San Antonio's Westside Deco District

Fresh Cuisine, Modern Culture, & So Much More

Culture and tradition meet on the city’s Westside. Tex-Mex cuisine emerged in this neighborhood, and elaborate murals fill the walls of historic buildings across the area. From authentic local eateries to unique art exhibits at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center to fishing at Woodlawn Lake Park, take time to experience authentic San Antonio.

Historical Significance

Rich in history, art, and culture – past and present. That’s the Westside. Dating back to the middle of the 18th century, this community is where San Antonio’s famed Tex-Mex cuisine emerged. It’s also home to magnificent murals that offer a unique glimpse into the city’s Mexican-American heritage. The area’s Deco District is part of the historic Old Spanish Trail, the first paved coast-to-coast U.S. highway. And, nearby Monticello Park was one the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods when it was developed in the 1920s; home styles here still range from Spanish Eclectic to Tudor Revival.

Neighborhood Favorites

Take a walking tour of the Westside’s historic murals with San Anto Cultural Arts. Drive through the Deco District on Fredericksburg Road to browse buildings with Art Deco architecture, marked by geometric shapes and forms, or head to Monticello Park to view homes that range from Art Moderne to Spanish Eclectic to Tudor Revival.

Take a break from browsing beautiful architecture and grab breakfast at Pancake Joe’s or The Original Donut Shop for fresh-made donuts and tacos – puro San Antonio style. Visit Delicious Tamales, the leading manufacturer of tamales in San Antonio, to sample and buy fresh tamales (they make 70 dozen every two minutes!).

Get active at Elmendorf Lake Park or Woodlawn Lake Park – fish, canoe and swim with views of downtown and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower.

Catch a local production at the Woodlawn Theatre; then, shop around the Wonderland of the Americas Mall or head to Janie’s Record Shop for an eclectic selection of vinyl.

For more outdoor fun, consider Cool Crest Miniature Golf, which opened in 1929, to play two professionally designed, challenging miniature golf courses with the whole family. Come explore what’s new.