Splashtown is permanently closed. A cool, free thing to do is the Japanese Tea Garden, which is across the street from Breckenridge Park (where the zoo is located). We also have the Natural Bridge Caverns and there is an African type safari that you could go on, very close to the caverns. 😁
@@CarlosGutierrez-kq6mq LOL they think Talapia belongs in a fish taco, while here in California we use Mahi. I guess when all of your food is bottom -quality and lacking freshness, it doesn't matter?
Make sure to visit the Pearl, beautiful area with bars and a food court. If you can't make it to Black's BBQ I recommend Augies BBQ, they have a location downtown and the prices are pretty affordable for food BBQ. Mi Tienda is a solid Mexican restaurant downtown, fun atmosphere with mariachis most nights. Jan and Feb tend to be our coldest months so just keep that in mind. I would definitely rent a car as San Antonio is super spread out. We also have a lot of great coffee shops and breweries.
@@jokb235 I heard bad things about the Blacks' in New Braunfels, but the original Blacks' in Lockhart is outstanding and highly worth the drive. Top notch brisket and ribs and I always grab some of the jalapeno cornbread. Though Smitty's (also in Lockhart) and City Market (a few minutes down the road in Luling) have better sausage IMO.
Ok, I saw your video here and as a lifelong San Antonian, I watched it and was waiting for you to mention it. You didn’t. It ALWAYS gets overlooked and I don’t know why! It’s one of the very first things I recommend to people from out of town. It’s like it’s invisible! It’s only the tallest structure in our city! The Tower of the Americas or just, The Tower as we call it. It was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and at 750’ high it’s the best view of the city. It’s got a bar and slowly revolving restaurant at the top. Go when the weather is good for a great 360 degree view out on the open air observation deck. You ride a glass elevator on the outside of the column so you get the sense of height immediately. Go on a clear, cool night and it’s spectacular. Seeing all the city lights going straight out from it is beautiful. Since we are an old city based on old Indian and Spanish trails, we don’t have as much of a grid system of streets like a lot of cities. Everything radiants from a central hub (downtown) like spokes on a wheel. Still, for the life of me I don’t know why it always gets overlooked. Always! It’s worth it, trust me. I’ve lived here for 55 years and it’s still one of my favorite places. So weird, it’s invisible. Ha Ha! Enjoy! It’s a mandatory thing to do downtown if you ask me. It’s not like it’s hard to find, just look up.
Great video! I've lived in San Antonio for almost 12 years and love it. It's vibrant and friendly. It's not a tourist stop, but I highly recommend stopping by an HEB while in San Antonio. You know, in case you're looking for some homemade flour tortillas, barbacoa(slow cooked beef cheek meat), or cute snacks like Texas shaped tortilla chips and brisket queso dip. You won't be disappointed.
I used to live in Houston, I agreed with Iris, HEB has very good fresh made of torttilas, specially Canjun crawfish boil seasoning, you can't anywhere can beat HEB price. I missed Houston, San Antonio,Dallas.
@@texasmimi5566 LOL, I loved going to Central Market for it was right next door to my university (University of the Incarnate Word) and I would get my groceries there (which was only milk and cereal most of the time since I mostly ate on campus lol). There's actually a gate (that separated UIW property from CM property) I could use walking from my dorm to Central Market, so I didn't have to use the main street there of Broadway.
I’m from a small town between downtown and New Braunfels, and let me tell ya. 1. It’s really cool to see a video done about my home. 2. It’s insane to hear that you’ve only barely scratched the surface! 😱 I’ve lived here for almost 26 years, and growing up, there was always something to discover, explore, and enjoy. There were so many things I was waiting to hear you mention, and since you didn’t, I thought I’d tell you about some things I enjoy about SA, and for you to maybe check out next time you come! 1. Natural Bridge Caverns and their Wildlife Ranch! Exiting I-35 N for 3009, you’ll find yourself heading straight into two of the coolest places I love to go. Our Natural Bridge has nothing on Virginias, but walking in caves, spelunking, seeing underground springs is always a magical experience to enjoy. If I’m not there for the caves, I just walk around the main building and down to the gift shops where I can eat some homemade fudge, walk in the air, or buy a bag of dirt to sift through for gems and fossils! It’s nextdoor neighbor is in my opinion the best part of the whole place, the wildlife ranch! Driving through acres and acres of land seeing and feeding animals from all over the world is always a surreal feeling! Getting close to the giraffes, having ostriches come up to you, and having a zebra whinny right next to you? Woah! If I remember correctly, they’ll be opening their new habitat for cheetahs soon! But I don’t think those will be free range though lol. 2. Alright, I’ll admit New Braunfels is a pretty cool place, the shops, the beer, and the texas take on German food, is all fine and dandy, but if you keep going through it, you’ll make your way to Gruene, TX, home of the Oldest Dancehall in Texas. Line dancin and wine tasting are just the beginning of this itty bitty town. They have antique shops, bed and breakfasts, live music, good food, and lots of good ol’ southern hospitality. But my favorite part personally is the old drug store where I always end up feeling like Mary Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life”, sitting at the bar waiting to have her ice cream. 3. The Wildlife Ranch is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but there’s one place offers other insane experiences and at half the price not too far down the road. The Snake Farm. Try not to be fooled by the name, it’s not just about the snakes, I swear! There’s white lions, hyenas, capybara, camels, fox, mandrills, and the actual star of the place, Big Sammy, the alpha American Alligator. A total mixing pot of animals that you can’t even find at the San Antonio Zoo! 4. The Glass Bottom Boat tours at the Institute of Research of San Marcos. Not only can you see all the little critters and plants on the River floor, but you can also have a chance at watching the divers do research down there too! And afterwards, you can go and visit their little museum and aquarium as well! This one is a bit far, I know. Some people don’t consider this area San Antonio anymore, but in Texas? If it’s not more than an hour and a half away, it’s “just outside of town”. I bet you could tell, time and distance mean something completely different than it does in other states. 😂 Regarding New Braunfels and San Marcos, there’s a lot to do, whether it’s shopping, swimming, or eating. Check out when the farmers market is open in New Braunfels, feed ducks or wade with them at Landa Park, or shop at the San Marcos Outlets! 5. There are so many other places of interest for art lovers, nature lovers, book lovers, food lovers, etc. The McNay Art Museum, the Witte Museum, the Big Enchilada, the Tower of Americas observation deck, the Tower of Americas Restaurant, the Ghost Walk, Worlds Largest Boots at North Star Mall, La Cantera, San Antonio Aquarium, Japanese Tea Gardens, Brackenridge Park, the Cat Graves (it’s two plaques, but it’s still special), the sculpture garden, the Riverwalk Grotto, the Wooden Nickel Company, the haunted Black Swan Inn and the Hotwells Ruins Hotel, the infamous Donkey Lady Bridge, Bracken Cave to see the bats, the Buckhorn Saloon, and strangest of all….the toiletseat museum. Yup. That too. (And if you’re military, the Fort Sam Quadrangle Museum.)
