The San Antonio Experience

Our Local Expert Says:

The Alamo is in the center of downtown San Antonio, so don't miss it. Be sure to attend one of the oral presentations given in the courtyard during the day. The storytelling will give you a good idea of what happened at this famous site.

Description:

Originally the Mission San Antonio del Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Texans take the Alamo very seriously. Silence, or at least a hushed tone of voice, is insisted upon both in the chapel and on the grounds. Narrated tours are available. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Description:

Steaks, seafood and Southwestern specialties from deep in the "haute" of Texas. Located on San Antonio's famous River Walk, Boudro's is often the restaurant for spotting visiting celebrities. Don't miss the fresh Guacamole (made tableside), the Prickly Pear Margaritas or the blackened Prime Rib. And be sure to dine with friends so you can order one of every dessert to share. Boudro's is a favorite among locals and tourists alike and books quickly. Dining is available indoors, riverside, and on river barges with advance reservations. Handicapped access is available through a street-level elevator.

Description:

When you think of San Antonio, you don't necessarily think of an Irish pub, now do you? Well, think again. Durty Nelly's, located on the River Walk on the river level of the Hilton hotel, is a rollicking good time. Pull up a chair, order a beer (or two, or ten) and sing along with the pianist. A versatile guy, the pianist takes requests and can play just about anything. Probably the most fun thing to do is munch on the peanuts and toss the shells on the floor. Yes, it is allowed!

Description:

This hotel comes by its name honestly, unlike many of the places that bank on Davy Crockett's moniker. The famed Alamo hero definitely walked the land on which this hotel rose in 1909, as it -- the land, that is -- served as the Alamo's battleground. The property is a bit of a hybrid, consisting of the original historical landmark building (expanded in 1927) and several low-slung, motel-style units that surround what may be downtown's nicest swimming pool and a tropical landscaped courtyard. Rooms in both sections of the hotel are attractive, with lots of vibrant Southwest colors and allusions to Texas history (regional artwork, pine beds with Lone Star headboards, and the like). Look for deals; rooms here are discounted for every imaginable reason. The location is excellent, by the Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall and close by the river.

Description:

This is a funky little spot in the middle of the stereotypically conservative Alamo Heights neighborhood. It serves breakfast and dinner, but is most popular for lunch. The soup-and-sandwich-type lunch menu and daily specials have a decidedly healthy, and sometimes vegetarian, bent. Don't miss the iced herbal tea, the spinach salad or the turkey burger. The dinner specials are also worth a try, especially the grilled empanadas with ground beef and onions and the potato stir-fry, blended with seasoned spinach and fresh tomatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, a warm snickerdoodle cookie is the way to go. Twin Sisters draws a crowd early, so plan to wait for a table.

Our Local Expert Says:

Rent an inner tube at one of the roadside tubing companies and float down the river. The float will take a few hours, so plan on bringing lunch in a cooler and put it in a tube with a bottom as you relax and snack along the way down the river.

Description:

The cool, clear waters of the Guadalupe River are the primary attraction at this 1,938-acre park, located 30 miles north of San Antonio and 13 miles east of Boerne, Texas. Park guests can choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, tubing, canoeing, fishing, bicycling (only in designated areas), picnicking, camping, and bird and wildlife watching. The park also boasts over three miles of hiking trails that parallel the river and connect to the many campsites. Among the wildlife that can be spotted at any time are raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deer, squirrels and a diverse range of birds and fish.

Description:

You may think San Antonio is all about Mexican food, but you can't leave without sampling some Texas-style barbecue. Slow-smoked over oak for several hours, Rudy's Texas-style barbecue beef brisket is unlike barbecue found anywhere else in the country. Order the "moist" brisket by the half-pound, along with some smoked sausage links, creamed corn, and beans for a real Texas experience. (Maybe add a jalapeno or two if you dare.) Rudy's barbecue has a near-fanatical following among San Antonio natives, many of whom visit at least once a week. Although the restaurant has expanded throughout the Southwest, this is the original location, on the outskirts of San Antonio near Leon Springs.

