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What's New In San Antonio

As the seventh-largest city in the nation and one of the fastest growing, San Antonio always has something new and exciting to explore. Here are a few of San Antonio’s newest offerings as well as developments on the horizon.

Culture | Entertainment | Hotels | Culinary | Major Projects & Neighborhoods 

Culture

SAN ANTONIO BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM GETS BIGGER (June 2026) 
The new San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) Cultural Center is moving to a bigger location -- from a 600 square feet exhibition space to a 30,000 square feet exhibition space. The building will also offer classrooms, an auditorium, a special event space, a 12-room boutique hotel, a cocktail lounge, a lunch counter and exhibit and a rooftop terrace. SAAACAM’s mission is to unite diverse communities, and to provide an exploration of the profound historic contributions made by people of African descent in San Antonio and the surrounding region. Nestled near the Alamo on Houston Street, the Iconic Kress building will celebrate the untold stories and artifacts of the Black experience. The Center’s curated exhibits and dynamic programming will honor an accurate depiction of history, contributing to the advancement and progress of all humanity.  

NATION’S LARGEST LATINO-FOCUSED PERFORMANCE VENUE RE-OPENING (2025)
The largest performance venue in the U.S. focusing on Latino performing arts, The Alameda Theater, will reopen in 2025 after a two-phase, multiyear, $37 million initiative to restore the historic downtown San Antonio theater. Originally completed in 1949, the theater has featured well-known performers from across the U.S., Mexico, Spain and other Latin American countries. When it reopens following its renovation, the theater will host local, regional and international artists with a variety of seating options with a capacity of up to 1,500 people. The interior will include an expanded lobby, an upstairs lounge area, a cafe and restored blacklight murals. The restoration work includes environmental and utility work, construction of a new stage extending beyond the curtains toward the audience and a tiered seating structure.

VILLA FINALE: MUSEUM & GARDENS: NEW VISITOR CENTER (2025)
Villa Finale will be constructing a new Visitor Center to service guests to the historic site.  Designed by Michael Imber Architects, the new structure will reflect both the classical and vernacular architecture of the King William Historic District.  The one-story building of over 1800 square feet will be located on the northwest side of the property, facing the rear grounds. It will accommodate a reception area, exhibit space for up to 50 visitors, two offices, two guest restrooms and a small kitchen.

WORLD HERITAGE CENTER TO OPEN (December 2024) 
Estimated to be completed in December 2024, the new World Heritage Center will serve as a gateway to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. It will provide educational opportunities and information on the history, art, and culture of the community around the missions and would be a place for San Antonio residents and visitors to gather.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO OPENS LARGEST HABITAT AND LUXURIOUS LODGE (October 2024) 
The San Antonio Zoo opened the largest habitat in the zoo history in October, the Naylor Savanna which doubles the space for giraffes and rhinos and triples the space for zebras, ostriches, sitatunga, and more. The all-new giraffe barn features multiple individual giraffe rooms, a large family room, a VIP encounter space, and floor to ceiling viewing windows, enhancing the visitor experience. In addition, inside the Naylor Savanna, the San Antonio Zoo created the Spekboom Lodge, a luxurious retreat offering a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience. Perched within this vibrant landscape, the lodge provides guests with breathtaking views and intimate wildlife encounters, including exclusive interactions with the majestic giraffes. With accommodation for four and exceptional amenities, Spekboom Lodge invites guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the wild, combining comfort and adventure.

THE ALAMO OPENS NEW COLLECTIONS CENTER WITH OVER FIVE HUNDRED ARTIFACTS, SOME NEVER BEFORE SEEN
Now open! Experience the Collector's Journey in a state-of-the-art curatorial environment dedicated to preservation in the new Ralston Family Collections Center. View the Phil Collins Collection - priceless artifacts gifted to the State of Texas by musician and historian, Phil Collins. Many of the artifacts are on display for the first time. Explore artifacts from the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, Alamo Collection, interactive exhibits, and more. The two-story, 24,000 square foot Ralston Family Collections Center has been built on the grounds, behind the iconic Alamo Church, to the east of the Gift Shop in the Alamo gardens. It has been prudently designed so its construction will not obstruct the breathtaking view of the Church from Alamo Plaza.

THE ALAMO DEBUTS NEW ARCHEOLOGY, HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS (April 2022)
Visitors to the Alamo can now get an in-depth look into an excavation unit and the history of how the Long Barrack has been used since 1724. At its opening, the Alamo Archaeology exhibit is the third exhibit added to the Alamo grounds in the previous 11 months, joining the outdoor Palisade and 18-Pounder exhibits as major additions to the visitor experience. These exhibits are free and do not require a timed-entry ticket

MCNAY ART MUSEUM’S $6.25 MILLION LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN (November 2021)
The McNay Art Museum’s commitment to engaging a diverse community in the visual arts is reaching new heights with a $6.25 million Landscape Master Plan. This transformative plan activates and enhances the outdoor museum experience with additional works of art, “invisible” fencing, new landscaping and increased accessibility—ensuring everyone feels welcome and at home at the first modern art museum in Texas. Vibrant florals, dozens of native and drought-resistant trees, scenic walkways, meditative seating areas and enhanced lighting activate the expanded 25-acre grounds.

SAN ANTONIO AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARCHIVE & MUSEUM (February 2021)
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAACACAM) is debuting a new exhibit location in the heart of the city at La Villita (218 South Presa St., Building 20). The materials collected in the museum’s archives serve as family-friendly educational material, with programs specifically designed for children, as well as inspire youth and adults from San Antonio and beyond. One of its permanent exhibitions presents a timeline that illustrates Black history in the city through photographs and documents from the archive. Digital exhibits, the archive, virtual discussions and research papers are available at saaacam.org

BLACK HISTORY RIVER CRUISE (February 2021)
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, working with GO Rio River Cruises, has launched twice monthly African American history tours focused on San Antonio’s city center. The tours, on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday of each month, are limited to 30 people per cruise in observance of social distancing. Private group tours also are available. Tickets are available online or at SAAACAM’s location at La Villita.

ROBERT L.B. TOBIN LAND BRIDGE at PHIL HARDBERGER PARK (December 2020)
The Land Bridge is the first in the world designed for the safe passage of both wildlife and people. At 150-feet long and 150-feet wide, it is the largest wildlife crossing constructed to date in the United States. Built across the busy lanes of Wurzbach Parkway, the Land Bridge unifies the previously divided 330-acre Hardberger Park located in north central San Antonio. Pedestrians and animals traversing the Land Bridge have the experience of climbing a peaceful hill, unaware of the roadway below. Amenities such as wildlife viewing blinds designed by local artists and a Skywalk that gently climbs through the treetops leading to the bridge offer park visitors unique new ways to connect with nature.

HOPSCOTCH (October 2020)
Hopscotch, a curated experiential art experience, opened in downtown San Antonio with a view of Travis Park. The 20,000-sq.-ft. gallery features 14 immersive exhibits by more than 40 local, national and international artists ranging in location from San Antonio to Moscow. The gallery boasts outdoor patio and indoor lounge available to the general public as well as to ticketed guests. Popular local food truck Smack’s Chicken Shack has parked in the gallery’s patio and created the #LetsHopscotch sandwich, a decadent combination of fried chicken, powdered sugar, honey butter and donuts, that is only served at Hopscotch. The gallery’s bar program is inspired by the installations throughout the space featuring specialty cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Hopscotch also offers an onsite gift shop offering unique gifts and custom curiosities as well as items from the installation’s artists and additional local artists

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN COMPLETES $20 MILLION EXPANSION RENOVATION (August 2020) 
The Education and Event Center at the San Antonio Botanical Garden made its debut in Spring 2020 and is the gateway to a 38-acre urban oasis of nature just minutes from downtown. This 3,500 square foot state-of-the-art indoor venue is surrounded by three sides of 16-foot floor-to-ceiling windows with the interior and exterior ceiling adorned by Sinker Cypress wood. Views include the lush Grand Lawn, wisteria arbor, oak trees, and the Santikos Fern Fountain. This modern building is ideal for events of all sizes from lectures and symposiums of up to 350 guests or receptions and banquets with up to 200 seated guests. The new Grand Lawn, adjacent to the Education and Event Center, can accommodate a sit-down dinner up to 720 guests or a festival for 2,300. This is the final piece of the Botanical Garden’s multi-year, $20 million expansion renovation.

