Classic Clarissa Getaways

One place I absolutely enjoy visiting is San Antonio, Texas. If you like history then you have found an incredible gemstone of a city. San Antonio has The Alamo, several missions to explore, family friendly activities, and so much food. There is a lot to do just in the heart of the city with food, activities, and plenty of places to stay. This blog entry is going to cover all things to do, places to eat, historical places to visit, out door activities available, and the most safe and convenient places to stay for all the fun. No matter if you are flying or driving to San Antonio this is the place to find the best of the city.

Historical Places to Visit 

If you like the story of Davy Crockett then this is the place to visit. Downtown San Antonio is the Cathedral of San Fernando where Davy Crocketts remains can be found. If you walk inside the cathedral you will find amazing paintings, statues and incredible stained glass windows. The Cathedral is free but does actively hold ceremonies so make sure before you enter that you are quiet and respectful of it still being an operating church. There also is the famous Alamo where you can enter the church for free and they have several different tour options available from 14$-45$ depending on which tour you select. The Alamo has some places where you can take photos but on the inside you can only take photos without flash. There are four missions located around the city that you can tour and get a good idea of what the people who lived there went through. The first mission we are exploring is the San Jose Mission, ran from 1794 until 1824 which was 104 years and converted over 2,000 native Americans before closing its doors. It was then occupied by the military on and off from 1824-1859. They started holding services again in 1859 until an earth quake destroyed a large portion of it in 1868. It was reconstructed in 1932 and reopened to the public in 2001 for tours. The next mission is Concepcion which is the oldest standing stone church in America. This church is built on bedrock which is why it is unrestored and you can still see some of the original artwork that is over 250 years old. The San Juan Mission is one of the oldest missions in San Antonio and first started construction in 1750 to 1786. The mission church was finished in 1756 which brought over 200 Native Americans to live there. The construction of the second in 1762 and shortly after started the third church. The third church was never finished due to lack of labor and a decline in the number of residence. The current church they use to this day was completed in 1791. This mission was used for agriculture with its unique water systems that have now been restored growing new crops. There is a small museum you can tour to this day. The next mission is the oldest mission in Texas started in 1690 housing Native American. It was raided in 1736 by the Apache tribe of Native Americans causing the other Native Americans to leave the mission. The mission experienced an outbreak of smallpox causing it to postpone construction. It was eventually finished after getting new residence to help and operated until 1794 when it was secularized like the rest of them. You can still tour the rooms where they weaved and made yarn.

Things to do

There is plenty of places you can walk to from the Alamo to continue exploring. Ripley’s Believe it or not is across the street from the Alamo and Legoland is around the corner. This of course is the San Antonio River walk where you can find tons of restaurants. You can take a boat down the river and take a tour it takes about 2 hours and costs between $14.50 and $8.50 for adults to children. There is the San Antonio Zoo which is full of amazing animals, train rides, and many different exhibits. The Tower of the Americans is an amazing place which is a restaurant, observation deck, 4D theater and a gift shop. There are four different restaurants in the tower you can choose from. Don’t forget to check out the Witte Musuem which has science, nature, and culture intersect and surprise you with all the intriguing exhibits. If you are looking for some family fun there is the Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum, Six Flags over Texas, Sea World, LegoLand, The Japanese Gardens, The Botanical Gardens, and Natural Bridge Caverns. There is a city pass for those who want to take part in the tour called the river cruise, The Botanical gardens, The San Antonio Art Museum, The San Antonio Zoo, The Doseum which is the discovery and learning museum, Towers of America, and Witte Museum. You pick four of the previous listed activities for 57$ for Adults and 47$ for children. If you are into outdoors then Natural Bridge Caverns is a great place to check out as its the largest cavern in Texas with the only indoor LED light show experience. Not only is there the natural bridge caverns they have an outdoors high ropes course you can complete called Twisted Trails. Amazing Ranch Round up is an outdoor maze that is the largest maze in Texas which you can take part while you are there. Perhaps you feel in a more outdoors mood, then head on over to The Cave of No Name where you can explore another cavern with 6 gigantic rooms and if you’re lucky you can catch a concert in the Queens room. If you are an adrenaline junkie 6 Flags Fiesta Texas is your spot.6 Flags is an amusement park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, water slides, giant swings, virtual reality rides, and so much more. You could easily spend two days there alone between the water park and the theme park. The Historic Market Square is another spot to visit. The Farmers market sells more then just fresh produce there are plenty of venders with a variety of things to peruse. There is clothing, art work, and many unique pieces of art that local Mexican artists proudly sell at the market. Make sure you save room for souvenirs to take home whether you are flying or driving.