As a San Antonio native, one don't I'd highly highly recommend is don't come to San Antonio between mid December and mid February, because we have a horrendous tree pollen (called cedar pollen here, though it comes from a tree called juniperus ashei) that can make your life miserable with congestion and a throat that feels like you have been gargling razor blades. For the last month half the city has been asking themselves do I have omicron or is it the cedar pollen since the symptoms are actually very similar.
I would have to agree. SA allergy get pretty bad. If you do come during these time. I recommend Cleartin or Zrytec. And some Immunity boosters. Helps too.
@@Zanith113 It's funny, I just caught omicron this week and the symptoms are literally the same as cedar pollen. The pollen is pretty low right now so I'm not feeling the effects of it, it's definitely COVID I'm feeling. But so uncanny that it feels exactly the same.
I've lived in canyon lake my entire life and I eat one of the blue berries every morning and never had allergies....I think I'm alone when I say I love juniper lol they are edible in small quantities like a handful max but they contain alot of thujone the same stuff that is in absinthe
Being born and raided in SA, great job on this video :) Thanks so much for starting off with the missions, my husband was baptised at San Jose. He and I both worked the Riverwalk most of our adult lives, it's where we met and eventually got married on Marriage Island, right in the middle of the river. We love our hometown, and proud of the culture. Southern hospitality at it,s best.
We are going next March, we go to Austin every year for the music, this year we are going to stay in SA for a week first. Looking forward to it , any must see local rock & roll bands ?
Great video ! If you want to go to the river walk but experience the local way, walk from downtown to the Pearl. It’s more residential, and the restaurants closer to the Pearl have way better food and way better vibe.
The restaurants on the original River Walk are not the best. OK for a drink and snack. Houstonian here. Hasn't been to SA recently but the River Walk extension that goes to the Pearl also passes by the SAMA, an unmissable museum Another extension follows the River to the Missions. A long hike but you can take the bus.
We absolutely LOVED San Antonio. I think we missed seeing a few things, so hopefully we'll make up for it on our next visit. Bucees..... too peopley for me. Felt like Black Friday.
You have been an amazing preparation channel for our many trips around the world. Thank you for always putting in the time with such awesome detail and positive feedback that runs true. There are a few areas that we hope to add for future posts about San Antonio: -The Pearl is an awesome visit just a few minutes away from downtown. Historically the area was a beer dispensary. Now filled with many hip food spots, farmers market, and a cool play area for the kids and family. -Warning, drive at your own risk. Worst drivers in the Nation. Be careful with merges, freeway entry and exits. The infrastructure also doesn’t help with traffic lights on freeways and turnarounds. As always we appreciate everything you do, keep up the awesome content!
Rays Drive Inn is where the puffy Taco was born here in San Antonio. Henry was the Brother that Branched off . Both Places have the Best Puffy Taco in Town
Great video! I love how happy you get talking about Texas haha. As a Texan and fellow traveler, there is so much to do in Texas. I’m not sure if you’ve explored West Texas much, but I definitely recommend staying at El Cosmico in Marfa, hiking at Big Bend National Park (Boquillas Canyon Trail is my favorite - it’s right along the Rio Grande River and the other side is Mexico!), Monahans Sandhills State Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Also on the Gulf Coast, Padre Island National Seashore is amazing and so is Port Aransas! Biplane Rides over Mustang Beach is a MUST! In the Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is incredible and you have to do the Lighthouse Trail! I live in the Hill Country and it’s the perfect spot for exploring Texas haha. Hope you like these recommendations! 💗
Big Bend is great, I love that view of Casa Grande when you camp in the Chisos Basin campground and the South Rim is a pretty amazing dayhike there, though I also love doing that walk through Santa Elena Canyon where you can see all kinds of seashell fossils in the rocks from when the area was covered by an ocean millions of years ago.
as a san antonio local, i wanted to gauge the channel by this video and I think this was a great job! you touched on the touristy stuff (of course) but you really nailed the local experience by including things like king williams, pearl, and day trips to fredericksburg and austin. definitely looking forward to using your videos as a guide to other cities.
Greetings from Dubai. My hometown San Antonio is changing everyday. Coming back with my Nigerian husband want to show him a great time. Thank you for sharing this video. 🙂✌
If you are in San Antonio on the first Friday of the month then we have an artist meetup on South Alamo called First Friday. There are galleries open, beer and food. Also the Kind Williams historical district is near by. Also we have a mall called La Cantera near UTSA that pretty cool for night life.
So cool to see Mark mention my home of New Braunfels in a video! I’ve been watching for almost 10 years for all the European travel advice, cultural know-how, and recommendations. Thanks for the amazing content!
Thank you, from a native San Antonian, for speaking so highly of our fair city! Sometimes, as a resident, we forget what an interesting place we live in! Thank you for the reminder! Next time you are here, don't forget to ride the Brackenridge Eagle!
Lived here all my life and one tip I’d give is if you do want to drive into downtown you can park at Rivercenter mall and walk everywhere .. including the river Walk and to the Alamo very easily.
