Baby, it’s cold outside — for Texas, at least — and there’s no better place to spend the winter months than the Alamo City. While the winter months can be a perfect time to explore the city, the cooler temperatures can make indulging in the warmth of San Antonio's rich cultural offerings and cozy hideaways even more enticing. Here are a few ways you can escape the cold and experience the best the Alamo City has to offer:

 

Art for Everyone

The winter season can be one of the best times to explore San Antonio’s thriving art scene, so why not visit the most comprehensive art collection in the southern US? The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) contains approximately 5000 years of artwork and is the perfect place of respite from the colder temps. You can even take part in family events on select dates. Afterward, grab a bite at the adjacent Tre Trattoria restaurant on its heated patio or at the family-friendly Elsewhere Bar & Kitchen seating next to a fire pit along the Museum Reach portion of the River Walk.

But if you’re already a SAMA pro, check out Ruby City, one of the Alamo City’s newest contemporary art centers. Not only is it a great place to escape the weather, but it also offers plenty of contemporary art from local and internationally acclaimed artists. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the neighboring Camp Outpost Co. for wood-fired rotisserie meats and family-style eats.

 

Let’s talk Hot Choc-a-lot and Pozole

If these polar temperatures make you crave hot chocolate and other seasonal eats like we do, head to these San Antonio staples — and make it express. But here, we only have one rule: Get it local! Try 210 favorites like La Panadería, serving up Mexican hot chocolate and homemade pan dulce.

Mi Tierra at Historic Market Square and shop from the largest Mexican market outside Mexico. If you’re looking for something new, you can impress your family and friends by checking out the newest spot in town, Crème, at The Creamery District.

Not only is it nice to warm up by sipping on seasonal staples, but the city's diverse food scene also comes alive during the colder months. With steaming plates of tamales across town or sizzling fajitas at stops like La Fonda on Main, these comforting seasonal dishes can truly warm the soul. But nothing offers an escape from the brisk outdoor temperatures than a warm bowl of soup and it’s pozole season in the Alamo City. Grab a bowl for yourself at Taqueria Datapoint or Paloma Blanca.


Non-stop Family Fun

How does the ultimate indoor playground where everyone can participate in all things sound for a cold-day activity? The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center San Antonio at the Shops at Rivercenter will impress lovers of all things LEGO®. Or walk amongst the dinosaurs at The Witte Museum, boasting interactive technology and impressive exhibits.  

For another Southtown gem, escape the cold weather and bring the whole family to Blue Star Arts Complex to warm up by walking through all the local artists and vendor spaces. Depending on the day, you can browse several galleries, shop markets, and even watch live performances without entering the cold. But a highlight here that you can’t miss is a DIY s’mores kit made to share for 2 or 4 at Halcyon Southtown.