How to Tour San Antonio Like a Local

San Antonio consists of the perfect combination of cultures wrapped into one, with the southwestern flare of Texas mixed with Spanish and Mexican heritage. This blend creates a perfect harmony that can be felt in the restaurants, the culture, the nightlife, and beyond. If you want to know what San Antonio is all about, you’ll want to experience it like a local. Check out our favorite spots that locals frequent below.

Local Life in San Antonio

Food

Mi Tierra Cafe

You can’t explore San Antonio without indulging in some authentic TexMex. We love Mi Tierra, which doubles as a restaurant and market, meaning you can bring some of the good stuff home with you. Enjoy tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Don’t skip their bakery for a tasty treat before heading out.

Best Quality Daughter

To experience another culture altogether, try the creative Asian fusion restaurant Best Quality Daughter. Situated near the charming Pearl District, you’ll find favorites like cashew chicken as well as crafty finds like orange chicken-fried skirt steak and mochi hush puppies. 

Domingo

Overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk, this top-ranked restaurant serves dreamy Mexican dishes like slow-roasted pork shoulder and ribeye pipian. 

Tank’s Pizza

Looking for something more casual? Tank’s Pizza plates up stone-baked pizzas, a casual atmosphere to watch a game, and tasty drinks to keep you satisfied. 

Outdoor Activities

Kayak the San Antonio Riverwalk

Most of the time, the Riverwalk is lined with boat tours, a great option for a fun outdoor activity. But, on certain Sundays, you can try something more adventurous by renting a kayak from Mission Kayak and seeing the Riverwalk from a new point of view.

Japanese Tea Gardens

When in San Antonio, locals take advantage of the nice weather by strolling through the gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden. In this botanical garden, you’ll discover waterfalls, a pavilion, and lovely plants. 

Government Canyon

When you want a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown, head to the Government Canyon State Natural Area. With over 40 miles of trails, it’s the best place for a quiet wilderness hike. One of the trails even leads to dinosaur tracks from over 100 million years ago! 

Mission Trails

Get active with a historic bike ride through the city. Five Spanish colonial missions still stand throughout San Antonio. The historic sites connect via trails that you can bike and walk. On this outing, you get exercise and learn along the way. It’s a double win. 

Hidden Gems

Bracken Cave

Speaking of getting outside, you won’t want to miss exploring Bracken Cave. Home to one of the world’s largest bat colonies, locals and visitors alike will head to the site from March to October to watch the sunset and see several million bats take over the night sky for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Mission San Jose

When you bike the mission trail, spend some extra time at Mission San José. Restored to its original glory back in the 1930s, San José is the largest of the church colonies that were occupied starting in the late 1700s. You won’t want to miss this step back in history. 

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Take a modern art museum and make it Western, and you get the iconic Briscoe. With art and artifacts from the early American West, this is a historic gem worth experiencing. 

Buckhorn Saloon & Cathedral 

Love the history, but prefer something a little more lively? Head to the Buckhorn Saloon for a cold one while you encounter Texas history. Rumored to be the place where Pancho Villa planned the Mexican Revolution, it’s a great place to grab a local brew or icy margarita before stocking up on some goodies from their gift shop. 

Live Music & Theaters

Fitzgerald’s

For fun events most nights of the week, Fitzgerald’s is the place. With popular concerts, local artists, and even open mic nights, this cozy but lively spot never stops. 

The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral 

For a more unique adventure, you won’t want to miss The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral. This singular visual experience consists of a video art production that depicts the early development of San Antonio — oh, and it’s projected onto the 7,000-square-foot Cathedral. 

Sam’s Burger Joint

This casual spot delivers all you could want from a night of live music. With a cold beer or cocktail in your hand, listen to a variety of local and touring acts in a laid-back atmosphere. 

Majestic Theatre

Gaze at the most stunning architecture inside San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre. Catch all of your favorites here, from music to plays and beyond. 

Weekend Activities

The Pearl Farmers Market

No one can deny the charm of San Antonio’s Pearl District. A once industrial brewery transformed into a lovely square filled with restaurants and shops, you won’t want to miss their weekend market full of unique vendors each Saturday and Sunday. 

Market Square

Speaking of a good market, immerse yourself in the city’s Mexican heritage by exploring Market Square. Over 100 locally-owned businesses reside in the square and offer everything from authentic cuisine to hand-crafted goods. 

Watch the Spurs

San Antonians love their local basketball team. From October to April, get your hands on some tickets to a Spurs game for a lively sporting experience. 

Nightlife

Bar 414

Step back in time to the Prohibition Era at this San Antonio speakeasy. Located in the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, at Bar 414, you can enjoy a craft cocktail while listening to live piano music. 

Thirsty Horse

When in Texas, you better break out your dancing boots at a local dancehall. A local favorite is the Thirsty Horse. This country-western dance club offers live music from up-and-coming artists with no cover charge. 

Moon’s Daughter

Take in the city views at this indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge. On the 20th story, you’ll catch a Texas sunset with a craft cocktail in hand again and again. 

Land Your Dream Apartment and Tour San Antonio Like a Local Everyday

Sold on San Antonio? We can’t blame you. With plenty to do and a new spot to check out every day, we want to call it home too. Let us help you find the perfect space to come home to after touring San Antonio like a local. Reach out to an AptAmigo agent to find your perfect apartment in the city.