You said there was a Tex Mex restaurant right across the street from where your standing. That would be Taco Haven. I grew up in this neighborhood. I still live in SA and have wonderful memories of that area. I love my city.
I am a baseball fan and if it is baseball season, catching a San Antonio Missions game was fun.. it's been awhile for me, but they had "roasted corn" full ears of corn roasted in the husk.. the husk pulled back and butter and chili powder or salt all over it.. wrapped with newspaper to keep you clean. maybe that doesn't exist anymore, but it's one of my favorite memories from San Antonio.. the amazing hispanic culture mixed in with Texas.. because you can also get a bbq sandwich at the game (although neither are on my heart health diet at this time :()
Im from here in htown. I just read that the Sugarland skeeters are changing thier name to space cowboys. Are u fking kidding me. 😆 dumbest name I've ever heard.
I used my mobility scooter to get from my hotel to the tourist area of San Antonio. It can be a narrow path for a scooter by the Riverwalk, finding an elevator to it can be a pain, and not long after you leave the tourist area the sidewalks are suboptimal for mobility scooter use.
Same problems with a stroller! Can be risky with small kids because there is no railing on the edge of the sidewalk keeping little ones from tumbling right into the river
Great suggestions! Going to an historic city and ONLY checking one attraction is akin to going to San Francisco ONLY to look at the Golden Gate Bridge and then saying goodbye. ✌
Mark! It's so awesome to see your take on my town. I would love to show you around some of the more hidden gems around; there are so many throughout our massive land area. But you covered it so well.
The coolest thing about the Riverwalk is that my school lights up two weeks before theirs because the river starts at my school (University of the Incarnate Word). My school has a huge event about it, called Light the Way. So that is another thing to go to when visiting San Antonio!! It's been going on for 30 years now!
It's clear Wolters has an appreciation for San Antonio and the unique things it offers this country. Thanks for seeing it the way a lot of us who live here and love it see it! Now, I need to go to the mercado and get myself a new leather belt.
As I been living here for 12 years and still am I just wanted to put out there that our San Antonio Tower is available to go up to the top and there's restaurants and shops inside and you can look out and it's just like the coolest thing ever so definitely you will definitely want to stop by
Oh my gosh!!! The missions were my favorite thing about San Antonio! My husband was attending a conference and we stayed at a hotel on the Riverwalk so we saw the Alamo and the attractions nearby but I took off in the rental car to visit those beautiful missions. Love love LOVE the missions!
Ah my hometown!! Few of my favorite places, Nightlife- Howl at the moon Walkability- Southtown, King William district here, don’t miss the growing Blue Star district! Food- The Pearl, don’t miss Southerleigh for dinner, Lick for dessert, and Local Coffee. New Braunfels- Tubing capital of the word in the summer, don’t Miss the famous and MASSIVE Wurstfest in fall for German culture/food.
I lived in San Antonio as a kid. We had many many field trips to the missions and to the Alamo. I was probably too young to truly appreciate it...so time to go back!
I am coming for my first time in January. I appreciate your tips. I am not driving and am a senior, so excursions have to be with in walking distance or available thru alternative transportation
Appreciate you showing love to my city🙏🏼 and loved your NOLA video too man By the way my high school and elemtary school are right next to the King Williams area and we got to be apart of a lot of the fiesta parades and stuff because my schools are historical figures for the city
I did a Summer Camp in 2001 out in the Hill Country. Did a weekend away to Fredericksburg (lovely) and frequent weekends to San Antonio itself. Spoilt myself on my last night in San Ant and stayed at the Emily Morgan - BEAUTIFUL!
I was there a few years ago, but never tried the puffed up tacos. I will definitely try it the next time I'm there. It looks scrumptious. Thanks for sharing this video!😊❤😊
I'm a local San Antonio guy, and I'm a tour guide. Excellent job on the video, and yes, the MISSIONS are a great place to visit. I thought it was a little funny the way you pronounced 'New Braunfels'... (a lot of people mispronounce it) it's "New Brawn-Fuls"
just subscribed i am soo happy i found this video :) you're an amazing story teller i started binge watching your videos.. very informative knowlegeable and fun!!! :) i will show this video to my mom too
My wife and I had our honey moon in San Antonio Tx. We actually toured the missions and walk around old town. Had an amazing dinner on the river walk. We also toured the local parks. As a native of Texas San Antonio is one of favorite hangout spots. When I lived with my wife in San Marcos Texas. We would hit up New Braunfels Schlitterbahn waterpark during the hot Texas summers. I agree with you it’s an absolutely wonderful park to go and play lots to do lots to see. Here’s a story for you I actually had to shut down part of the waterslide that I just came off of cause my glasses fell off my face. It was a fun and exciting day not so much for the other patrons. Yes you must visit Buc ee’s if you’re in Texas especially in that area. Back in the summer 2015 I had a job where I delivered pharmaceutical drugs to nursing homes as well as equipment later tonight. I could always count on Buc ee’s in that area for restroom coffee in late night snacks as well as the other Buc ee’s within the Texas area. I’ll end it with us Texas has a unique culture/history.There’s lots to do in the state if you don’t mind the constant driving you will find something to suit your taste and needs.
There's much more to SA than just things central to downtown. We enjoy going out west to swim in the Medina river. We enjoy camping up at Canyon lake. Pearsall Park has acres upon acres of hiking, great play and exercise equipment, a great splashpad, dog parks, etc.
You didn’t mention that the SA zoo has awesome margaritas, a brand new train and the Japanese tea gardens. Also hemisfair park is worth having pizza at. Don’t forget about devils river distillery. Visiting the mokara spa off the river is worth it or Hiatus spa at Pearl.
The Pearl area is a must!! It’s the nicest and newest part of the River Walk, Southerleigh Brewery is amazing, which is connected to the Emma Hotel and Farmer’s market on the weekends! All at the Pearl. And if you’re feeling a little crazy come check out the Bakery Pub in Lytle! It’s just south of SA. We have a cool vibe and some amazing craft beer!! Great video man!