RUBY CITY (October 2019) 
Conceived by renowned philanthropist and collector Linda Pace (1945-2007), and designed by preeminent architect Sir David Adjaye, Ruby City is a new 14,000 square foot art exhibition space on Camp Street. The modern, crimson-hued building transforms San Antonio's arts community as it houses the Linda Pace Foundation’s growing collection of more than 900 paintings, sculptures, installations and video works by contemporary artists from around the world. The entire $16 million project was privately funded by Linda Pace Foundation. Ruby City is part of an arts campus that also includes Chris Park and Studio, which extends from South Flores Street to the San Pedro Creek. Admission is free.

FAMILY ADVENTURE GARDEN AT SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN (March 2018)
As part of its recent expansion, the San Antonio Botanical Garden opened its 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden. With 15 adventure-themed areas carefully designed to encourage nature play and discovery, families can explore bubbling creeks, thundering ridges, beckoning hills, and sandy shores. The Family Adventure Garden offers a multigenerational design so people of all ages and physical abilities can unplug from devices and plug in to nature. The Garden’s transformational 8-acre expansion, much of which opened 2017-2018, also includes the Mays Family Display Garden, Halsell Welcome Building, H-E-B Discovery Center, The Zachry Foundation Culinary Garden, Goldsbury Foundation Pavilion and CHEF Teaching Kitchen.

SAN ANTONIO NAMED UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY (October 2017)
San Antonio has been named a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s Creative Cities Network. This internationally recognized designation honors San Antonio's rich culinary heritage and is the result of a collaborative community effort. San Antonio is only the second city in the U.S. to earn this distinction and the first in Texas. San Antonio’s culinary heritage is significant for its confluence of many world cultures such as Mexican, Spanish, German and French, as well as its geology and geography.

 

Entertainment

SAN ANTONIO ZOO OPENS GORILLA HABITATS AND SPECIAL VENUE (2025) 
Opening in late 2025, Congo Falls will be an all-new realm to the San Antonio Zoo. The main habitat will be one of the largest gorilla habitats in the United States with a troop of eight Western lowland Gorillas. This habitat will feature the largest tower for the Troop to view San Antonio at sixty feet tall.  Also opening in 2025 is the Ralston Events Center. A special event venue for up to 600 people. One of the largest event centers of its kind in San Antonio. This will feature views of gorillas and lions, along with a unique view of San Antonio  

SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO OPENS WORLD’S FIRST LAUCHED FLUME COASTER (Spring 2024)
The all-new thrill ride Catapult Falls is North America’s only vertical lift. Eleven boats, each with eight riders, catapult through the launch at speeds of 30 feet per second, allowing riders to feel the rush of a coaster while experiencing the rocking and swaying of riding on a track of water that kicks up waves as it moves. Once at the peak of the ride, guests will experience the world’s steepest drop in a flume attraction, angled at a staggering 53 degrees, the chute plummets riders into a watery splashdown at over 37 miles per hour.

NEW CONCERT HALL OPENS IN HISTORIC STABLES AT PEARL (January 2024)
Pearl transformed a nearly 130-year-old building that once housed brewery draft horses into a new live music venue, Stable Hall. The facility hosting about 1,000 concertgoers showcases national touring artists as well as regional talent from Texas, Mexico and the Americana Music Triangle – encompassing the area between Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans – with an emphasis on local talent. The venue features a draped jewel-box stage, with floor and curved balcony seating, wooden floors, hand-painted murals and a restored wood ceiling, as well as state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting. Bars and pre-function areas surround the performance hall.

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS OPENS THE WORLD’S FIRST THEME PARK BASED GAMING EXPERIENCE AND NEW KID FLASH FAMILY COASTER (Spring 2023)
In partnership with IGN Entertainment, Six Flags Fiesta Texas launched ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™. As the largest gaming-focused media platform in the world with over 286M+ unique users, IGN is positioned to bring the excitement of ESIX to gamers of all ages. Through this partnership, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and IGN Entertainment will host and stream a range of competitive events throughout the year featuring the biggest games, teams and IGN’s array of beloved hosts. The all-new Kid Flash Cosmic Coaster is Texas’ only racing roller coaster, and is a twin-tracked roller coaster featuring innovative single-rail track and an inclusive train design that provides comfortable seating for both adults and children. The twin tracks cross over and under each other a dozen times during the ride cycle. The two sides operate simultaneously for a racing action on the dueling tracks. A first-of-its-kind single-rail family racing roller coaster, this unique ride will run two trains, on two parallel dueling tracks, simultaneously allowing guests to compete and race to the finish. With a 36” minimum height requirement, the new coaster expands ride offerings for families and young thrill seekers.

WITTE MUSEUM WITH MORE DINOSAURS THAN EVER BEFORE, FEATURED IN TWO SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
Don’t miss your chance to explore world-class dinosaur exhibitions featuring real fossils, a Jurassic dinosaur paradise and the heaviest Tyrannosaurus rex on record, Scotty. Tyrannosaurus rex is the most recognizable dinosaur in the world. But it’s not the only tyrannosaur you should know. The rest of the tyrannosaur family is sharing the spotlight this summer in Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, on display in San Antonio. This exhibition, created by the Australian Museum, brings the latest tyrannosaur discoveries to life and reveals some of the most significant discoveries in paleontology of the past decade. Then guests can turn their San Antonio summer into an Antarctic adventure. Antarctica today can be a harsh land of ice and snow, but 200 million years ago it was a bountiful, forested habitat where dinosaurs thrived. In Antarctic Dinosaurs, you’ll step back in time to discover the dinosaurs that ruled these now-fossilized forests. 

SAN ANTONIO ZOO WELCOMES MEERKATS TO THE NEWLY RENOVATED KRONKOSKY’S TINY TOT NATURE SPOT
The San Antonio Zoo, named the 2023 Best Zoo in Texas, again, by the Texas Travel Awards, is thrilled to announce the return of meerkats to the zoo, bringing these playful creatures back after a 27-year absence. These inquisitive creatures come from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa and belong to the playful mongoose family. Visitors to the new meerkat habitat in Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot can expect to see a lively family of five adorable meerkats living in a social group called a "mob." These social animals communicate through vocalizations, making for an intriguing show of nature.

NEW HIDDEN WONDERS TOUR AT NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERN (May 2023)
The Hidden Wonders Tour experience at Natural Bridge Caverns offers state-of-the-art lighting, a sound and light show, and expansion into never before toured areas of the Hidden Cavern. In addition to new lighting, guests can also expect a 1,100-foot-long expansion of the public passageways through the cave and will be able to tour through an area that was only previously accessible by cavers. Exiting the Hidden Wonders tour will also be a one-of-a-kind experience as guests effortlessly ride from underground to the surface on the 700-foot long BAT (Belt Assisted Transport through a newly constructed exit tunnel), the BAT is the world’s first conveyor system ride out of a cavern.

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDENS WELCOMES LARGER-THAN-LIFE LIVING STATUES. 
Giant living sculptures are making their Texas debut! Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time will enchant guests at San Antonio Botanical Garden with larger-than-life, whimsical sculptures created by Mosaïcultures® Internationales de Montréal. Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time was originally developed and displayed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Across the Garden’s 38 acres, unearth a massive dragon on the Conservatory Lawn, a mermaid lounging at the lake, and a parading peacock in the Formal Garden, Rip Van Winkle sleeping under an oak tree, Storybooks on display, and a Pegasus that has just landed. 

