou Chaney promoted their new films exhibitions emphasizing local and regional at this former vaudeville house-turned- artists, and the GCAC’s professional resident motion-picture-theater. At the stunning program, the Guadalupe Dance Company, Mediterranean-style Majestic Theatre, specializes in Mexican folklorico and flamenco even locals line up early for shows. Built dance styles. Other great places to see in 1929, this National Historic Landmark concerts and special events include the AT&T is home to the Broadway in San Antonio Center, the 64,000-seat Alamodome, and the series. Reflecting the city’s Mexican 1,300-seat Lila Cockrell Theatre, tucked heritage, the Aztec Theatre hosts a variety inside the Henry B. González Convention of films, concerts, and other events in a Center, where traditional performing arts as Mesoamerican architectural work of art. well as multi-media events are staged.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 39 FOOD

Where to Eat Now

A city with a rich culinary heritage, San Antonio welcomes local food movements while embracing eclectic flavors from the past.

When the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated San Antonio a “Creative City of Gastronomy,” the rest of the world saw what locals have been tasting.

MI TIERRA CAFé Y PANADERíA

40 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide PHOTO (FACINGPAGE) BY MATTHEW JOHNSON. Spanish flavor atToroKitchen, +Bar with thecommunity. Savorseafoodwith share SoutheastAsianseafood andsnacks boils, PinchBoilHouse&BiaBar aimsto by local,family-friendly,pop-up crawfish among theculinarypowerhouses. Inspired local followingsandsecuredtheirplace river foraviewofthedelidisplay. authentic you’llhappilyswapaviewofthe restaurant, servesupGermanfoodso Schilo’s Delicatessen Italian flavorswithaEurocentricwinelist. modern NonnaOsteriapairsnorthern intimate, candlelittables,whilethebreezy, enjoy anextensiveMediterraneanmenuon foodie finds. San Antoniohousesomeofthecity’sbest The charminghistoricbuildingsofdowntown Downtown dishes upauthenticflavorallovertown. Pearl’s innovativeneweateries,SanAntonio From downtown’slong-standingclassicsto Dining byDistrict LOCAL FLAVORS PINCH Newcomers todowntownhavegarnered Bella onHoustoninvitesgueststo

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BAR , thecity’soldest porronés where guestssipredwinesangriafrom The creativeteam behindBattalion aged, corn-fed beefinanoldworldsetting. Guests dineoncustomcuts of prime- seasons mealswithmusical entertainment. bar. Bohanan’sPrimeSteaks &Seafood Brazilian steakhouse,witha massivesalad at TexasdeBrazil,achurrascariaor while gauchosservejuicybeeffromskewers angels” servewinefromsuspendedwires house-made pastas.Watchacrobatic“wine such aswildboarraguorduckconfitwith surf oramyriadofothertemptingdishes, Range invitesyoutopairyourturfwith modern twists.Theextensivemenuat a cocktailmenuofold-schoolclassicswith and seafoodtakethespotlightalongside immensely popularSilorestaurants,steaks jazz brunch.At through late-nightbites,aswellSunday historic RandBuilding,servesbreakfast wings, braisedoxtailsandJamaicanpatties. impresses withcrispyjerkfriedchicken “2019 BestinAmerica,”thisfoodtruck restaurant JerkShack.Namedoneof and criticalacclaimforwestsideJamaican tapas. Outstandingcuisinedrawscrowds pitchers, andsharepaellatempting In theheartofdowntown, , traditionalSpanishglasswine Silo Prime,thefourthof VisitSanAntonio.Com Rosella, inthe and Eater’s 41 FOOD

Rebelle shows a mutual appreciation of River Walk fun in their Playland. With bold, stylish The iconic River Walk provides a feast for interiors and a cocktail menu that pays the eyes and palate, and everyone hungers tribute to the rides at the old Playland for that perfect outdoor table with a view. Park amusement park, this non-traditional On the River Walk, towering cypress trees, pizzeria offers unconventional pies and a stone bridges arching over the gentle river, swirling good time. and neon reflections on a mariachi’s glossy Bands of mariachis stroll the festive guitarrón are all on the menu. floors of Mi Tierra Café y Panadería. With commanding views and wine lists, This landmark Mexican café and bakery in upscale classics Little Rhein Steakhouse Market Square offers classic Tex-Mex dishes, and Fig Tree Restaurant are considered margaritas, and mariachis 24/7. If your to be two of the city’s most romantic culinary tour puts you in need of a digestive restaurants. Just steps above the River reset, head to Pharm Table, where food Walk is Fogo de Chao, a leading Brazilian is medicine. This cozy, farm-to-table churrasco, with gaucho chefs serving mouth- restaurant serves up an impressive vegan water Brazilian cuisine. Celebrating over menu. La Pandería is a bakery and cafe 20 years, Biga on the Banks chef Bruce specializing in handmade bread, pan dulce, Auden created a menu that mixes European, lunch options, and coffee, and offering a hot Tex-Mex, American, and Asian-influenced breakfast until 2 p.m. for late-risers. dishes in an industrial-chic atmosphere The Palm steakhouse offers an extensive that overlooks a picturesque tree-canopied wine list, daily fresh seafood, and of course, bend in the river. Still celebrating the end prime steaks in a relaxed atmosphere. At of Prohibition, Esquire Tavern pairs Morton’s The Steakhouse, grab a juicy elevated comfort food with a mix of classic New York Strip or filet mignon downtown. and inventive house cocktails, such as

