If you want to experience the best of San Antonio’s vibrant arts and culture scene, look no further than the Southtown neighborhood. Walking along Southtown’s streets, you’ll find charming coffee shops, captivating art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Let us be your guide as you explore San Antonio’s Southtown!

 

So, What is San Antonio’s Southtown All About?

Historical building surrounded with trees

Nestled along the scenic southern stretch of the San Antonio River, Southtown offers charming architecture, fascinating history, and an eclectic arts scene. It is made up of five vibrant neighborhoods—King William, Collins Garden, Lavaca, Lone Star, and Roosevelt—each with its own unique feel.

 

The Top Things to Do in Southtown, San Antonio

Ready to start exploring and planning your trip? Here’s the perfect Southtown itinerary for a day.

 

Breakfast at The Guenther House

The Guenther House is easy to find because it sits in front of the soaring Pioneer Flour Towers. Carl Hilmar Guenther built the home and flour mill in the mid-1800s and actually used the power of the river current in production. Today, the historic home cooks up one of the best brunches in the city, including their famous Pioneer Flour pancakes.

 

Stroll, Bike, or Kayak Along the San Antonio River

Southtown sits on the southern stretch of the San Antonio River, which offers walking, biking, and even paddling trails. After a hearty breakfast, walk down to the river to explore the beautiful scenery. Along the way, you will spot fun sites like Confluence Park and even the Missions if you go far enough!

 

Lunch at Burgerteca

After some recreation on the river, make your way back up the trail to Burgerteca, which is nestled along one of its winding banks. This famed Chef Johnny Hernandez restaurant serves a Mexican take on the classic American hamburger. They’re also pouring up one of the best margaritas in the city!

And speaking of margaritas, this is also the site of Texas' only Margarita Garden. Adjacent to Burgerteca, you'll find the Margarita Garden, serving up cold specialty fruit and flora-inspired margaritas and fresh ingredients, paired with a fun "Garden Menu," and a beautiful outdoor dining area.

 

See the Art at Contemporary at Blue Star & Ruby City

After lunch, take the afternoon to check out San Antonio’s vibrant art scene. Contemporary at Blue Star is a few blocks up from Burgerteca. This gallery is the first and longest-running nonprofit contemporary art space in San Antonio. It hosts more than 12 exhibitions every year, so there is always something new and exciting on display.

Another can’t-miss art spot is Ruby City. Named for its striking red home designed by David Adjaye, this contemporary art center is free to the public and features more than 1,400 works of art from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection.

 

Dinner at Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar

Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar is consistently named one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio by critics, locals, and tourists alike. Their Southtown location boasts a large rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and the Tower of the Americas. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your busy day with a meal of San Antonio’s favorite dishes.

 

Nightcap at Hot Joy

Finally, head a few blocks down to Southtown’s bustling South Alamo Street to grab a nightcap at Hot Joy. This Asian-fusion cocktail bar and restaurant offers sweet (and strong) tiki drinks in a setting pulled straight from the South Pacific.

 

And this wraps our itinerary for exploring Southtown. Cheers to that!

 

More to Explore: Southtown Art Walks

Southtown is known for its booming art scene, which includes First Friday and Second Saturday nighttime street festivals. Two times a month, the streets come alive with vendors and galleries open their doors after hours. These nights are the best time to truly experience all Southtown has to offer and embrace your creative side.