WORLD’S STEEPEST DIVE COASTER OPENS AT SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS (Summer 2022)
A world-record-setting, themed roller coaster is part of Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ 30th Anniversary celebration in 2022. The fictional Dr. Diabolical built a machine offering riders the elixir of eternal life, while truly meant to harvest the essence of human adrenaline and fear in order to nourish her creatures. The “Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger” coaster has three 21-passenger trains to lift riders 150 feet in the air, then lock them in a face-first Cliffhanger hold just before dropping them down a 95-degree, beyond-vertical plummet at 60 mph. The machine travels on 2,501 feet of track through an Immelmann inversion, a 270-degree zero-g roll, a 75-foot near-vertical drop, a wild-banked turn, an extreme airtime hill, and a high-speed spiral finale.

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS INTRODUCES NEWEST OFF TRAIL EXPERIENCE (July 2022)
The largest cavern in Texas has debuted St. Mary’s Adventure Tour which takes guests on a unique caving expedition through a beautiful wild cave area of the attraction’s Discovery Cavern. Sections of these passages, never seen by guests, include rare formations including black calcite and beautiful box work. Guests will learn and use some professional rope techniques used by cavers when traversing, ascending, and descending within the cave, necessary skills for this exciting new adventure tour experience. Knowledgeable guides provide training, and no prior caving experience is needed for this tour which does not involve crawling and takes about 3.5-4 hours. Natural Bridge Caverns is a designated State Historical Site, National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO WELCOMES WORLD’S TALLEST AND FASTEST SCREAMING SWING (March 2022)
SeaWorld San Antonio is home to an all-new, world record breaking, high-thrill attraction – Tidal Surge. The screaming swing seats 40 riders and features two pendulum-like arms that soar progressively higher to a staggering height of 135 feet at its peak. The dueling arms alternate sides and sway back-and-forth at 68 mph, creating multiple airtime moments that levitate guests out of their seats with each heart stopping swing. Riders’ legs dangle and hang as they soar over the waterski lake and take in the beautiful views of the park, while reaching multiple negative G moments before plunging back towards the earth.

DUELING WATER SLIDE DEBUTS AT AQUATICA SAN ANTONIO (March 2022)
Riptide Race doubles the splash factor and fun for park goers. Starting atop a 51-foot tower, riders can grab a two-person raft and take their mark with their partner and plunge towards a hopeful victory. Riptide Race features dueling side-by-side flumes and low walls to ensure full view of the competition. Guests can challenge each other while navigating tight loops and turns, adrenaline-pumping drops, and exciting accelerations through indoor and outdoor sections. It’s a marathon to the finish through nearly 565 feet of splashing slides.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO INTRODUCES PANTERA WALK AND NEOTROPICA (Fall 2021)
San Antonio Zoo is expanding the jaguar habitat with a connected overhead catwalk called Pantera Walk. The new habitat’s Pantera Walk will not only go over guests as they stroll by the current jaguar habitat, but it will lead the jaguars into the Amazonia habitat where they can walk along the riverbed before making their way into the secondary habitat. Once complete, San Antonio Zoo will be the only zoo in the United States to offer this unique catwalk for jaguars. Pantera Walk will reinforce two important natural behaviors – it lets jaguars hang high in a canopy type setting and it allows them to explore the river’s edge. The new jaguar habitat is part of a renovated area of the zoo also debuting in the fall, to be named NEOTROPICA. The new realm’s theme will focus on the Neotropical regions of the Americas and include enhancements that stretch from the current Outpost Amazonia through the new jaguar habitat and other regional habitats in that area. NEOTROPICA will create the feel of a remote fishing village with motifs characteristic of the Americas and nods to pre-Hispanic cultures.

ULTRA-ACCESSIBLE™ MORGAN’S WONDERLAND CAMP (Nov. 2021)
The team behind Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park, is building a 102-acre recreational oasis in northern San Antonio that will offer year-round summer-camp-type experiences to those with and without special needs. The $28 million project will feature an ultra-accessible, multi-platform zipline, a stable and horses, hiking trails, a nature farm, multiple pools, a splash pad, archery range, enclosed sports pavilion, arts and crafts center, a challenge course for all abilities, a 30,000-square-foot welcome center and a 5,500-square-foot health center for round-the-clock medical assistance. Twenty on-site cabins will be built to accommodate up to 525 campers and staff members.

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND SPORTS (June 2021)
Morgan’s Wonderland Sports will be a 3-acre ultra-accessible™ sports complex, offering fitness and fun for athletes of all abilities. The new $4 million facility in northeast San Antonio will provide a home for adaptive and Paralympic-style sports programs for wounded service members and veterans, alongside youth and adults with different abilities. Morgan’s Wonderland Sports will be available for private events and offers 30 court or field combinations including two baseball/softball fields, five tennis courts, 20 pickleball courts, a football field, a basketball court and a volleyball court, as well as an 8,000-square-foot covered pavilion and LED field lights to assist guests with visual impairments.

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM OPENS AT SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER (May 2021)
SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand and highlights spectacular displays of diverse marine life. As its stunning centerpiece SEA LIFE San Antonio features a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel, taking visitors on a seamless journey under the sea.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO INTRODUCES PANTERA WALK AND NEOTROPICA (Fall 2021)
San Antonio Zoo is expanding the jaguar habitat with a connected overhead catwalk called Pantera Walk. The new habitat’s Pantera Walk will not only go over guests as they stroll by the current jaguar habitat, but it will lead the jaguars into the Amazonia habitat where they can walk along the riverbed before making their way into the secondary habitat. Once complete, San Antonio Zoo will be the only zoo in the United States to offer this unique catwalk for jaguars. Pantera Walk will reinforce two important natural behaviors – it lets jaguars hang high in a canopy type setting and it allows them to explore the river’s edge. The new jaguar habitat is part of a renovated area of the zoo also debuting in the fall, to be named NEOTROPICA. The new realm’s theme will focus on the Neotropical regions of the Americas and include enhancements that stretch from the current Outpost Amazonia through the new jaguar habitat and other regional habitats in that area. NEOTROPICA will create the feel of a remote fishing village with motifs characteristic of the Americas and nods to pre-Hispanic cultures.

ULTRA-ACCESSIBLE™ MORGAN’S WONDERLAND CAMP (2021)
The team behind Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park, is building a 102-acre recreational oasis in northern San Antonio that will offer year-round summer-camp-type experiences to those with and without special needs. The $28 million project will feature an ultra-accessible, multi-platform zipline, a stable and horses, hiking trails, a nature farm, multiple pools, a splash pad, archery range, enclosed sports pavilion, arts and crafts center, a challenge course for all abilities, a 30,000-square-foot welcome center and a 5,500-square-foot health center for round-the-clock medical assistance. Twenty on-site cabins will be built to accommodate up to 525 campers and staff members.

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND SPORTS (June 2021)
Morgan’s Wonderland Sports will be a 3-acre ultra-accessible™ sports complex, offering fitness and fun for athletes of all abilities. The new $4 million facility in northeast San Antonio will provide a home for adaptive and Paralympic-style sports programs for wounded service members and veterans, alongside youth and adults with different abilities. Morgan’s Wonderland Sports will be available for private events and offers 30 court or field combinations including two baseball/softball fields, five tennis courts, 20 pickleball courts, a football field, a basketball court and a volleyball court, as well as an 8,000-square-foot covered pavilion and LED field lights to assist guests with visual impairments.

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM OPENS AT SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER (May 2021)
SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand and highlights spectacular displays of diverse marine life. As its stunning centerpiece SEA LIFE San Antonio features a tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel, taking visitors on a seamless journey under the sea.

DARE DEVIL DIVE FLYING MACHINES AT SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS (April 2021)
Six Flags Fiesta Texas visitors can now experience the thrills and sensations of weightlessness through aerial banks, loops and dives on the all-new Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines. The world’s tallest ride of its kind, the retro four-seater steampunk flying machines imitates the maneuvers of acrobatic dogfights soaring nearly five stories above Crackaxle Canyon.

KAYAKING ON THE RIVER WALK (Oct. 2020)
One of the novelties for outdoor activities in San Antonio is to enjoy a fun kayak ride on the River Walk and go through the famous city center. This new way to experience the River Walk, can be enjoyed by people of all ages and multiple ability levels thanks to the river’s calm waters. This kayaking activity, though must be reserved through Mission Adventure Tours, is not guided tour but a chance to freely roam the River Walk by kayak. The rental rate includes the kayak, paddles and life jacket for up to 2 hours. This is a new experience from Mission Adventure Tours, which also offers guided kayak and stand-up paddle boarding in the Mission Reach of the River Walk, along the UNESCO World Heritage Site Spanish Colonial Missions.