LA PANDERÍA

42 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide the Texecutioner and the Wonderlust King. “Iron Chef Gauntlet” contestant and chef Jason Dady opened Range to showcase the bounty of the Texas Hill Country. Nearly all of the eatery’s meat is sourced from Texas-based 44 Farms, from the house dry- aged New York strip, to the bone-in ribeye, tomahawk chop, and beef tenderloin. Boudro’s Texas Bistro embraces the regional flavors for which Texas and the Southwest have come to be known. Start with tableside guacamole before sliding into an order of pecan-grilled lamb chops and wash it all down with a prickly-pear margarita. The tri-level, ultra- LA GLORIA modern Ácenar is not your average Tex-Mex joint. Among the favorites of the Nuevo Tex-Mex menu are short-rib tacos, house- smoked salmon nachos, and tableside guacamole. On a beautiful outdoor patio, Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar serves over 100 premium tequilas and a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican inspired cuisine. Locals and visitors alike gather on the spacious patio of Paesanos Riverwalk for authentic 205 East Houston Street • San Antonio, Texas 78205 Italian cuisine al fresco. +1 210-227-3241

VisitSanAntonio.Com 43 FOOD

SAVOR, THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

ÀCENAR

Looking for that perfect blend of beer, lively green spaces is home to some of the food and fun? Yard House’s eclectic menu city’s most innovative new restaurants. is matched only by its collection of craft Named after the old Pearl Brewery’s beer taps along the bar, and Gourdough’s bottling department it sits on, the Bottling Public House pairs cold drafts with donut- Department Food Hall offers a variety of themed dishes, like the Instagram-famous dining options from short rib burgers to donut burger. In the mood for seafood? rotisserie chicken. Descend the stairs into Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab the cellar for hot jazz and Texas cuisine. Shack, and Landry’s Seafood House are Visitors to Jazz, TX dance off their grilled steps away. And for a romantic meal on the snapper and jalapeño corn fritters with mole River Walk, Ostra is known for its exquisite (pronounced mole-ay) to the music of a live seafood, including its acclaimed Oyster Bar. South Texas band. What happens when you Thanks to the Museum Reach extension cross the cuisines of Peru and Asia? Peruvian- of the River Walk, you can continue your Asian fusion restaurant Botika has the culinary tour north of downtown all the way answer: plantain sushi rolls, ceviche served to Pearl. Chef Jason Dady’s foodie and family- with wonton chips, and a bar stocked with friendly Tre Trattoria brings the flavors of sake, pisco, and cachaça. For the culinary Italy to the breezy patio of the San Antonio purists out there, the funky, riverside Museum of Art overlooking the river. Still Mexican cantina La Gloria creates small can’t decide? Hop on a dinner cruise with GO street food plates from every corner of Mexico. RIO San Antonio Cruises and enjoy dinner Housed in one of Pearl’s original and a “show.” structures, Boiler House Texas Grill & Wine Garden welcomes guests to dine on Pearl gourmet Texas Hill Country fare. As you San Antonio’s hip epicenter of culinary walk into Cured, the brewery’s former and cultural delights is the historic Pearl administration building, a large charcuterie Brewery Complex. This mixed-used space of case clues you into what to expect on the stunning late-19th century architecture and menu: meat-centric selections featuring

44 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide house-cured charcuterie Michelino’s plates, chicken fried chicken More Dining Since 1968, this long- livers, and veal osso busco. standing restaurant has Larder has everything for a with a View watched over the River gourmet ready-made picnic, For a meal, cocktails, Walk. Today, guests enjoy and Bakery Lorraine and a view, try casual dining and Italian offers classic French these tried-and-true fare for lunch and dinner. establishments. pastries—everything tastes Pat O’Brien’s as wonderful as it looks. A replica of the New For a unique dining Orleans institution with Café Ole experience there’s Savor, Cajun food, Hurricane Tex-Mex cuisines on a The Culinary Institute of festive patio. cocktails and the famous dueling piano bar. America, San Antonio’s Casa Rio restaurant and bar where Rio Rio Cantina Margaritas on the River guests build multi-courses Walk since 1946. One of the original Mexican restaurants on the River prepared by advanced County Line Bar-B-Q Walk. Enjoy Tex-Mex, as culinary students. At Chef Legendary Texas barbecue well as the daily happy Jeff Balfour’s Southerleigh and ice cold beer. hour at Naked Iguana Fine Food & Brewery, Tequila Lounge. southern cuisine meets Dick’s Last Resort Dishing out sarcasm, cold Saltgrass Steak House his Galveston upbringing: drinks and delicious grub Tuck into the best steaks, oysters, crab, grilled redfish, since 1987. burgers, seafood, and and Gulf shrimp pair well poultry. Three other with Southerleigh drafts. Hard Rock Café locations throughout San Serving burgers and rock Antonio. ‘n roll on three ﬂ oors of Southtown patios overlooking the San The Original Mexican Just south of downtown Antonio River. Restaurant is Southtown, a hip, San Antonio-style Mexican artistic hub for galleries, Jimmy Buffet’s food served 24 hours daily. shopping, nightlife and, Margaritaville Sip and savor drinks and of course, dining. Begin family friendly food in a your day with The Good party atmosphere. Kind Southtown, new to the district. The Good Kind Lone Star Café a River Walk staple since prides itself on healthy, 1981, enjoy steaks and quick breakfast and burgers under the Texas lunch items, including ﬂ ag-inspired umbrellas. sandwiches and build- your-own market bowls. Locals gather at B&D Icehouse for cold craft beer and hot barbecue from

RIORIOCANTINA

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San Antonio’s Latest Tastemakers New restaurants bring fresh flavor to this culinary hub.