Don't forget Morgan's Wonderland - A theme park designed for everybody but especially for people with disabilities but it is open for everyone. those with disabilities get free admission. Dont forget to see the Spurs. You can also get a dinner cruise, but you need to book ahead. Splashtown is now permamently closed. Don't forget to see the UTSA Roadrunners football during college football season
Come have fun here in San Antonio! Also don’t forget to try Texas barbecue: it is delicious with an emphasis on the beef! That’s no lie about downtown parking. Check to make sure your hotel has a parking garage and also how much they charge. I might also recommend the Tower of the Americas. A neat tower with a bar and restaurant at its top. Also downtown is the River Center Mall a big mall with an IMAX theater in it. The cathedral light show is on certain nights check to see when things have been a little crazy with the lockdowns. Everything is open now but you still might check by phone with each place to check on their restrictions or hours. Hope you come see us soon!
Love my city--Viva San Antonio. Don't forget the San Pedro Creek Cultural River Passage. It's very cool, lots of murals, and a cool waterfall too. We have so much in our city.
As a local you pretty much covered the basics on what to see and visit. And you are correct when you said about the food options. Don’t only stick to down town SA. The pearl offers excellent food options and family friendly atmosphere that you have to see to believe. If you love animals and bringing them with you on your trip, that would be an excellent place to let them Roam and play.. Hemisphere park is one of the parks I enjoy a lot, small, pet friendly and very enjoyable when you are winding down on your day and just need somewhere to relax and chill..
As a local I appreciate you shouting out the missions! Beautiful historical sites to see. Dont forget the barbacoa and bigred!
Totally agree on the Barbacoa and Big Red.
Got me craving it now 😂
The Aqueducts
Big red
Ahh the essentials
Splashtown is permanently closed. A cool, free thing to do is the Japanese Tea Garden, which is across the street from Breckenridge Park (where the zoo is located). We also have the Natural Bridge Caverns and there is an African type safari that you could go on, very close to the caverns. 😁
Agree
If you have young kids, don't forget the DoSeum, if you are in that area.
work ☕🔔
Splashtown is close for good it was sold
im going to miss the 2 hour line to the water slides
The best Mexican food is the mom and pop restaurants inside loop 410. Avoid the tourist traps ones.
They’re a Mexican restaurant on the river walk
Plenty of phenomenal Mexican food places between 410 and 1604.
@@MasonWright1234 they are tex mex not real Mexican food
@@CarlosGutierrez-kq6mq Most people who love Texas, or Tex-mex, have never experienced anything else.
@@CarlosGutierrez-kq6mq LOL they think Talapia belongs in a fish taco, while here in California we use Mahi. I guess when all of your food is bottom -quality and lacking freshness, it doesn't matter?
This video couldn't come at a better time. Going there in a month. As always amazing job Mark thank you!!
I would recommend going to Black's BBQ in New Braunfels while you are here.
Thank you!
Make sure to visit the Pearl, beautiful area with bars and a food court. If you can't make it to Black's BBQ I recommend Augies BBQ, they have a location downtown and the prices are pretty affordable for food BBQ. Mi Tienda is a solid Mexican restaurant downtown, fun atmosphere with mariachis most nights. Jan and Feb tend to be our coldest months so just keep that in mind. I would definitely rent a car as San Antonio is super spread out. We also have a lot of great coffee shops and breweries.
@@EmanuelRay3232 the restaurant is Mi TIERRA…not Mi TIENDA hee hee hee. 🤠
@@jokb235 I heard bad things about the Blacks' in New Braunfels, but the original Blacks' in Lockhart is outstanding and highly worth the drive. Top notch brisket and ribs and I always grab some of the jalapeno cornbread. Though Smitty's (also in Lockhart) and City Market (a few minutes down the road in Luling) have better sausage IMO.
Ok, I saw your video here and as a lifelong San Antonian, I watched it and was waiting for you to mention it. You didn’t. It ALWAYS gets overlooked and I don’t know why! It’s one of the very first things I recommend to people from out of town. It’s like it’s invisible! It’s only the tallest structure in our city! The Tower of the Americas or just, The Tower as we call it. It was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and at 750’ high it’s the best view of the city. It’s got a bar and slowly revolving restaurant at the top. Go when the weather is good for a great 360 degree view out on the open air observation deck. You ride a glass elevator on the outside of the column so you get the sense of height immediately. Go on a clear, cool night and it’s spectacular. Seeing all the city lights going straight out from it is beautiful. Since we are an old city based on old Indian and Spanish trails, we don’t have as much of a grid system of streets like a lot of cities. Everything radiants from a central hub (downtown) like spokes on a wheel. Still, for the life of me I don’t know why it always gets overlooked. Always! It’s worth it, trust me. I’ve lived here for 55 years and it’s still one of my favorite places. So weird, it’s invisible. Ha Ha! Enjoy!
It’s a mandatory thing to do downtown if you ask me. It’s not like it’s hard to find, just look up.
Don’t miss the Tower of the Americas!
Great video! I've lived in San Antonio for almost 12 years and love it. It's vibrant and friendly. It's not a tourist stop, but I highly recommend stopping by an HEB while in San Antonio. You know, in case you're looking for some homemade flour tortillas, barbacoa(slow cooked beef cheek meat), or cute snacks like Texas shaped tortilla chips and brisket queso dip. You won't be disappointed.
The Wolters family often rent a place with a kitchen. They would definitely enjoy HEB. And Central Market, HEB's answer to Whole Foods
I used to live in Houston, I agreed with Iris, HEB has very good fresh made of torttilas, specially Canjun crawfish boil seasoning, you can't anywhere can beat HEB price. I missed Houston, San Antonio,Dallas.
@@kmaher1424 The "Gucci" HEB.
@@texasmimi5566 LOL, I loved going to Central Market for it was right next door to my university (University of the Incarnate Word) and I would get my groceries there (which was only milk and cereal most of the time since I mostly ate on campus lol). There's actually a gate (that separated UIW property from CM property) I could use walking from my dorm to Central Market, so I didn't have to use the main street there of Broadway.