TALLEST, FASTEST AND LONGEST WOODEN COASTER IN TEXAS OPENS AT SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO (February 2020)
SeaWorld San Antonio opened the all-new Texas Stringray wooden roller coaster. This ride is the tallest, fastest and longest wooden coaster in Texas. It features a drop of 100 feet with more than 15 airtime hills with a top speed of 55 miles per hour.

HEART-POUNDING TONGA TWISTER SLIDES OPENS AT AQUATICA SAN ANTONIO (Summer 2020)
Tonga Twister, two thrilling, heart pounding body slides, each with distinct twists and turns was unveiled this summer at Aquatica, SeaWorld San Antonio’s waterpark. Tonga Twister features AquaLucent™ tubes that create special effect lighting patterns, giving riders an electrifying light show as they plummet and slide from a height of more than 50 feet, navigating 415 feet of twists and turns before splashing down into a refreshing pool. High-energy music piped into the tubes elevates the excitement and fun

TWISTED TRAILS ADVENTURE COURSE AT NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS
Twisted Trails Adventure Course is an all-new attraction at Natural Bridge Caverns, home to the largest show caves in Texas. The six-story-high adventure course features four levels and 50 elements to challenge all ages. Guests test their skills with activities such as lily pads, stepping stones, a weave walk, squid steps and a rolling log. Unlike traditional ziplines, which only travel along a straight line, Twisted Trails includes 685-feet of curved rails, offering a soaring roller coaster-like experience. Nearby, the new Twisted Trails Tykes allows pint-sized thrill seekers their own taste of the action. 

THE JOKER: CARNIVAL OF CHAOS AT SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS (July 2019)
A thrilling new pendulum ride inspired by DC Super-Villain The Joker is now open at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Joker Carnival of Chaos, located in the new DC Universe section of the park, is the world’s tallest pendulum ride, standing at a record-breaking 17 stories and reaching speeds up to 75 miles per hour. Guests can enjoy the ride 12 months a year, as the theme park has announced year-round operations, extending their season into both January and February, weekends and holidays.

TURTLE REEF™ DEBUTS AT SEAWORLD SAN ANTONIO (May 2019)
SeaWorld’s all-new Turtle Reef™ is a fascinating habitat that enables guests to get an up-close look at threatened and endangered sea turtles, plus learn about the threats the species face in the wild. The focal point is a 126,000-gallon coral reef-themed environment, with natural bio filtration, featuring rescued and non-releasable green sea turtles, along with hundreds of multi-colored Caribbean fish. Turtle Reef also offers SeaWorld’s second underwater viewing area where guests can watch from a floor-to-ceiling, panoramic portal as turtles swim inches away.

LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER OPENS AT SHOPS AT RIVERCENTER (April 2019)
Premier family attraction LEGOLAND Discovery Center has opened at the Shops at Rivercenter in downtown San Antonio. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground and is designed for families with children ages 3 to 10 to play together. The new attraction offers a range of themed LEGO play areas, creative workshops with LEGO Master Model Builders, exciting LEGO-themed rides, party rooms, as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit which will reflect the buildings and skyline of San Antonio.

RHINO RENOVATIONS AT SAN ANTONIO ZOO (March 2019)
The San Antonio Zoo has transformed its rhinoceros habitat to feature additional trees and landscape, a viewing deck, waterfall with creek and a mud wallow. The habitat is not only to rhinos, but to zebras, crown cranes, waterbucks, sitatungas and marbou storks. The new rhino habitat connects to the existing giraffe habitat allowing the animals to move freely between areas, creating a savanna-like setting. A nursery area was also added to accommodate two female rhinos the zoo plans to receive from other zoological facilities as well as a male rhino shortly, in order to begin a breeding program for Southern White Rhinoceroses. 

 

Hotels

NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL THE MONARCH SAN ANTONIO COMING AT HEMISFAIR (2026)
The new 200-room, 17-story boutique hotel located at Hemisfair has officially been named The Monarch San Antonio, in reference to the Monarch butterfly that migrates through the San Antonio region each winter. The hotel is designed to be a convergence point for visitors and locals alike, drawing people together through enlivened interiors that reflect the journey of the butterfly. In addition to luxury guest rooms, the hotel will feature a modern full-service spa, a terrace pool, five food and beverage concepts with indoor and outdoor service, including a rooftop restaurant and bar and a basement speakeasy, as well as a garden area, fitness center and approximately 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The Monarch will mark the exciting debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in San Antonio.

GUNTER HOTEL RENOVATIONS (Q1 2025)   
The Gunter Hotel — which opened in 1837 at 205 E. Houston St. — is undergoing major interior and exterior renovations with new restaurant concepts. At the end of the project, the hotel will join Marriott International's Tribute line of boutique properties. Photos. 

KIMPTON HOTELS DEBUTS FIRST SAN ANTONIO PROPERTY (August 2024)
Located in Downtown San Antonio at the intersection of the vibrant La Villita and Southtown neighborhoods, the 347-room Kimpton Santo is part new-build and part adaptive reuse of an 1850s-original schoolhouse. The property’s juxtaposition of the historic and the modern embraces the city’s spirit of authenticity and the neighborhood’s creative energy. The Kimpton Santo features a 10-story tower housing a modern and airy lobby, luxurious guest rooms and a rooftop pool and lounge with views overlooking downtown and the neighboring greenspace. Two adjacent historic buildings underwent careful adaptive reuse to become a high-end restaurant, lively lobby bar and eight one-of-a-kind hotel suites. Bridging the historic buildings, the courtyard and its natural foliage become an unmatched outdoor entertainment and event venue for hotel guests and the local community. In addition to the courtyard, the hotel features more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, inclusive of a 5,000-square-foot ballroom. As is true with all Kimpton properties, the hotel features beloved perks such as morning coffee and tea service, evening social hour, “Forgot It? We’ve Got it!” amenity program, 24-hour fitness center, in-room yoga mats, complimentary bicycle rentals and a friendly no-fee pet policy. Photos.

LUXURY INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL CHECKS INTO RIVER WALK (August 2024)
Nestled in the heart of Texas' vibrant cityscape, the Intercontinental Hotel San Antonio offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and Southern charm. This sophisticated retreat features nearly 400 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, world-class dining options, and a wealth of amenities, including a serene outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. With its impeccable service and attention to detail, the Intercontinental Hotel San Antonio promises an exceptional experience for both leisure and business travelers seeking a refined and comfortable stay.

NEW PLAZA SAN ANTONIO HOTEL & SPA DEBUTS CITY’S FIRST AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION PROPERTY (January 2024)
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa – San Antonio’s first Autograph Collection Hotel debuted January 2024. The new luxury hotel at the corner of South Alamo Street and East Cesar Chavez Blvd features 253 oversized guest rooms, two restaurants & bars, expansive meeting space, and repurposed 19th century historic buildings that are home to a day spa and a one-of-a-kind bungalow suite.

DUAL-CONCEPT AC HOTEL & ELEMENT HOTEL UNVEILED AT RIVERVIEW TOWERS (AC Hotel: Oct. 2022; Element Hotel: December 2022)
Across from historic Main Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral, The Riverview Towers is now home to San Antonio’s first AC Hotel by Marriott and Element Hotel by Westin. The AC brand celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs born of its Spanish roots and European soul. The hotels’ 20-story building include 4,000 sq. ft. of function space and roof top bar One Watson overlooking the River Walk. With 181 rooms, each offering amazing views, AC Hotel is a great retreat for simplistic luxury catering to the creative, well-traveled, entrepreneurial spirits, who are constantly on the go, and appreciate a well-designed hotel that allows them to focus, be present, and connect with others. Element Hotel offers 169 spacious guest rooms designed for longer stays including fully equipped in-room kitchens, fitness options and on-site laundry.

