Coordinates: 29.4252° N, 98.4946° W
Distance from Baton Rouge: 463 miles
Flying Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Driving time: 7 hours, 17 minutes
Full of twinkling lights, brimming with history, and rich in culture–there are plenty of reasons why San Antonio is one of the top holiday destinations in the country. Your family will be surrounded with Christmas cheer as you tour the city, specifically at the iconic River Walk, where spectacular displays will light the way. From historical landmarks to kid-friendly stops, San Antonio has everything a family needs on vacation…especially good food!
WHERE TO STAY
Come see why Hotel Contessa considers itself a hidden gem in San Antonio. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a state-of-the-art facility comprised completely of stylish suites that embody the history and culture of San Antonio. Even better, it is located right along the heart of town: the San Antonio River Walk. Each suite is a colorful and luxurious space with floor-to-ceiling window views of the city and all the amenities one would need. At Hotel Contessa, you’ll have unbeatable access to all the main attractions this Christmas at San Antonio.
WHERE TO EAT
Schilo’s has been serving German-Texan fusion dishes since 1917, which makes it the oldest restaurant in San Antonio. Stop here for breakfast or lunch to get a taste of what makes Schilo’s unique; with classic breakfast tacos and the homestyle Papa Fritz meal for breakfast, the schnitzel and the green chile cheeseburger for lunch, along with everything in between, Schilo’s is the perfect blend of two unique cultures. Don’t forget to try their famous homemade root beer!
Speaking of old restaurants, La Fonda on Main is the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Antonio (established in 1932). Featuring both Mexican and Tex Mex dishes, La Fonda is open for lunch and dinner all week, and for brunch on the weekends. You’ll probably want to start with La Fonda Nachos before trying the house tacos, the enchiladas, or any of the daily specials for lunch or dinner (check out those Oak-Grilled Fajitas!). The brunch menu makes it even harder to choose, but the Steak & Egg Relleno looks delicious.
The best pizza in town is at Dough Pizzeria, a nationally recognized pizzeria that makes fresh, authentic Neapolitan pies. Dough hand-makes its mozzarella cheese, which is why you may be interested in either of its margherita pizzas–Dough’s Margherita or Vera Margherita. There are white pizzas as well, so try the Stracciatella or Zucca pizzas for a change of pace!
THINGS TO DO
At the heart of the city is the San Antonio River Walk, the hottest attraction in the state that’s lined with fifteen miles’ worth of shopping, dining, and south Texan culture. Explore this historical landmark by foot or take a river barge for a guided tour. The best time of the year to visit the River Walk, however, is for San Antonio River Walk Holiday Lights! From the day after Thanksgiving to January 1, the River Walk will be sparkling with more than 100,000 Christmas lights to illuminate your San Antonio vacation.
The Alamo is one of the most iconic pieces of Texan history, and it’s located right off the River Walk! Its history dates back to 1718 when it was established as Spain’s Mission San Antonio de Valero; from there, it became the stage of many battles quintessential to the state’s history. Take a step back into the 1830s with a guided tour and the living history encampment, get up close and personal with artifacts, and walk along the beautiful gardens and bronze statues that showcase the beauty of the battlegrounds.
After your lesson on the history of Texas, keep flexing your brain at the DoSeum, the nation’s best children’s museum. Here, the littlest ones on vacation with you can learn and play via interactive galleries that encourage literacy, creativity, and STEM skills. Your child can create something at the Innovation Station, learn about online safety at Semmes Foundation Spy Academy, play pretend at Little Town, and so much more.