It's no wonder Texas has the highest veteran suicide rate in our nation.
I’m from a small town between downtown and New Braunfels, and let me tell ya. 1. It’s really cool to see a video done about my home. 2. It’s insane to hear that you’ve only barely scratched the surface! 😱
I’ve lived here for almost 26 years, and growing up, there was always something to discover, explore, and enjoy. There were so many things I was waiting to hear you mention, and since you didn’t, I thought I’d tell you about some things I enjoy about SA, and for you to maybe check out next time you come!
1. Natural Bridge Caverns and their Wildlife Ranch! Exiting I-35 N for 3009, you’ll find yourself heading straight into two of the coolest places I love to go. Our Natural Bridge has nothing on Virginias, but walking in caves, spelunking, seeing underground springs is always a magical experience to enjoy. If I’m not there for the caves, I just walk around the main building and down to the gift shops where I can eat some homemade fudge, walk in the air, or buy a bag of dirt to sift through for gems and fossils! It’s nextdoor neighbor is in my opinion the best part of the whole place, the wildlife ranch! Driving through acres and acres of land seeing and feeding animals from all over the world is always a surreal feeling! Getting close to the giraffes, having ostriches come up to you, and having a zebra whinny right next to you? Woah! If I remember correctly, they’ll be opening their new habitat for cheetahs soon! But I don’t think those will be free range though lol.
2. Alright, I’ll admit New Braunfels is a pretty cool place, the shops, the beer, and the texas take on German food, is all fine and dandy, but if you keep going through it, you’ll make your way to Gruene, TX, home of the Oldest Dancehall in Texas. Line dancin and wine tasting are just the beginning of this itty bitty town. They have antique shops, bed and breakfasts, live music, good food, and lots of good ol’ southern hospitality. But my favorite part personally is the old drug store where I always end up feeling like Mary Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life”, sitting at the bar waiting to have her ice cream.
3. The Wildlife Ranch is awesome, don’t get me wrong, but there’s one place offers other insane experiences and at half the price not too far down the road. The Snake Farm. Try not to be fooled by the name, it’s not just about the snakes, I swear! There’s white lions, hyenas, capybara, camels, fox, mandrills, and the actual star of the place, Big Sammy, the alpha American Alligator. A total mixing pot of animals that you can’t even find at the San Antonio Zoo!
4. The Glass Bottom Boat tours at the Institute of Research of San Marcos. Not only can you see all the little critters and plants on the River floor, but you can also have a chance at watching the divers do research down there too! And afterwards, you can go and visit their little museum and aquarium as well!
This one is a bit far, I know. Some people don’t consider this area San Antonio anymore, but in Texas? If it’s not more than an hour and a half away, it’s “just outside of town”. I bet you could tell, time and distance mean something completely different than it does in other states. 😂
Regarding New Braunfels and San Marcos, there’s a lot to do, whether it’s shopping, swimming, or eating. Check out when the farmers market is open in New Braunfels, feed ducks or wade with them at Landa Park, or shop at the San Marcos Outlets!
5. There are so many other places of interest for art lovers, nature lovers, book lovers, food lovers, etc. The McNay Art Museum, the Witte Museum, the Big Enchilada, the Tower of Americas observation deck, the Tower of Americas Restaurant, the Ghost Walk, Worlds Largest Boots at North Star Mall, La Cantera, San Antonio Aquarium, Japanese Tea Gardens, Brackenridge Park, the Cat Graves (it’s two plaques, but it’s still special), the sculpture garden, the Riverwalk Grotto, the Wooden Nickel Company, the haunted Black Swan Inn and the Hotwells Ruins Hotel, the infamous Donkey Lady Bridge, Bracken Cave to see the bats, the Buckhorn Saloon, and strangest of all….the toiletseat museum. Yup. That too.
(And if you’re military, the Fort Sam Quadrangle Museum.)
SA resident. so ur from hmm univ city, selma, cibolo shertz live oak, marion bracken? windcrest?
Toilet seat museum? I know Barney passed away couple years ago. What happened to all his art/toilet seats?
@@davidclifton4394 Yeah, around the general area.
@@texasmimi5566 Yeah, it’s unfortunate that he passed away, but luckily they’ve kept the museum running since then! :)
Thanks for your thorough info. Will visit in two weeks for the first time .
Local here, I LOVE my city so much! There is so much to do and so many secret gems all over the place!
As a San Antonio native, one don't I'd highly highly recommend is don't come to San Antonio between mid December and mid February, because we have a horrendous tree pollen (called cedar pollen here, though it comes from a tree called juniperus ashei) that can make your life miserable with congestion and a throat that feels like you have been gargling razor blades. For the last month half the city has been asking themselves do I have omicron or is it the cedar pollen since the symptoms are actually very similar.
I would have to agree. SA allergy get pretty bad. If you do come during these time. I recommend Cleartin or Zrytec. And some Immunity boosters. Helps too.
@@Zanith113 It's funny, I just caught omicron this week and the symptoms are literally the same as cedar pollen. The pollen is pretty low right now so I'm not feeling the effects of it, it's definitely COVID I'm feeling. But so uncanny that it feels exactly the same.
@@homerthompson416 yeah. I had Covid earlier this month, I had all the symptoms expect Nausea. I can see how people feel with Bad allergies.
I've lived in canyon lake my entire life and I eat one of the blue berries every morning and never had allergies....I think I'm alone when I say I love juniper lol they are edible in small quantities like a handful max but they contain alot of thujone the same stuff that is in absinthe
Aye I had that exact thing happen a couple of weeks ago lol
Love your channel Wolters. As a native San Antonian, you hit the nail on the head with this video. Great job!
Being born and raided in SA, great job on this video :) Thanks so much for starting off with the missions, my husband was baptised at San Jose. He and I both worked the Riverwalk most of our adult lives, it's where we met and eventually got married on Marriage Island, right in the middle of the river. We love our hometown, and proud of the culture. Southern hospitality at it,s best.
