San Antonio’s colonial influence isn’t just part of its history, it’s ingrained in the everyday life of the city, as well. From historical suburban neighborhoods and cultural museums to local breweries and shops, San Antonio has plenty of unique spots influenced by the city’s past. Check out these San Antonio neighborhoods that incorporate both old and new and continue to be favorites among the locals.
Downtown
Looking for the best strip of the 15-mile long River Walk? Downtown is your hood. Five miles of the commercially developed stretch of the San Antonio River flows through downtown, and restaurants, shops, and bars can all be found along its banks. In addition to this top attraction, downtown also boasts Market Square, a three-block outdoor plaza and the largest Mexican market in the U.S. It’s located just a few blocks off of the River Walk and hosts many traditional Mexican festivals throughout the year.
HIstory buff? Well, get ready to have history in your backyard when you live downtown because it’s home to The Alamo. The La Villita Historic Arts Village, a square block of cultural art and shops listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is also located downtown. Notable cultural spots downtown include the Briscoe Western Art Museum, Tobin Center for Performing Arts, and the San Fernando Cathedral.
Alamo Heights
Home to a shopper’s paradise, a stunning modern art museum, and two massive green spaces, Alamo Heights has a little something for everyone. Brackenridge Park, which sits at the southern edge of Alamo Heights, houses the San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, and plenty of walking trails. It’s rivaled by Olmos Basin, a public park with baseball/softball, soccer, and football/rugby fields, plus grassy picnic areas, walking trails, and ample oak trees. If outdoors aren’t your thing, this neighborhood also features the McNay Art Museum. Housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival residence, this museum boasts a collection of pieces from artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Jackson Pollack, and Vincent van Gogh.
Locals hit up the Alamo Quarry Market for all their shopping, dining, and entertainment fixes. This 580,000 square-foot, open-air complex market offers more than a dozen dining options, boasts 60 shopping destinations, and hosts farmers markets and events throughout the year. Check out the rest of this hood’s (though, technically it’s its own city!) hot spots along Broadway Street, the main drag.
King William
Both a residential gem and a hipster art enclave, King William sits just south of downtown San Antonio. Cafes, art galleries, and a view of the San Antonio River make this hood an ideal living destination. Blue Star Contemporary was the first, and now the longest-running, space in the city for showcasing contemporary art, and it’s located right on the river in King William. Just west of Blue Star is SoFlo Market, a shopping destination for local, handmade products.
Take a walking tour of the historic, 19th century homes in the neighborhood that have been renovated by young professionals. Breweries are scattered throughout King William, with notable ones being Blue Star Brewing Company, which has a killer food menu and 100% organic brews, and Lone Star Brewery, which hosts a variety of festivals and concerts throughout the year on their massive grounds. The neighborhood’s food and drink options are led by the historic Guenther House, coffee shops like White Elephant Coffee Company, and bars like St. Francis.
Eastside Promise-Dignowity
East of downtown and spanning many city blocks, the Eastside Promise-Dignowity neighborhood is your entertainment hub. AT&T Center, home to the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Stars (WNBA), and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, sits on the eastern edge of this hood, and The Rock Box, a popular live music venue, borders the neighborhood to its west. The nearby Carver Community Cultural Center celebrates African-American heritage and culture through live music, dance, and theater performances and community outreach.
Along E. Houston Street is where you’ll find Alamo City Music Hall, a warehouse-style music venue for all types of music. Directly across the street, you’ll discover Tucker’s Kozy Korner, a local favorite for fried chicken and waffles, burgers, and live music in a more intimate setting. A stroll down E. Houston will also lead you to Dignowity Meats, a crowd pleaser known for their smoke meats, patio dining, and craft beers.
Pearl-Broadway Cultural Corridor
It’s hard to live in San Antonio and not visit The Pearl district often. Located just north of downtown, this neighborhood also shares a border with Alamo Heights. The crown jewel of this area, The Pearl Brewery, is more than just a place for grabbing beers; the brewery has transformed this portion of the city into a go-to spot for nightlife, salsa dancing, dining, arts and culture, and more. The site of a year-round farmers market, the Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, and more than 20 bars, restaurants, and shops, The Pearl has turned into a cultural hub for this city.
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*Featured image courtesy of The Alamo Facebook.
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