Best Quality Daughter Pastiche With reimagined Asian Old World inspiration dishes and inspired infuses this former cocktails, this pop-up cottage and its menu masterpiece ﬁnds a of cocktails, European- permanent home in leaning wine and beer, an artfully retroﬁtted and sweet treats. East steam cleaners. East Downtown. Downtown. TWO BROS. BBQ MARKET Southerleigh Box Street Social Brewing Company Named fourth-best at Brooks food truck in the U.S., The second brewpub of Box Street Social this southern coastal award-winning Two Bros. BBQ Market. serves an eclectic kitchen features a Don’t miss legendary sandwich “The Bruno,” menu with view of the 40-seat taproom and a tower of chopped BBQ beef, mac n’ cheese, Tower of the Americas. a tasting room housed in the renovated cole slaw and Shiner Sauce. People flock to S. Maverick Whiskey Brooks Chapel (1941). Alamo Street in search of the city’s best Tex- Craft beers, whiskies, Southeast. and Texas dry gin Mex. When the street corner lights up neon pair with seasonally Southerleigh Coast pink, you’ll know you’ve found Rosario’s updated, New & Comfort opening American dishes for at Brooks Mexican Café & Cantina. Consistently lunch and dinner in Sharing a modern take honored by critics as the best in San Antonio, the historic Lockwood on the state’s cross- National Bank cultural cuisine, C&C Rosario’s offers a contemporary twist on building. will pair its unique traditional south-of-the-border dishes like beers with family-style fish tacos, ceviche, and specialty margaritas. Mia Familia de Mi seafood and fresh Tierra at The Rim oysters. Southeast. At Guenther House, enjoy plate-sized Enjoy Cortez Family cinnamon rolls, fluffy biscuits, and gooey classics—Mexican Southerleigh Bird & and Tex-Mex Biscuit at The Rim apple strudels in the beautifully-restored dishes, pastries, and This casual Southern 1860 home of the Pioneer Mills founder, margaritas—under concept features a sparkling canopy Southerleigh’s famous or dine under the stars or in an elegantly of lights and piñatas. fried chicken and redesigned gas station at Bliss. Featuring an North. biscuits along with impressive wine list and appetizer selection. coastal favorites, Mr. Juicy fresh oysters, and its At Maverick Texas Brasserie, French Crispy fries, smooth signature handcrafted charm and Texas ingredients go hand- milkshakes, and the beers. North. restaurant’s namesake, in-hand. Chefs cook seafood, steaks and juicy burgers poultry—even a whole roast duck—over the make chef Andrew Weissman’s latest coals of a wood burning stove. venture more than Much like the eclectic architecture of your average burger joint. Olmos Park. Southtown’s King William neighborhood, this dining district’s cuisine showcases a

46 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide GUENTHER HOUSE LA FONDA ON MAIN variety of cultural influences. Gastropub Near Downtown Francis Bogside offers elevated Irish cuisine Many longtime favorites live with the locals with contemporary twists. Restaurateur in nearby neighborhoods Government and chef team Andrew Goodman and Stefan Hill, Alamo Heights, Monte Vista, and Bowers invite guests to Battalion to dine on Olmos Park. In Alamo Heights, Cappy’s Southern Italian classics like veal parmesan Restaurant has served upscale food in a and shrimp scampi in an historic 1924 laid-back setting for more than 20 years. Or firehouse, which features brick archways try its sister Cappyccino’s next door, a bistro and a fire pole. With Instagram-ready and bar with tasty burgers, pizza, soups, and ambiance and a stocked Tiki Bar, Hot Joy salads. Nearby is La Panadería, a bakery fires up small plates of spicy Asian food and and café specializing in authentic bread fishbowls of tropical rum cocktails. and pasteries, including bestseller Tequila- Home to many of the city’s best Almond Croissants. New to the ’09 zip code contemporary art galleries, the Blue Star is Bist09, an upscale French brasserie where Brewery Complex also hosts a variety of a French-leaning wine list compliments creative restaurants. Tucked behind the classic menu items such as duck a l’orange old grain silos near the Blue Star Brewery and braised shortribs. Paesanos Lincoln Complex is a new restaurant from Chef Heights is where local families go for Johnny Hernandez. Laid-back burger authentic Italian food, including traditional joint Burgerteca adds a Mexican twist pork osso buco, veal marsala, and the to the all-American classic. Don’t forget to signature dish, Shrimp Paesano. In Monte check out Hernandez’s original Southtown Vista, enjoy a michelada under the trees establishment The Frutería. Serving fresh on the beautiful outdoor patio of La Fonda fruit cups, smoothies, and tostadas by day, on Main, where classic Tex-Mex fare has this vibrant, colorful cantina transforms into been a mainstay since 1932. In neighboring a swanky hotspot serving Mexican tapas and Olmos Park, chefs at the 12-seat Mixtli fruit-infused cocktails by sundown. create ten-course regional Mexican tasting

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Dining at Your Doorstep These hotel-based restaurants offer local flavor.

Antler’s Lodge, Hyatt Regency Hill The River’s Edge Cafe, Country Resort Hilton Palacio Del Rio Prime cuts, seafood, and Texas wild game Enjoy the River Walk view while dining on feature in this sophisticated dining room American and South Texas inspired cuisine. with Hill Country views. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Colonial Room, Menger Hotel River Walk Grand Hyatt In 1859, Mary Menger stepped in as the first chef of Come for the famous steaks, chops and seafood, and the Menger Hotel restaurant. The Victorian-era enjoy specialty cocktails and views of the River Walk. eatery continues her culinary tradition. Signature, La Cantera Resort & Spa Dorrego’s, Hotel Valencia This fine dining destination combines French cooking Argentinian-inspired dishes, including savory techniques with seasonal South Texas ingredients. empanadas, take center stage at this stylish eatery. Supper, Hotel Emma Las Canarias, Omni La Mansion del Rio With flavorful dishes and creative cocktails, Chef This three-tiered River Walk restaurant is the essence John Brand’s riverside cafe is the perfect spot for of relaxation and fine San Antonio dining. dining. Sternewirth, the hotel’s tavern and club room, offers classic cocktails. Las Ramblas, Hotel Contessa Celebrate a new menu of Texas-inspired cuisine, Tributary, San Antonio including an all-day weekend brunch, on this Marriott Rivercenter River Walk patio. Texas-sized appetites will find satisfaction Ocho, Hotel Havana at this new restaurant with locally-sourced This hidden lounge is an oasis of old Cuban ingredients and a creative Southern-style menu. charm in a stunning glass conservatory Zocca, Westin Riverwalk overlooking the River Walk. Fresh, house-made dishes and a shaded, riverside Oro, Emily Morgan Hotel patio have helped make Zocca one of the city’s Regional southwest flavors, seasonal dishes, epic highest-rated Italian restaurants. margaritas and locally renowned martini specials 1917 Restaurant & Bar, coalesce to make a legendary dining experience. Embassy Suites, Brooks Ostra, Mokara Hotel Locally sourced ingredients offer a special Nothing says romance like oysters and champagne, farm-to-table experience. and this intimate riverfront restaurant offers both in abundance. Cascabel Restaurant, DoubleTree, Airport Q Kitchen Bar, Hyatt Regency Offers dining and cocktails in comfortable ambience. Start the day at the omelet station and breakfast buffet before a full day of sightseeing. Anaqua Grille, Marriott Plaza Enjoy New American Cuisine in a beautiful Rebelle, St. Anthony Hotel garden setting. Join a legacy of Hollywood stars, politicians and social elite as you dine at this stylish restaurant. One-Eleven Bar & Grill, Wyndham San Antonio River Walk Enjoy regional Texas fare and custom cocktails.

