One of San Antonio’s favorite pastimes, cruising the San Antonio River embraced the Tricentennial spirit and got a facelift. With a shiny new fleet of eco-friendly, electric-powered boats, GO RIO helps travelers experience the beauty of the River Walk from the San Antonio River itself. Between the five colorful styles in San Antonio-themed papel picado patterns, riders become a part of the River Walk’s infamous charm. GO RIO offers narrated tours, a shuttle service to the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, dinner cruises and chartered tours.

Hemisfair, site of the 1968 World’s Fair, is well into the second of a three-phase development plan to become San Antonio’s very own Central Park, a place where you can eat, play and relax. The family friendly Yanaguana Garden includes a splash pad, a challenging playscape of ropes and slides. New for the park is the recent public art installation from the government of Mexico City and Mexican artist, Jorge Marín, “Alas de México” or “Wings of Mexico” to celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial. Swing by for the perfect Instagram shot.

San Pedro Creek improvements have begun to transform the area into a world-class park. Visitors can now see the beautifully landscaped and art-filled first half-mile of the project, featuring Tricentennial Plaza, multiple water features and Rain from the Heavens, an art installation that depicts the night sky in 1718. Each of the murals throughout the park is mixed with colorful tile designs and poetry that tell the story of the rich cultural history that defines San Antonio.

No matter how you move down Mission Reach, take time to admire the World Heritage Trail’s new public art installations, murals and hip eateries. Take advantage of the SWell Cycle stations at the Blue Star Arts Complex after lunch at Burgerteca or Villa Rica, new concepts from Chef Johnny Hernandez featuring Mexican-influenced burgers and a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of Mexico, respectively. If water transportation is more your style, rent a kayak or a canoe to travel down the Mission Reach. Make a stop at the newly opened Confluence Park, a destination to inspire and teach the importance of the San Antonio River for a yoga class under the breathtaking BHP Pavilion.

Pearl is an evolving, active community with a culinary focus. Dine and drink in one of Hotel Emma’s captivating restaurants, or explore Pearl’s newest offerings such as Botika and High Street Wine Co. Visitors to JAZZ, TX can dance off the in-house Texan cuisine to the music of a live band and patrons of Bottling Department Food Hall make selections from an array of vendors, including local chefs and established culinary professionals. Try not to eat all of the kids’ carnitas when they’re running through Pearl Park’s new splash pad. If relaxing is more your vibe, experience the trendy, upscale Hiatus Spa + Retreat, complete with a hydrotherapy room and a zero-gravity nail station.

The VIA Metropolitan Transit bus system connects riders with historic places, opportunities to learn and discover, classic and contemporary art, and popular dining and entertainment spots through its new VIVA service line. Experience the best of San Antonio easily with three distinct routes: VIVA Culture connects riders with San Antonio’s museums, art galleries and cultural districts; VIVA Missions will take riders from the Alamo to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site; VIVA Centro includes Downtown San Antonio’s most popular sites. Ride all day, to your favorite spots with a VIA Day Pass for $2.75 per person! All three routes pick up at the Alamo.

As of October 31, 2017, San Antonio is a designated Creative City of Gastronomy and is a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This designation signifies San Antonio’s place as an international culinary destination. Our deep, culturally diverse, culinary traditions began with the innovative agricultural techniques of Native American peoples who lived here for thousands of years and continue to showcase innovation and growth.