By: Kat Stinson | From: Travel + Leisure
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Stay at Hotel Emma, a property that blends historic charm with modern luxury, top-tier amenities, and a colorful backstory.
- Snag a reservation at San Antonio’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mixtli.
- Grab a chispa—San Antonio's unique spin on a margarita—at El Mirasol or Soluna.
- Go for a solo run by the River Walk, or join one of San Antonio's popular free run clubs.
- Visit the River Walk’s Selena Bridge, made famous by a Jennifer Lopez scene in the 1997 “Selena” biopic.
San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas, wears its size lightly. Wrapped in centuries of vibrant Hispanic heritage, it has the warmth of a small town and pulses with culture much deeper than the waters of the River Walk. It’s also a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the best U.S. cities in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.
It only takes one visit to see that San Antonio is far more than just the home of the Alamo. Beyond its storied past, the city has an evolving food and beverage scene and radiates modern pride and tradition. From Spurs games and evenings at the Pearl to heartfelt Selena tributes and breakfast tacos from some of the nation’s best taquerias, San Antonio is a world of its own—fiercely loved by locals who proudly call these hallmarks puro (pure) San Antonio.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Hotel Emma
One of T+L readers' favorite city hotels in the U.S. in the World’s Best Awards, Hotel Emma is set in a former brewhouse with a scandalous history. The property pours its bold spirit into every detail—from its 146 artfully designed rooms to its rooftop pool, sophisticated Sternewirth bar, and the refined comforts of Supper, the on-site restaurant.
Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
For travelers seeking a more modern retreat in San Antonio, there’s Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa. The property offers sleek luxury in Texas Hill Country, with contemporary rooms, a world-class spa, a championship golf course, and panoramic views that feel far from the city—even though it’s under a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Thompson San Antonio
Experience luxury, a prime location, and one of the city's best hotel pools at Thompson San Antonio. The Hyatt property sits in the heart of downtown, steps from the Tobin Center. Its 20th-floor rooftop bar, The Moon’s Daughter, is known for its sweeping views, elegant indoor-outdoor seating, and elevated Mediterranean cuisine.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Another alternative to the hustle and bustle of downtown San Antonio, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa features a nine-acre water park, the Lantana Spa, a golf course, multiple bars and restaurants, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It also received the T+L reader stamp of approval in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.
Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk
The Kimpton Santo is a relatively recent addition to San Antonio’s hotel scene, having opened in August 2024. Highlights include a speakeasy serving cocktails inspired by classic literature, an elevated steakhouse, a breezy rooftop bar with views of the Tower of the Americas, and stylish, artfully appointed rooms. The hotel is also within walking distance of countless local bars and restaurants, plus popular San Antonio attractions like the Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair and La Villita.
Best Things to Do
Mixtli
From its humble origins as a 12-seat boxcar in 2013 to earning San Antonio’s first Michelin Star in 2024, Mixtli stays true to its mission: telling Mexico’s culinary story through refined, rotating tasting menus. Now in Southtown, it offers an intimate, home-like setting with an open kitchen and a bar.
Pullman Market
Dubbed the "largest culinary market in the Southwest," the Pullman Market debuted in 2024 with five distinct sit-down restaurant concepts, from elevated Italian at Fife & Farro to Sonoran-inspired cuisine at Mezquite. Notable bites include the dry-aged Wagyu at Isidore, the market’s flagship steakhouse, and a boundary-pushing, dessert-only tasting menu at Nicōsi. The 40,000-square-foot space also features a specialty grocer, a wine cellar, an artisan butcher, a flower shop, and five creative grab-and-go counters.
Leche de Tigre
A love letter to Peruvian cuisine, Leche de Tigre is owned and operated by brothers Emil (a Best Chef: Texas semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards), Axel, and Alec Oliva. The siblings are a constant presence in the vibrant Southtown eatery, where the menu boasts fresh ceviche, pisco cocktails, and a hearty lomo saltado, a Peruvian spin on beef stir-fry with crispy Andean potatoes and choclo rice.
Best Quality Daughter
Named after a line in “The Joy Luck Club,” Best Quality Daughter is James Beard Award semifinalist chef Jennifer Dobbertin’s bold, modern tribute to her Chinese heritage. Located in the historic Pearl Brewery, the local favorite fuses inventive Asian flavors with Texas flair. Standouts include items like sweet, chili-kissed cashew chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts with a peanut tamarind sauce. The playful cocktail menu—featuring boozy bobas and cheeky drinks like Over My Dad Body—adds to the restaurant’s spirited, rebellious charm.
Mare e Monte
At Mare e Monte, owner Prince Blakaj blends his love for America with a tribute to his Kosovo roots and the region’s shared ties to Italy. A Kosovo War survivor, Blakaj honors his journey with a “1999” sign on the wall—marking the year he began building his American dream. The menu itself delivers honest, satisfying Italian fare: lemon sole oreganata in white wine, standout lamb chops, fresh pastas, and a deep wine list. With its heartfelt hospitality, Mare e Monte channels the charm of a classic Italian trattoria.
Toro Kitchen + Bar
In a city known for its Mexican cuisine, Toro Kitchen + Bar is a flavorful detour with traditional Spanish fare. Signature shareable paellas and house-made sangria pitchers are must-tries across its three San Antonio locations—one of which hides the popular underground speakeasy, Cellar Mixology.