Born and raised in San Antonio I can say San Antonio sucks big donkey balls!!
@@kimberlylay1005, is that what they taught you to do? Keep it to yourself rude girl.
I'm going do SA in few weeks! Been there in 2009 and cant wait to be back.
We are going next March, we go to Austin every year for the music, this year we are going to stay in SA for a week first. Looking forward to it , any must see local rock & roll bands ?
All myths and tourist traps. "southern hospitality" my foot, just show me the money attitude.
Native Texan, San Antonio resident for 15 years and I just want to say, "Well done my friend!" Come back and see us soon.
Great video ! If you want to go to the river walk but experience the local way, walk from downtown to the Pearl. It’s more residential, and the restaurants closer to the Pearl have way better food and way better vibe.
That's near where a friend of mine lives and we walked all the way back in the day
Theres great restaurants DT they're just hidden
The restaurants on the original River Walk are not the best. OK for a drink and snack.
Houstonian here. Hasn't been to SA recently but the River Walk extension that goes to the Pearl also passes by the SAMA, an unmissable museum
Another extension follows the River to the Missions. A long hike but you can take the bus.
I'm from San Antonio and I approve of this message!
Thanks Mike!
@@woltersworld as FYI, Splashtown went by the wayside as Playland Park.
@@carolgarza9422 Peetown
Me too! I AM IN AGREEMENT W YOUR COMMENT ITS AN AMAZING CITY❤😂
We absolutely LOVED San Antonio. I think we missed seeing a few things, so hopefully we'll make up for it on our next visit. Bucees..... too peopley for me. Felt like Black Friday.
Yeah. It’s always crowded in there 😅
You have been an amazing preparation channel for our many trips around the world. Thank you for always putting in the time with such awesome detail and positive feedback that runs true.
There are a few areas that we hope to add for future posts about San Antonio:
-The Pearl is an awesome visit just a few minutes away from downtown. Historically the area was a beer dispensary. Now filled with many hip food spots, farmers market, and a cool play area for the kids and family.
-Warning, drive at your own risk. Worst drivers in the Nation. Be careful with merges, freeway entry and exits. The infrastructure also doesn’t help with traffic lights on freeways and turnarounds.
As always we appreciate everything you do, keep up the awesome content!
Rays Drive Inn is where the puffy Taco was born here in San Antonio. Henry was the Brother that Branched off . Both Places have the Best Puffy Taco in Town
I am heading back in September. I will go to both :) thanks!
I live in Austin but San Antonio is my favorite city in Texas. Great food, culture and great vacation spot. So much to do there.
As a San Antonio resident, I approve this video. Great job! :-) I would HIGHLY suggest finding a Mariachi band and have a few beers listening to them.
I live 4 hours from San Antonio and honestly I loooove taking a road trip there.
thats cool!
Me too, not a bad drive there
It’s best when it’s sunny and cool
Great video! I love how happy you get talking about Texas haha. As a Texan and fellow traveler, there is so much to do in Texas. I’m not sure if you’ve explored West Texas much, but I definitely recommend staying at El Cosmico in Marfa, hiking at Big Bend National Park (Boquillas Canyon Trail is my favorite - it’s right along the Rio Grande River and the other side is Mexico!), Monahans Sandhills State Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park! Also on the Gulf Coast, Padre Island National Seashore is amazing and so is Port Aransas! Biplane Rides over Mustang Beach is a MUST! In the Panhandle, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is incredible and you have to do the Lighthouse Trail! I live in the Hill Country and it’s the perfect spot for exploring Texas haha. Hope you like these recommendations! 💗
Thank you so much Kayla! We do need to explore west Texas more than we have. Cheers for the advice!
Big Bend is great, I love that view of Casa Grande when you camp in the Chisos Basin campground and the South Rim is a pretty amazing dayhike there, though I also love doing that walk through Santa Elena Canyon where you can see all kinds of seashell fossils in the rocks from when the area was covered by an ocean millions of years ago.
West Texas is awesome!
as a san antonio local, i wanted to gauge the channel by this video and I think this was a great job! you touched on the touristy stuff (of course) but you really nailed the local experience by including things like king williams, pearl, and day trips to fredericksburg and austin. definitely looking forward to using your videos as a guide to other cities.
Thanks for mentioning the UNESCO site designation. There are only 1,154 sites worldwide!
thought you might like that Nick ;)
Greetings from Dubai. My hometown San Antonio is changing everyday. Coming back with my Nigerian husband want to show him a great time. Thank you for sharing this video. 🙂✌
If you are in San Antonio on the first Friday of the month then we have an artist meetup on South Alamo called First Friday. There are galleries open, beer and food. Also the Kind Williams historical district is near by. Also we have a mall called La Cantera near UTSA that pretty cool for night life.
So cool to see Mark mention my home of New Braunfels in a video! I’ve been watching for almost 10 years for all the European travel advice, cultural know-how, and recommendations. Thanks for the amazing content!
Literally just visited San Antonio on Sunday! Thanks for this video!
Thanks Jeremy. sorry i didn't have it out earlier!
@@woltersworld I still used your earlier video on San Antonio for guidance, so you were still a big help!
Me too - San Antonio is easily my favorite of the seven cities that l have toured in Texas! l hope to go there again in October.
Thank you, from a native San Antonian, for speaking so highly of our fair city! Sometimes, as a resident, we forget what an interesting place we live in! Thank you for the reminder!
Next time you are here, don't forget to ride the Brackenridge Eagle!
LOL I am always hearing our local news saying "if you want to save on money for traveling, plan a staycation here" with good reason lol.
Nice video Mike. We're going on our first USA road trip in 2 months and (new orleans, texas, route 66, LV, LA) and your videos have been a huge help!!
Carry concealed if you're walking in New Orleans or Las Vegas.
Your permit's no good in California so good luck.
Great job! You are one of my favorite travel channels, and I am so happy to see you reviewing SA.