48 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide San Antonio's Food menus using ancient cooking techniques. Save WEATHERED SOULS the sweetest for last with and Chef Trails BREWING Where should we eat? In this UNESCO- sweet crepes, ice cream and, awarded Creative City of Gastronomy, the of course, specialty chocolate abundance of answers can be overwhelming. Never at Chocollazo, Chocolatier & fear. The experts at Culinaria, a local organization Confectionary. that celebrates culinary talent, point the way to Best known for its dining bliss with Food Trails and Chef Trails. Determined by a panel of chefs, restaurant owners nightlife and bar scene, the and beverage talent, three Food Trails lead hungry St. Mary’s Strip is home to travelers through San Antonio’s most famous two restaurants that bring food groups: Tacos, Barbecue, and Margaritas. a taste of New Orleans to With Culinaria’s six official Chef Trails, follow San Antonio. Both featuring your favorite culinary cowboys to their preferred live jazz and traditional watering holes. New Orleans cuisine, Cookhouse Restaurant Chef Trails: entertains with grilled Brian West John Brand school San Antonio oysters, shrimp & grits, After Tex-Mex Sternewirth makes with dinner from The breakfast at Regio a convenient happy Little Red Barn. and smoked duck breast, Café, this chef, hour venue for this while NOLA Brunch & Scott Otta restaurateur and chef and culinary Beignets serves up brunch culinary consultant director at Hotel The discerning taste pairs lunch with a Emma. Brand also of an advanced level favorites with a Creole sommelier make game of Skee-Ball enjoys breakfast twist six days a week. at Sandbox. Culinary at Thousand Oaks this High Street hub Pearl provides Cafe, lunch with a Wino Co. GM and Holding court on the strip is both happy hour Fatboys burger, and Beverage Director Little Death, where natural an ideal judge for and dinner with Mexican fl avors for and European-focused Sternwirth and dinner at Pollo Asado the city’s top fl avors: Supper. los Norteños or El mussels at La Frite, wines pair with tapas-style quail legs at Cured, Bucanero. accompaniments. Jason Dady beef panang at Thai Named “Best Chef Johnny Dee, and gnocci at in San Antonio,” Hernandez Nonna. this James Beard This culinary genius Steve McHugh semifi nalist takes behind Mexican Chef Steve McHugh an international powerhouses of Cured fame shares approach to dining Burgerteca, La favorite dishes from with Mexican Gloria, and The classic San Antonio breakfast at Garcia’s, Frutería starts his restaurants: fried lunch at Thai Dee, day with breakfast riblets at Chatman’s, and Italian fl avors at at La Parilla Azteca, crispy dogs at MK Battalion. Happy then Rudy’s Seafood Davis, ceviche at El hour isn’t complete for lunch. After happy Bucanero, and the without a margarita hour at Downstairs Original Big Juicy from La Hacienda de at Esquire, Chef burger at Longhorn los Barrios. Hernandez goes old Café.

COOKHOUSE To see the Food Trails, go to VisitSanAntonio.com.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 49 FOOD

LA PANADERÍA

BATTALION

Other options nearby include Alamo BBQ the wine list. Weathered Souls Brewing Co., offering classic Texas pit ‘cue, a bar, and Co., an independently owned craft brewery, a play yard for the kiddos, brought to you by introduces new beers every Thursday, and the team at Two Bros. BBQ. offers barbecue by South BBQ. With two locations, Deco Pizzeria offers Destination-worthy barbecue joints an extensive variety of pizzas along with await, north and south. To the north, wings, salads, wine and cocktails, and Two Bros. BBQ Market continues to Sunday brunch. Catch live country music draw national awards and large crowds on the weekends at 151 Saloon, which to their family-friendly Texas Pit BBQ features a daily happy hour, games, and joint. New to the south side, South BBQ food trucks on-site provide a variety of & Kitchen pleases with smoked meats dining options. and worth-the-trip side dishes, such as its not-to-be-missed potato salad. North Looking for some variety? J-Prime In north San Antonio’s The Alley on Steakhouse serves up prime beef, free- Bitters, friends share a yoga class and then range chicken, and wild-caught seafood in a table at the new Meadow Neighborhood an upscale setting. And you’ll find Chama Eatery + Bar. Enjoy seasonal Southern Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse offers all- and American eats at Clementine, and let you-can-eat churrascaria, with grilled beef, sommelier Patrick Frasier provide a tour of pork, lamb, and chicken.

