For a place that’s long been associated with a losing battle, today’s Alamo City is a win any way you slice it. Want world-class cuisine? Affordable family fun? Rich history and tradition around every river bend? Well, mission accomplished. But first, tell us more about you.

We aren’t saying forget the Alamo completely—just remember to venture a bit south to see her less crowded sister missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada (above). You’ll need a full afternoon to hit all four, and biking the Mission Reach is the way to do it. Completed in 2013, this 8-mile extension of the River Walk includes trails, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and portals to each of the centuries-old compounds. Guided tours and religious services are offered at each location, and San José’s mariachi Mass on Sunday afternoon is a Mission City must. 

Hotel Emma:

This 19th-century brewhouse turned boutique hotel in the Pearl District boasts 146 rooms, each with historical and luxurious touches.

The Crystal River Inn:

Indulge in spa packages, murder mystery weekends, or breakfast in bed at this romantic San Marcos retreat, built in 1883.

Menger Hotel:

A few friendly ghosts take up residence at this stately 157-year-old stay, which sits adjacent to the Alamo and just steps from the River Walk. 

Witte Museum:

This Smithsonian affiliate boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of early Texas art in the state.

Fort Sam Houston:

Built in 1876, the base’s Quadrangle (free and open to the public) was once a supply depot for the U.S. Army.

Institute of Texan Cultures:
Examine the stories and traditions of Texas’ earliest settlers in Texans One and All. 

For the truest taste of San Antonio, make your way to a quiet corner of the River Walk near Pecan Street. Inside Restaurant Gwendolyn, chef Michael Sohocki’s unwavering food philosophy is on full display: All perishable items come from within 150 miles of his kitchen, a prep space that’s void of modern cooking techniques or gadgets. In a nod to pre-Industrial Revolution practices, Sohocki and his crew trade in blenders, microwaves, and deep fryers—anything with a plug—for mortars and pestles and hand-cranked meat grinders. The result? An upscale, prix-fixe menu that expertly showcases the region’s bounty.

La Gloria:

Chef Johnny Hernandez spent years researching Mexican street foods, and it shows—particularly in his rendition of a traditional tlayuda, a Oaxacan pizza. 

Feast:

The menu at this playful Southtown spot is mostly small plates, which makes it easy to share. Just please don’t touch our jack cheese mac. 

Hot Joy:

This hip locale mixes and matches Tex-Mex and Asian flavors (think tater tot chaat and smoked brisket dan dan noodles) with surprising success.

Paramour:

S.A.’s swanky—and very first—rooftop bar just turned one. Celebrate with a spicy, citrusy Jax Hammer cocktail. 

Alamo Beer Co.:

Owner Eugene Simor sold beer out of his wife’s minivan before he opened this $8 million brewery to the public last year. 

Local Coffee:

This San Antonio institution has four locations and its own roasting facility, Merit Roasting Co.

Four nights a week, the story of San Antonio is splashed across the facade of San Fernando Cathedral during a mesmerizing, 24-minute light show. San Antonio: The Saga, the brainchild of French artist Xavier de Richemont, details key historic events (like the Battle of the Alamo) and figures (from Native American chiefs to Spurs players) set to a soundtrack of church hymns, beating drums, Spanish flamenco, and twangy guitars. Shows are free and happen Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 9, 9:30, and 10.

Briscoe Western Art Museum:

This River Walk gem weaves together the stories of individuals who shaped the American West, from cowboys to Native Americans. 

McNay Art Museum:

The state’s first modern art museum houses work by van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and others. Second Thursdays feature free admission, live music, food trucks, and beer. 

Wimberley Glassworks:

Watch as artists form 2,000-degree molten glass into one-of-a-kind pieces during free glassblowing demos in this San Marcos shop.

La Villita Historic Arts Village:

This charming stretch along the river is dotted with distinctive galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Pearl District:

Architecture fiends will find plenty of eye candy at this energetic redevelopment project north of downtown.

Market Square:

Take home authentic Mexican pottery, handcrafted leather goods, and tasty treats from this three-block outdoor plaza.  

With so many things to build, solve, dream up, and discover at San Antonio’s new children’s museum, pint-size prodigies may find it difficult to, well, do it all. The DoSeum, which opened last year near Brackenridge Park, boasts two stories of hands-on, high-tech exhibits and an additional 39,000 square feet of outdoor space. Youngins can write, record, and animate their own stories using 2D and 3D elements; crack codes and access secret spaces by solving math problems in Spy Academy; and interact with a robot named Baxter. Parents, don’t feel left out: You can play too. 

Wimberley Zipline:

Cruise over canyons, creeks, and meadows in the heart of Hill Country on a series of 10 cables ranging in length from 150 to 900 feet.

Kiddie Park:

Snag a spot in line for the hand-carved carousel and the old-fashioned Ferris wheel at America’s oldest children’s amusement park.  

Morgan’s Wonderland:

This completely wheelchair-accessible theme park is the first in the world geared toward—and free for—individuals with special cognitive and physical needs. 

El Paraiso Ice Cream:

This family-run shop pumps out 10,000 tasty paletas (Mexican-style popsicles) a day.

Rio Vista Park:

Rent a tube or kayak and brave three exhilarating drops at Rio Vista Falls Dam in San Marcos.

Cascade Caverns:

Literally deep in the heart of Texas, this alluring limestone underworld stays at a cool 64 degrees year-round.