So you want to visit Texas with your family, but unsure where to start? San Antonio is full of Texas history and culture, as it is home to The Alamo. Mix in two theme parks (Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio), the Riverwalk, botanical gardens, insanely good food, nightlife, and children’s museums – you’ve got yourself an amazing destination for families with kids of all ages.
San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas, and for good reason. There is SO much to do here! You could spend a whole week and not see it all. This multicultural city was more than I had imagined it to be, with a bustling downtown corridor and a huge outer city to explore. The people we met were kind and inviting, and we quickly felt right at home in San Antonio.
I have compiled a list of the three A’s: Accommodations, Adventures, and Appetite! If you have any questions about San Antonio or our trip please shoot me an email!
Accommodations
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Hotel Gibbs is just 100 feet from the entrance to the iconic Riverwalk and is actually on the grounds of the original Alamo compound from 1836. This pet friendly hotel was built in 1909 as the city’s first high-rise office building – since converted into a luxurious boutique hotel.
Our corner suite overlooked The Alamo, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Our modern suite had a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a spacious bathroom, and a separate large sitting room with a pull-out couch. If you have followed my blog for any amount of time – you know how strongly I feel about a separate sitting room when traveling with kiddos!
The hotel has an amazing breakfast buffet included, and when I say amazing – I mean it! From the waffles in the shape of Texas, to the incredible spread of toppings for your breakfast tacos, and everything in between – no one in the family will go hungry. The on-site 1909 Taproom, has an all-day happy hour with $4 drink specials on all of the locally sourced wine and Texas craft beers… what a deal!
The hotel management and staff are exceptional, chatting with guests and ensuring they are having the best time. I highly recommend Hotel Gibbs for your stay in San Antonio, we miss the food and views already!
Adventures
The Alamo – You cannot come to San Antonio without visiting The Alamo. Entry to the church and grounds is FREE, yup – you heard me! Get a timed entry ticket on the website and enjoy the rich history that made Texas what it is today. We got the first entry at 9AM and had the whole place to ourselves, perks of visiting on a weekday I suppose. The grounds are breathtaking with massive live oaks and living history demonstrations. Whether you are a history buff or not, this is a great stop on your visit for everyone to experience.
GoRio Cruise – Our family took a 30-minute narrated river cruise with GoRio. Learn more about the wonders and culture of a unique American city on eco-friendly electric river boats in vibrant colors inspired by Mexican folk art. It is a great way to introduce yourself to the Riverwalk, and being 30 minutes it was the perfect length with children.
SeaWorld San Antonio – Our family has been to SeaWorld in San Diego and Orlando, so we were very excited to go to the San Antonio location! SeaWorld offers one-of-a-kind animal experiences, thrilling coasters and rides for the whole family, and several educational animal presentations. We visited on a week-day with predicted storms and felt like we had the park to ourselves (and it never rained!). Texas is hot, and SeaWorld knows this – so they have an expansive splash pad in Sesame Street Bay of Play for children and adults alike to cool down. Here you can also have character interactions during their block party, an amazing event for the whole family. There are also plenty of rides where you will end up soaked (just ask my husband).
There is always seasonal events happening, and we went during the Seven Seas Food & Drink Festival. We were able to experience food and drinks from countries around the world – and it was all delicious!
San Antonio Botanical Garden – An amazing San Antonio attraction that serves as a museum of plants, a tranquil escape, and a living classroom. Our family has been to several botanical garden’s on our travels, and San Antonio’s is by far one of the most family-friendly. With a Family Adventure Garden designed to inspire a love of nature while engaging in sensory experiences outdoors – our children fell in love with the water features and jumped in fully clothed (be more prepared than us – bring bathing suits and towels!). We happened to be there the day before they debuted their giant living sculptures, and they were absolutely beautiful!
Legoland Discovery Center / Sea LIFE Aquarium– Located in the Shops at Rivercenter, Legoland Discovery Center and Sea LIFE Aquarium are conveniently located next to each other. Sea LIFE Aquarium has beautiful exhibits and an underwater tunnel with sea turtles, sharks, and much more. There is also a play place for kids to get some energy out in the air condition.
Legoland Discovery Center has many hands-on LEGO experiences, two rides, a movie theater, and an expansive play place. It was a great place to visit and let the kids (and adults) play and build.
Lighthouse Immersive: Disney Animation – Step into the magic of the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Lighthouse Immersive: Disney Animation was probably one of the most unique experiences you can have outside of Disney itself. It is SO well done and intricate in the details and technology. You genuinely feel like a part of the movies. Sing, dance, and play for an hour through Disney Animation. Arrive early and learn how to draw some classic Disney characters! The interactive floor was also super unique and something we have never seen before.
Appetite
Gold Feather – If you enjoy great food with a no fuss, relaxed atmosphere- Gold Feather is the place for you. They know chicken, and man can they execute the dishes! I really do not think you could go wrong with anything on their menu, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Bun Mi Fried Chicken Sandwich with a cold Texan Beer. My husband was amazed at the sweet potato fries with marshmallow dip. And let’s just say my kids weren’t mad about their chicken and waffles with sprinkles for dinner!
Bakery Lorraine – Bakery Lorraine, at the Pearl, is a staple of San Antonio. From the fresh pastries, macarons, cakes, coffee, and exceptional sandwiches – we loved this location. We came for lunch and enjoyed soups, sandwiches and some delicious deserts. Everything is baked fresh that day, and it had an amazing atmosphere. After eating, explore the Pearl – with a mini splash pad, brewery, and several boutique shopping locations, this was a really fun stop.
Boudro’s – Boudro’s on the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio is a new American bistro with wood-grilled steaks, seafood, table-side guacamole, cocktails & a patio overlooking the water. Before I get into the yummy food, let me compliment our amazing server, Richard. He truly went above and beyond for our family and was accommodating to our children. Now – if you had to order one thing on the menu, get the shrimp and grits – it was fantastic (I am drooling just thinking about it). I also would suggest one of their craft cocktails, the prickly pear margarita and and mezcal mule were very refreshing! (Pro tip – make a reservation… this is a popular spot!)
Jerk Shack – A window-service Caribbean cuisine location serving authentic food. We did not get to stop by the Jerk Shack but I wanted to include it because we know several who recommended it to us. Next time we go back this is our first stop!
Burgerteca – Burgerteca is serving up Mexican-influenced burgers and sides that will knock your socks off. I would highly recommend the Tater Tots a la Mexicana and chips and queso (which I think I single handedly ate the majority of… I just couldn’t stop!). The Al Pastor burger was so good and they have excellent happy hour specials. I could go on and on about the food – but the atmosphere also needs to be discussed. Burgerteca is vibrant with color and decor that is so unique, it is worth a stop just to see it! They also have yummy ice cream, so leave room!
Until next time…
well traveled child 
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