50 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide NIGHTLIFE

Live Music And Comedy

From internationally acclaimed acts to culturally rich, local favorites, San Antonio holds the spotlight on live music and comedy

PARAMOUR BAR

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the musical birthplace of country music legend Willie Nelson. If Western swing ain’t your thing, check out Sam’s Burger Joint. Sam’s has been one of the city’s best venues for catching local and touring musical acts. On Swing Nite, watch the burgers and the dancers flip. In Selma, just northeast of the city, the Blue Bonnet Palace swings with national and local musical acts and drink specials on Friday and Saturday nights.

MAJESTIC THEATRE In addition to sporting events, the AT&T Center and the Alamodome also host a variety of concerts. Catch some of the country’s best comics at Laugh Out Loud. Downtown, catch nationally touring Gabriel Iglesias, Anjelah Johnson, Carols concerts and other live entertainment at Mecia, Richard Lewis, and Margaret Cho the Majestic and Empire Theatres, the have all held the mic at ths comedy venue. Aztec Theatre, the Carver Cultural Or get involved in the act at Comedyzportz. Center, and the Tobin Center for the Not your typical improv show, the quick- Performing Arts. witted comedians compete for the biggest For live music and revelry, spend your laughs in teams. Though the BYOB venue evening on the St. Mary’s Strip at revamped allows guests to BYOKids to early shows venues Paper Tiger, The Amp Room, The (adults-only shows are later), all of the shows Mix, Limelight, Hi-Tones, or La Botánica. are entertaining for all ages. Recent additions capturing the distinctive San Antonio scene are The Squeezebox—a Pump It Up live music and dancing venue that features Whether you prefer boots, heels, or Tejano, conjunto, and cumbia music in something in between, San Antonio’s addition to DJ sets—and Jandro’s, a vibrant nightlife and dance scene nightclub that celebrates live music, local will get your toes tapping. art, and the chill factor. The folks at The Rustic know the ingredients for a good time: Cowboys, cowgirls, and the merely curious farm-to-table regional fare, local beer and mosey over to Cowboys Dancehall, the cocktails, and live music under the stars. premier honkytonk experience in Texas. And it’s no surprise, one of the co-founders is Dance to live country music, practice your country music star and San Antonio native riding skills on a mechanical bull, and Pat Green. John T. Floore’s Country watch the professional bull riders at the Store draws big names in country music and indoor rodeo arena. Beginner bootscooters big crowds to the small town of Helotes, just enjoy free dance lessons, no partner northwest of San Antonio. Add authentic required. Or take a literal spin around a Texas dancehall and café rather than an raised, racetrack-style dance floor at Wild actual store, Floore’s is known to many as West. With a center, courtyard bar, this

52 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide country-western venue invites everyone the Moon has a reputation of being “Part to get in the middle of the action. Enjoy bar. Part concert. All fun.” country and dance hits spun by DJs, as If you prefer singing with a pint of well as billiards, TVs, and Cowboy Shushi Guinness in hand, stroll down to the riverside Café. At Carmens de la Calle, spice up your at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub, a replica of evening with an ever-changing global menu the original 1620 tavern in Limerick, Clare and dance to varied acts from flamenco to County. Or stop at swanky rooftop bar jazz. Visitors to Jazz, TX dance off their Paramour, where guests can choose from in-house Texan cuisine to the music of twenty specialty hand-crafted cocktails a live band. Located in the cellar of the while taking in awesome views of the San Bottling Department at the historic Pearl Antonio skyline. Not-to-miss San Antonio Brewery, the club features blues, Texas nightlife favorites include: Bar Rojo at the swing, salsa and of course, jazz, including Grand Hyatt, offering craft cocktails and bar regular performances from founder and bites; Bar 414, honoring blues legend Robert local bandleader Doc Watkins. Late night Johnson, who recorded in room 414 at the revelers dance to the beat at Heat, part Sheraton Gunter Hotel; Tex’s Sports Bar, of The Strip SA, a vibrant nightlife zone a sports-focused hang out offering multiple of LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and TVs, a basic burger and wings menu, and a dance clubs. Choose from three floors of waterside patio; Hotel Emma’s cozy tavern bass-thumping fun at Bonham Exchange. and club room, Sternewirth; Havana Built in 1891 as a German athletic Bar at the Hotel Havana, voted best hotel association, this downtown hotspot offers bar; Merkaba, a new cocktail lounge and a variety of musical genres in an inclusive nightclub where DJs spin when a live band atmosphere. When neon cocktails come in isn’t in the house; Pat O’Brien’s, a replica buckets and musicians perform dance hits of the New Orleans institution, where guests on dueling pianos, it’s no wonder Howl at enjoy the Cajun fare, Hurricanes, and sports on the River Walk; or end your night by visiting the city’s most haunted bars and hotels as you raise a glass on a Nightly Spirits’ Ghost Tour & Pub Crawl.

PEARL MENGER HOTEL BAR

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Hip San Antonio

San Antonio may be known for the Alamo and the River Walk, but . the rapidly growing city offers travelers plenty of other authentic experiences. Check out these must-sees that are puro San Antonio. PHOTO BY MATTHEW JOHNSON

MARKET SQUARE

54 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide CONFLUENCE PARK

THE ALAMO

LA VELADORA

The City's Most Instagrammable Spots SELENA BRIDGE

Pearl Brewery the lively cultural activity The “Selena Bridge” Smokestack of its restaurants, shops, A romantic scene from the The 22-acre site of the produce stands, and movie Selena was fi lmed former Pearl Brewery shines performers. Bonus points if on an arched stone bridge as a top culinary and cultural you can fi t papel picado, a situated over the River Walk, destination. mariachi, and a margarita all located between N. Saint in one frame. Mary’s Street and Navarro Confl uence Street. Park Pavilion The Alamo The unique leaf-inspired Remember the Alamo… La Veladora of Our design of the Pavilion at with a photo! The city’s most Lady of Guadalupe Confl uence Park is just one famous landmark is the fi rst Don’t miss this huge ceramic feature of this environmental of fi ve Spanish missions that mural of a votive candle with restoration, located at the laid the foundation for the an eternal fl ame. junction of the San Antonio city and later became the The River Walk River and San Pedro Creek. site of the epic battle for This world-renowned 15- independence in 1836. Market Square mile urban waterway is a The Mercado or Market San Antonio treasure and Square can barely contain provides endless photo ops.