Lived here all my life and one tip I’d give is if you do want to drive into downtown you can park at Rivercenter mall and walk everywhere .. including the river Walk and to the Alamo very easily.
after all of these years you FINALLY did my city!
I've been a few times, just hadnn't filmed. now we have the video proof :) i will be back again later this year too for a conference
You said there was a Tex Mex restaurant right across the street from where your standing. That would be Taco Haven. I grew up in this neighborhood. I still live in SA and have wonderful memories of that area. I love my city.
I am a baseball fan and if it is baseball season, catching a San Antonio Missions game was fun.. it's been awhile for me, but they had "roasted corn" full ears of corn roasted in the husk.. the husk pulled back and butter and chili powder or salt all over it.. wrapped with newspaper to keep you clean. maybe that doesn't exist anymore, but it's one of my favorite memories from San Antonio.. the amazing hispanic culture mixed in with Texas.. because you can also get a bbq sandwich at the game (although neither are on my heart health diet at this time :()
Im from here in htown. I just read that the Sugarland skeeters are changing thier name to space cowboys. Are u fking kidding me. 😆 dumbest name I've ever heard.
i will try to hit up a game on my next visit
I used my mobility scooter to get from my hotel to the tourist area of San Antonio. It can be a narrow path for a scooter by the Riverwalk, finding an elevator to it can be a pain, and not long after you leave the tourist area the sidewalks are suboptimal for mobility scooter use.
Same problems with a stroller! Can be risky with small kids because there is no railing on the edge of the sidewalk keeping little ones from tumbling right into the river
While in New Braunfels don't forget to stop in at Gruene hall and the shops in Gruene.
That,s true.
Nice video Wolter, saw your Italy videos to prep and it's cool to see you did my home city. Love San Antonio.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I live in Seguin. The river walk is a must see as a few years ago they really updated it. LOTS of good food.
You are so correct! As. A Texan I’ve been to San Antonio many times and I always learn something new!!
It’s cool to see someone as excited as you are about my home town.
Great suggestions!
Going to an historic city and ONLY checking one attraction is akin to going to San Francisco ONLY to look at the Golden Gate Bridge and then saying goodbye. ✌
And we have great fishing too. Canyon Lake, Brauning lake and Calaveras lake. I like to go camping at Garner State park
Mark! It's so awesome to see your take on my town. I would love to show you around some of the more hidden gems around; there are so many throughout our massive land area. But you covered it so well.
Thank you. I will be back in September for a conference, so puffy tacos and more spots always sound like fun
I loved that you take the time to go into details about each trip. I'm also happy you visited my country, Belize. ❤
The coolest thing about the Riverwalk is that my school lights up two weeks before theirs because the river starts at my school (University of the Incarnate Word). My school has a huge event about it, called Light the Way. So that is another thing to go to when visiting San Antonio!! It's been going on for 30 years now!
I love, love, love the Botanical Gardens here!
From SA! Thanks for the kind words. Definitely a lot to do!
It's clear Wolters has an appreciation for San Antonio and the unique things it offers this country. Thanks for seeing it the way a lot of us who live here and love it see it! Now, I need to go to the mercado and get myself a new leather belt.
I'm born/bred in San Antonio Texas. Thank you for talking about my beautiful wonderful city!
Thank you! I love it every time i go
That's crazy I was there around the same time you was ! I loved the river walk Im surprised you didn't talk about the boat ride on the river !
Great info as always Mark👍
Thanks Bubba!
Love watching people enjoy The Village. Thanks.
As I been living here for 12 years and still am I just wanted to put out there that our San Antonio Tower is available to go up to the top and there's restaurants and shops inside and you can look out and it's just like the coolest thing ever so definitely you will definitely want to stop by
I miss San Antonio I was born and raised there. I go there regularly to visit family. Miss Barbacoa & Big Red on weekends.
Just moved to north SA and love it here! Thanks for the tips as always! Love watching your all of your vids! ❤️
Welcome to SA from a SA resident! :-)
thank you Natalia! Cool that you just moved there. Wonderful place.
Oh my gosh!!! The missions were my favorite thing about San Antonio! My husband was attending a conference and we stayed at a hotel on the Riverwalk so we saw the Alamo and the attractions nearby but I took off in the rental car to visit those beautiful missions. Love love LOVE the missions!
Born and raised in San Antonio. Thank you for spotlighting it's beauty 💖💖
3:02 Windcrest, Texas during Christmas is a must-do!
You are awesome! I like the positive spin you put on the dont's.. way to go! Great work!
born and raised in SATX, my family has been here since mid 1850s, and this video made me want to visit San Antonio. good job
Ah my hometown!! Few of my favorite places,
Nightlife- Howl at the moon
Walkability- Southtown, King William district here, don’t miss the growing Blue Star district!
Food- The Pearl, don’t miss Southerleigh for dinner, Lick for dessert, and Local Coffee.
New Braunfels- Tubing capital of the word in the summer, don’t Miss the famous and MASSIVE Wurstfest in fall for German culture/food.
I lived in San Antonio as a kid. We had many many field trips to the missions and to the Alamo. I was probably too young to truly appreciate it...so time to go back!
Thank you for such an awesome homage to my hometown!!! 💯
Thanks Charles!
Just in time. We'll be there the first week of February. Thanks
I lived in San Antonio for over three years. I loved it! Fiesta was such a fun time! I went to Henry’s every week
Awesome!
MY first time at the Alamo, I wore an Ozzy Osborne Shirt, I actually have a pics of myself infront of it waring said shirt.
So true! The Missions are sweet!!! Dude, what a great video and tips! I've lived here for 8 years, I'm reinvigorated to explore my neighborhood!
Great tips! Looks like I'll be there during Fiesta 2022!
I’m just wondering where you got those tacos??? That salsa verde looked amazing.
My method is taking a big sip of the salsa cup, then taking a bite😂
I am coming for my first time in January. I appreciate your tips. I am not driving and am a senior, so excursions have to be with in walking distance or available thru alternative transportation
YOU are SO amazing !!!! I love watching you :) thank you so much for sharing all your trips with us ! :) stay safe !
