Discover the history of the American South in San Antonio, where cowboy legends thrive and Davy Crockett coon skin hats never go out of fashion. With a trendy and newly extended River Walk cutting through the city, weekends in San Antonio are both tranquil and intriguing. Explore the culinary delights of the Pearl District or step back in time and see San Antonio's heritage-packed missions. The city is also home to numerous world class museums, where you can delve into state history and experience local contemporary art. Whether your taste is for sunny strolls or rugged ranger tours, San Antonio has you covered. Discover your inner cowboy in San Antonio, the heart of Texas and the cosmopolitan home of the River Walk district and world class museums.
It is straightforward to organise a flight and hotel in San Antonio. Flights from Dublin to San Antonio run regularly, as do flights from Cork to San Antonio. US dollars can be purchased at a favourable rate. The time difference is six hours (GMT-6). Connections with the airport are easy via public transport.
Between November and April the weather is comfortable and visitor numbers are low in the city. It is the ideal time to rent a bike and explore the River Walk. San Antonio is a popular family destination so during the summer holiday it can become crowded with families and room rates reach their peak. There are also numerous spring and winter festivals.
Downtown San Antonio is centred around the glittering River Walk, which runs for fifteen miles. You can take a river cruise to explore its full length or wander along, stopping at riverside cafes. During the Christmas season it twinkles invitingly with thousands of lights. Recently, River Walk has been connected with eight miles of Mission Reach and the four mile Museum Reach, which links San Antonio Art Museum, the Pearl Brewery and Brackenridge Park.
Don't miss out on a trip to San Jose Mission, perhaps the most beautiful of the sites to be found on the Mission Trail. It is also the entrance to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, where you can take ranger tours and hear mariachi masses on Sundays.
San Antonio is full of sights that are intrinsic to American heritage and culture. Here are some of the most popular:
For the full cowboy experience, come to Buckhorn Saloon, serving since 1881. As you sit at the bar, you are eyed by an inordinate number of mounted animal heads.The adjacent museum holds curios such as a two headed cow, and maps of Texas made from rattlesnake rattles. Be awed by a vast collection of Lone Star Beer memorabilia. The Texas Ranger Museum on site transports you into a recreated wild west town.
Try the puffy tacos at Ray's Drive Inn, the Texas quail at Bella on the River, and chilaqiles verdes at Regio Cafe, for a unique bite of San Antonio. Enjoy a refreshing pint of local beer on the site of the old Pearl Brewery, before exploring one of San Antonio's most prized foodie haunts. The Pearl district is packed with cafes and restaurants, and you'll also find the Culinary Institute of America in the neighbourhood.
If you are an Alamo fan, grab yourself a Davy Crockett coon skin hat. Muskets, historic curios and books are among the items available. Visit the Mexican Mercado and dress yourself in a Mexican poncho or pick up some pottery. The River Walk is packed with shops where you can find San Antonio style cookbooks and other unique items. Cowboy clothing and accessories can be found at Outlaws Western Wear or American football related outfits and ephemera at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop.