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One of the most culturally rich cities on the planet is where you least expect it.
Honestly: it doesn’t get the attention it deserves despite being one of the largest cities in America.
Whether that’s because Austin’s powerhouse overshadows it, or because the locals are too down-to-earth to go showboating – well, apart from their famous River walk boats – is a completely different question…
But the truth is, I’ve been coming to San Antonio for decades and have now made it a point to visit every year, after a several-year hiatus that honestly made me forget how much I love it.
Despite living on the west coast, just 15 minutes from the Mexican border, the proudly preserved culture and traditions of this immaculate city draw me back like a Looney tunes magnet, which takes me from the paradise of San Diego to the riverside maze of the “Alamo City”.
While there are some incredibly wealthy (and free) experiences Powwauw dancing to ceremonies in which I delved deeper into how the Alamo came to be this year, which is what I came back for Party – an 11-day city festival that turns San Antonio into a party bigger than Mardi Gras with more than 100 different events.
And without having to disappoint your parents for a few beads from the dollar store…
Even though it literally “rained during our parade” – a rarity for a place with more than 300 days of sunshine a year – the city I have always maintained is more fun than Vegas, more “Texan” than Austin, and even more festive and lively than some cities in Mexico, a downpour couldn’t stop us from joining in the chorus of “Viva Fiesta!”.
Viva Party! San Antonio’s spring product
Have you ever heard the expression ‘It Takes A Village’?
Yeah, that’s why I don’t want kids…
But San Antonio is the biggest city you’ll ever visit and has somehow retained its small-town feel, where everyone seems to know each other and no one picks up their phone to avoid eye contact.
Fiesta is a remarkable, age-old tradition, often mistaken for pageantry – with figures like Miss Fiesta and Rey Feo taking center stage, but that’s just one layer.
First held in 1891, when the Alamo was still at its peak, no undergoing renovation work as it is now.
It takes more than 75,000 volunteers to keep the show going for Fiesta – which feels like a fun block party spread from the River Walk to the Pearl and of course the historic Market Square.
More than 100 events, and more than 100 organizations are involved in keeping one of America’s most festive cities running for eleven days straight, much of it rain or shine.
Somewhere amidst all the parades, medals and non-stop celebrations you also hear about figures like the ones mentioned above Rey Feo – one of Fiesta’s signature royal traditions and essentially one of the festival’s most recognizable kings, chosen through a major scholarship fundraiser and treated like local royalty all over town.
Despite almost unprecedented bad weather canceling this year’s river parade for the second time ever, San Antonio is still a blast, with many events taking place indoors.
But if there’s one rule of thumb to follow, it’s this:
When someone shouts “Viva Fiesta!” you better respond with “Viva!” right back to fit into these parts.
Instead of standing on a balcony hoping to score beads and not remembering the next morning, Fiesta is fun for all ageswhere unique medals are exchanged as if they were the original Pokémon.
So if someone offers you a medal, feel free to exchange your own medal and hang it on your hat, sash or whatever article of clothing you choose.
It’s all part of the fun.
Next year’s Fiesta has already happened announced:
Mark your calendar for April 15 – April 25, 2027 and make sure you bring nice weather!
Also keep an eye on these 3 exciting upcoming events:
Prepare to party! I gained 6 pounds in 4 days
Weighing 210 pounds the day before my trip, I came home weighing 216 in the span of four days, as it’s virtually impossible to have a bad meal here given the mix of cultures.
Let’s start with the city’s long-awaited new food hall that really is a destination in itself:
Mexico Ceaty — emphasis on the ‘food’.
Chef Jason Dady has done it again, this time with a sprawling dining room featuring everything from café de olla for a pick-me-up, a streetside taco joint for a quick bite, and some of the best fajitas to ever grace my taste buds—and I grew up on Tex-Mex.
Mexico Ceaty is part dining room, part all-day meeting place, and it’s located with prime real estate on the River Walk in the Rivercenter.
I had the pleasure of devouring meals at two restaurants founded by what San Antonians considered their favorite “celebrity chef.”
By Jason Dady Rangeat the Embassy Suites downtown, my ribeye couldn’t have been prepared better.
We’ve all been to a steakhouse where it’s a little different from how you ordered it and you settle for it anyway – not here. Medium rare meant medium rare.
My wonderful server Kai also talked me into trying it Paris for the first time – a Texas twist on beef tartare – and it’s safe to say it won’t be my last.
Here are my top 3 foods (outside of Mexico Ceaty), whether you’re in San Antonio for Fiesta, Endless summer eventsDay of the Dead comes in the fall, or just a relaxing weekend getaway at one of the many luxury hotels along the River Walk:
1) Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood: 🥩
A classic steakhouse with low lighting, it’s the kind of old-fashioned pub where the lighting is low, the pours are generous and each bite makes you momentarily forget your manners because you’re too busy planning the next one.
Guilty as charged.
My New York Strip couldn’t have been more striking, and it was the biggest surprise Bananas Foster at the table, vigorously whipped up by – without exaggeration – the best waiter I have had in all my travels.
Ask for Stephen Fox’s section and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Literal.
2) Mi Tierra: 🍲
Remember when I said I grew up with Tex-Mex?
There was a time in my childhood when, if I was handed a piece of paper, I was pretty sure the enchilada sauce would have bled—and that’s because San Antonio was my family’s favorite vacation destination, and every summer meant a stop at Mi Tierra.
Trying it again more than a decade later, with a taste more refined than the cheese enchiladas from a kid’s menu, I can confidently say it still lives up to the hype.
Get the menu if you are not afraid of the Real stuff. You won’t be disappointed.
3) 🌮
News flash: not everything worth seeing is downtown.
In San Antonio Southdown area is local favorite Rosario’s, which serves some of the best moles I may have ever had.
While I was being harassed by my dinner patrons for ordering a “girly” one CocoRitaessentially a margarita-piña colada hybrid, they’re just jealous that I’m in beach mode 24/7.
It turns out to be a great cocktail, and a guy named Jimmy Buffett is either spinning in his grave or preparing to take a sip at the restaurant.
Location is key: San Antonio’s best hotel to experience it all
We all know that a hotel can make or break a trip.
I’m happy to say The Westin Riverwalk it absolutely worked.
After countless vacations here, I’ve never been just a stone’s throw from the River Walk.
Let me rephrase that: I was on the River Walk.
A quick elevator ride down, coffee flowing Cafecitoand bam – I’m outside exploring up to 15 miles of the country’s most unique waterfront.
The bed was heavenly, the service was excellent, and we all know the most important aspect of any hotel: the water pressure.
Let’s say I want to apologize for their water bill.
Although it rained for most of my trip, I did make brief use of the rooftop pool and a connecting gym that was well equipped to compensate for all my steak, fajitas and range of cocktails.
Otherwise those 6 pounds I gained would have easily been 10!
But what else can you expect in a city that… margaritas to go?
