These are the absolute must-dos of this friendly Texas town. Before my family’s visit, I asked a few Texan friends and some fellow travel enthusiasts for the best of the best of San Antonio. And, I discovered a Texas treat or two along the way!

My son, Leo, climbing the stairs up to La Villita
from San Antonio’s River Walk

Here are five San Antonio experiences not to be missed, no matter how long your stay!

1) Explore River Walk
When I asked what we had to see in San Antonio, everyone but everyone suggested River Walk. After wandering along the picturesque paths lined with shops and restaurants aplenty, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular choice. Be forewarned that River Walk is not especially stroller or wheelchair accessible. (This meant a lot of stroller lugging for the hubs!)

A Travel Mama from Houston suggested we take a river taxi through the River Walk Extension to float through raising and lowering locks à la the Panama Canal. Alas, we did not have time to venture to the extension. We did, however, take a Rio San Antonio Cruise through the main waters of River Walk. The boat tour was a fun little adventure for the kids, while the entertaining commentary about San Antonio by the boat’s captain was educational for the adults. I was impressed by how San Antonio has taken such strides to preserve its history and culture over the years, rather than bulldozing over its past like so many other American cities.

One of the many San Antonio River Walk bridges

2) Try a Paleta Bar
While exploring River Walk, we asked a couple munching on popsicle-like goodies for directions. This incited my daughter to beg for ice cream. They explained the frozen treats were not ice cream but Paleta Bars, a Mexican frozen fruit dessert on a stick. The duo pointed us up the hill to Bolivar Cafe in La Villita where we could purchase some bars of our own. When locals tell me I need to taste something, I listen! These yummy all-fruit treats (in flavors like coconut, lime, strawberry, or mango) were worth the climb.

After your snack, mosey through La Villita, San Antonio’s old town, which is now a charming cluster of galleries and shops.

My daughter, Karissa, gobbling up a strawberry Paleta

3) Visit the Alamo
You can’t leave San Antonio without a visit to The Alamo, right? While it may not be as graceful as the Eiffel Tower or as awe-inspiring as the Egyptian Pyramids, there is something about visiting a place you’ve heard of your whole life. I got that sense of, “So this is the Alamo!” The Alamo was built originally as a mission and was fortified and used for military purposes over the years. I was surprised to find it smack-dab in the middle of downtown (just a couple of blocks from River Walk). I had pictured it as a lone building in the middle of the desert somewhere. 

Walk the Alamo’s lovely grounds, toss pennies for luck into a fountain, wander through the compound’s three buildings, and read about why we should “Remember the Alamo,” all for free!

Me with the kiddos at the Alamo

4) Get Tex-Mex
Every other restaurant in San Antonio seemed to specialize in Mexican cuisine. There were numerous selections along the River Walk to choose from. A famed location that we stumbled upon along the freeway after our evening flight arrival was The Alamo Café. This place was big on atmosphere, with mini rivers running throughout its interior and giant American and Texas flags draped across one wall. The highlight for my five-year-old daughter was watching the ladies in traditional Mexican garb rolling out handmade flour tortillas. They even tossed her some dough to play with!

Karissa intently watching the tortillas being made at the Alamo Cafe

5) Eat a Big Ol’ Steak
I don’t eat much red meat but I figured, when in Texas, I should eat like a Texan! I ordered a porterhouse at the upscale, yet rustic 18 Oaks at the brand-spankin’ new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The restaurant overlooks the resort’s gorgeous golf course and smells of wood burning in the hearth. They serve all local, organic grass and oat-fed beef. They may have converted me to a meat-eater. I keep daydreaming about that dang steak.

If you’re looking to splurge on a delicious steak dinner slathered in parsley garlic butter, head here! You can choose from six sauces; I sampled the blue cheese and the peppercorn. They were both so heavenly, I can’t decide which was better!

I was presented with a variety of steak knives to choose from at 18 Oaks. Hey…a great steak deserves the right knife!

What is your favorite San Antonio activity or food? Leave a comment below!

You might also like:

• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico   

• Family Fun in Texas Hill Country

• JW Marriott San Antonio – Where Luxury Combines with Good Ol’ Family Fun

• Phoenix Restaurants Worthy of Craving

A note from the Travel Mama: I stayed at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa with my family for three nights for free in preparation for an incredible giveaway that will run March 22 – April 3, 2010 on Travel Mamas. My meal at 18 Oaks was complimentary but I would never recommend a product, service, or steak I didn’t like! I will always let you know if I receive any sort of discount or complimentary goods or services related to a blog post.