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Itinerary Three Days in the City

Discover Museums

After coffee and an Egg Cloud at Rosella Coffee, take a deep dive into the culture and arts of San Antonio with a museum crawl. Western buffs and Texas naturalists alike gravitate to the Briscoe Western Art Museum and The Witte Museum, or visit the San Antonio Museum of Art and its treasure trove of Asian, European, Islamic, Latin American, American, and Texan art. Enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace of the museum overlooking the River Walk at chef Jason Dady’s Tre Trattoria. Then head to the McNay Art Museum (the ﬁ rst modern art museum in Texas!), which features paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Recharge with a massage at Mokara Hotel & Spa or enjoy Hill Country views from La Cantera Resort and Spa. Later, take in a live THE WITTE MUSEUM performance at the Majestic Theatre.

Step Into the Old World

Plan your tour of the ﬁ ve 18th-century Spanish Colonial missions over coffee at Ocho at Hotel Havana. About a mile from the stone steps of the Alamo, the River Walk’s expanded Mission Reach will lead you to Missions Concepción (check out the gorgeous frescoes), San José (don’t miss the mysterious rose window), San Juan, and Espada. Then, take a self-guided walking tour through the King William neighborhood’s Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate homes before visiting the Steves Homestead Museum and Villa Finale. Grab a beer at B&D Ice House or a cocktail at The Cherrity Bar. End the night in the city’s Main Plaza, where a dazzling artistic display lights up the San Fernando Cathedral four nights a week with San Antonio | The Saga. The free show combines music and video to tell the story of the city’s early days in 24 minutes of breathtaking art. SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

Smell the Roses

On the weekend, stroll the Pearl Farmers Market, and check out some of the area’s great retailers. Head to the new San Pedro Creek Culture Park, an outdoor oasis where visitors can go on an invigorating hike or a bike ride along its trails, or just relax and take in the public art. Explore the unique galleries and shops at the Blue Star Arts Complex in Southtown. Or check out the new Ruby City contemporary art center. Home to more than 800 paintings, sculptures, and video art by contemporary artists, the crimson-colored building was inspired by a dream of late arts patron Linda Pace. End the day with a romantic dinner along the River Walk at Biga on the Banks, Paesanos PEARL FARMERS MARKET Riverwalk, or Las Canarias.

56 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Local Spirits There’s so much cocktailing in town that San Antonio even hosts an annual cocktail conference.

Whiskey Maverick Whiskey All spirts are aged in Texas Oak barrels in the tradition of Alamo Whiskey, from 1836.

Brandy Dorcol This San Antonio-based distillery’s signature liquor—a double-distilled, apricot-based

SOUTHERLEIGH brandy—has origins in Eastern Europe.

Whiskey Künstler Brewing Ranger Creek Local Brew Part Old World Bavarian As San Antonio cuisine Brewing & Distilling tradition, part new world has reached worldwide This award-winning attention, our local beers Texas pride, Künstler Brewing “brewstillery” handcrafts have gained notoriety, too. handcrafts German-style beer. microbrews and craft whiskies. Mad Pecker Brewing Alamo Beer Company Vodka . Unpretentious, small-batch Catch a Spurs game or try Artisan on Alamo brewing at its fi nest. your hand at Beer Bacon Bingo Artisanal vodkas, including one with your favorite brew at this Roadmap Brewing made with cactus paddles, prove beer hall. All roads lead to beer at this vodka doesn’t have to be boring. family-friendly brewery. Blue Star Brewing Gin Company Southerleigh Seersucker Distillery Hit up this eclectic microbrewery This brewpub brings brewing The world’s fi rst and only for a fi ner beer experience, back to the historic Pearl Southern-style gin. It’s slow- ANDSOUTHERLEIGHPHOTOSBYMATTHEWJOHNSON ) including organic brews and live Brewery. Additional location at distilled with all-natural jazz every Tuesday. The RIM opening in 2020. botanicals. FACINGPAGE ( Freetail Brewing Co. Weathered Souls Vodka & Whiskey Named after the offi cial fl ying Brewing Rebecca Creek Distillery mammal of Texas (the Mexican Always keeping it fresh, One of the largest spirits producers free-tailed bat), this was one of Weathered Souls releases a new in the region is producing fi ne

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL the city’s ﬁ rst microbreweries. small-batch beer every Thursday. Texas vodka and whiskey.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 57 URBAN TRAVELER

Worth the Trip south of San Antonio. Learn the dramatic King Located deep in the heart of Texas, San Ranch story as you tour parts of this historic Antonio provides convenient access to 825,000-acre ranch. After checking out the 1904 small towns that are well worth exploring. Train Depot Museum, enjoy a treat at Harrel’s Pharmacy’s old-fashioned soda fountain. Fredericksburg New Braunfels and Gruene The Texas Hill Country’s most popular hub Explore Texas’s German roots with a day trip for wine-enthusiasts offers antique stores, to New Braunfels and neighboring Gruene restaurants and lively street festivals along (pronounced “green”). Tubing on the refreshing the charming Main Street. Visit one of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers is the most over 40 wineries and tasting rooms or pack relaxing water sport there is. Adventurous a picnic to Enchanted Rock State Natural floaters ride the Tube Chute and rapids, while Area, featuring a massive pink granite those preferring a more leisurely drift can wave dome rising among the Texas hills. from beneath the cypress trees. Catch a show Bandera at Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall. Don’t miss the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” San Marcos located just one hour northwest of San Antonio.

