Hey there! I’m Brian, a born-and-raised San Antonian and owner of Mural Ride Bike Tours. I’ve spent over a decade living, working, and playing in Downtown San Antonio, and I’m excited to share what makes this city special. Whether you’re visiting on a budget or ready to splurge, this San Antonio travel guide will help you discover the best things to do, places to stay, and attractions that reflect the true heart of San Antonio.
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Quick Itinerary Overview: Your San Antonio Adventure in 3 Days
Here’s a day-by-day snapshot to help you plan your time in San Antonio, with highlights for each day:
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Day 1: Art and Local Vibes
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Morning: Mural Ride Bike Tour
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Lunch: 2-1-Dough and Black Lab Brewery
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Afternoon: Walk along the San Antonio River Walk
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Evening: Experience The SAGA light show at Main Plaza and grab a Mezcal Old Fashioned at Sojourn Trading Co.
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Day 2: History and Culture in San Antonio
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Morning: Breakfast at Labor Street Cafe
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Lunch: Stella Public House at Blue Star Arts Complex
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Afternoon: Explore Blue Star Arts Complex and Mission Reach Trail
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Evening: Optional San Antonio Pro Tour for a deeper look at the city’s heritage
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Day 3: Classic San Antonio and Hidden Gems
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Morning: Visit The Alamo and historic hotels nearby
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Lunch: Best Quality Daughter
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Afternoon: Pearl Farmers Market for local shopping and dining
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Evening: Dinner at Bohanan’s Steakhouse and a show at The Majestic Theatre
Where to Stay in San Antonio: Budget and Luxury Options
Budget-Friendly Airbnbs with an Artistic Touch
For those looking to experience San Antonio’s local flavor on a budget, these Airbnbs offer both comfort and creativity, each with unique artistic flair. Plus, they’re all within easy reach of downtown attractions:
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Modern Lavaca Home Near RiverWalk | Hot Tub – Located in the charming Lavaca Historic District, this retreat, known as Casa Azul, combines convenience with comfort. It’s close to top attractions and restaurants and even features a mural by Mexican artist Valeria Montero. After exploring the city, unwind in the private hot tub.
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New Design Townhome with 360 Rooftop – Denver Heights – Part of the Suerte complex, this townhome features an open-plan living area, a balcony terrace, and a 360° rooftop view of the San Antonio skyline. Created by Artz Development and 1718 Architecture, the space is filled with artwork by local artists Manola & Maria.
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The Muncey House in Gov’t Hill (Pearl District) – With “super chill vibes,” this historic bungalow in Government Hill once served as the neighborhood’s tortilla house. Now it’s filled with murals by local artist SCOTCH, giving the home a uniquely creative atmosphere.
Luxury Hotels for an Upscale Stay in San Antonio
If you’re looking to splurge, San Antonio has some incredible options that showcase its charm and history:
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Hotel Emma – Situated in The Pearl, this former brewhouse combines industrial elegance with luxury. The bar here is legendary, so even if you’re not staying, it’s worth a visit.
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The St. Anthony Hotel – Known for its grand design and rooftop pool, this historic hotel boasts luxurious touches and stories from its early 20th-century origins.
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The Thompson Hotel – A sleek, modern hotel on the River Walk featuring top-tier amenities and a stunning mural by local artists Los Otros on its top-floor balcony, offering breathtaking city views and celebrating San Antonio’s vibrant art scene.
Day 1: Art and Local Vibes
Morning: Discover San Antonio’s Art Scene with Mural Ride Bike Tour
Kick off your adventure with a Mural Ride Bike Tour. This is hands-down the best way to explore San Antonio’s street art and discover neighborhoods that visitors often overlook. It’s also a chance to experience the city’s personality; local cyclists sometimes shout out, “We love the mural ride!” as we pass by. One of my favorite memories is riding by Reese Bros BBQ, where the guys were outside, cheering and heckling me like fans at a baseball game. Moments like these make San Antonio feel like a big town with a small-city heart. Book a tour today!
Lunch: 2-1-Dough and Black Lab Brewery in the DREAM District
For a budget-friendly lunch, head over to 2-1-Dough near the DREAM District. They serve some of the best pizza in town, and next door, Black Lab Brewery has craft beers (and non-alcoholic options) to keep things local.
Afternoon: San Antonio River Walk Stroll and Boat Tour
A visit to the San Antonio River Walk is essential for any trip here. Stroll along the 15 miles of pathways lined with shops, restaurants, and vibrant sights. For a deeper dive into the city’s history, take a Go Rio boat tour – it’s a great way to see the area from a different perspective.
Evening: Main Plaza Lights and Mezcal at Sojourn Trading Co.
For an evening rich in local culture, head to Main Plaza and experience The SAGA, a mesmerizing light show projected onto the historic San Fernando Cathedral. This free show, held Friday and Saturday nights, tells the story of San Antonio’s history in stunning visuals and vibrant colors—it’s a must-see.
Afterward, make your way to Sojourn Trading Co. to wind down. If you’re a fan of mezcal, I highly recommend the Mezcal Old Fashioned—it’s not officially named after me, but the folks there know it’s my go-to. This laid-back spot is ideal for a nightcap and offers a taste of San Antonio’s relaxed nightlife scene.
