5,000 years of artworks and artifacts from across the globe are housed in the San Antonio Museum of Art, formerly the site of the Lone Star Brewery. (San Antonio Museum of Art)
Immerse yourself in history, unique shopping, and culinary delights along the San Antonio River Walk.
A leisurely day spent enjoying the sights, sounds, and spices of the San Antonio River Walk is sure to please just about anyone—from authentic Mexican dishes and snacks to locally-sourced American classics, foodies will find their next obsession, while art and history buffs will get their fill of museum exhibitions and historical sites. Shopping enthusiasts have their pick of locally made wares and locally sourced vintage finds, and there’s even a rooftop lounge in which to drink in the entire scene. Here are our picks for the best places to stop, shop, and savor San Antonio’s rich flavors along the River Walk:
1. Acenar
Allow the gentle ripples of the San Antonio River to mesmerize you as you sip a margarita and nibble on classic Tex-Mex specialties like fajitas, shrimp tacos, and enchiladas topped with queso and mole sauce on the open-air patio at Acenar, a modern dining concept located on a quiet stretch of the River Walk near East Houston Street. For the last two decades, Acenar has wowed hungry customers with its fresh selections of Gulf seafood, careful attention to culinary traditions, and an astounding variety of margaritas—prickly pear or coconut, anyone?
Pro-tip: Arrive in the late afternoon or after 9 p.m. for happy-hour specials like red sangria for $7.50 and select small plates starting at $8.50.
2. San Antonio Museum of Art
Traverse 5,000 years of history during a visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art, or SAMA, located on West Jones Avenue along the River Walk’s Museum Reach. What once served as home base for the Lone Star Brewery now houses the southern United States’ most comprehensive collection of art from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
In the modern and contemporary galleries, paintings by regional Texas artists mingle with internationally renowned sculptures, while a large Asian wing showcases collections from China, Korea, India, and Japan. Timed-entry tickets are available for $24 for adults, $19 for seniors/military, $14 for students, and free for children under 12.
3. Lo Cura
One of the River Walk’s most recent openings is a cozy, quick-service bar and eatery offering charming, tropical drinks and filling snacks fit to take on the go. Lo Cura, located beneath the Canopy Hotel next to the time-honored Domingo Restaurante, specializes in walking tacos: Opt for a tray of classic pork al pastor, or get inventive with the flaming hot tacos, which feature green chile queso and a flaming hot Cheetos base.
No visit to Lo Cura is complete without nabbing a brightly colored, frozen cocktail—the Coco-A-Gogo pairs two rums with pineapple and coconut cream, while Bad Life Choices lives up to its name with a floater of Everclear on top of rosé and vodka.
4. La Villita Historic Arts Village
History buffs, art lovers, and shopping aficionados alike will find something to marvel at during a visit to La Villita Historic Arts Village, a square block of historic buildings and cobblestone-lined streets located on the south bank of the River Walk. Local artisans offer handcrafted clothing, jewelry, and keepsakes at a dozen boutiques scattered across shady courtyards, while a few art galleries showcase the work of Texas artists. When you visit the Starving Artist Art Gallery to view paintings, pottery, embroidery, photography, and metal work from local artists, you’re shopping for a cause: 40% of your purchases will go to the Little Church of La Villita’s food pantry.
5. Pullman Market
Traveling down the River Walk with a large party, each with their own culinary preferences? Your best bet to satisfy everyone’s taste buds is a visit to Pullman Market. Located within the Historic Pearl district of downtown San Antonio, this market contains a specialty grocery, five quick eateries, and four restaurants, each focusing on local Texas growers and recipes.
Fife and Farro is a family-friendly concept serving wood-fired, sourdough pizzas and handmade, heritage grain pastas, while the reservation-recommended Isidore utilizes local ingredients to make thoughtful American plates. Those with a sweet tooth will have to plan a visit to Nicosi, a dessert bar that surprises palates with combinations of sweet, bitter, acidic, and savory flavors.
6. San Antonio Missions National Park
Feel as if you’ve stepped back into the early 18th century with a visit to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the Lone Star State’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to four missions, a historic ranch, and an aqueduct. All four mission sites—Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada—still operate as Catholic parishes, holding regular services in these 300-year-old buildings.
Tour Mission Concepción to gaze at original frescos painted on the walls, or amble about Rancho de las Cabras to learn how ranchers and farmers of the 1700s provided livestock for the mission’s inhabitants.
7. The Moon’s Daughters
Get a bird’s eye view of all the action happening on the River Walk with a visit to The Moon’s Daughters, an upscale rooftop bar and lounge that couples Mediterranean-inspired plates with an extensive spirits list. Nibble on citrus and saffron marinated olives while sipping The Moon’s Martini before diving into a plate of za’atar chicken dressed with smoked labneh, caramelized lemon, radish, and grilled tomato. Strolling the River Walk for date night? On select evenings, the establishment hosts Helios After Dark, an event series featuring a special menu of espresso-infused cocktails, after-dinner digestifs, and bubbles fit for celebration, or an intimate moment for two.
8. Canela Vintage
Though not technically on the River Walk, Canela Vintage is one destination that fans of unique clothing and accessories will want to take the extra steps for. Located on Broadway just a couple blocks northeast of the South Bank on the San Antonio River Walk shopping mall, Canela Vintage is a locally owned and curated vintage shop committed to serving brand-name pieces at market value or less.
Since 2017, shop owner Elisa Kern has crafted a unique selection of handbags, hats, belts, scarves, and jewelry in a variety of styles—think Christian Dior earrings in pearl and gold sitting next to leopard-print cowhide boots. The selection cycles out like the river’s tides, so you never know what you may find on your next visit to Canela Vintage.
