The conundrum is so real. You move to a new city and your family and friends want to come visit you. This is great news! Unless you are still new to the city, have been working or going to school full-time and have no idea where to take your guests beyond the Alamo, the River Walk, and your most visited Chipotle. Not to worry! Keep reading for a fool proof itinerary to impress your visiting guests!

Friday

3:00 PM

Visit Hemisfair Park and Tower of the America’s. This is the perfect place to begin your San Antonio adventure. Bring your guests for a stroll around the park and venture over to the Tower of the America’s for the best view of the city. Pro-tip: if you stop by the Chart House Restaurant, at the top of the tower, for happy hour the ride to the elevator ride to the top of the tower is free!

5:00 PM

Explore the Alamo. Home of the famous 1836 battle and to living history demonstrations and special events throughout the year, the beautiful 300-year-old former Spanish mission turned fortress is free and open year-round. Since you’re in the neighborhood you could enjoy the 15-minute walk or take a Lyft. If you want to park your car downtown use this handy parking map.

7:00 PM

Enjoy dinner on River Walk. There are so many restaurants to choose from but you can never go wrong with Tex-Mex at Acenar or Casa Rio.  However, the River Walk is filled with restaurants of all varieties so if something sparks your interest stop and dine! Restaurant Gwendolyn and Kimura Ramen are two of my favorites.

9:00 PM

Watch the San Antonio Saga. After dinner is sure to swing by the San Fernando Cathedral, in the heart of downtown, to watch the light show that takes places each Tuesday, Friday, Saturday And Sunday at 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM & 10:00 PM. This is truly a one of a kind show you won’t want to miss!

10:00 PM

If you are up for a night-cap there are several great cocktail bars downtown including The Esquire Tavern, Soho Martini Bar, Brooklynite and The Last Word. Looking for something to keep you dancing and singing all night? Check out Howl at the Moon, Pat O’Brien’s,  Kremlin, or The Bonham Exchange.

Saturday

9:00 AM

Eat Breakfast Tacos. The Breakfast Taco is a San Antonio staple and now you can make your own choice in the heated debate about who has the best breakfast tacos. Two of my personal favorite breakfast taco’s are from Garcia’s Mexican Food and Chela’s Tacos.

10:00 AM

If your guests are keen to visit Sea World, Six Flags, San Antonio Zoo, or Shops at La Cantera during their visit this is the time to grant their wish as you could easily spend the entire day at any of these locations.

If guests are eager for something else then take time to explore the Historic San Antonio Missions. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park embodies nearly 300 years of rich history and culture with four separate mission sites: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. If the day is nice you could even take a B-Cycle on the route.

12:00 PM

Eat BBQ. Texas is known for BBQ and after a morning of adventuring, this will deserve. Smoke Shack is famous for their Smoke Shack Mac which will not disappoint. If you need some extra time to cool down head next door to The Pigpen for the best Bloody Mary in town.

2:00 PM

Visit a Museum. San Antonio has no shortages of great Museums. The McNay, San Antonio Museum of Art and The Witte are all favorites. All of these museums close at 5:00 PM so plan accordingly.

5:00 PM

Take a break. This could mean Happy Hour or lounge around before dinner. If you’re looking a nice pre-dinner drink check out The Luxury, Bar du Mon Ami, or Broadway 5050.

6:00 PM

Have dinner in Southtown. This new area of town has fun local restaurants that are sure to impress. A few of my favorites include Rosario’s Mexican, Stella Public House, Sukeban Sushi and Hot Joy.

8:00 PM

Eat dessert. Be sure to grab a sweet treat from South Alamode Gelato, Steel City Pops, or make your own s’mores at Halcyon. You’ve earned it.

9:00 PM

Looking for a drink in Southtown? Check out Low Country, 1919, St. Francis, or Dorcol Distilling Company.

Ready to explore a new area? Check out the Paramour, High Street Wine Bar, Blue Box, or Jazz TX at the Pearl.

Sunday

10:00 AM

Brunch at the Pearl Brewery. The Pearl has a farmers market every Saturday and Sunday with over 45 vendors selling produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, locally produced cheeses, olive oils, and a diverse selection of prepared foods and treats.

The Pearl also offers several delicious brunch options including Cured, Botika, and Southerleigh.

1:00 PM

Visit the Botanical Gardens & Japanese Sunken Gardens. Round out your visit exploring either or both of these beautiful spaces.

Do you have any favorite spots or recommendations? Leave them below!