MARRIOTT FLYING NEW FLAG AT SAN ANTONIO AIRPORT (May 2022)
Following a $36 million transformation, a former Holiday Inn hotel near San Antonio International Airport debuts as the new Marriott San Antonio Airport. Highlighting locally inspired artwork and designs, the 367 guestrooms and suites align quiet, creative space with comfort and amenities. A trendy lobby bar extends outdoors and focuses on mixology and local flavors. The outdoor pool opens to an activated pool terrace outfitted with lighting features, and bar access. Marriott San Antonio Airport offers an extensive fitness center, southwest cuisine from the on-site restaurant, free parking and airport shuttle, and a little over 15,000 sq ft of meeting space in a convention-style setting.

MARRIOTT FLYING NEW FLAG AT SAN ANTONIO AIRPORT (May 2022)
Following a $36 million transformation, a former Holiday Inn hotel near San Antonio International Airport debuts as the new Marriott San Antonio Airport. Highlighting locally inspired artwork and designs, the 367 guestrooms and suites align quiet, creative space with comfort and amenities. A trendy lobby bar extends outdoors and focuses on mixology and local flavors. The outdoor pool opens to an activated pool terrace outfitted with lighting features, and bar access. Marriott San Antonio Airport offers an extensive fitness center, southwest cuisine from the on-site restaurant, free parking and airport shuttle, and a little over 15,000 sq ft of meeting space in a convention-style setting.

ALOFT NEW OPTION IN LA CANTERA AREA (September 2021)
Designed for global travelers who love open spaces, open thinking and open expression, Aloft San Antonio Northwest brings a distinct new offering to the La Cantera area. The hotel offers 136 airy 9-foot-high ceilings guest rooms, a splash pool and an over 750 sq. ft. gym. The hotel features W XYZ bar to mix it up over music, cocktails and wine and 24/7 grab-and-go food options at Refuel.

CANOPY BY HILTON MAKES RIVER WALK DEBUT (April 2021)
Adding to San Antonio’s repertoire of exceptional hotels, Canopy by Hilton made its River Walk debut in March 2021. The hotel integrates the Civil War-era Alamo Fish Market building into its 20-story design. Incorporating the building into the hotel is not only an integral element of the authenticity of the Canopy brand, but also maintains an important historic element to the corridor. Canopy San Antonio River Walk features 1,102 square feet of meeting space, 195 rooms and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the River Walk.

ESTANCIA DEL NORTE DEBUTS IN UPTOWN DISTRICT (April 2021)
Originally constructed as La Mansion Del Norte in 1978, Estancia Del Norte honors the culture, character, and beauty of San Antonio. Estancia Del Norte transforms a piece of San Antonio history into a modern space for celebration, designed to showcase the vibrant traditions of Mexico, Spain, and Texas. The hotel offers 277 guest rooms including 12 luxury suites, the Grand Courtyard replete with a luxury pool and gardens, local artwork throughout the hotel, conference center including the over 7,000 square-foot Estancia Ballroom, the Paseo Bar – featuring tequilas, mezcals and a curated selection of specialty bourbons – and Lazo with Don Strange, the first restaurant from renowned San Antonio catering company, focusing on regional South Texas cuisine.

THOMPSON HOTEL BRINGS LUXURY DEVELOPMENT TO RIVER WALK ARTS DISTRICT (Feb. 2021)
Thompson San Antonio Hotel and The Arts Residences, a $116 million mixed-use hotel-condominium tower on the San Antonio River Walk brings luxury living and hotel accommodations to the downtown area. The 20-story 337,000-plus-square-foot mixed-use development is across the River Walk from the esteemed Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This 162-room Thompson Hotel is one of a collection of design-forward, boutique lifestyle hotels and resorts. It features amenities including a high-end restaurant, 20th floor rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown, a 5,000 square-foot pool deck with pool bar on the fourth floor, a fitness center, spa, valet parking and 24-hour concierge and in-room dining services.

OMNI LA MANSIÓN DEL RIO UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION (Spring 2020)
Omni La Mansión del Rio has unveiled the completion of its multi-million dollar update of all 338 guestrooms at the hotel. Taking inspiration from the rich history of the property, the overall design maintains the originality of the existing building while adding brand new amenities. All rooms received new updated lighting and furniture including upgrading of any full-size beds to queen size beds, new artwork reflecting the heritage and beauty of the region with a modern and elevated aesthetic, smart high-definition TVs with the ability to stream and connect directly from personal devices, new Wi-Fi internet system, safe and secure radio-frequency identification (RFID) door lock system and fresh paint and carpet.

MARRIOTT RIVERCENTER HOTEL'S MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR RENOVATION (Feb. 2020)
One of the largest hotels in downtown San Antonio, Marriott Rivercenter, completed a river-to-rooftop, multi-million-dollar remodel in Feb. 2020 that captures the city’s artistic character. Indigenous architectural elements such as white limestone and local artistic glassmakers lend an upscale feel while still being traditional. The project included redesigning all 1,001 rooms and suites along with meeting space. Plus, common areas, lobby, restaurant and lounge space were also renovated and a new M Club for Marriott’s elite members has been added.

DUAL-BRANDED HAMPTON INN & SUITES AND HOME2SUITES BY HILTON OPENS ON RIVER WALK (Feb. 2019) 
The dual-branded Hampton Inn & Suites and Home2Suites by Hilton is San Antonio’s newest River Walk hotel offering great views of the river, two styles of complimentary breakfast and easy to access to many of San Antonio’s downtown attractions. The Hampton Inn offers 122 rooms and the Home2Suites has 91 rooms.

 

Culinary

MEXICO CEATY OFFERS EATERIES AND ACTIVATIONS DOWNTOWN SA (EARLY 2025)
Local favorite Chef Jason Dady is opening his 7th dining concept, Mexico Ceaty, early 2025 in San Antonio. This immersive dining, entertainment and shopping experience will honor the culinary history and culture of both Mexico and San Antonio. Located inside the Shops at Rivercenter on San Antonio’s famous River Walk, the 21,000-square-foot destination space will overhaul the existing food court, offering a vibrant array of eateries, a panaderia-inspired coffee shop, a stage for live music and art activations, a marketplace, and more. The four eateries will include:

  • Tres Arcos: An eclectic full-service restaurant focusing on the flavor, flair and favorites of Tex-Mex cuisine
  • Dos Cantinas: A 300-seat bar with two “Sunken Garden” sitting areas and elevated lofts, offering a lively atmosphere with margaritas, tequila cocktails and an elaborate menu
  • El Ultimo: A speakeasy-style agave tasting room showcasing artisanal mezcals and aged tequilas
  • Dulce Aroma: A panaderia café specializing in Mexican pastries, fresh churros and breakfast tacos in a casual environment Mexico Ceaty

NICOSI (June 2024)
Nicosi is a 20-seat dessert tasting room led by award-winning Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph at Pullman Market, at the Pearl. The expert team at Nicosi lean into the format of a traditional tasting experience while examining the role that acid, umami, bitter and sweet play in the perception of desserts. To ensure complete immersion in the experience, Nicosi has a no phone policy, helping guests to connect with each other and the culinary team.

ROCA & MARTILLO RESTAURANT DEBUTS AT THE ROCK AT LA CANTERA (June 2024) 
The latest adventure from the Jason Dady Restaurant Group brings a Tuscan-Italian dining experience to the San Antonio Spurs performance campus known at “The Rock.” Roca & Martillo, translated as “rock and hammer,” is the newest addition to the campus and is an ode to the Spurs mantra of “pounding the rock” as a sports team.  Open for lunch and dinner daily, Roca & Martillo’s offerings will feature modern American flavors and Tuscan influences, with added touches of smokiness as an homage to South Texas. From house-made pasta to elaborate entrees, each dish reflects Chef Dady’s dedication to using premium fresh ingredients and showcasing his culinary artistry. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options and a rooftop patio experience with views of the Spurs La Cantera campus and the La Cantera neighborhood and is available for private event bookings.

