Fun Things to Do in San Antonio for Couples

Alamo City oozes with charm, but who knew there were so many fun things to do in San Antonio for couples? As one of the oldest cities in Texas, you’ll find the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the entire Lone Star State there. Still, between all the historic sites and museum stops, we managed to find a little romance along the way.

I’ve only been to Texas a few times, but it’s always been fun. I found a lot of interesting things to do in El Paso, and if you’re looking for handmade boots, that’s the place to go. Grapevine is also fun and has great wineries. Check out my Grapevine itinerary if you’re planning a trip there.

From the Riverwalk to the Pearl District, this vibrant city has so much to see, whether you’re on your first date or 30th anniversary. I was there to work on an America 250 piece while my husband was there to see clients. In between the history and his appointments, this trip turned into an enjoyable getaway we’d do all over again.

Where is San Antonio?

San Antonio is located in south-central Texas. It’s a little over an hour from Austin, and about 150 miles north of the Mexico border, which explains the strong Mexican influence. You’ve surely heard of Tex-Mex cuisine, and San Antonio is a great place to experience it.

Everything we did, including where we ate, is shown on the map below. In fact, you can easily get driving directions from place to place while you’re exploring by pulling this up on your mobile phone.

There is so much to do in San Antonio, and a great way to save a little money is to pick up the City Pass. One fee gets you into many of the places you’d want to see, including a couple I missed, like the San Antonio Zoo and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Let me know if you visit either so I know if I should add them to my list for next time.

Things to Do in Historic San Antonio

I’ve listed the activities we were able to do in just a few days. Get ready to explore Alamo City!

The Briscoe Western Art Museum

I was so surprised by the art at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. You’ll find not only stunning paintings in different mediums but also sculptures and other types of art. The museum is laid out beautifully, and the staff is on hand to answer questions. They also have visiting exhibits and special events, so be sure to check their calendar before you go.

The Pearl District

We visited The Pearl District the last time we were in San Antonio, so we knew we had to go back. Especially if you’re a foodie, this is a great spot for lunch or dinner. You’ll also find a handful of great shops there for home goods and clothing. Scroll down to see where we ate in the Pearl District and everywhere else!

As you may know, I wrote 100 Things to Do in Sarasota Before You Die, so I try to pick up a local version of the book when I travel throughout the United States. I stopped into The Twig Book Shop, located right in the Pearl District, and found a copy of 100 Things to Do in San Antonio Before You Die, just in time to add a few things to my itinerary.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Nature lovers will enjoy the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Located near The Pearl District, this gorgeous space features all kinds of plants and flowers, including more than 100 rare and endangered species.

With 39 acres of lush gardens, exploring the San Antonio Botanical Gardens is a great way to get in your daily steps. There are also some fun spots to take photos.

World Heritage Center

Before heading to the historic Missions, take some time to explore the World Heritage Center. This will help you understand more about the purpose of the five Spanish Colonial Missions, as well as how they came to be.

With interactive exhibits and audio-visual displays, it’s a fascinating stop (and a great way to cool off if you’re visiting in the heat of summer!) Head to the World Heritage Center website for an audio tour of each Mission.

The San Antonio Missions

There are five Spanish Colonial Missions, including The Alamo. From the World Heritage Center, you can walk to Mission San Jose, known as the Queen of the Missions, in about 10 minutes. There is parking, so you can absolutely drive if you prefer.

The Rose window, carved sometime around 1775 on the outer wall of the sacristy, is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque ornamentation in all of North America. Mission San Jose has National Park ranger-led programs at 10 and 11 a.m. daily.

The other three missions are farther away, so you’ll have to drive or Uber, as I did. Mission Concepcion has a ranger-led program at 10 a.m. Mission San Juan has a demo or tour daily at 10 a.m. Mission Espada has a loom (weaving) demonstration inside each day at 3 p.m. Note: there are no tours on the first Wednesday of each month.

The Alamo

Visiting the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo is a must when you’re in San Antonio. The Long Barrack, built in 1724, served as the first hospital in the state of Texas, as well as the military headquarters.

What I enjoyed the most about visiting the Alamo was learning the story about singer/songwriter Phil Collins’ collection of Alamo artifacts. As a young boy, Collins loved the show Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. That love turned into a passion, and over decades, Collins amassed the largest known collection of Alamo-related historical artifacts.

If that’s not crazy enough, Collins donated the entire collection, valued somewhere around $20 million, to The Alamo. When you visit that area in the museum, you can see his collection and hear him narrate a couple of exhibits. A brand new visitors center, with 160,000 square feet of space, is scheduled to open in 2028.

The Saga

I almost missed this one, and I’m so glad I didn’t. The Saga is a 24-minute art installation of San Antonio’s rich history, projected on the facade of San Fernando Cathedral. Created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, this production is set to a soundtrack that fits so perfectly, you’ll find yourself mesmerized.

You can see The Saga Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m. Especially if someone in your group can’t stand for 30 minutes, it’s a great idea to bring folding chairs, since seating is not provided.

Explore the River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk spans 15 miles and is easily explored by foot. I walked quite a few of those 15 miles while exploring shops, museums, and riverside restaurants.

Strolling the famous River Walk is a must while visiting. Check the website before planning, as there are events and festivals all year long. Christmas is especially beautiful on the River Walk, starting with the Ford Holiday River Parade, which kicks off the holiday season.

River Walk Tour by Boat

Though you can kayak or paddleboard the river, I decided to take a boat ride with Go Rio. The tour is 35 minutes long, available from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

The Go Rio guides are fantastic and will tell you all about the history of the river and the Riverwalk, pointing out historic landmarks as you go. You can even book a dining cruise which pulls right up to a restaurant for dinner or dessert!