Description:

This hotel comes by its name honestly, unlike many of the places that bank on Davy Crockett's moniker. The famed Alamo hero definitely walked the land on which this hotel rose in 1909, as it -- the land, that is -- served as the Alamo's battleground. The property is a bit of a hybrid, consisting of the original historical landmark building (expanded in 1927) and several low-slung, motel-style units that surround what may be downtown's nicest swimming pool and a tropical landscaped courtyard. Rooms in both sections of the hotel are attractive, with lots of vibrant Southwest colors and allusions to Texas history (regional artwork, pine beds with Lone Star headboards, and the like). Look for deals; rooms here are discounted for every imaginable reason. The location is excellent, by the Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall and close by the river.

Our Local Expert Says:

Sit outside or in the back room overlooking the brook. The Sunday Brunch with live music is a treat and includes an appetizer, assorted breads, coffee/tea, salad, entrée, dessert and wine/champagne for $23.50.

Description:

Crumpets' casual elegance is rivaled only by its contemporary cuisine. Daily specials and beautiful surroundings make this little restaurant and bakery popular among ladies who lunch, couples who kiss and friends who fraternize.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take the 40-minute, 2.5-mile river barge cruise to hear the full history of the Riverwalk and downtown San Antonio. It's worth every penny.

Description:

The River Walk is a must-see for any traveler to San Antonio. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flooding problems, and a 27-year-old UT architecture graduate named Robert H. Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. Stairways down to the River Walk can be found on street level throughout downtown. Walk down anywhere you like, and wander and explore the great shops, galleries, restaurants and sights. To get the full story on the history of the River Walk, take the Rio San Antonio river barge cruise for a 45-minute narrated tour. It is well worth the price. For the romantically inclined, there are also dining cruises for two. It's a sight you don't see just anywhere: a couple eating at a finely appointed candle-lit table on a small, flat boat floating down the river. Service is great because the waiter is never more than a few feet away.

Description:

Located in the heart of Southtown, Rosario's is packed every night. It can pack in even more now that they are in a larger (but just as lively) location just a block from where the restaurant used to be. Sip on a perfectly crafted frozen Margarita as you enjoy enchiladas, carne guisada, pork tips and so much more. Do not miss Rosario's on Friday nights, when it offers entertainment by some of the best bands in South Texas. Get there early to snag a table and enjoy dinner, then prepare to dance yourself silly.

Description:

This hotel comes by its name honestly, unlike many of the places that bank on Davy Crockett's moniker. The famed Alamo hero definitely walked the land on which this hotel rose in 1909, as it -- the land, that is -- served as the Alamo's battleground. The property is a bit of a hybrid, consisting of the original historical landmark building (expanded in 1927) and several low-slung, motel-style units that surround what may be downtown's nicest swimming pool and a tropical landscaped courtyard. Rooms in both sections of the hotel are attractive, with lots of vibrant Southwest colors and allusions to Texas history (regional artwork, pine beds with Lone Star headboards, and the like). Look for deals; rooms here are discounted for every imaginable reason. The location is excellent, by the Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall and close by the river.

Description:

Casa Rio was the first restaurant on the River Walk and is still a must if you have never eaten riverside. With colorful décor, inside and outside seating, and a prime location for people-watching, this restaurant is a favorite among both tourists and locals. Add potent, thirst-quenching margaritas, waitresses bustling about in Mexican sundresses, and Mexican favorites such as enchiladas and tamales, and you have the makings of the classic Tex-Mex dining experience. Because no reservations are taken and this is a hot spot, you may want to arrive a little early to avoid long lines.

Description:

This hotel comes by its name honestly, unlike many of the places that bank on Davy Crockett's moniker. The famed Alamo hero definitely walked the land on which this hotel rose in 1909, as it -- the land, that is -- served as the Alamo's battleground. The property is a bit of a hybrid, consisting of the original historical landmark building (expanded in 1927) and several low-slung, motel-style units that surround what may be downtown's nicest swimming pool and a tropical landscaped courtyard. Rooms in both sections of the hotel are attractive, with lots of vibrant Southwest colors and allusions to Texas history (regional artwork, pine beds with Lone Star headboards, and the like). Look for deals; rooms here are discounted for every imaginable reason. The location is excellent, by the Alamo and the Rivercenter Mall and close by the river.