Places to Eat

Breakfast Places

Breakfast is a staple meal so make sure you try Garcia’s Mexican Food where they are known for their chalupas, enchiladas and breakfast taco with their amazing slice of brisket. The restaurant has over 60 years experience in delivering delicious meals. The bean and cheese burrito from Original Donut Shop on Fredericksburg Road is known as a delicacy in the neighborhood. The original donut shop has donuts galore along with a variety of tacos. Commonwealth is known for its charm of a coffee shop, amazing baked goods and phenomenal breakfast meals. Whether you need a place to work with wifi, or you are wanting to enjoy incredible coffee with delicious baked goods. This is the place to sit down and enjoy a full meal because this place has it all. Make sure you take home some of the amazing coffee so you can still enjoy a mug of it at home. Magnolia Pancake Haus is one of the best breakfast & brunch places in San Antonio because of their waffles, French toast and pancakes. They have mouth watering in-house smoked meats. If you are like me you will want to try their incredible breakfast Calico Hash featuring smoked pulled pork a fried egg on top and sweet potato hash on the bottom. Breakfast & brunch in San Antonio would not be complete without Liberty Bar they serve the chilaquiles all the way down to fresh breads, Custard French toast to Mexican chocolate cookies, and the view of floor to ceiling windows on the Alamo street. This is a perfect place to get a historic vibe while enjoying a delicious meal at the same time. Saving the best for last La Panaderia is the number one place to eat breakfast. This is a self serve pastry place along with Mexican style breakfast that you can get to go. This place is three miles from the Alamo so your family can grab a bag of pastries while walking to the Alamo.

Lunch Places

San Antonio is home to the Puffy Taco and Ray’s diner is the place to enjoy an orginal traditional puffy taco. The diner has been serving Mexican style food since the 1950s but its name was made legendary when the owner added the iconic puffy taco to the menu. This is a staple and you must try it before you leave. Taquitos West Avenue is the best place for mini tacos in Texas. Taquitos is the place to get your traditional street tacos since that is all they serve with a variety of meats. One of the new and talented restaurants in San Antonio is Curry Bros BBQ it combines asian food with texan food for a fusion explosion. The chef at Curry Bros recently won a James Beard Award so the food is so mazing. If you are into southern fusion food with a texan flare then try Southerleigh Fine Foods and Brewery. You can try the red snapper throats or the pressure fried chicken as it is a staple of this restaurant. The Historic Pearl District has several places to eat and Sotherleigh Fine foods is just one of many. You can go to the food hall where up and coming Chefs try out their new food menus before opening up a full blown restaurant. If you’re looking for a good lunch place stop at 2M Smokehouse for your texan BBQ experience. They have the best brisket, ribs, and house sausage links to pair with any of the amazing sides, pickled bell peppers with nopales and Serranos, Maria’s ranchero style beans, Mexican street corn and gum sweet coleslaw. Do no forget to leave room for desert because they are rotating and its completely worth it. San Antonio is known for its BBQ scene Reese Bro BBQ is new to the scene yet powerful in the BBQ realm. You have to try their brisket and sausage links both will absolutely blow your pallet. Try their sides of poblano Mac n cheese, okra and pinto beans, with homemade tortillas. This is an up and coming BBQ place that is not located in your typical neighborhood but well worth the drive to sit out on the patio style furniture and enjoy your BBQ delight. Reeses Brothers is only downfall is that they are only open on the weekends so make sure you catch them before they run out on Friday through Sunday from 11 am till they run out!

