Our Suggestions

Our Favorite San Antonio Things To See, Do, and Eat

If you’re a smaller group, we’ve got you covered with these suggestions of our tried-and-true favorite spots in and out of town. Or contact Food Chick Tours to discuss a custom private tour. We love creating experiences that become happy memories of this incredible area.

Favorite San Antonio things to do:

Mark Twain included San Antonio in his list of four unique cities in the U.S. (New Orleans, San Antonio, Boston, and San Francisco). Discover why today’s San Antonio remains unique.

We’re home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the only sites in Texas

You remember the Alamo, right? Locals will suggest you see the other missions first, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As part of the National Parks system, all missions are free to visit and offer guided tours. Check the Alamo website about timed admissions.

Mission San Jose is “the Queen of the Missions.” Don’t miss it.
- There’s a standout snack stop near Mission San Jose: Fruteria la Mission serving fresh-cut fruit cups, hot corn cups topped with cheese and crema, warm corn on the cob, ice cream, aguas frescas and everything else. Drive through or order and the window and take a seat.
The nearby World Heritage Center is an engaging visitor center filled with stories, art and multimedia exhibitions about the culture and history of the five San Antonio Missions and their peoples.
The famed Riverwalk (built by the WPA in 1939) is lined with restaurants, bars and greenery. Enjoy a fun, informative boat ride and float through the beauty of it all.
- We highly recommend dinner at Biga on the Banks
The nearby San Pedro Creek Cultural Park features tile artworks, and the city has a slew of murals and intentional street art. A map is available at org.
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens feature acres of wild and curated gardens and artscapes.
A mile or so away is the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park.
The McNay Art Museum was once a private estate and now features works of art from across the centuries and into the present.
The San Antonio Museum of Art, along the northern reach of the Riverwalk, was once the home of the Lone Star brewery. The building and grounds are as impressive as the works within the walls.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum houses a rotating collection and special exhibits of art and artifacts that give meaning and context to the history of the western United States.
Walk through the beautiful King William historical district in Southtown and enjoy impressive residential architecture from the mid-1800s and early 1900s.
- Hungry? We highly recommend Pharm Table, Tito’s, Oh Yeah Cakes, The Friendly Spot, Liberty Bar, Maverick Texas Brasserie, La Frite, Battalion, Mixtli and relaxing over a margarita and nachos on the rooftop of Rosario’s.

Visit and dine at the city’s culinary center: Pearl

Once the leading city brewery, the main brewing building was dedicated in 1883 and is still at the heart of the complex.

This historic district along the northern reach of the river is now home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America, plus about a dozen restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces.
Walk through the lobby of the luxurious Hotel Emma in the original brewing building, a AAA Five Diamond and 2-Michelin keys Stay in the hotel for a bite at Supper, a drink in Sternewirth, or stroll through the Pearl to dine at some of our favorite spots:
- Ladino – Mediterranean/Israeli cuisine
- Mon Chou Chou – French brasserie
- Southerleigh – Third coast/Texas cuisine and local craft beers
- Best Quality Daughter – Pan-Asian fusion
- Cured – House-crafted charcuterie
- Isador – A focus on native Texas foods
- Mezquite – Sonoran regional dishes
- Nicosi – Featuring a unique dessert tasting experience
- Fife and Farro – Italian comfort foods
- Pullman Market in a restored warehouse offers unique packaged goods, produce, meats, fresh baked treats, coffee, wines, ice cream and several casual dining options
- Jazz, TX – Live jazz venue with dinner and cocktails

Dine Around Town

Our favorite San Antonio restaurants – over 40 of them – fill the pages of San Antonio Cooks. Order it on Amazon before your visit as a reference guide, or while you’re here, buy it at one of our independent booksellers or participating restaurants. Try a featured dish at each spot, then try your hand at recreating it at home to place memories of San Antonio on your table. And don’t be shy – ask for the chef’s autograph and get Julia’s signature while on a Food Chick Tour.

Head North to the Texas Hill Country

For authentic Texas BBQ and immersion into true Texas, head to the hills!

We love BlackBoard BBQ in Sisterdale for smoked meats, handmade sides and wonderful desserts from this fine-dining-chef-turned-pitmaster. They’re open Friday/Saturday from 11 – 7 and Sunday 11 – 4.
On the way there or back, stroll through downtown Boerne – loaded with great boutiques, breweries, cafes and Texas charm.
Have more time? Check out the quaint town of Comfort for additional charm, shopping therapy, antiques and art galleries.
For a blast of iconic Texas, you can’t beat a visit to Luckenbach, Texas. It’s about 20 minutes north of BlackBoard BBQ and at least 100 years in the past. You just might find some impromptu live music at the saloon and general store.
Fredericksburg is a full-day trip you can fill with more wine, beer and German food than you can imagine. Consider making it an overnight stay at Cotton Gin Village and definitely have dinner at Cabernet Grill.

Head 30 miles southwest of downtown to Castroville

Founded in 1844 by European colonists from Alsace, the charming architecture and small-town streets reflect early Texas roots.

Stroll past historic homes, boutiques and antique shops, then dine on great BBQ at Castroville Barbecue Company.
Finish next door with something sweet from a top-rated Baked