NEW MARKET OPENS AT PEARL (APRIL 2024) 
Opened in Spring 2024, Pullman Market is Texas’ answer to Eataly. Celebrating local produce, Pullman Market is a specialty grocery store, with five quick eateries (Burgers by the Butcher, Ceviche and Tacos, Sandwich shop, Ice Cream and Coffee) and four distinct restaurants (Nicosi, Isidore, Fife and Farro, Mezquite) and a bar, Mezcaleria. Pullman Market is located at the Pearl.   

CREAMERY DISTRICT (January 2024)
Area Real Estate LLC is redeveloping the 50,000-square-foot former dairy plant at 875 E. Ashby Place built in 1929 into a mixed-use project, called The Creamery. The Creamery District in San Antonio, nestled in the historic Tobin Hill area, offers a vibrant blend of culinary and social experiences. This mixed-use complex features diverse dining options, from European-style cafes to rooftop lounges with stunning views. Visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere, complete with craft cocktails, gourmet bites, and live entertainment, making it a prime destination for both locals and tourists. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or an upscale night out, The Creamery has something to suit every taste.

MAKE READY MARKET OPEN (2024)
Nestled between Broadway and the San Antonio River, a new 11,000-sq.-ft. food hall named Make Ready Market is set to open in the Spring 2023. It will feature a dozen of vendors including Mila Coffee, Thai Bird, Tiny Pies and Four Brothers Venezuelan Kitchen.

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB AT HEMISFAIR (October 2023)
The second location in San Antonio is now open at Yanaguana Garden inside the Hemisfair District, utilizing the historic Espinoza House. This addition builds on the legacy of the original Bombay that celebrated 50 years in business in 2023. Guests can expect the same dedication to quality ingredients and warm hospitality that have defined the restaurant's success. The Bombay team including Leighton who has owned the establishment since 1988, his daughter Satchie Seidlits, and Paula Sullivan, of Carmen’s de la Calle, worked with a talented team to create a space that pays homage to the original building, but has its own distinct character and feel.

KÜNSTLER TAP HAUS AT HEMISFAIR (June 2023)
Southtown's Künstler Brewing’s owners Vera and Brent Deckard opened a new tap location at Hemisfair, in the historic 1883 Pereida House. The new dining spot serves Künstler’s award-winning beers along with bratwursts and other German favorite dishes such as pretzel bites, German potato salad or German Chocolate mousse. A selection of cocktails and wines are also available.

ROSARIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT OPENS NEW LOCATION (February 2023)
Rosario’s Comida Mex will open its new location on St. Mary’s Street on February 10, 2023. Since 1992, Rosario’s has served as an anchor for the historic Southtown/King William area. The new location, still located Southtown, will offer a rooftop terrace and bar and a bigger restaurant space (25,000-sq.-ft.). Additionally, Rosario’s commissioned internationally renowned street artist INTI for a 24x69-foot mural on the property to reflect Rosario’s owner Lisa Wong’s rich family story. Rosario’s food style combines traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties, all prepared with a contemporary twist.

LA GLORIA (September 2022)
Chef Johnny Hernandez expands his empire and authentic Mexican flavors to San Antonio’s Southside with a new location of local favorite La Gloria. Located in the fast-growing mixed-use community of Brooks, Chef Hernandez’s concept is among the first San Antonio-based restaurants to be added alongside The Greenline, a 43-acre urban linear park connecting to the San Antonio River Walk’s Mission Reach. La Gloria’s menu continues its emphasis on popular Mexican street foods while reviving popular items from the former grilled meat-focused restaurant El Machito.

WONDERSLICE, PEARL’S FIRST PIZZA CONCEPT (June 2022)
Pearl announced the latest restaurant coming to the Food Hall, which will be the first pizza concept on the property – WonderSlice. WonderSlice pays tribute to the heyday of neighborhood pizza joints and is in partnership with Chef Ben Schwartz. The name conveys a sense of nostalgia, with a promise of “wonder by the slice.” WonderSlice is accessible and playful; its offerings include fresh pizza by the slice made onsite, full pies, homemade subs, salads, and soft serve ice cream.

BOX STREET ALL DAY (December 2021)
A popular local food truck and catering business, The Box Street Social will be opening its first brick-and-mortar location at Hemisfair in downtown San Antonio. It will feature a 5,000-square-foot patio with a view of the Tower of the Americas and other downtown landmarks. The tasty and eclectic menu will feature favorites such as pulled pork and spicy crab-stuffed avocados, Thai chile wings, chicken and doughnuts, and more items that will expand from its current food truck offerings. Its truck and catering business will continue operation.

HUGMAN’S OASIS (May 2021)
Named for Robert H. H. Hugman, the visionary architect behind the River Walk, Hugman’s Oasis is a new destination tiki lounge from local restaurateur Chris Hill. San Antonio mixologist and bar owner Jeret Peña and bar manager Maren Erickson have created elevated takes on tiki bar staples, including the Golden Triangle, a tequila-based sour cocktail with Sriracha honey syrup, cilantro, and a black sesame rim, and the Pinagroni, a spin on the traditional Negroni made with pineapple wash campari.

DOMINGO (April 2021)
The River Walk-level restaurant of the new Canopy San Antonio Riverwalk hotel is a tribute to South Texas cuisine. The 3,265-square-foot, three-meal restaurant, helmed by executive chef Arturo Treviño, will feature unique takes on San Antonio and southwest favorites including ceviches, tacos, enchiladas, steaks and fresh fish. The restaurant’s bar focuses on agave-based cocktails rounded out by a selection of craft beers and wine with nonalcoholic cocktail options available.

DEVIL’S RIVER WHISKEY DISTILLERY (March 2021)
Devils River’s new home in the historic Burns Building hosts a working craft distillery with premium tastings and tours, access to live music on the building’s rooftop and a 1920s prohibition-era bar offering craft cocktails. The new distillery will recycle non-potable water for its production process and plans to donate spent grains to area farmers as protein for cattle.

LITTLE RHEIN PROST HAUS (March 2021)
Little Rhein Prost Haus, an authentic German beer garden, opened in the historic Otto Bombach House at La Villita. Little Rhein Prost Haus, "prost" meaning cheers in German, offers over 20 draft beers imported from Munich or craft-brewed locally and the largest selection of schnapps in the U.S. The menu is comprised of German fare including various schnitzels, German potato salads, brats and sausages of all types, sauerkraut, red cabbage, homemade beer cheese, German grain mustards, apple strudel, burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and more. Indoor and outdoor seating with two levels of patios on the River Walk.

LANDRACE (Feb. 2021)
Landrace is a restaurant focused on Texas-grown ingredients prepared largely on a wood-burning grill, in the Thompson Hotel on the River Walk. The 200-seat restaurant offers a dynamic menu that evolves with the seasons, featuring exquisite dishes such as dry aged Tomahawk Ribeye and wild-caught scallops. The setting evokes warm mid-century modernism with upholstered seating and custom-designed patterned screens in rose gold. A showstopping bar and a semi-open kitchen showcasing a wood-fired grill contribute to the inviting ambiance.  

THE MOON’S DAUGHTER (Feb. 2021)
The restaurant and bar at the new Thompson Hotel is helmed by chef Robert Cantu, a San Antonio native who’s cooked in kitchens across Texas and the Midwest. The 20th-floor rooftop restaurant has a Mediterranean approach with a menu of small plates designed for sharing, many made with local ingredients. The offerings include house-made feta burrata cheese with pesto, lamb ragu with hummus and pita, stuffed leek kebabs with squash and cashew cheese and other dishes.

RE:ROOTED 210 URBAN WINERY (Feb. 2021)
Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery brings Texas wine to Hemisfair, making it the first winemaking and tasting room facility in downtown San Antonio. Featuring six wines on tap and dozens of bottled wines, this urban winery specializes in local wine education and serving only Texas wines.

BRASSERIE MON CHOU CHOU (Dec. 2020)
Chef Laurent Réa and Southerleigh Hospitality opened this casual take on French comfort food at Pearl. The brasserie – a casual alternative to French fine dining – offers simplified takes on dishes including steak frites, lyonnaise salad, escargot, oysters, domestic and imported cheese plateau, raclette and baguette, braised Texas rabbit in Dijon mustard sauce. The bar offers handcrafted cocktails such as the ‘Pink French Fairy’ gin fizz featuring Citadelle gin, egg white, fresh lemon and wild strawberry liquor.