Dinner Places

Maverick is an upscale restaurant with a reasonable menu for your pocket. It has a sleek/industrial feel with black steel beams, Edison bulbs, exposed brick, and a long and sexy copper cocktail bar.  They have several different dining rooms at this establishment for any dinner occasion whether on a date night or you are looking for more of a fine dining experience. Enjoy anywhere from half of a rotisserie duck to the steak frites this place is packed with flavor. They have a phenomenal wine list from France all the way to California along with signature cocktails. Clementine is a great place for an upscale dinner you will not be disappointed. The restaurant is located in Castle hills, San Antonio with an out door patio and indoor eating spaces. This is a fine dining experience where the service is not only friendly but knowledge about the menu, drinks and any questions you may have. The African yams, seasoned with black garlic, pastrami spice, sunflower seeds, and harissa, and the Alaskan halibut that is always cooked to utter buttery, tender perfection is one of the dishes to rave about. Italian cuisine is one of my favorite cuisines but hard to get right and I enjoy true Italian cuisine. The Nonna Osteria in San Antonio delivers just that, a true Italian cuisine in a gorgeous old hotel called the Fairmont, located on the bottom floor. This grandmas Italian style cooking with an upscale service and atmosphere will knock your socks off. There are several amazing dishes on the menu the one everyone raves about is the Tartufo with its homage to pasta in a cheese rind paired with lumps of crab topped with truffle shavings its easy to see why it is so heavily recommended. Bliss is on the staple list for San Antonio with its New American cuisine. While located in a renovated filling station making it an already unique setting which adds to the menu of rotating items that sells out every night. Reservations is one way to guarantee you can try this incredible seasonal cuisine. I love pizza adds a wood-fire and upscale feel to pizza. The Dough Pizza Napoletana is a great place to try some of the best meat lovers pizzas, try antipasto with red grape tomatoes sometime. Try a house made salad with fresh baby green spinach paired with heirloom cherry tomatoes topped with croutons and red vinegar dressing. They have a list of different antipasti’s along with signature pizzas. Domingo is a great place to have an outside vibe where you can catch the sunset and enjoy a delicious dinner. The halibut ceviche is one appetizer you can not miss out on for an entree try the slow roasted pig shoulder with Citrus Achiote Marinade, Pickled Onion, Salsa, Corn Tortillas but be sure to save room for churros topped with Dulce de Leche, and Mexican Hot Chocolate. This is truly a delightful dinner place.

Places to Stay

Hotel

There are several hotels along the riverwalk in San Antonio the one we chose to stay at was the Marriott Riverwalk. They have wonderful views an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. They also have a bar that service food if you happen to feel like eating in. Additionally, they have breakfast as well at a separate location steps away from the riverwalk. While staying there you are located right by all of the action just walk a few steps outside to reach the riverwalk. The staff at the hotel are extremely helpful and kind so do not be afraid to ask for suggestions or recommendations if you like. The Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk with direct access to the Alamo will leave no regrets staying there. They have the highest rooftop swimming pool in San Antonio with floor to ceiling windows you can view the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Hotel Emma which is connected to the historic Pearl district is defiantly a place I cannot leave off my list of places to stay. You will be in the heart of the pearl district, although it is not on the historic riverwalk this hotel is by a river and the pearl district is a must. They have an outdoor pool and spa inside the hotel with splash pad and its close to shopping as well. Hotel Valencia is on the riverwalk and the Spanish Colonial style roomhas to be mentioned ask the hotel for room 213. This place has an open European court yard on the third floor neslted above a restaurant called Asnaur on the riverwalk which also is a must eat. Thes and much more Is all the more reason to add this hotel to the list. Hotel Contessa is located on the Riverwalk and is unique because it has suites only with each room having a different vibe. Though there are no balconies the extra square footage allows for incredible floor to ceiling windows with incredible views. They have a gym and a swimming pool on site that guests are allowed to use.

San Antonio has so much to offer that I was unable to squeeze in here. I look forward to going back and trying out some new places. For the next time I write a blog entry about San Antonio. I would love to check it out during Christmas time. I have been wanting to check out the San Antonio riverwalk during Christmas as it is decorated to the tee. They have a bunch of activities going on during that time of year. I would love to be able to write about San Antonio during Christmas time. I defiantly am a sucker for cities that put on a good Christmas display. I plan to write next about Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

Classic Clarissa’s adventures continue.