I once visited Sa when I was young,will go back soon
Appreciate you showing love to my city🙏🏼 and loved your NOLA video too man
By the way my high school and elemtary school are right next to the King Williams area and we got to be apart of a lot of the fiesta parades and stuff because my schools are historical figures for the city
I did a Summer Camp in 2001 out in the Hill Country. Did a weekend away to Fredericksburg (lovely) and frequent weekends to San Antonio itself. Spoilt myself on my last night in San Ant and stayed at the Emily Morgan - BEAUTIFUL!
I was there a few years ago, but never tried the puffed up tacos. I will definitely try it the next time I'm there. It looks scrumptious. Thanks for sharing this video!😊❤😊
Oh they are!
I'm a local San Antonio guy, and I'm a tour guide. Excellent job on the video, and yes, the MISSIONS are a great place to visit. I thought it was a little funny the way you pronounced 'New Braunfels'... (a lot of people mispronounce it) it's "New Brawn-Fuls"
I am glad I am not the only one to notice that. People also mispronounce Gruene too lol. You say it just like the word 'green' lol.
just subscribed i am soo happy i found this video :) you're an amazing story teller i started binge watching your videos.. very informative knowlegeable and fun!!! :) i will show this video to my mom too
Thank you
My home city! I’m so happy you made this video :)
I highly encourage a visit to the missions. They are a beautiful part of history and less than an hour away from down town.
Thry are historical sites and also active parishes. Do not miss the aquaduct
My wife and I had our honey moon in San Antonio Tx. We actually toured the missions and walk around old town. Had an amazing dinner on the river walk. We also toured the local parks. As a native of Texas San Antonio is one of favorite hangout spots. When I lived with my wife in San Marcos Texas. We would hit up New Braunfels Schlitterbahn waterpark during the hot Texas summers. I agree with you it’s an absolutely wonderful park to go and play lots to do lots to see. Here’s a story for you I actually had to shut down part of the waterslide that I just came off of cause my glasses fell off my face. It was a fun and exciting day not so much for the other patrons. Yes you must visit Buc ee’s if you’re in Texas especially in that area. Back in the summer 2015 I had a job where I delivered pharmaceutical drugs to nursing homes as well as equipment later tonight. I could always count on Buc ee’s in that area for restroom coffee in late night snacks as well as the other Buc ee’s within the Texas area. I’ll end it with us Texas has a unique culture/history.There’s lots to do in the state if you don’t mind the constant driving you will find something to suit your taste and needs.
There's much more to SA than just things central to downtown. We enjoy going out west to swim in the Medina river. We enjoy camping up at Canyon lake. Pearsall Park has acres upon acres of hiking, great play and exercise equipment, a great splashpad, dog parks, etc.
As a local this is like one of the only good San Antonio travel videos I've ever seen
Our City is a great city.....as for Tex-Mex we have 1000's of them. Hydrate, hydrate in the summer.! Thanks for the video
As a San Antonio native, I thank Mr. Wolters for his review. It was both exhilarating and entertaining. Well done, Sir
You didn’t mention that the SA zoo has awesome margaritas, a brand new train and the Japanese tea gardens. Also hemisfair park is worth having pizza at. Don’t forget about devils river distillery. Visiting the mokara spa off the river is worth it or Hiatus spa at Pearl.
The Pearl area is a must!! It’s the nicest and newest part of the River Walk, Southerleigh Brewery is amazing, which is connected to the Emma Hotel and Farmer’s market on the weekends! All at the Pearl. And if you’re feeling a little crazy come check out the Bakery Pub in Lytle! It’s just south of SA. We have a cool vibe and some amazing craft beer!! Great video man!
This video is making me homesick for Texas!
San Antonio is such a great place. Texas too!
Don't forget Morgan's Wonderland - A theme park designed for everybody but especially for people with disabilities but it is open for everyone. those with disabilities get free admission.
Dont forget to see the Spurs.
You can also get a dinner cruise, but you need to book ahead.
Splashtown is now permamently closed.
Don't forget to see the UTSA Roadrunners football during college football season
thank you for the heads up about Morgans!
Morgan's is a lot of fun for kids of all ages/sizes!! Great suggestion
Planning a trip and this video was very helpful. Any thoughts about going to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo?
Come have fun here in San Antonio! Also don’t forget to try Texas barbecue: it is delicious with an emphasis on the beef! That’s no lie about downtown parking. Check to make sure your hotel has a parking garage and also how much they charge. I might also recommend the Tower of the Americas. A neat tower with a bar and restaurant at its top. Also downtown is the River Center Mall a big mall with an IMAX theater in it. The cathedral light show is on certain nights check to see when things have been a little crazy with the lockdowns. Everything is open now but you still might check by phone with each place to check on their restrictions or hours. Hope you come see us soon!
Love my city--Viva San Antonio. Don't forget the San Pedro Creek Cultural River Passage. It's very cool, lots of murals, and a cool waterfall too. We have so much in our city.
This is great, thank you so much for your wonderful explanation and your passion for the city.
San Antonio has some great music! Jazz Tx and Sam’s Burger Joint. Both near the Pearl.
If you’re drive to New Braunfels ( pronounced new Bron-fulls) tube the Comal river, it’s about a two hour float and it’s really relaxing
As a local you pretty much covered the basics on what to see and visit. And you are correct when you said about the food options. Don’t only stick to down town SA. The pearl offers excellent food options and family friendly atmosphere that you have to see to believe. If you love animals and bringing them with you on your trip, that would be an excellent place to let them
Roam and play.. Hemisphere park is one of the parks I enjoy a lot, small, pet friendly and very enjoyable when you are winding down on your day and just need somewhere to relax and chill..
San Antonio native here... you nailed the review
Lived there for 4 years. Mi Tierra downtown, but not on the riverwalk is really good Tex Mex
I'm from San Antonio I high recommend go to Shotgun House Coffee Roasters they have great coffee there and such a lovely atmosphere
Great presentation, well done, Thank you!
Thanks Dean