Day 2: Dive into San Antonio’s History and Culture
Morning: Classic Texas Breakfast at Labor Street Cafe
Start your Saturday morning at Labor Street Cafe, a local gem known for their French omelet and house coffee. They even have a review that says, “We came for the coffee and stayed for the pancakes.” The welcoming atmosphere and budget-friendly prices make it a great way to kick off your day.
Lunch: Stella Public House at Blue Star Arts Complex
Head over to Stella Public House in the Blue Star Arts Complex for a delicious artisanal pizza lunch. Known for their wood-fired pizzas and fresh ingredients, it’s a popular spot with locals. The relaxed ambiance here makes it an ideal break before the next adventure.
Afternoon: Explore Blue Star Arts Complex and Mission Reach Trail
After lunch, explore the Blue Star Arts Complex. This vibrant area is home to galleries, studios, and eclectic shops. For a scenic walk or bike ride, head south on the Mission Reach Trail, which connects to several of San Antonio’s historic missions. You can even rent a bike from a shop within the Blue Star Complex, making it easy to explore Mission San José and other sites along the trail. This blend of art and history gives you a unique view of the city’s cultural roots.
Evening Luxury Option: A Guided Cultural Tour with San Antonio Pro Tours
For a deeper dive into San Antonio’s history, book a private tour with San Antonio Pro Tours. This highly-rated experience takes you through three centuries of San Antonio’s history, visiting sites like the missions, King William District, and Japanese Tea Garden. If you’re seeking a guided journey that gives you the full context of San Antonio’s unique culture, this tour is perfect.
Day 3: Iconic San Antonio Sites and Local Hidden Gems
Morning: Visit The Alamo and Historic Downtown Hotels
No San Antonio visit is complete without a trip to The Alamo. Afterward, walk to nearby historic hotels like the Menger, Crockett, and St. Anthony. Each has historical plaques detailing their stories. One little-known fact: San Antonio was one of the first U.S. cities with air conditioning. Local company Fredrichs Air Conditioning installed AC in landmark buildings, including the St. Anthony Hotel and the Nix Hospital, which was the tallest hospital at the time it was built.
Lunch: Best Quality Daughter at Pearl
Head to Best Quality Daughter at the Pearl for lunch. This unique restaurant is led by James Beard Award-nominated chef Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, who was tapped by Taco Bell to reimagine their Crunchwrap Supreme as part of their TBX program. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s wallpaper alone is worth the visit, covered in iconic imagery that celebrates San Antonio’s culture. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate!
Afternoon: Shop and Dine at Pearl Farmers Market
Head to the Pearl Farmers Market for local shopping. Here, you can sample produce, artisan foods, and unique San Antonio goods. The market is lively on weekends and offers a true taste of San Antonio’s food scene along with opportunities to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Evening: Fine Dining and Live Performances at The Majestic Theatre
For a memorable last night, dine at Bohanan’s Steakhouse. Known for its incredible service and steaks, this place is a high-end dining experience you won’t forget. And if you’re a fan of live performances, you’re in luck—The Majestic Theatre is just around the corner. Recently, my wife and I saw Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse here with a live orchestra, and the conductor’s guitar solo was pure magic.
Local Insights and Hidden Gems
Personal Favorites and Unique Experiences
One of my favorite murals is “Goddess of the Moon” at the Thompson Hotel. The artists, Los Otros, created this stunning piece under intense conditions—one guy held the other’s belt as he painted from a ladder! Stories like this showcase the dedication of San Antonio’s art scene. Follow us on Instagram for more San Antonio insights and mural recommendations!
Another hidden gem is Pulp Coffee Roasters. James, the owner, is passionate about coffee, and he’ll even share insights on flavor profiles and the roasting process if you ask. Pulp Coffee is at our starting location for Mural Ride, and it’s the perfect place to begin or wrap up a bike tour with a fantastic brew.
Favorite Local Dishes
When it comes to food, I have my go-to dishes. The Otis Taco with Carnitas from Reese Bros BBQ is unforgettable—their homemade tortillas and creamy salsa are the perfect combo. At Con Huevo, my must-have taco is the Papa Chorizo with avocado and cheese, a simple yet flavorful favorite. And for anyone new to San Antonio, don’t leave without trying a puffy taco at Pete’s Tako House. It’s a fried tortilla stuffed with seasoned picadillo—a San Antonio classic.
Local Events and Responsible Tourism
For art lovers, the First Friday Art Walk at Blue Star Arts Complex is a must. Held on the first Friday of every month, it’s San Antonio’s longest-running monthly art event with galleries, vendors, and live music.
As a local guide, I encourage all visitors to explore San Antonio responsibly. The city’s rich history and culture are best appreciated with respect and curiosity. Supporting local businesses and respecting historical sites ensures that San Antonio’s charm endures for future generations.
This travel guide offers the best of San Antonio from a local’s perspective, whether you’re on a budget or ready to indulge in luxury. From hidden coffee gems to historic tours, I hope this guide helps you experience the heart of San Antonio. Enjoy your stay, and don’t forget to book a Mural Ride Bike Tour to start your adventure with a unique view of this incredible city!