BEST QUALITY DAUGHTER (Nov. 2020)
Local culinary team Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin and Quealy Watson, chefs and owners of Tenko Ramen, opened an Asian-American concept at Pearl. The menu includes Thai curry babaganoush; crispy fried pig ears; and chorizo, egg and cheese potstickers. Noodles and rice selections include mochi gnocchi with sauce mornay and Chinese sausage, and phat kaphrao pork fried rice. Best Quality Daughter features dishes pulled from Dobbertin’s travels and comfort food from her youth as a first-generation, Chinese-American with heavy Chinese, South Texas and Southeast Asian influences.

JARDIN AT THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN (Sept. 2020)
Guests will walk back in time as they enter the new restaurant inside the historic Daniel J. Sullivan Carriage House originally built in 1896. Nestled on 38-acres of natural beauty of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, the location makes for a picturesque fine dining experience. Jardin's menu focuses on regions around the Mediterranean Sea featuring Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and slight Moroccan influences. A full bar offers frozen Bellini’s, as well as a classic cocktail program and a wine list highlighting boutique selection of new and old-world wineries. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy eating outside in Gertie’s Garden, a large outdoor patio area shaded by mature Texas ash trees; the patio also showcases colorful annual plantings and provides easy access to the formal and display gardens.

SOUTHERLEIGH HAUTE SOUTH (Sept. 2020)
Southerleigh Haute South, a new fine casual concept from the team behind Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at Pearl, will open at The Rim in north San Antonio September 2020. The new concept will offer brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Southerleigh Haute South will feature a menu based on Southern-style food including Southerleigh’s signature fried chicken, biscuits and a full oyster bar, paired with Southerleigh’s locally brewed beers. The restaurant will also feature a unique cocktail program and an approachable wine list. The 4,100 square-foot space will seat 120 guests with ample indoor and outdoor space.

MI FAMILIA DE MI TIERRA (Nov. 2019)
For decades, the Cortez family have operated famous Tex-Mex restaurants in Historic Market Square, and now opened their first establishment on the north side of San Antonio at popular shopping district The Rim. Located a short distance from The Shops at La Cantera, La Cantera Resort & Spa and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Mi Familia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner composed of Tex-Mex bestsellers from their downtown restaurants along with new offerings. Mexican sweet breads and candies from the famous Mi Tierra bakery also are available.

MR. JUICY (June 2019)
Celebrated chef Andrew Weissman tackles the art of the burger with his latest concept, Mr. Juicy, in the Olmos Parks neighborhood just a few miles north of downtown. Featuring house-made poppyseed challah buns, this restaurant’s slogan “home of the wet burger,” translates to the addition of a peppery au poivre sauce to enhance the burger experience. Add a salted caramel chocolate shake and crispy double blanched fries for a complete Mr. Juicy experience.

MAVERICK WHISKEY (May 2019)
The legend goes, Samuel Augustus Maverick left a jug of whiskey to be passed among the heroes who died at the Alamo after being elected to represent San Antonio de Bexar in the new Republic of Texas. Kenneth Maverick’s great (x3) grandfather Sam Maverick lived and went on to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence and became The Maverick for which all others were named. The Maverick and Alamo Whiskeys live on. All spirits at Maverick are handmade in San Antonio and aged in Texas-made Oak barrels in the tradition of the original Alamo Whiskey from 1836. Maverick Whiskey’s distillery, tasting saloon and gathering space is housed in the restored Historic Lockwood Bank Building (1918). The menu includes some Texas favorites and new spins such as Chicken Fried Quail, Bison Filet and Mushroom Ceviche.

LITTLE DEATH WINE BAR (March 2019)
Located on the St. Mary’s Strip inside a renovated former gas station covered from ground to roof in colorful street art, Little Death makes drinking wine fun and approachable. The 550-square foot space is an intimate setting designed to encourage patrons to try something new or share a bottle with friends. A small selection of bar snacks and cheeses are also available.

SAVOR: NEW CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA RESTAURANT (January 2019)
The Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) San Antonio campus debuted SAVOR, its new student-run concept, in January 2019.  Located in San Antonio’s popular Pearl district, adjacent to the CIA campus, the restaurant focuses on modern-American cuisine and the menu features local ingredients from Texas farmers and ranchers. There is also a full bar and curated wine and beer lists. The school’s world-class chefs and hospitality instructors lead the students who prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. 

MI ROTI (July 2020)
A new concept has debuted at Pearl’s Bottling Department Food Hall. An eatery by chef and owner Nicola Blaque of the popular San Antonio spot, Jerk Shack, Mi Roti takes inspiration from the West Indies and Caribbean. Mi Roti offers a “build your own” roti menu to include a choice of a protein, rice and an array of toppings. Roti refers to both the flat bread itself as well as the popular street food item, in which the roti is folded around a savory filling in the form of a wrap.

MI FAMILIA DE MI TIERRA (November 2019)
For decades, the Cortez family have operated famous Tex-Mex restaurants in Historic Market Square, and now opened their first establishment on the north side of San Antonio at popular shopping district The Rim. Located a short distance from The Shops at La Cantera, La Cantera Resort & Spa and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Mi Familia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner composed of Tex-Mex bestsellers from their downtown restaurants along with new offerings. Mexican sweet breads and candies from the famous Mi Tierra bakery also are available.

MR. JUICY (June 2019)
Celebrated chef Andrew Weissman tackles the art of the burger with his latest concept, Mr. Juicy, in the Olmos Parks neighborhood just a few miles north of downtown. Featuring house-made poppyseed challah buns, this restaurant’s slogan “home of the wet burger,” translates to the addition of a peppery au poivre sauce to enhance the burger experience. Add a salted caramel chocolate shake and crispy double blanched fries for a complete Mr. Juicy experience.

MAVERICK WHISKEY (May 2019)
The legend goes, Samuel Augustus Maverick left a jug of whiskey to be passed among the heroes who died at the Alamo after being elected to represent San Antonio de Bexar in the new Republic of Texas. Kenneth Maverick’s great (x3) grandfather Sam Maverick lived and went on to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence and became The Maverick for which all others were named. The Maverick and Alamo Whiskeys live on. All spirits at Maverick are handmade in San Antonio and aged in Texas-made Oak barrels in the tradition of the original Alamo Whiskey from 1836. Maverick Whiskey’s distillery, tasting saloon and gathering space is housed in the restored Historic Lockwood Bank Building (1918). The menu includes some Texas favorites and new spins such as Chicken Fried Quail, Bison Filet and Mushroom Ceviche.

LITTLE DEATH WINE BAR (March 2019)
Located on the St. Mary’s Strip inside a renovated former gas station covered from ground to roof in colorful street art, Little Death makes drinking wine fun and approachable. The 550-square foot space is an intimate setting designed to encourage patrons to try something new or share a bottle with friends. A small selection of bar snacks and cheeses are also available.

SAVOR: NEW CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA RESTAURANT (January 2019)
The Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) San Antonio campus debuted SAVOR, its new student-run concept, in January 2019. Located in San Antonio’s popular Pearl district, adjacent to the CIA campus, the restaurant focuses on modern-American cuisine and the menu features local ingredients from Texas farmers and ranchers. There is also a full bar and curated wine and beer lists. The school’s world-class chefs and hospitality instructors lead the students who prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies.

 

Major Projects & Neighborhoods

BRACKENRIDGE PARK RESTORATION (SPRING 2026)
The Brackenridge Conservancy is working on a two-phase effort to improve infrastructure, natural areas, and water quality along the two-mile stretch of the San Antonio River that runs through the park. This will restore historic features and buildings, improve river flow, restore and interpret the 1776 Spanish dam and acequia, restore and interpret the 1878 Water Works Pumphouse, rebuild the 1930’s era WPA river walls, and clean natural areas to improve walkability with new and improved trails.

