Places to Visit in San Antonio

Clinton W. Wright, Pharm.D., BCPP

Where do you want to go, what do you want to see?  No idea?  Our committee asked several CPNP members who either live currently in San Antonio or have resided here in the past what their favorite places to visit were, both on the river and within the 410 Loop (most are less than 15 minutes from downtown).

Here are some suggestions for “On the Riverwalk” places to visit:

  • The Alamo is best approached from the riverwalk via the Hyatt Regency hotel (the other Hyatt on the river).  Walk thru the lower lobby and out through the doors next to the water feature.  Continue up and it will be directly across the street.  It is smaller than most imagine and this really shows it off.
  • San Antonio Art Museum is housed in a stunning and historic Lone Star Brewery building.  With antiquities and art from around the world and across time, SAMA is worth a visit.  In addition, it backs up to the riverwalk extension and can be accessed from the river.  Why not take a water taxi?
  • Howl at the Moon Piano Bar is a fixture on the riverwalk.  Dueling pianos.  Need I say more?  Plan your visit around all of the Fiesta activities that take place on the riverwalk.
  • The Buckhorn Saloon is located just a block from the river and 2 blocks from the Alamo.  Phil Lau reports that “it's a campy restaurant/bar/museum where the walls are covered in taxidermed wild animals (bison, bears, deer, giraffes). It's a great place for Texas souvenirs. The food is not very good but it’s a fun place to stop for a drink during the day.”
  • The Menger Hotel is a historic landmark in downtown San Antonio.  This pre-Civil War hotel has had many famous visitors including Teddy Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee.  In more modern times it is known for its mango ice cream which was served at Bill Clinton’s inauguration.

Here are some suggestions for “Inside the Loop” places to visit:

  • McNay Art Museum is my home away from home.  I have been an avid patron and volunteer for the past several years.  A bit biased, but I think it is one of the most beautiful places in San Antonio.  Cynthia Mascarenas agrees!  The permanent collection is housed in the former mansion of Mrs. Marion Koogler McNay.  Rotating exhibitions are held in the new 45,000 square foot addition.  Go for the art, stay for the patio and the 23 acres of landscaped lawns.  Just watch out for the brides!  You’ll know what I mean when you visit.
  • The Botanical Gardens and The Japanese Tea Gardens are great places to unwind.  Located just minutes from downtown they offer two distinct looks.  On either side of the newly updated Brackenridge Park, they can be paired for an afternoon of gardening.
  • Want to swing some clubs?  Troy Moore recommends the Quarry golf course (private) or Olmos Basin (public).  And as he states, “a little swinging of the clubs never hurts.”

I hope these suggestions help you plan your trip to San Antonio.  There are a lot of things to do in San Antonio and great places to visit.  Next week we will focus on Fiesta events.

** Last week I mentioned the Lone Star Brewery as the end of the line for the riverwalk extension.  My bad.  It is actually Pearl Brewery.  Lone Star is in King William.

Login or register to help identify topics from this page.