San Antonio Hot Spots and Recreation
Ranked the 7th largest city in the United States, San Antonio is considered a great place to live, work, and play. When it comes to recreation and hot spots, the city offers a variety of amenities.
With a climate that gives residents the ability to enjoy the outdoors the majority of the year, its no wonder that San Antonio has so many options for outdoor recreation. Possibly best known as the home of both Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World, San Antonio’s theme parks don’t stop there. In addition to these theme park giants, residents also enjoy beating the heat at Splash Town, or spending the day at Morgan’s Wonderland, the first ever Ultra-Accessible Family Fun Park in the world. For a more relaxed outing, San Antonio offers over 240 public parks covering over 14,500 acres of parkland. The largest of these public parks, Brackenridge Park, has welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. With nearly 350 acres, Brackenridge Park is packed with outdoor activities, and is home to the San Antonio Zoo.
A popular outdoor activity for many locals, golf is a prevalent past time. With 56 golf courses throughout the city, golf enthusiasts have the ability to perfect their game just about anywhere. Among these courses is the TPC golf course, located at The JW Marriott on the far north side of town. Managed and operated by PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, TPC San Antonio features 36 holes designed by golf course architects Pete Dye and Greg Norman, two of the world’s most talented and respected golf course architects. Other golf course hot spots include Sonterra, Fair Oaks Ranch, The Dominion, and The Quarry Golf Club.
After a full day of recreation, hunger is sure to strike. Known for its delicious Tex-Mex fare, San Antonio boasts of not only terrific Mexican food restaurants, but a variety of cuisines. The second most visited attraction, The River Walk, invites diners to experience a variety of culinary fare while feeling the cultural ambiance of local dining favorites. Azuca, Boudros, and Paesanos can be found on the River Walk and have been ranked by locals as some of the best restaurants in the city.
Not on The River Walk, but a San Antonio landmark no less, Mi Tierra is an emblem of Latino heritage and pride. Founded in 1941, this 24-hour Tex Mex café has grown from three tables to seating over 500. With over 150 varieties of tequila, Mi Tierra is perfect for a dinner out or a special celebration. Some other examples of San Antonio’s Tex Mex hot spots are Jacala, Los Barrios, La Fogata, Rosarios, Paloma Blanca, and Tommy’s. And, while one would not think a drive through could be a hot spot, San Antonions know that Las Palapas, Taco Cabana, and burger joint, Whataburger, all open 24-hours, are definitely on the list of local favorites.
Located just north of Downtown, and home to some of the best restaurants in the city, the newest hot spot, The Pearl Brewery, combines shopping, living and dining. With a choice of over 14 award-winning restaurants, The Pearl offers diners a modern dining experience with top quality chefs and innovative “mixologists” at the bar. Americana, BBQ, Italian, Latin, Seafood, or Comfort food- at The Pearl, whatever you are craving is probably offered. Adding a bit of neighboring city Austin’s laid-back flair, eateries such as The Friendly Spot, The Cove, Alamo Street Eats, and La Tuna have become popular with San Antonio locals. These restaurants offer casual dining with food made from locally grown ingredients and an eclectic mix of craft beers and unique menu selections. As a bonus, dog lovers can delight in the fact that at most of these hot spots, dogs are welcomed guests too.
Of course, what is a city of over 1.3 million people without appealing to its residents’ finer taste in cuisine? With many upscale restaurants to choose from all over the city, high-end diners have their pick. Some local favorites include Brazilian Steak house, Chama Goucha, Southwest eatery, Boudros, seafood and steak house, The Fig Tree, and steak house, Silo.
When locals are looking for a night on the town, there are several hot spots they turn to. Of course The Riverwalk offers a vibrant nightlife, but hot spot bars and clubs are located through out the city. Those looking for a live music show often frequent country music venues Floor’s Country Store, Cowboy’s Dance Hall, and Gruene Hall. These traditional country dance halls attract some of the biggest acts in country music, but are open for boot scootin’ and two-steppin’ regularly. For those seeking rock, The White Rabbit, Nightrocker, and The Korova are known as the go-to venues. Adding to the variety, Sam’s Burger Joint features a variety of acts from poetry slams to country, rap to big band. And, not leaving out the Latino flair that embodies San Antonio, salsa music hot spots include Arjon’s, Salud, and Grand Agave. Locals looking to forego the music venue scene may elect to go to one of the many wine bars the city has to offer, including Copa, Zinc, Max’s Wine Dive, and SoHo, or may enjoy an evening of cheering on their favorite sports teams at The Ticket or Freetail. And, while most locals love cheering on their beloved Spurs in front of a big screen, they would rather be cheering them on live at the AT&T center- which of course is the premier hot spot during basketball season.