In spring of 2019, SeaWorld will unveil Turtle Reef™, a fascinating habitat that will enable guests to get an up-close look at threatened and endangered sea turtles, plus learn about the threats the species face in the wild. In conjunction with the opening of Turtle Reef, two new family rides will debut this year at SeaWorld San Antonio – Riptide Rescue™, where guests can board a boat and set out on their own sea turtle rescue mission aboard a classic spinner ride, and Sea Swinger™, a thrill ride that swings riders 180-degrees in both directions. Also in 2019, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls®, a new, steep, one-of-a-kind, multi-drop tower slide will open at Aquatica, SeaWorld San Antonio’s waterpark.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas started 2019 in a big way, with the debut of a new ride — Pirates of the Deep Sea, a state-of-the-art gaming experience. Riders board a weathered pirate ship, Man-o-War, to sail through raging storms across the Bermuda Triangle while encountering a dramatic battle between pirates. Guests will compete with fellow shipmates by firing at themed targets to gain a victory at sea. Another thrilling new ride will be opening at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for summer 2019, The Joker Wild Card, inspired by DC Super-Villain, The Joker. The Joker Wild Card ride will be one of the world’s tallest pendulum rides – standing a record 17 stories high and will reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour. Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ guests will be able to enjoy the rides year-round as the theme park recently announced that there were extending their operating seasons into January and February, weekends and holidays.

Professional football is here! The San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American football will call the Alamodome home beginning February 9th. See some of the greatest Longhorns, Roadrunners, Aggies and Bears all led by GM Daryl Johnson and Head Coach, Mike Riley.

In 2018, the San Antonio Botanical Garden opened its new Family Adventure Garden. The Garden includes 15 adventure-themed areas designed to encourage nature play and discovery for people of all ages and physical abilities. This is the latest addition to the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s transformation expansion that includes the Mays Family Display Garden, H-E-B Discovery Center, The Zachry Foundation Culinary Garden, CHEF Teaching Kitchen and more. Mark your calendars for specialty cooking classes at the San Antonio Botanical Garden this spring.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games opened its first Texas location in The Rim shopping center. The facility features high-speed electric Superkarts on two, three-level tracks, 100+ interactive games, a ropes course with zipline, boutique bowling, and interactive movie theater and Hologate, an immersive virtual reality experience. Drop in to practice your speed racer skills.

Hemisfair, site of the 1968 World’s Fair, is well into the second of a three-phase development plan to become San Antonio’s very own Central Park, a place where you can eat, play and relax. The family friendly Yanaguana Garden includes a splash pad, a challenging playscape of ropes and slides. Local favorites and candy shops, Chocollazo and Sugar Sugar will open in Hemisfair in time for Valentine’s Day, featuring handcrafted chocolates, truffles and other candies. Don’t miss the recent public art installation from the government of Mexico City and Mexican artist, Jorge Marín, “Alas de México” or “Wings of Mexico” to celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial.

San Pedro Creek improvements have begun to transform the area into a world-class park. Visitors can now see the beautifully landscaped and art-filled first half-mile of the project, featuring Tricentennial Plaza, multiple water features and Rain from the Heavens, an art installation that depicts the night sky in 1718. Each of the murals throughout the park is mixed with colorful tile designs and poetry that tell the story of the rich cultural history that defines San Antonio.

No matter how you move down Mission Reach, take time to admire the World Heritage Trail’s new public art installations, murals and hip eateries. Take advantage of the SWell Cycle stations at the Blue Star Arts Complex after lunch at Burgerteca or Villa Rica, new concepts from Chef Johnny Hernandez featuring Mexican-influenced burgers and a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of Mexico, respectively. If water transportation is more your style, rent a kayak or a canoe to travel down the Mission Reach. Make a stop at the newly opened Confluence Park, a destination to inspire and teach the importance of the San Antonio River for a yoga class under the breathtaking BHP Pavilion.

Pearl is an evolving, active community with a culinary focus. Dine and drink in one of Hotel Emma’s captivating restaurants, or explore Pearl’s newest offerings such as Botika and High Street Wine Co. Visitors to JAZZ, TX can dance off the in-house Texan cuisine to the music of a live band and patrons of Bottling Department Food Hall make selections from an array of vendors, including local chefs and established culinary professionals. Try not to eat all of the kids’ carnitas when they’re running through Pearl Park’s new splash pad. If relaxing is more your vibe, experience the trendy, upscale Hiatus Spa + Retreat, complete with a hydrotherapy room and a zero-gravity nail station.

As of October 31, 2017, San Antonio is a designated Creative City of Gastronomy and is a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This designation signifies San Antonio’s place as an international culinary destination. Our deep, culturally diverse, culinary traditions began with the innovative agricultural techniques of Native American peoples who lived here for thousands of years and continue to showcase innovation and growth.