Last year we put together a 10-item bucket list of things you needed to do in San Antonio in 2016. Even if you didn’t complete all 10, 2017 is another year to try new things and explore the Alamo City. To kick it off right, here’s a list of things to put on your San Antonio bucket list:
1. Be a Tourist
If you’re looking for something new to do in the city, sometimes it helps to take a look at it through the eyes of a tourist. In San Antonio, the biggest tourist attraction is, of course, The Alamo. However, there is more to the Alamo Historic Plaza than the mission. Start by taking a tour of the Mission San Antonio de Valero and take lots of pictures to share on social media. Then, do some shopping and exploring around the plaza museums, memorials, and stores.
2. Get Outside
There are so many beautiful spots to enjoy the great outdoors in San Antonio. Make it your New Year’s resolution to walk the San Antonio River from the Blue Hole to the missions (not just the downtown loop). Enjoy one of the many hiking spots or take your dog for a day out at the dog park. No matter where you decide to go, get outside and moving this coming year.
3. Attend a Festival (or two or three or four…)
San Antonio hosts tons of festivals throughout the year. Pick at least one to experience in 2017 to see what they’re all about; however, it will be more fun and interesting to go to several throughout the year or month and compare your favorites. We post about the best festivals every season, so keep an eye out for the latest updates.
4. Take a Road Trip
The Alamo City is in a great location for taking some road trips. Thrillist lists 10 of the best road trips for you to take this coming year. Many of them include places to go tubing or down natural water slides, such as New Braunfels and Canyon Lake. If you’re a little less outdoorsy, take a road trip to amazing barbecue, breweries, or antique shopping.
5. Declare Your Favorites in the Many Food Wars
We take our food seriously in San Antonio. It’s time you declare your allegiance in the many food wars taking place in the city. Between the puffy tacos, barbecue, food trucks, and more, you should taste them all and then let the world know who your favorites are.
6. Cheer at a Football Game
There’s nothing like football in Texas. Whether it’s high school, college, or professional, cheer on the home team at a game in 2017. Root for the Roadrunners at the University of Texas, the Warriors minor professional team, and the multitude of high school and pop warner teams.
7. See the Bats
Head down to Camden Street and the I-35 bridge to see one of San Antonio’s renowned sites. Just before sunset a cloud of 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from under the bridge to hunt for insects up to 50 feet in the air. It really is an amazing sight to see this coming year.
8. Go Bar Hopping
Have you heard of the 4 in Southtown? If not, it’s the perfect bar- and restaurant-hopping location in San Antonio. The Alamo, Pereida, Presa, and St. Mary’s streets form a four shape and have plenty of delicious spots to choose from. Some recommendations include B&D Ice House, The Friendly Spot, and Liberty Bar.
9. Listen to Music
Whether you’re going to the Tobin Center for a concert, the Tejano Conjunto Festival, or the spot where Willie Nelson started his career, the city is full of music. Pick your favorite style and there’s sure to be a performance happening somewhere in the city.
10. Go Shopping
We’ve already published a bunch of lists on the best places to go shopping in San Antonio. Instead of shopping at big chain stores, go local and support the community economy. Check out some of our previous articles for ideas.