Less than 50 miles northwest of San Antonio . Ride a horse on a scenic trail or stay at one of is the city of San Marcos. Besides offering eleven dude ranches here. Immerse yourself intrepid shoppers the largest outlet shopping in cowboy (and cowgirl!) culture—the town center in the U.S., the city offers up a colorful is brimming with history, horses, and fun. historical district perfect for exploring. Or spend Kingsville a day on the spring-fed San Marcos River, Explore the town of Kingsville—the town where you can tour in a glass-bottom boat,

the King Ranch built–located just two hours or paddle, snorkel, waterski or just float. FREDERICKSBURGPHOTOBYJASONRISNER

SAN MARCOS FREDERICKSBURG

58 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide Shopping TRENDY BRUNCH

NORTH STAR MALL Got Brunch? Spend time exploring Whether you prefer thoughtful takes Historic Market Square,the on American breakfast classics, hearty Mexican and Tex-Mex staples or are largest Mexican market in the looking for something completely country. Or stroll through nearly culinarily different, start your weekend 30 shops and galleries at La Villita off right by tucking into a tasty brunch Historic Arts Village. And kids love in the Alamo City. Try these spots in the famous big cowboy boots town. Call for hours and reservations. sculpture at North Star Mall. And don’t miss: The Alamo Quarry Market, Ácenar La Fonda a shopping/dining/entertainment 146 E. Houston St. on Main complex located in north central San 210-222-2362 2415 N. Main Ave. Antonio, that was once a functioning Sat. & Sun. 210-733-0621 Sat. & cement factory. Look for the original Sun. Bite smokestacks—a symbol of one of 1012 Presa Rosella at the city’s oldest industries. Pearl, 210-532-2571 The Rand with unique boutiques, restaurants, Sat. & Sun. 114 E. Houston St. and green spaces for the kids. Shops 210-595-1410 at La Cantera offers shopping with Botika Sun. views of the Hill Country. In the heart 303 Pearl Pkwy. of downtown San Antonio, The Shops 210-670-7684 Whiskey Cake at RiverCenter has more than 100 Sun. 15900 La Cantera shops and restaurants, and offers Pkwy. Cappy’s plenty of family fun as well as access Suite 21200 at 5011 Broadway to the GO RIO San Antonio River La Cantera 210-828-9669 Cruise. What could be more “Texan” 210-236-8095 Sat. & Sun. than a pair of quintessential cowboy Sat. & Sun boots made by The Lucchese Boot La Panadería Company? Skilled craftsmen have 301 E. Houston St. been hand-making these beautiful 210-592-6264 boots since 1883. Sat. & Sun.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 59 EVENTS & FESTIVALS: 2020–2021

Major Events & Festivals

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s no wonder the Alamo City’s event calendar is packed with concerts, fairs, festivals, and rodeos. Be sure to check out some of the city’s top events.

FIESTA SAN ANTONIO

2020-2021 SEPTEMBER 2020 Fotoseptiembre Antonio Missions, Culinaria: A Wine USA a UNESCO World and Culinary Arts Explore exhibits of Heritage site. Festival photography and OCTOBER 2020 JULY 2020 Culinaria celebrates photo-based works at Dia De Los Balcones Heights San Antonio as a various galleries and Muertos Jazz Festival premier wine and food exhibition spaces. Popular Day of the This free concert destination and an Jazz’SA Live Dead events take series takes place important gateway The nation’s top jazz place at Hemisfair and Friday evenings at the to Mexico and Latin entertainers join local elsewhere around the Wonderland of the America. and regional talent city. (See sidebar) Americas Amphitheater. Diez y Seis Events for this free, two-day Oktoberfest Fourth of July Marking Mexico’s event in Travis Park. San Antonio Celebration independence from World Heritage Head over to the Enjoy ﬁ reworks, Spain, San Antonio Festival Beethoven Halle und concerts, and celebrates with events This annual, ﬁ ve-day Garten to celebrate celebrations at throughout the city event celebrates and the ultimate German locations across San during Hispanic promotes the San festival. Antonio. Heritage month.

60 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide NOVEMBER 2020 Ford Holiday extravaganzas at FEBRUARY 2021 Fiesta San River Parade SeaWorld San Antonio Ford Parade of Antonio & Lighting and Six Flags Fiesta Lanterns Join more than three Ceremony Texas, the Alamo City Enormous colorful million revelers at A night parade, keeps things festive illuminated lanterns Fiesta, one of San costumed fl oat riders, during the holiday fl oat upon ten 26-foot- Antonio’s oldest and holiday lights season. long boats throughout traditions. Don’t miss illuminate the River the downtown section San Antonio the Battle of Flowers Walk. of the River Walk Rock ‘N’ Roll Parade or A Night in through early February. DECEMBER 2020 Marathon Old San Antonio, Celebrate 2021 & Half Marathon Asian Festival two of the most in San Antonio Run or cheer during This family-friendly popular events. Ring in the New Year the famous 13.1- and event features Asian- Diwali San with fi reworks, live 26.2-mile course— American music, cultural Antonio music, food booths, with plenty of live performances, food, This free festival and fun in downtown music along the way. fashion, and crafts. celebrates Indian San Antonio. Valero Alamo Battle of culture with colorful Citywide Holiday Bowl the Alamo lights, Indian music, Celebrations College football comes Commemoration dancing, food, and From boat caroling on to the Alamodome Relive the early days a special lighting the River Walk to for a post-season of Texas as the San ceremony. collegiate bowl game Antonio Living History featuring the top Pac- Association brings the 12 and Big 12 teams. Battle of the Alamo JANUARY 2021 to life. Martin Luther San Antonio King, Jr. March Stock Show & One of the largest Rodeo people’s marchews in Held at the AT&T the country. Center, the rodeo features great San Antonio DIA DE LOS MEURTOS entertainment with Cocktail star-studded artists Conference DIA DE LOS MEURTOS during PRCA rodeo This annual conference In late-October and early-November, San Antonio performances, plus celebrates Día de los Muertos, or Day of the brings together top shopping, a carnival, Dead, with not-to-be-missed experiences and bartenders for four events all over town, which connect the city to and livestock centers. its cultural and religious roots while honoring the days of seminars, memories of deceased loved ones. San Antonio, tastings, and cocktail the capital of Mexican-American culture, is the best place to celebrate this authentic cultural parties. family-friendly holiday.