I caught the tour just outside of Mexico Ceaty, so you can plan it around lunch if that works for you. Scroll down to see more about Mexico Ceaty under where to eat.

Historic Market Square

You’ll want to visit Market Square, also known as El Mercado, to pick up traditional Mexican handcrafted gift items, clothing, and art. This is the largest traditional Mexican market in the United States. It’s just across from Mi Tierra, so it’s a great stop for souvenirs after breakfast or lunch.

Tower of the Americas and Hemisfair District

This is another great spot for a scenic stroll or to get your steps in. The Hemisfair District is a green public space with two complete parks and a third one on the way.

In Tower Park, the main draw is Tower of the Americas, where you can ride an elevator to the top of the 750-foot tower for a view of the city. You’ll also find the convention center, Mexico Plaza, and a huge basketball pavilion.

In Civic Park, you’ll find places to eat and a hotel. Between the two parks sits Yanaguana Garden, which includes a play area including a splash pad, sandbox, and playground.

Don’t miss the art all around the District. Check out the City of San Antonio Art Collection database, where you can search locations and details of all the art throughout the city. Visit the historic district if you’d like to see some of the homes that remain from when the area was cleared for the World’s Fair in 1968, some of which are now restaurants or shops.

Especially if you don’t have a car, the perfect way to see the city in the evening is through the Old Town Trolley City Lights Night Tour. This tour takes you around downtown San Antonio by trolley with a curated music selection and great nighttime photo opps.

Where to Eat in San Antonio

I’ve listed the spots we visited below. There is so much great food in this city, so I think a return visit is in order soon.

Mi Tierra Café y Panadería

We had such a great time at Mi Tierra. For starters, the food is incredible, which is the most important thing, right? I don’t typically eat a big breakfast, but how can you stop when it’s that good? Huevos Rancheros is my recommendation! Pick up something sweet from the bakery before you go.

Not to mention we were serenaded with a love song as we dined. This ended up being one of the most romantic things on the trip!

The atmosphere is lively and colorful; do walk around and see the artwork and photos collected in their 85-year history. The staff is amazing, and quite a few have been there for many years, some even decades.

La Panadería

Not surprisingly, La Panadería (the bakery in Spanish) is known for its bread and baked goods. There are five locations around the city.

I ordered the French Toast, which La Panadería is known for. Now I know why! It came with a pastry, too, which I delivered to my husband as he had a conference call back at our hotel. He was very grateful as it was delicious, too!

Boudro’s Texas Bistro

If you want to sit outside on the Riverwalk, Boudro’s is the perfect spot. We ordered the chili fried oysters, which my husband devoured, seared scallops, and Gulf Coast sea cakes. The food was really good, and we enjoyed watching the river boats go by.

Southerleigh

Southerleigh is one of our favorite spots in San Antonio. Located in the Pearl District, this casual upscale restaurant has a standout menu. We stopped in for a cocktail, and the waiter recommended the Snapper Throats; crispy fried collars of the red snapper. Heavenly is the only word I can think of to describe the flavor. We were told they often sell out, so you may want to call ahead. There are plenty of other great choices if they are gone.

Mexico Ceaty

This was a really fun stop. Located inside the Shops at Rivercenter, this 20,000 square foot Mexican food court is a destination in itself.

I ate at the full-service restaurant, Tres Arcos, where I started with an artisan salsa and mole tasting. It’s a fun way to begin the meal. I loved the Mexican chicken flautas so much I would order the same exact thing all over again.

If you don’t want to take the time for a seated experience, simply walk up to one of the specialty spots for a burrito or ceviche at the Plaza. You can look on as fresh tortillas are made right in the center of the Plaza. There is even a market with traditional Mexican goods you can take home.

You can also just stop in for a drink at the 300-seat bar. For a more intimate experience, ask about El Ultimo, though do it quietly as there isn’t a lot of seating and you don’t want to draw a crowd. Don’t miss Mexico Ceaty.

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

If you’re thinking about a romantic upscale dining experience or need a spot to celebrate a special occasion, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is the perfect place. The atmosphere is brasserie style, with pretty decor and comfortable seating. The menu is, not surprisingly, French, but that doesn’t mean stuffy.

We started with their famous Deviled Eggs. My husband ordered the Cheeseburger Mon Chou Chou, and I ordered the Nicoise Salad. We really enjoyed this meal.

Bohanan’s

When my husband heads to San Antonio for business, this is where he goes for dinner. We both enjoy sitting at the bar, and the bar at Bohanan’s is one of our favorites.

We ordered Curry Butter Crab Toast topped with microgreens, followed by their famous Bacon Wrapped Quail Breast. The two appetizers with a couple of glasses of red wine from their extensive list, and we were ready to call it a day.

Paesanos

Paesanos Riverwalk is another spot where you can sit on the Riverwalk, though we only stopped in for a glass of wine and an appetizer. The Burrata Bruschetta was outstanding and paired perfectly with a glass of red wine.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

My husband and I stayed at The Gunter Hotel, which we loved. This hotel opened in 1909, but got a $57 million refresh not long ago, and it’s beautiful. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio, where to stay was a no-brainer for us.

Our Songwriter Suite featured a room with a king bed as well as an extra room with a couch, record player, flat-screen TV, and coffee maker. I’d book this same suite again.

Now that you know what to do in this beautiful city, let me know when you visit! I especially want to discover some new dining spots on our next trip to San Antonio.

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Meet the author

Welcome! I’m Kelly!

Writer, Traveler, Lover of good Food and Wine.

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