The Jerk Shack
Inspired by chef Nicola Blaque's own family roots and her time in the Army, The Jerk Shack successfully marries Caribbean-fusion fare with Southern soul. Now with a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, The Jerk Shack has become the go-to spot for smoky jerk chicken, signature fried plantains, spiced curry bowls, and award-winning fried chicken.
Curry Boys BBQ
In one of the best unexpected flavor fusions in the city, Curry Boys BBQ's confident union of Thai curry with oak-smoked prime brisket earned the loyalty of locals and a James Beard Award nomination for founders Sean Wen, Andrew Ho, and Andrew Samia.
Best Nightlife
The Modernist
One of San Antonio’s premier speakeasies, The Modernist is an unassuming hideaway near downtown, where expert bartenders craft bespoke cocktails that exceed every expectation. Don’t be fooled by its modest exterior—inside, guests find some of the city’s most skillfully balanced and imaginative drinks, crafted by bartenders who speak spirits fluently.
The Esquire Tavern
The oldest bar on the River Walk also has the longest wooden bar top in Texas. Opened the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, The Esquire Tavern keeps it fresh with a mix of elevated classic cocktails and signature favorites like the Como la Flor, another nod to Selena, the queen of Tejano.
Bar 1919
A date-night favorite, Bar 1919 channels Prohibition-era elegance with expert cocktails, dim lighting, and vintage vibes, making it a top nightcap spot in San Antonio’s Blue Star Arts Complex.
El Mirasol
El Mirasol (and its stylish sibling, Soluna) is a local favorite for vibrant Tex-Mex and the chispa, a local twist on the margarita. Born in San Antonio, this boozy sip swaps the sweet-and-sour mix for smooth orange liqueur, making it lighter in calories but just as strong.
Amor Eterno
Intimate and sexy, Amor Eterno’s tiki-inspired cocktails add a sweet kick to this cozy, neon-lit bar where locals gather for a night out.
Double Standard
Double Standard’s central location, hearty bar fare, and extensive beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktail list make it a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike. It also has some of the best happy hour deals in town.
Best Shopping
The Shops at La Cantera
With its dog-friendly atmosphere, resort-style landscaping, and blend of dining, drinking, and shopping, La Cantera has become a one-stop destination in the Alamo City. Visitors can sip a to-go margarita from Tiny Cantina while browsing a mix of high-end and classic boutiques. The sprawling complex is also home to an impressive lineup of restaurants, including Texas favorites like Haywire and Whiskey Cake, the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and local gems like Toro Kitchen + Bar.
Historic Market Square
No shopping destination captures San Antonio’s spirit quite like Historic Market Square, known as the largest Mexican market in the U.S. Stroll beneath fluttering papel picado and browse more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls offering handmade crafts, pottery, leather goods, and traditional Mexican imports. This downtown landmark is also home to classic restaurants like Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery and La Margarita, and has plenty of events every week, from commemorating Dia de Los Muertos to serving as a hub for Fiesta celebrations.
PicaPica Plaza
A family-friendly indoor shopping mall on San Antonio’s Southside, PicaPica Plaza is a vibrant hub for locally owned businesses. The plaza’s motto, “Eat, Shop, and Play,” rings true here, with attractions like Flip’z Trampoline Park and an arcade to keep little ones entertained. Cool off with a mangonada or paleta from one of the vendors before browsing the boutiques, jewelry shops, and bakeries.
The Rim
Anchored by the Palladium, a popular Santikos movie theater, this sprawling complex blends retail, dining, and entertainment with local flair. Shoppers can browse big-name stores like Sephora and Dick’s Sporting Goods, then unwind with a scoop from Austin-based favorite Lick Honest Ice Creams or a craft cocktail at neighborhood bar Rock and Rye. Plus, it’s under a 10-minute drive from La Cantera.
Independent Boutiques
San Antonio is also home to an assortment of small, female-owned boutiques that sell a variety of gifts, home goods, and dresses. Capri by Sunset & Co. in the Alamo Heights neighborhood is a mother-and-daughter-owned shop specializing in luxury women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, and shoes. Near the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, Honey Mercantile offers seasonal gifts for every occasion, luxurious candles, sophisticated home goods, and coffee syrups and sweets.
Best Time to Visit
One of the best times to visit San Antonio is in April for Fiesta, an 11-day celebration of the city’s heritage and history. Autumn—September through December—is also lovely, with cooler weather, festive River Walk lights, and family-friendly holiday events. February, meanwhile, is a great time to experience one of San Antonio’s proudest traditions: the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Since 1949, this beloved event has brought together Texans for live music from major country stars and classic rodeo pageantry. Beyond the fun, it supports a meaningful mission—the organization has awarded more than $255 million in scholarships to Texas students over the years.
How to Get There
If you’re flying into the area, book a ticket to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), accessible from most major U.S. cities via American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, among other carriers. Traveling within Texas? Driving is a budget-friendly option—as long as you don’t mind navigating I-35 traffic.
How to Get Around
Transportation in San Antonio varies by location. A rental car is best for covering long distances, but if you're staying near the Pearl or River Walk, ride-share services are more cost-effective since many spots are within walking distance.