The Lone Star State has quite a global reputation!
If images of cowboys, oil fields, and barbeque come to mind, you're not alone.
But Texas, like all of us, is so much more than a stereotype. This massive state is home to some
modern and dynamic cities, with tons of diversity, excitement, and rich and intriguing history.
Today we explore the second largest city in this state, San Antonio. Home to one
of only 10 UNESCO sites in the US, San Antonio offers some of the best food scenes, activities,
and landscapes throughout Texas. In this video I'll walk you through the top tourist attractions,
fun things to do, and must-see locations in and around San Antonio.
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One of the top reasons people flock to Texas is the food scene. From authentic and mouth-watering
Mexican flavors to bold and meaty grilled delights, the best place to start your
trip to San Antonio is at the Riverwalk! Over half the population of this city is Hispanic,
so you will have NO problem finding some of the best Latin dishes available. Don't just settle
for a taco, although they are delicious! Let your tastebuds run wild with influences from Argentina,
Mexico, and Brazil. Of course, with such a massive population to feed, you'll see a
large variety of options, so even the pickiest of eaters can find something tasty to enjoy!
Located below street level and along the San Antonio River,
this area of the city is full of life, live music, nightclubs,
and shopping. It's really the hub for many of the best things to do in San Antonio. You can catch a
private dining cruise down the river or hop on a double-decker bus tour from this central location.
Of course, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy multiple cultural and seasonal festivals
and festivities, like their 4th of July art show or the holiday season river parade!
Check the city's local calendar before you plan your trip so you can join in on this local fun.
Just upriver, another digestive hotspot is the Pearl Brewery area. Not much can combat
that strong Texas sunshine like a refreshing lager! Founded in the 1880s, the Pearl Brewing
Company brought German and Czech-style beer making to the locals, who helped make it the
largest brewing company in Texas, producing over 100,000 barrels yearly by 1916. It had its ups and
downs through Prohibition, changing ownership, and closing its official brewery doors in 2001.
But what was once a beloved brewery is now a whole community. There are multiple restaurants,
boutiques, spas, eclectic retailers, and a weekend outdoor farmer's market to wander
through and appreciate. It's even home to a branch of The Culinary Institute of America,
and you can book a table to admire the artistry of the next generation of American chefs!
If you want to dive into the current artisanal craft beer scene, look no further than the Craft
Cruiser Brewery Tour. Book an all-inclusive tour that helps you sample some of the area's
most exciting craft beer offerings, but you will also learn more about the process it takes to
make them! Tour a functioning facility and enjoy unlimited half pours at 3 different breweries.
The best part is you can sit back and relax because you're not driving!
Transportation is included to keep your good times safely rolling!
Of course, multiple brewery tours are running throughout the city.
With dozens of different distilleries, bars, and breweries to visit. If you want to pair up
your experiences, you might want to check out the BBQ & Brew in San Antonio. As the name suggests,
your mouth might water at just the thought of pairing these two experiences together!
Now that everyone is hydrated and fed, it's time to get out there and enjoy the surroundings.
A great spot to get an eagle-eye perspective of the city is the tallest building in San
Antonio – . Built in 1968 celebrating San Antonio's 250th anniversary,
the Tower is the tallest observation site in the state, standing at 750 feet tall.
You can see the entire city from here, and many interactive displays provide a historical
background to the area. There is an indoor and outdoor portion to the observation deck,
and because Texas could never leave you hungry – a rotating restaurant too! There are over 950
steps to get to the top or take the 1-minute elevator ride. There's also a 4D theater ride
and a gift shop to wander through, making this a great spot to enjoy a few hours of your trip.
Our last stop inside the city of San Antonio itself
is arguably the most famous location in Texas. Steeped in history and pop culture,
some can't even think of this area without saying to themselves, "Remember the Alamo!"
For those who don't remember your high school history lessons…or
for those who didn’t go to school in the US or Mexico, Texas itself wasn't always part of the US!
Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Payaya, this part of the country was
eventually taken over by Spanish explorers as they traveled beyond Mexico in search of
more resources. Part of this expansion included establishing religious centers for new settlers.
Franciscan missionaries built five frontier mission complexes situated along a stretch of
the San Antonio River in the early 1700s. They were then secularized in the latter part of
that century for security purposes. These mission buildings were originally community centers that
helped indigenous populations and settlers find common ground and communication. You can see the
merging of cultures in the architecture and design of these structures. Formally known as Mission
Valero, the Alamo became home to the Spanish Army as they fought off advances from the French.
Fast-forward just a few decades, unrest, war, and boundaries are
established problems in San Antonio. Mexico is fighting for Independence, which it gains,
but only to spend subsequent time trying to stop the expansion of Americans in the area.
During the Texas Revolution in 1835, Texan fighters were besieged for 13
days by soldiers from the Mexican state of Tejas inside the Alamo. All 189 Texan defenders
died during the massacre of the Alamo, while almost 10x the number of Mexican troops died.
Just about a month later, the Texas army took revenge in a surprise attack
and in an action that tooks around 18 minutes, they secured independence from
Mexico. Texas remained independent for 10 years before joining the United States.
This rich, wild history is on display today at the Alamo and the other mission buildings. They
are now part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization heritage
sites. These are must-see locations and certainly something that San Antonio is well known for!
Want a better idea of what San Antonio used to look like before it was the bustling metropolis?
Well, there are a great many ways to make this happen, by retreating into the great outdoors
and immersing yourself in the more remote locations around the city.
You can slow your roll, grab a kayak, and head down the river! Whether it's the San Antonio River
itself or any of the local creeks or lakes, there are many opportunities to get paddling out there.
A popular destination is the San Marcos River, just northeast of the central city. It's a calm,
lazy river perfect for gliding along, kayaking, canoeing, or tubing with friends. With just a
few spots of small, class 1 rapids, it is a prime spot to escape the intense Texas heat!
Or you could visit Canyon Lake! This lake is perfect for novices, as the area is well protected
and reasonably smooth to navigate. Start your adventure at the marina
to rent a boat. Or find out the conditions of the water and the best places to paddle towards!
Did you know Texas has its own wine country?
A scenic drive through this area is definitely one of the best things to do in San Antonio.
Just north of the city and west of Austin, a drive to Fredericksburg through interstate 10
is one every road trip enthusiast should make. Much of the surrounding area is protected
parkland, charming and remote. From antique store shopping to museum visits and over 50 vineyards,
it's easy to understand why a trip through this area is such a hit with tourists in San Antonio!
Well, there you have it, our list of the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas!
We hope you learned a little and are ready to make your plans and pack your bags to visit
this beautiful city soon. Remember to like this video and subscribe to the channel to keep up with
our latest travel adventures! Thank you so much for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Toodle-oo!