VisitSanAntonio.Com 61 EVENTS & FESTIVALS: 2020–2021

Friday and Saturday Theme Park evenings feature songs Happenings and dances of Mexico, SEAWORLD & Spain, and Argentina AQUATICA at the River Walk’s SAN ANTONIO

ARMED FORCES RIVER PARADE historic Arneson River Feb Opens for the season Theatre. April–May Texas Folklife Seven Seas© Food Festival Fiesta, one of San MARCH 2021 Festival jun-aug Antonio’s oldest Electric Ocean Contemporary Revel in all things traditions. Don’t miss oct Art Month Texas, including food, the Battle of Flowers Howl-O-Scream This month-long music, and crafts at Parade or a Night in Nov–Jan celebration of this annual festival Christmas Celebration Old San Antonio, two contemporary arts hosted by the Institute of the most popular features more than of Texan Cultures. SIX FLAGS events. FIESTA TEXAS 400 exhibitions spread Now open year-round! over more than 50 Check website for mAY 2021 hours and details. venues. Armed Forces Jan–Mar River Parade Mardi Gras Festival St. Patrick’s Day Dedicated to the & Parade River Parade & Armed Forces, jul Festival decorated floats Coca-Cola July 4th Fest Floats release travel down the sept–Oct environmentally Fright Fest River Walk. friendly green dye Nov–Jan Holiday in the Park into the San Antonio Cinco De Mayo

River, transforming Celebrations include a MORGAN’S it into “the River festival with music and WONDERLAND The world’s ﬁ rst ultra- Shannon.” food at historic Market accessible theme park APRIL 2021 Square. Feb Opens for the season Valero Tejano Conjunto OKTOBERFEST April–May Texas Open Festival Special Olympics Texas The third-oldest This acclaimed festival Summer Games tournament on the brings the best of Check event websites May PGA TOUR, the VTO conjunto musicians to for dates, times, Morgan’s Inspiration locations, and prices. Island water park opens has been played in San the Guadalupe Theater Oct Antonio since 1922. and Rosedale Park. Go to More Delightful Than VisitSanAntonio.com Frightful Halloween Fiesta San JUNE 2021 For more information celebration Antonio Fiesta Noche and a comprehensive Nov–Dec Join more than three Del Rio calendar of events. Wonderland Christmas million revelers at Performances on

62 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide

GETTING AROUND

transportation companies are approved for operation in San Antonio. Users request rides via smartphone app. Getting PARKING Pay stations in San Antonio are automated kiosks that accept coins, as well as credit and debit cards, and provide receipts. Instructions in English Around Town and Spanish assist users. SCOOTERS Navigate the city like a local. Electric scooters arrived on the streets of San Antonio in June 2018. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and the use of helmets is encouraged. Most scooters can be unlocked with a smart-phone app and vary in cost to ride.

Much of downtown San counters located in baggage claim GO RIO RIVER SHUTTLE GO RIO River Shuttle service runs Antonio is walkable, areas of Terminals A and B. (Several airport-area hotels also offer courtesy every 60 minutes daily from 10 a.m.–5 and the city offers easily van pick-up; inquire with hotels p.m. The Shuttle runs along the River accessible interstates and directly for details.) Walk from Downtown to Museum Reach. Look for the GO RIO Shuttle highways, making getting RENTAL CARS signs. GO RIO also offers narrated San around a breeze. All major rental car companies operate Antonio River Walk boat tours, which at San Antonio International Airport. leave every 35 minutes, and run daily Car rental counters are located in the from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. VIA. VIVA BUS ROUTES lobby of the new Consolidated Car VIVA, a new service line from VIA Rental Facility, accessible by elevator Metropolitan Transit, takes you to or escalator on the Mezzanine Level in the most-visited sites and attractions Terminal B and across the Sky Bridge. in the heart of San Antonio. Three Got a lot of passengers? Elegant distinct VIVA routes—VIVA Culture, Limousine & Charter has a ﬂ eet VIVA Missions, and VIVA Centro— of options, including mini-buses and connect riders with historic sites, coaches. museums, classic and contemporary art galleries, and popular dining and TAXIS entertainment spots. VIVA is ideal for Snag a cab at the airport at the getting to the San Antonio Missions outer commercial curbside at World Heritage Site, the Alamo, Market Terminal A. (Look for Airport Ground Square, the River Walk, Pearl, and Transportation employees, wearing more. You can even take VIVA (bus red shirts, for assistance.) The fare No. 5) to San Antonio International to downtown San Antonio runs Airport. The VIA Day Pass lets you ride approximately $24–$29 per cab. To all day for one low price. order a taxi for other journeys, you can call or make online reservations. SHUTTLES Or if you have a smartphone, catching SuperShuttle provides ground a ride is easy with the HailACab San transportation services at San Antonio Antonio app or Yellow Cab’s zTrip app. International Airport and in the surrounding area. The van service RIDE SHARING takes reservations and transports Via Link is the city’s newest on- travelers between San Antonio’s demand ride service. Operated by major business and entertainment Via Metropolitan Transit, it joins Lyft, districts and the airport. Look for ticket Uber, and Wingz. These alternative GO RIO RIVER SHUTTLE

64 VISIT SAN ANTONIO The Official Visitor’s Guide TEXAS’ LARGEST CAVERNS NaturalBridgeCaverns.com

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