Feb 7, 2024

Long weekend getaway

These two Midwesterners may one day become “Winter Texans,” but until then, a quick trip is just the answer. Fun fact, Edward was born and raised in Texas!

We enjoyed exploring all there is to see, do, and eat in San Antonio over three days. San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. It was home to the World’s Fair in 1968, centered around Hemisfair Park, which is getting a beautiful re-imagining that will better connect with the core of downtown. The San Antonio River Walk gives everyone a taste of nature throughout the urban center.

Where to stay

St. Paul Square is a charming neighborhood conveniently east of the heart of downtown San Antonio, walkable to many restaurants and shopping along with the River Walk and Convention Center. We found inspiration through the decor, design, and emphasis of local art at the Aiden by Best Western San Antonio Riverwalk. We also couldn’t resist returning for seconds of their chocolate tamales upon check-in!

Aiden @ San Antonio Riverwalk is a boutique-style hotel that offers incredible amenities to all guests. Pulp Coffee in the lobby serves as a grab-and-go café with sandwiches along with hot and cold barista-created espresso and tea drinks. Work out before exploring for the day at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Wind down the evening with a nightcap at The Rendezvous, just off the lobby.

What to see

We recommend ordering a San Antonio CityPASS® upon arrival. We chose to visit these attractions from the available options as it saved 35% on combined admission and gave us flexibility throughout our stay. Purchase tickets for San Antonio and other destinations in North America online at CityPASS.com. Note: Attractions do not need to be selected at the time of purchase. With CityPASS®, we particularly enjoyed:

Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises

• Guide David gave a great tour! We learned more about how the River Walk was proposed right before the Great Depression but then later built in the 1940s.
• We saw many monuments and sculptures, such as the Stargazer (Citali) and the Torch of Friendship.
• Hotels were built with the River Walk in mind during the 1960s and 1980s, with the Hilton in the 1960s having a modular construction process ahead of the World’s Fair in 1968 and conservation efforts to move the Fairmount Hotel (where the Marriott Rivercenter currently stands).

San Antonio Botanical Garden

• Wow! This exceeded our expectations. We would enjoy visiting again when more is in bloom. However, we enjoyed the Exploration Orchids exhibit. Did you know there are 54 varieties of orchids native to Texas? The Palm and Cycad atrium is incredible. Indeed, this gives us goals for a backyard greenhouse.
• Overall, the emphasis on native plants was terrific for us to see. We are also now inspired to create our very own planters!

The Tower of The Americas

• You cannot miss seeing this 750’ high observation tower. Enjoy the elevator ride to the top, or perhaps you’ll try the revolving Chart House restaurant. Both provide you with 360-degree views of San Antonio. Or if heights aren’t your thing, you can still admire the tower from the park at ground level!
• If walking (like we were) due to the construction, take the River Walk or S. Alamo Street to get to Hemisfair Park. Be advised that near the Grand Hyatt, you may need to cross over a bridge due to a closed sidewalk and other construction efforts at the Convention Center.

Outside of the attractions available with CityPASS®, we also visited the Alamo. We took some pictures outside. Please take note that it is almost always crowded. There is some construction as they’re creating a museum and exhibit space nearby. Also, it is near Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.

Consider also checking out the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park. The stone formations at the pavilion, bridges, and walkways are works of art that intertwine over the koi pond. This is also a free attraction, so it’s always nice to take advantage of these when possible!

Where to eat + drink

Pulp Coffee Roasters

• We started each day inside the lobby at the Aiden. The spicy ginger chai lattes, mocha, and iced oat milk lattes hit all the right notes.
• Scones and fluffy egg breakfast sandwiches were also quite tasty. Edward liked the flaky croissant, while David loved the English muffin.

Whataburger

• For us, a trip to Texas is complete with a stop at Whataburger. If you’ve never been, you may want to try it. The lettuce, tomato, and onions are always fresh. Spicy Ketchup is a must-try.
• Most locations are open 24 hours, and many serve breakfast 11 pm-11 am daily. Give the biscuits a try if you go for breakfast!

Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

• We walked across the street from the Aiden in St. Paul Square. First, we enjoyed delicious mezcal and tequila cocktails.
• Next, we shared a salsa sampler, which made us want to make salsa more often. These were spicy but so well blended and delicious.
• Edward had the enchiladas suizas, and David had the enchiladas mole. We were so full! Delicious food! 11/10.

Pearl

• The Pearl District is an absolute must when in San Antonio. Enjoy people-watching and consider walking into the Hotel Emma to admire the design and architecture of the common areas.
• Local Coffee has a perfect horchatta latte.
• Bakery Lorraine serves and sells Merit Coffee, a new favorite for us. Also, try their macarons.
• Chilaquil serves up Mexican in the Food Hall. Both of us ordered tacos on flour tortillas, and both of us had a Jarritos soda. Muah!

Voodoo Doughnut

• Downtown near the Alamo.
• We admired the interior’s design and the selection of doughnuts—interesting and quirky names. “Chuckles” are raised doughnuts with chocolate frosting, peanuts, and caramel sauce. That was quite yummy after all the walking!

Curry Boys BBQ

• A delicious fusion of Thai and BBQ. It is set in a pink house in a rising neighborhood with many food establishments.
• Enjoy the abundance of outdoor seating. Perfect for lunch in the afternoon.

Mi Tierra Café y Panadería

• Within Historic Market Square. We stopped in before going to the airport to get some bakery treats.
• We recommend trying whatever looks good in the case. For us, conchas are always something we must have when visiting Texas. You can’t go wrong with any selection here.

Why do we travel?

For us, we love adventure together. Learning is also a pillar for us, and it’s always so interesting to glean a new perspective when visiting places and taking it all in. We reflect on these experiences and find inspiration in design specific to each place, how it’s unique and similar to others, and how to bring it into our home.

The value we find in staying with Best Western Hotels and Resorts allows us to get out more because we’re not breaking the bank on accommodations alone. The locations are convenient, the staff is friendly, and the beds are comfortable and always clean. In a nutshell, we don’t travel for the hotel room. We travel for the memories and quality time as a family. In the comments below, let us know where you’re traveling next!