Last month for Bucket List Mondays we headed south to check some items off your San Antonio Duty Station Bucket List. San Antonio is home to 80,000 active duty personnel according to the San Antonio Current. With so many military families in the heart of Texas Hill Country, how could we not feature it on our Bucket List Monday?!?!
San Antonio, TX
Having been stationed in Texas for 3.5 years, we have taken many trips to San Antonio (even our mini-moon!) but most of these recs come from spouses who were stationed in San Antonio themselves, even our very own Spouse SERVE co-founder, Brittany! I've broken these recommendations down into two categories: inside the city limits and day/weekend trips.
inside the city limits:
First is the Pearl, recommended by Space Force spouse, Sabrina! "The Pearl has it all: delicious food, quaint shops, farmers markets, grassy lawn, splash pad, ice cream you'll dream about AND free parking. It's a great place for a date night or fun family outing."
Next, is Brackenridge Park! This park is so big it feels like you could spend a week there and not do it all. It is home to the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, a train, golf course, walking trails, playgrounds, a driving range, grills/picnic areas, a community center, softball fields, the Witte Museum, & the San Antonio Zoo.
Brittany & her family loved the zoo. "They have plenty of animals to say hi to, including the famous Fiona the hippo who is incredibly friendly....The zoo also frequently hosts events and themes – they annually have a dinosaur event with static displays and animatronic dinosaurs – so fun for the kiddos! Perhaps what makes the experience so unique is that it is adjacent to the Kiddie Park, which has small amusement rides in a corralled area." If that doesn't make you want to plan a trip to the zoo, I don't know what will!
One of the other favorites for that area is the Witte Museum. My husband and I visited the Witte on our mini-moon and it is still my favorite museum to date! Sabrina says "The Witte held a special place in our heart. We were able to learn so much about Texas ecology and state history at the Witte. Its also located on the San Antonio River and just off Brackenridge Park."
I think Pearsall Park is one of Brittany's faves! "It has everything you need for a warm summer day – a thorough splash pad, a double decker park, swings, bathrooms, hiking trails, and ice cream trucks to satisfy that magonada craving. Pearsall Park has hours of entertainment for the whole family!"
Cap off a full day in the city with a trip to Beto's Alt-Mex. "Tucked away in downtown San Antonio, Beto’s is great place for couples and families. The outdoor seating has coverings to keep the sun off you. There are outdoor games such as checkers and even a small playground for the children. On Fri and Sat nights, they have live music. Not only is the environment awesome, but the food is also incredible. They have taco plates, eight different types of empanadas, street food, and my favorite – sweet empanadas! Grab your family, grab a chair, and enjoy the music with a side of Banana Empanada with Leche Quemada & Pecans!" I trust her food recs, she had a whole Duty Station Bucket List for food while they were in San Antonio.
Of course you can't forget the Alamo! This goes without saying but if you have never been to the Alamo, you need to go and experience it at least once. Just try to go on a cooler day because it is all outside in the Texas heat.
And don't forget the Alamo!
day/weekend trips:
Starting with Natural Bridge Caverns! Milso Sabrina raves and says the "cave is beautiful and has a great, informative tour." She even suggested you check your on installation tickets/travel office for discounted tickets! Win-win!
Next up is Guadalupe River State Park about an hour outside San Antonio. Warm water to swim, float, or wade in and gorgeous scenery, what is not to love? Its the perfect place to relax on on hot Texas day!
And finally - if you can make it out to Fredericksburg you need to plan at least one weekend there! Texas Hill Country is stunning to say the least. There are places to go peach picking, fantastic restaurants, and the coolest places to stay along with so many other unique Texas finds. You won't be disappointed.
Check back in November for our next Bucket List Monday!
Julia