When it comes to romance, San Antonio seems to know how to make anyone swoon. According to a study by Amazon, the Alamo City was ranked the #1 “Most Romantic City in America” in 2017! This award comes as no surprise to us. The romance of the Spanish architecture, the spiciness of the Hispanic influence, and a dash of German charm give this city an old-world kind of magic.
If you want to share this city with someone you love, we have more than a few suggestions. San Antonio holds something different for every kind of date. Morning or evening, active or slow-paced, quirky or classic, make your date memorable with one of these fresh Alamo City ideas.
1. Two-Step at Gruene Hall | Hill Country
Image Courtesy of the Gruene Hall Facebook Page
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned Texas date, two-stepping to live music at Gruene Hall is an absolute must. As the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall is a practically legendary concert and country dancing venue located just up the road in New Braunfels, TX. The historic small town has plenty of Hill Country charm, and the dance hall draws in big-name artists like George Strait, among others! You and your date can dance the night away at this classic Texas gem, and afterward take a stroll under the cafe lights or by the Comal River.
2. Try some San Antonio BBQ | Various SA Locations
Image Courtesy of Two Bros. BBQ Market
For diehard, hardcore, barbecue-lovin Texans, nothing says “a romantic evening” like baby back ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and burnt ends. Try one of these local favorite spots and let us know who does barbecue best in San Antonio!
3. Shop at the Farmers Market | Central San Antonio
Image Courtesy of the Pearl Farmers Market Facebook Page
Located on the front lawn of the bustling Pearl Brewery complex, The Pearl Weekend Market is open on Saturdays (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) and Sundays (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM), rain or shine. The locals-only market (all 45+ vendors are located within a 150-mile-radius) is hands-down San Antonio’s most iconic fresh food venue, selling vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, baked goods, locally produced cheeses, olive oils, and a diverse selection of prepared foods and treats. You and your date can peruse the unique offerings and buy some farm-fresh ingredients to cook with together!
4. Get in touch with your inner child at The DoSeum | Central San Antonio
Image Courtesy of The Doseum’s Twitter
The Doseum isn't just for kids! San Antonio’s new children’s museum offers hands-on fun for kids and grown-ups alike. Plus, the museum has occasional “ReDo Recess” nights, where anyone 21+ can explore the exhibits while enjoying adult beverages. Check their events calendar for dates and tickets! The quirky exhibits are sure to bring a unique dose of fun to your day or evening.
5. Cozy up with a glass of wine or whiskey | Southtown
Image Courtesy of Nicole De Khors
If you’re looking for a locally acclaimed “hangout spot”, Candlelight Coffeehouse, Halcyon, and Lowcountry (touted as “the sweetest lil bar in Southtown”) are a few must-visits in the Southtown area. The crowds are low-key, the drinks are tasty, and the atmospheres are cozy. These are great spots for an intimate conversation or a low-key evening.
6. Relax in the Ocho Lounge | Downtown San Antonio
Image Courtesy of Hotel Havana
Recently voted one of "The World's Most Gorgeous Glass Restaurants", Hotel Havana’s Ocho Lounge encompasses the old-world charm of San Antonio and the luxurious, lush vibes of its Cuban namesake. Located in Downtown San Antonio, this eatery is also a glass conservatory overlooking the River Walk. Velvety, rich textures, jewel tones, and bright accents offset the equally gorgeous menu and offerings. Stop in for tapas and drinks (and stay for the velvet couches).
7. Staycation at a High-Class Hotel | Various SA Locations
Image Courtesy of Hotel Emma’s Facebook Page
No matter how much San Antonio expertise you’ve accumulated as a resident, we’re willing to bet the “staycation” is still a novel experience. Seeking refuge at a hotel in your own city offers the relaxation of a vacation (but without the hassle of travel time). Several area hotels offer the opportunity for such lavish accommodation, featuring extravagant design, thoughtful details, and prime locations near excellent area dining and entertainment. Located in downtown San Antonio, Hotel Valencia offers the classic luxury hotel experience. Alternately, Hotel Emma and Hotel Havana may draw in those seeking the boutique hotel experience, while the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa will appeal to anyone interested in tranquil countryside views.
8. Peruse the arts on First Friday or Second Saturday | Southtown
Image Courtesy of the Blue Star Arts Complex Facebook Page
If you’ve never been to Southtown, you are seriously missing out. Known for its emerging art scene, trendy restaurants and bars, and unique vibe, we think Southtown is best experienced during First Friday or Second Saturday, when galleries and artists open their doors to the public. Experience live music, dramatic performances, film screenings, music, and food over many blocks. Most festivities take place between 6:00 to 10:00 PM.
9. Soak up some history on The Mission Reach | South San Antonio
Image Courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority
Though the San Antonio River Walk has historically been limited to a 2.5-mile loop in the middle of the city, recent improvement projects have seriously expanded the reach of this favorite local attraction! Perhaps the most romantic walk in the city, The Mission Reach trail is sure to wow nature and history lovers alike. The trail features the natural ecosystem and wildlife of the area, as well pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and access to views of four old Spanish missions (Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada). Explore the trails at sunset for an extra dose of old-world beauty.
10. Smell the roses (and sip mimosas) at the Botanical Garden | Central San Antonio
Image Courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens Facebook Page
If you enjoy natural beauty even a little bit, the San Antonio Botanical Garden will have you swooning (Southern Living even named the San Antonio Botanical Garden as one of The South’s Best Botanical Gardens in March 2017!). This San Antonio treasure offers 38 acres of flowers, paths, and trails. The modern architecture of the Lucile Halsell Conservatory will captivate you, while the Japanese garden will transport you across continents. When you’re finished taking in all the scenery, you can stop in for a bite at Anne Marie’s Carriage House Bistro. Besides delicious food, this peaceful spot offers build-your-own mimosas!
11. Go back in time at Jazz TX | Central San Antonio
Image Courtesy of Jazz TX
A richly elegant, yet soulful live music club, Jazz TX is somehow both brand new and decades-old at the same time. This recent addition to the Pearl (that opened its doors in 2016), this jazz club will sweep you back in time, transporting you and your date to the velvet-and-bourbon romance of a bygone era. To see for yourself, we encourage you to make reservations because J azz TX usually boasts sold-out shows!
12. Brunch like a champion | Various SA Locations
Image Courtesy of Ocho Lounge
Whether you’re on your way to a day filled with activities or recovering from that crazy night of dancing (or maybe just trying to wrangle the kids to bed), brunch is the weekend hero we all need. If you’re looking for a morning date, we highly recommend checking out our favorite San Antonio brunch spots and sweeping your date off his-or-her sleepy feet! (Pro Tip: for a unique morning cocktail, start with Monte Vista Milk Punch at Barbaro: rye, allspice rum, simple syrup, rice milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg.)
San Antonio’s date ideas are practically endless...these are just a few to get you started! No matter your age, relationship, or interests, this city has something beautiful in store for you and your loved one.
As a group of specialized agents obsessed with our beautiful city, we’d love to show you the ins and outs of San Antonio. Contact an expert agent and connect with a lender to see what you can afford! Plus, we’ll hook you up with our exclusive Buyer’s Guide (with important insights and tips specific to San Antonio). We’d love to answer any questions and show you around our one-of-a-kind city.