  • Phase 1:
    • Lambert Beach Zone (completion Spring 2024)
    • Repair and stabilize river side of pumphouse 
    • Repair and rebuild Lambert Beach walls and stairs 
    • Rebuild historic staircase on NE side of Lambert Beach 
    • Grading and earthwork improvements 
    • Address trees impacting cultural resources 
  • Phase 2:  
    • Acequia and Upper Labor Zone (completion Spring 2026)
    • Restore upper labor lily pond 
    • Uncover and stabilize upper labor dam 
    • Dredge and repair historic acequia 
    • Rehabilitate historic pumphouse 
    • Improve pedestrian circulation 
    • Reveal historic pumphouse arches 
    • Reduce unproductive hardscape 
    • Re-water the historic raceway 
    • Provide native trees and landscaping 
    • Grading and earthwork stabilization 
    • Utilities consolidation 
    • Interpret historic features 
    • Provide connection to future Spirit Reach Trail 

THE ALAMO PLAN (March 2027)  

  • In the heart of San Antonio, Texas, lies a site of immense historical significance – The Alamo. Stretching back over three centuries, its walls echo tales of determination, sacrifice, and freedom. Today, an ambitious project, the $550 million Alamo Plan, aims to honor its legacy and ensure that future generations understand its pivotal role in history. The Alamo Plan includes:  
  • Preserving the delicate 300-year-old Alamo Church and Long Barrack, the last remaining structures from the original Spanish Mission. 
  • Reclaiming the 1836 Battle of the Alamo footprint, including the closure of city streets to foster a pedestrian-friendly environment so visitors can better visualize the site’s scope. 
  • Building a world-class Visitor Center and Museum, an adaptive re-use of the historic Crockett and Woolworth Buildings directly across from the Alamo Church. The galleries will tell the Alamo’s full 300-year history, from its origins as a Spanish mission to its pivotal role in the Texas Revolution and beyond. The facility, scheduled to open in 2027, will include a 4D theater, gift shop, café, boardroom, and rooftop events space for up to 700 people. 
  • Building the Texas Cavaliers Education Center, an adaptive re-use of historic Alamo Hall, which once housed an original city fire station. The Education Center, scheduled to open in 2025, will include a Lecture Hall and Orientation Theater, a STEAM Lab, an Early Learners Hub, and a Distance Learning Lab. It is expected to serve more than 250,000 school-aged children a year. 
  • Opening of the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center in March 2023. The Alamo Exhibit includes more than 500 artifacts, many on display for the first time. It is home to the Phil Collins Texana Collection of artifacts donated by the British rock star. 
  • Launch of “Surrounded! The Alamo Augmented Experience” in September 2024. Through handheld tablets, the experience allows visitors to turn back time and visualize six key periods in Alamo history. 
  • Once the Alamo Plan is complete in 2027, the Alamo expects to draw more than 2.5 million visitors every year, with a more than $11 billion economic impact over the initial five years of construction and operation. 

SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK (SPRING 2025) 
The historic San Pedro Creek will be transformed from a concrete-lined drainage ditch back into a natural creek habitat and world-class linear park, opening in 2025. This $300 million redevelopment will reflect San Pedro Creek’s rich history and create a sense of place by making the two-mile stretch more accessible with hike and bike trails and through the addition of public art by local and international artists.  

During the restoration of the creek, archeologists have uncovered the cornerstone of the post-Civil War-era Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first AME Church in San Antonio where Blacks worshiped autonomously and without restriction. The San Antonio River Authority halted work on the project after the church's discovery to allow for research and study. Artist Gordon Huether (Napa, CA) was selected to assemble historic quilt patterns to guide visitors through the Presence of the Past, a space designed to outline the façade and rise of the first AME church in San Antonio from 1867-1878. This journey is enriched by the AME shield that will lead visitors to an altar holding the names of the original parishioners, commemorating their contributions. The Community Engagement Pavilion will bring together voices from today’s AME Church and community members across San Antonio. Local poet Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson wrote a poem which commemorates and memorializes significant church memories and traditions, capturing the essence of the community’s shared experiences and aspirations. The Presence of the Past and the Community Engagement Pavilion together will create a space that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of San Antonio and the enduring legacy of the St. James AME Church and its profound impact on the San Antonio community. 

NEW ADDITIONS TO PEARL 
Long hailed as the home of Pearl Beer, this former brewery from the 1800s has been reimagined into a bustling neighborhood along the San Antonio River Walk. Its mix of reuse and new developments is home to Hotel Emma, the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus, local boutiques, chef-driven restaurants and a farmers market on Saturday and Sunday. New offerings include The Bottling Department, a food hall featuring five restaurant concepts and a bar area from top local chefs and restauranteurs, Hiatus Spa, as well as new events, culinary celebrations and exciting developments at the Pearl Farmers Market.

HEMISFAIR GETS A FRESH LOOK
A three-phase renovation project is enhancing the downtown experience by bringing additional open parkland, activities, restaurants and more to Hemisfair, the home of the 1968 World’s Fair. Yanaguana Garden, the first phase of the project, features a 4.1-acre play environment designed for all ages and abilities, a splash pad and eateries including Paleteria San Antonio, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, Commonwealth Coffeehouse, Re:Rooted 210, Lick Honest Ice Creams, Box Street All Day, and the nearby ’68 Apartments. Hemisfair reached a milestone at the end of 2022, welcoming four million visitors since its opening in 2015. As the redevelopment moves forward, visitors will see the addition of new buildings and renovations of historic structures including retail shops, workforce housing, a hotel, cultural and educational amenities, and additional restaurants.

  • In 2023, two late nineteenth-century homes were renovated to welcome Kunstler Tap and Brat-Haus and Bombay Bicycle Club. 
  • Two additional homes will be renovated in 2024 to welcome Port Royale from Chef Nicola Blaque and Kusch Faire, the newest concept by the owners of DASHI Sichuan Kitchen + Bar.
  • In March 2023, a new toddler play area made a splash on the shore of the historic Acequia Madre, adjacent to the Bank of America Promenade. It includes five climbable vignettes that mimic a garden.
  • In the fall 2023, Hemisfair launched “Civic Park,” an addition of five acres of public parkland which includes a shared promenade, the Springs (a five-pooled water feature), and the Great Lawn, to welcome large events up to 15,000 people.

BROADWAY CULTURAL CORRIDOR
Just north of downtown, Broadway Street connects many of San Antonio’s significant cultural attractions including the San Antonio Museum of Art, The DoSeum, Brackenridge Park, Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens, San Antonio Botanical Garden and the McNay Art Museum. In addition, revitalization is occurring rapidly on this stretch of Broadway from just north of downtown to Brackenridge Park, and the city is planning a multi-million project to transform a stretch of street into a landscaped boulevard that is bike and pedestrian-friendly. In addition to outstanding cultural institutions, visitors will find local favorites such as the Shops at Broadway News, a collection of mobile retailers selling a variety of unique items, JoyRide Cycling Studio and Brown Coffee Co., which was noted by Food Network host Alton Brown as having the “best cup of coffee in the world” along the corridor.

SOUTHTOWN’S EMERGENCE
At the southern tip of historic downtown lies Southtown, an eclectic arts district set apart by its intermingling of 1800s German architecture, repurposed warehouses, art galleries and now an alluring culinary scene. Longtime dining favorites such as Taco Haven and the Guenther House are sidling up next to newer eateries such as Southtown Pizzeria, an artisan pizzeria influenced by the owners’ time living in an old farmhouse near Florence, and Battalion, a creation from restaurateur Andrew Goodman that is housed inside a renovated firehouse offering a menu of indulgent Italian dishes. Another popular Southtown stop is the Liberty Bar, a San Antonio favorite with a made-from-scratch menu that is housed in a hot pink former convent.

Media information, photos and video: media.visitsanantonio.com

About Visit San Antonio:

Visit San Antonio is a 501(c)6, and serves as the sales and marketing arm of San Antonio as a leading leisure and meetings destination. San Antonio welcomes 41 million visitors annually. Hospitality is one of the top five industries in the city, contributing $15.2 billion into the local economy and employing more than 140,000. More information about Visit San Antonio can be found at VisitSanAntonio.com.