Lunch: Grab a Taste of the Culinary Capital of Texas
You don't have to venture far from the Alamo for great food. Head to the River Walk, and you'll find endless opportunities for great food. Grab a bite at Schilo’s, one of San Antonio’s oldest restaurants.
This German-Texan deli has been around since 1917, and their homemade root beer? It's definitely worth the stop.
Afternoon: San Fernando Cathedral & San Antonio | The Saga
Stroll to Main Plaza, where you’ll find the stunning San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S.
Insider Tip: Catch the stunning San Antonio | The Saga light show in the evening. It's a jaw-dropping light show projected onto the facade of San Fernando Cathedral that takes you on a visual journey through San Antonio's past, present, and future.
Dinner & Drinks: Historic Vibes
Dine at Oro Restaurant & Bar in the Emily Morgan Hotel, often called the “most haunted hotel in Texas.” The building itself was once a medical facility, and the architecture is a Gothic Revival dream.
Keep the history alive by heading back to the Menger Bar to listen to one of the knowledgeable barkeepers tell a captivating story of Theodore Roosevelt and the famous Rough Riders.
Named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), the park includes the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada.
Day 2: Mission Trail Explorers
Morning: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Rent a bike or drive the Mission Trail, a scenic route connecting four UNESCO World Heritage Missions:
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Mission Concepción: the oldest unrestored stone church in America
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Mission San José: the largest mission in San Antonio - don’t miss the Rose Window!
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Mission San Juan: its chapel and bell tower are still in use today!
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Mission Espada: the southernmost mission at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
These preserved 18th-century missions offer a powerful, peaceful look into San Antonio’s colonial past.
Fun Fact: The Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center is located near Mission Concepción. Learn more about the pilgrimage and El Camino de San Antonio Missions here. You can also stop at their onsite cafe for sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Midday: The All-New World Heritage Center
Make your way to the brand-new World Heritage Center near Mission San José. This beautifully designed visitor hub offers exhibits, maps, and interactive tools to help you understand the global significance of the Missions and plan your route with ease. It’s your modern gateway to centuries of history.
Each Mission has its own charm, don’t rush. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and interpretive signage.
Dinner: Local Flavor Near the Missions
Head to Nicha’s Comida Mexicana for an authentic San Antonio lunch, just minutes from Mission San José.
Day 3: Stories You May Have Missed
Morning: Casa Navarro State Historic Site
Explore the home of José Antonio Navarro, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and champion of Tejano rights. The adobe-and-limestone structure gives a unique perspective into 19th-century Mexican-American heritage in San Antonio.
Late Morning: Bexar County Heritage Center
Tucked inside the historic Bexar County Courthouse, this small but mighty museum shares the rich military, political, and cultural history of the region with engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Lunch & Souvenirs: Historic Market Square
Wrap up your trip with lunch at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, a festive spot packed with history, family traditions, and eye-catching décor.
Then stroll through Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., for handcrafted finds and colorful keepsakes.