River Walk Wonders: A 24-Hour Itinerary in San Antonio
How to Spend 24 Hours in San Antonio
After we left New Orleans, we hit the road toward the West Coast for another eight hours. We had two options - San Antonio, which was right off Route 10, or taking a little detour and spending the night in Austin. Since we’d already been to Austin, we decided to check out San Antonio and explore the city's history. We didn't have much time in the city, just under 24 hours, but we managed to hit all the must-see spots. In this blog, we'll share our itinerary to make sure you don't miss out on anything when you visit San Antonio. Let's get started!
Day 1!
Check-In!
After a long day of driving, we couldn’t wait to check into the hotel. We decided to stay at The Hotel Indigo because it was on the North River Walk and really close to the “main” River Walk, and the best part was that it was pet-friendly! The hotel was located right on the River Walk, which was perfect for a nice morning walk. We were also happy to find out that the popular River Walk area with tons of restaurants and bars was just a short 10-minute walk away. The only downside was that it was too cold to enjoy the outdoor pool that overlooked the River Walk.
We didn't know the area that well, but now we know that the main River Walk district, between N St Mary's St and Bowie Street, is where all the action is. Most restaurants are between N St Mary's St and S Alamo Street. We wished we had stayed closer to that area. Some of the hotels that looked amazing were Mokara Hotel & Spa, Omni La Mansion del Rio, and The Hyatt Regency San Antonio.
Walk the River Walk
Of course, the first thing we wanted to do when we arrived was take a stroll on the River Walk! Most of the River Walk is peaceful and nature-filled walk, especially in front of our hotel. But just a 10-minute walk south along the San Antonio River towards E Commerce Street, and you’ll hit the River Walk’s lively scene. Besides stopping in the bars and restaurants along the River Walk, make sure to take some pictures on the bridges, like the Kallison Love Lock Walk Bridge and the bridge overlooking the infamous restaurant Casa Rio, with rainbow umbrellas along the River Walk.
Grab Dinner at Tokyo Cowboy
After walking around the River Walk and building up an appetite, we decided to grab some dinner. We found a great Asian fusion restaurant, Tokyo Cowboy, just above the River Walk. The restaurant had an Austin-inspired theme, and we were really glad we chose it. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was really nice. It was much better than the touristy restaurants you can easily get caught up in on the River Walk. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the shredded vegetable salad, hot chicken chili dumplings, brisket egg rolls, and steak bavette. Everything was delicious, but our favorite was definitely the brisket egg rolls. The restaurant also had a tiki bar located downstairs overlooking the river. So fun!
Take a Boat Tour on the River
After enjoying a lovely dinner, it's time to unwind and savor the breathtaking views of River Walk. And what better way to do it than by taking a boat tour? Go Rio River Boat Tours is the most popular boat tour company in San Antonio, and it offers various pick-up points along the river, including one just a block away from Tokyo Cowboy. If you happen to be in San Antonio during Christmas time, you can also opt for a special Christmas-themed tour that features music and Christmas lights along the river.
Day 1 was super fun! Check out below for the day 2 itinerary.
Day 2!
We only had a few hours left in San Antonio before needing to hit the road for another eight-hour drive, so we decided to make the most of it!
Grab Some Breakfast
Before we went to see The Alamo, we wanted to grab some breakfast. We would have loved to sit down at Domingo Restaurant along River Walk, but we didn't have enough time. So we decided to grab something on the way to The Alamo. Luckily, we had two great options nearby - La Panaderia Bakery Cafe and La Boulangerie. We chose La Boulangerie, only a few blocks from The Alamo. We got some baguettes, croissants, macarons, and coffee from there, and it was amazing! You can't go wrong with a French bakery, right? :)Visit
The Alamo
A little history about The Alamo. A historic fortress in San Antonio, Texas, stands as a powerful symbol of bravery and resilience. Known for its role in the Texas Revolution, this 18th-century mission-turned-fortress became famous for the pivotal battle fought within its walls in 1836. Despite facing overwhelming odds, a small garrison of Texan fighters valiantly defended the Alamo against Mexican forces for 13 days, ultimately sacrificing their lives in the pursuit of independence.
You have two options to explore The Alamo: you can walk around on your own or join a tour scheduled every hour throughout the day. During our visit, we decided to explore on our own, and it took us around 2-4 hours to cover everything. The area comprises the Alamo exhibit, the Alamo Church, where you can watch a short film about the Alamo, and outside gardens that showcase additional historical facts, a timeline, and barracks. If you plan to visit during the week, be aware that you might come across groups of kids on field trips. The Alamo is a spot you can't miss! Seriously, it's a must-see. And I gotta say, learning about its history was pretty awesome.
Explore Other Areas in San Antonio
If you have time, here are a few other areas to check out.
La Villita Historic Village
Located on San Antonio River Walk's southern bank, La Villita Historic Village showcases quaint cobblestone streets, adobe buildings, art galleries, Tex-Mex eateries, and vibrant arts scene. Visit the Arneson River Theatre and immerse in cultural events for a taste of history, art, and Texan hospitality.
San Antonio's Market Square
Discover "El Mercado," a vibrant hub of Texas Hispanic culture. Enjoy lively mariachi music, authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, and handcrafted goods. It's not just a market—it's a cultural celebration.
Pearl District, San Antonio
Located along the San Antonio River, Pearl District blends history with modernity, offering diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the transformed Pearl Brewery complex and enjoy the River Walk's urban-nature fusion. Experience San Antonio's heritage and contemporary charm.
Leaving San Antonio, we'll stop in El Paso before heading to White Sands National Park and then Scottsdale, Arizona. Here we go!
“Keep San Antonio lame.”
