Cowboy Core: Explore Western Culture in San Antonio

Have you heard of Cowboy Core? This popular trend is riding high between Beyonce’s album, fashion and TV shows such as Yellowstone. San Antonio offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the cowboy lifestyle through a variety of attractions, activities and events that highlight the rugged spirit of the American West. And that’s all year long, years before the trend and for years to come!  

From historic missions to rodeo shows and authentic cowboy cuisine, San Antonio is the ultimate destination for those seeking an unforgettable cowboy travel experience. The city's deep-rooted connection to the Western way of life, including its role as a gateway to Texas' ranching heritage, makes it an ideal location for those looking to reconnect with history while enjoying the thrill of Western culture.

 

Key Experiences:

  • San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo: (February 6–23, 2025) Since 1950, this major livestock auction and rodeo have been a staple event in San Antonio, showcasing the heart of cowboy culture. Along with exhibits, rodeo competitions, carnival rides and numerous food stands, the event hosts a high-profile music lineup, including Keith Urban, Diamond Rio, Dwight Yoakam, Leann Rimes, Nelly, Whiskey Myers, Mark Chesnutt and The Bellamy Brothers. Celebrating 75 years in 2025, this event is one of the largest rodeos in the U.S. and a must for all cowboy and country fans. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo generates revenue for a scholarship fund, which over the years has donated more than $250 million to student scholarships.  

  • Just outside of San Antonio, Tejas Rodeo Company hosts rodeos on Saturdays from March through November. The rodeo includes bull riding, barrel racing, mutton busting and more, along with live music performances – with two step dancing – and a steakhouse dining option in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. The venue provides a true Texas experience, blending rodeo culture with food and entertainment. 

  • The Asociación de Charros de San Antonio offers Mexican traditional rodeos –Charreadas – throughout the year. For more information, visit the association’s Facebook page.  

  • The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Encompassing of four of the five missions that comprise Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historical Park traces the history of Spanish colonization, missions and the cattle ranching culture that shaped the region. The vaquero that worked the Mission ranches evolved into the American cowboy. 

  • The Briscoe Western Art Museum: This museum offers an in-depth look at the art and artifacts that bring the stories that shaped the American West to life.  

  • The Witte Museum: Consistently ranked as one of San Antonio's top museums, the Witte Museum is a natural history museum concentrating on Texas history. Their permanent exhibition at the Robert J. & Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center offers to take a deep dive into the rich history of Texas.  

  • Western-Themed Dining: In the 1880s, the San Antonio Chili Queens were the first group of women who invented chili con carne and were selling it in San Antonio’s plazas. Since then, San Antonio’s culinary scene grew considerably but still includes a range of Western-inspired cuisine, from slow-cooked BBQ to traditional Tex-Mex, as well as local favorites like cowboy steaks and chili.  

  • Dude Ranch Experiences: For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the cowboy way of life, San Antonio’s surrounding areas offer authentic dude ranches. At Rancho Cortez, visitors can experience horseback riding, cattle drives, and western-style accommodations. Less than an hour away, Bandera, Texas, is known as the Cowboy Capital of the World.  

  • The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum: This is the oldest running saloon in Texas! With the full Texas experience under one roof, you can visit the Texas Ranger Museum, have a beer (or root beer) and explore the exotic taxidermy collection.  

  • Western Wear: Family owned and operated since 1917, Paris Hatters is world famous for their expertise in providing quality custom-fitted and custom-shaped hats. The tremendous variety, along with their cleaning and blocking services, keeps Paris Hatters high on the list of any hat connoisseur.  

 

A Modern Western Adventure

While San Antonio celebrates its past, the city also offers modern amenities, making it the perfect place to experience the excitement of Western culture with the comfort of contemporary travel. Whether you're a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or someone looking to experience the timeless beauty of the West, San Antonio promises an adventure that will transport you to Western heritage and culture while ensuring modern luxury and convenience. 

San Antonio’s rich Western heritage and cowboy culture are just waiting to be explored. Plan your trip today to experience the vibrant history, thrilling events, and unforgettable cowboy travel experience that only San Antonio can offer. 

For more information on attractions, events, and accommodations, go to visitsanantonio.com