4 Days in San Antonio: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Why We Loved It
- Char Kernen
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Last week, my husband and I spent four days in San Antonio with friends, and honestly—it was such a great trip.
I’ve been to Texas a number of times before, both for business and for vacation, but I had never made it to San Antonio.
I had heard so many great things about the city—and they were all right.
It’s fun, vibrant, and full of energy… and the food? Absolutely amazing.
And somewhere between walking along the River Walk and crossing one of its many bridges, I started to notice something unexpected.
San Antonio felt both new and familiar at the same time.
A City That Feels Familiar… Yet Different
Walking along the River Walk, with its winding paths, stone bridges, open tour boats and shuttles, and water just steps away, there were moments that felt a little like Venice.
In other areas, the architecture and energy reminded me of New Orleans.
And yet, San Antonio has a strong sense of its own identity—rooted in its history, its culture, and its unmistakable Texas charm.
Where We Stayed
We stayed right on the River Walk at the Embassy Suites, which ended up being a great choice.
It was about a three-block walk to the main part of the River Walk—close enough to easily get there, but just far enough away to feel a little quieter and more relaxed.
That balance worked really well for us.
That said, if you’re looking to be right in the center of everything, there are plenty of options that place you directly in the middle of the activity.
It really depends on the kind of experience you want.
What Made This Trip So Memorable
There were a few moments that really stood out—and when I think back on the trip, they were the simplest ones.
The River Walk
The energy of the River Walk shifts throughout the day—quiet and peaceful in the morning, then gradually building into something more vibrant and lively by midday and into the evening.
It’s a great place to sit at a riverside café and enjoy lunch or a cocktail—watch the riverboats go by, take in the atmosphere, and do a little people watching.
Just one word of advice—watch out for the pigeons if you leave any food on your table… they’re quick.
The River Boats (A Must-Do)
If you go to San Antonio, this is something I would absolutely recommend.
The Go Rio River boats run throughout the River Walk and offer both guided tours and a hop-on hop-off shuttle option, making it easy to explore different areas along the river.
At the time of our trip the cost was:
$21 per adult for a 1-day hop-on hop-off pass
$31 per adult for a 3-day pass
They also offer narrated tours and specialty cruises, with pricing that varies depending on the experience.
You can purchase tickets online or right there along the river.
It’s such an easy way to see the area from a different perspective—and honestly, it’s just a really enjoyable experience.
Exploring Beyond the River Walk
While the River Walk is the main draw, there’s so much more to see. The river boats do take you to some areas, but for places beyond the River Walk, the Old Town Trolley Tours hop-on hop-off bus is a great option.
It takes you to several key spots around the city, including:
• The Alamo
• The Pearl District
• The Japanese Tea Garden
• The Botanical Garden
• The Tower of the Americas
• Local museums
It’s a great option if you want to explore beyond walking distance without worrying about transportation.
The Food (So Good)
San Antonio has an incredible food scene, and this was one of the highlights of the trip.
One of our favorite spots was La Gloria in the Pearl District. It was so good that we ended up eating there again at the San Antonio airport before heading home.
The food was incredible—authentic Mexican flavors that I’m honestly still craving.
We also really enjoyed Rita’s on the River—great food and a beautiful setting right along the water. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the River Walk atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Pinkerton’s BBQ is located just across the parking lot from our hotel (so not directly on the River Walk).
This family-owned restaurant serves fresh, homemade barbecue daily and has been featured on both the Travel Channel and the Food Network.
There was a line out the door and around the building every day we were there—and from what I understand, that’s pretty typical.
It’s considered one of the best BBQ spots in Texas, with everything made from scratch each day. And once they sell out, that’s it—you’ll have to come back the next day.
And for something on the sweeter side, Paris Baguette Bakery Café quickly became one of our favorite stops. This place truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Paris. The quality of the food was excellent, from the cappuccino to some of the best pastries I’ve ever had.
It’s located in the newly renovated Gunter Hotel, about two blocks from the River Walk, and is definitely worth a visit.
It’s the perfect stop for a morning coffee or an afternoon treat. We loved it so much, we ended up going once a day.
La Panadería is a spot we heard about from so many people during our trip. It’s located just a couple of blocks from both our hotel and the River Walk, making it a really convenient breakfast option.
We didn’t get a chance to go this time, but it came highly recommended—especially for its breakfast sandwiches and pastries. It’s definitely on our list for next time.
A Simple 4-Day San Antonio Itinerary
If you’re wondering how to plan your time, here’s a simple outline based on our trip. It’s a great mix of exploring the city while still leaving time to relax and enjoy the experience.
Day 1: Arrival + Settle In
Arrive in San Antonio, check into your accommodations, and take some time to get familiar with the area.
If you’re staying near the River Walk, this is a great evening for a relaxed walk, a casual dinner, and simply taking it all in.
It’s also a good time to review your plans for the next day and get a feel for distances and timing.
Day 2: River Walk + The Pearl District
Start your morning with breakfast—Paris Baguette is a great option if you’re nearby.
From there, consider taking a Go Rio River boat cruise or hop-on hop-off shuttle. It’s a great way to get a sense of the layout and see what areas you may want to explore further.
Pick one area to focus on for the afternoon—we visited the Pearl District and enjoyed lunch there, and it ended up being one of our favorite spots.
In the evening, head back toward your hotel area. We stopped at Devil’s River Whiskey Distillery for a relaxed happy hour before heading to dinner and calling it a night.
Day 3: Local Markets + History
Start your day with breakfast at La Panadería—a must-visit spot and a great way to begin your day. It’s located just minutes from the River Walk and was very close to our hotel, which made it an easy and enjoyable stop.
Then head to Historic Market Square, a great place to explore local shops and find unique, artisan items.
In the afternoon, visit The Alamo and take some time to learn about its history.
Keep the evening flexible—enjoy a nice dinner, take a walk along the River Walk, and soak in the atmosphere.
Day 4: Gardens + Views + A Final Evening on the River Walk
Take the Old Town Trolley to explore more of the city and hop off at a few key stops.
The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful (and free) option, or you can visit the Botanical Garden depending on your timing and interest.
In the evening, head to the Tower of the Americas for happy hour and take in the views of the San Antonio skyline—especially at sunset.
Finish your trip with a relaxing dinner along the River Walk, enjoying the lights, the energy, and one last evening in the city.
Final Note
This itinerary offers a nice balance of seeing the main sights while still leaving room to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the experience.
If You’re Thinking About Your Next Trip
If you’re starting to think about where to go next—but aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for yet…
That’s exactly where I always start.
Download the free worksheet to get started.
It’s a simple way to get clear on what you want your next trip to feel like—and where you might want to go.