One of the most culturally rich cities on the planet is where you least expect it.
To be frank, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves despite being one of America’s largest cities.
Whether that’s because the powerhouse of Austin overshadows it, or because locals are too down-to-earth to go showboating — well, beyond their famous River Walk boats — is another question entirely…
But the truth is, I’ve been coming to San Antonio for decades and have now made it a point to visit every year after a multi-year gap that honestly made me forget how much I love it.
Despite living on the West Coast just 15 minutes from the Mexican border, the proudly-preserved culture and traditions of this immaculate city draw me back like a Looney Tunes magnet, reeling me in from the paradise of San Diego to the riverfront maze of the “Alamo City”.
Though there are some incredibly rich (and free) experiences from Pow Wow dancing to ceremonies deep-diving into how the Alamo came to be, this year, I came back for Fiesta — an 11-day citywide festival that transforms San Antonio into a celebration bigger than Mardi Gras with over 100 distinct events.
And without having to disappoint your parents for a pair of dollar-store beads…
Though it quite literally “rained on our parade” — a rarity for a place boasting 300+ days of sunshine each year — the city I’ve always claimed to be more fun than Vegas, more “Texan” than Austin, and even more festive and vibrant than some cities in Mexico, a downpour couldn’t stop us from joining the chorus of “Viva Fiesta!”.
Viva Fiesta! San Antonio’s Spring Staple
Ever heard the phrase “it takes a village”?
Yeah, that’s why I don’t want kids…
But San Antonio is the biggest city you’ll ever visit that has somehow held onto its small-town feel, where everyone seems to know each other and nobody grabs their phone just to avoid making eye contact.
Fiesta is a remarkable over-century tradition, often mistaken for a pageantry — with figures like Miss Fiesta and Rey Feo taking center stage, but that’s only one layer.
First held way back in 1891 when the Alamo was still in its prime, not undergoing renovations as it is now.
It takes over 75,000 volunteers for the show to go on for Fiesta — what feels like a fun-filled block party scattered around from the River Walk to the Pearl and, of course, historic Market Square.
Over 100 events, as well as more than 100 organizations, are involved to keep one of America’s most festive cities pumping for 11 straight days, rain or shine, for the most part.
Somewhere in the middle of all the parades, medals, and nonstop celebrations, you’ll also hear about figures like aforementioned Rey Feo — one of Fiesta’s signature royal traditions and essentially one of the festival’s most recognizable kings, chosen through a major scholarship fundraising effort and treated like local royalty all over town.
Despite almost unheard-of bad weather canceling the river parade this year for only the second time ever, San Antonio is still a blast, with many events carrying on indoors.
But if there’s one rule of thumb to follow it’s this:
When someone belts out “Viva Fiesta!” you better respond “Viva!” right back to fit in ’round these parts.
Instead of standing on a balcony hoping to score beads and not remembering the next morning, Fiesta is fun for all ages, where one-of-a-kind medals are exchanged as if it was the original Pokémon.
So, when someone offers you a medal, feel to free to exchange your own and rock it on your hat, sash, or any article of clothing, really.
It’s all part of the fun.
Next year’s Fiesta has already been announced:
Mark your calendars for April 15 – April 25, 2027 and make sure to bring good weather with you!
Keep an eye out for these 3 exciting upcoming events too:
Prepare To Feast! I Gained 6 Pounds In 4 Days
Weighing in at 210 pounds the day before my trip, I came back home weighing 216 in a span of 4 days because it’s next to impossible to have a bad meal here, given the blend of cultures.
Let’s start with the city’s highly-anticipated new food hall that’s truly a destination unto itself:
Mexico Ceaty — emphasis on the ‘eat’.
Chef Jason Dady has done it again, this time with a sprawling food hall covering everything from café de olla for a pick-me-up, a street taco stand for a quick fix, and some of the best fajitas ever to grace my taste buds — and I grew up on Tex-Mex.
Mexico Ceaty is part food hall, part all-day hangout, and it finds itself with prime real estate on the River Walk inside the Rivercenter.
I had the pleasure of devouring meals at two restaurants founded by what San Antonians told me was their favorite “celebrity chef.”
Jason Dady’s Range, inside downtown’s Embassy Suites, could not have cooked my ribeye better.
We’ve all been to a steakhouse where it’s just a tinge off from how you ordered it and you settle anyway — not here. Medium rare meant medium rare.
My awesome server Kai also talked me into trying parisa for the first time — a Texas spin on beef tartare — and safe to say, it won’t be my last.
Here are my top 3 eats (beyond Mexico Ceaty) whether you find yourself in San Antonio for Fiesta, endless summer events, Day of the Dead come fall, or just a laid-back weekend getaway at one of numerous luxury hotels lining the River Walk:
1) Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood: 🥩
A classic dim-lit steakhouse, it’s the type of old-school digs where the lighting is low, the pours are generous, and every bite makes you briefly forget your manners because you’re too busy planning the next one.
Guilty as charged.
My New York Strip couldn’t have been more spot-on, and the biggest surprise was table-side Bananas Foster, vigorously whipped up by — no exaggeration — the best waiter I’ve had in all my travels.
Ask for Stephen Fox’s section and you’re in for a treat. Literally.
2) Mi Tierra: 🍲
Remember when I said I grew up on Tex-Mex?
There was a time in my childhood when, if I got a paper cut, I’m pretty sure enchilada sauce would’ve bled out — and that’s because San Antonio was my family’s go-to vacation spot, and every summer meant a stop at Mi Tierra.
Trying it again more than a decade later with a palate more refined than kid’s menu cheese enchiladas, I can confidently say it still lives up to the hype.
Get the menudo if you’re not afraid of the real stuff. You won’t be disappointed.
3) 🌮
Newsflash: not everything worthwhile is located downtown.
In San Antonio’s Southdown district is local favorite Rosario’s, serving up some of the best mole I’ve had in maybe…ever.
While I was badgered by my dinner patrons for ordering a “girly” CocoRita, essentially a margarita-piña colada hybrid, they’re just jealous I’m in beach mode 24/7.
Turns out it’s a great cocktail, and one Jimmy Buffett is either rolling in his grave over or preparing to haunt the restaurant for a sip.
Location Is Key: San Antonio’s Best Hotel To Experience It All
We all know a hotel can make or break a trip.
I’m happy to say The Westin Riverwalk absolutely made it.
After countless vacations here, I’ve never been merely steps away from the River Walk.
Let me rephrase that — I was on the River Walk.
A quick elevator ride downstairs, coffee run at Cafecito, and bam — I’m outside exploring up to 15 miles of the most unique waterfront in the country.
The bed was heavenly, the service top-notch, and we all know the most important aspect of any hotel — water pressure.
Let’s just say I’d like to apologize for their water bill.
Even though it rained for the majority of my trip, I did briefly make use of the rooftop pool and connecting gym that was well-equipped to offset all my steak, fajitas, and smorgasbord of cocktails.
Otherwise, those 6 pounds I gained would’ve easily been 10!
But what else can you expect in a city allowing (and encouraging) margaritas to-go?
