Onto the activities…

For shopping, The Shops at La Cantera is hands down the best. It is one of the nicest outdoor malls I have been to, with a huge variety of popular stores. It is a bit outside the city, but it is near Six Flags and definitely worth the trip, especially if you are looking to refresh your wardrobe.

If thrifting is more your thing, Thrift at the Warehouse is all you need. They host weekend markets with additional vendors and always have a great selection of unique vintage pieces. I went several times during my stay and never left disappointed.

For a workout, Pilates Platinum is incredible. Every class I took left me shaking in the best way. The intro deal is great too. Your first class is $10, and packages bring the cost down even more.

If you are interested in horseback riding, Turkey Creek Stables was one of my favorite experiences. Linda, the instructor, is very laid back, and lessons are reasonably priced. Beginners are more than welcome, and the horses are well cared for and easy to work with.

Overview

While spending two months living in San Antonio, I made it my mission to track down the best spots to share with y’all. First things first…San Antonio is seriously underrated and makes for an amazing weekend getaway. The River Walk is beautiful, the markets are lively, and the nightlife is surprisingly vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a club scene, want to learn how to line dance and two-step, or just want a rooftop cocktail, San Antonio truly has it all.

First up, let’s talk about the food:

For coffee, my top two picks are Merit Coffee and Theory Coffee. I visited both multiple times, and they are absolutely worth going out of your way for. Merit has a great variety, especially if you are into matcha or more creative drinks, and it is a solid sit down spot for studying or catching up with friends. Theory keeps it simple, but their lattes are some of the best I had. It is more of a grab and go stand with a bit of outdoor seating.

I also tried The Newsstand a couple of times. The drinks were good, but at around $10 per coffee, it is hard to justify putting it in my top tier. They do offer a first time customer discount, which helps, but overall it is more of a try it once kind of place.

For food, Velvet Taco is a must if you want to try unique taco flavors. Their loaded tater tots are also worth ordering. It is conveniently located near the River Walk and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

If you are looking for a full on Mexican dining experience, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería is the place. The menu is massive, the decor is vibrant, and the atmosphere is lively. There is even a bakery section that is hard to resist. They sometimes have live musicians walking around, just note that song requests usually come with a tip. The mangonada frozen margarita was a standout, but the spicy margarita with fresh jalapeños was easily my favorite. This is a great pick for a fun, family friendly outing.

For a more casual, social vibe, check out El Camino Food Truck Park + Bar. It is perfect for pregaming before a night downtown and about a mile walk along the River Walk to the main area. The birria ramen I had there was incredible, and there are tons of creative Mexican fusion options. It is all outdoor seating and can get loud, so arriving early helps.

If you are in the mood for a healthier brunch or need a good study spot, Commonwealth Coffeehouse and Bakery is a gem. I ended up here multiple times. The food is great, and the outdoor seating area, with chickens and even a wandering cat, gives it a relaxed countryside feel.

For the popular spots…

The Alamo is worth seeing for the history, but overall it is a bit underwhelming. Since it is right by the River Walk, I recommend stopping by while you are already in the area rather than making a separate trip, especially since parking nearby can be pricey.

The River Walk itself is a must. You really cannot visit San Antonio without spending time there. It is the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and nightlife. I did not get to do a river boat tour, but it is something I would recommend adding to your list.

Right near the start of the River Walk is The Pearl, a beautiful area that hosts a popular farmers market on weekends. If you plan it right, you can explore the River Walk, visit The Pearl, and go thrifting all in one day.

For a quieter, more scenic experience, the Japanese Tea Garden is a great option. It is perfect for a short walk and some great photos, and it honestly feels like you have left Texas for a bit. Parking is free if you can find a spot.

If you are visiting at the right time of year, do not miss the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I was lucky enough to be in town for it, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my stay. There are tons of vendors, food, live music, and of course the rodeo events themselves. Even just walking through the stockyards and watching the prep is worth it.

Into the Nightlife…

If you are looking to two step or line dance, Blue Bonnet Palace and Cowboys Dancehall are both great options. Blue Bonnet is smaller, with cheaper drinks and a slightly older crowd. Cowboys is much larger, has a mechanical bull, and draws a younger crowd. If I had to pick one, Cowboys takes the win.

For more of a club atmosphere, Howl at the Moon and Rewind both offer a fun mix of bar and dance floor near the river. If you want a full club experience, 1902 is the place to go. It usually has a line out the door, but the DJs make it worth the wait.

Final Notes…

Overall, San Antonio is highly underrated and was a great place to spend my military training. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the San Antonio River Walk and The Alamo, while also experiencing the city’s rich blend of Mexican and Texan influences through its food, and architecture. San Antonio offers a well-rounded getaway that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to have a memorable trip!