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San Antonio & State Adventures
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items I’ve lived in Texas on and off since 2003 and have called San Antonio home for more than 13 years, so this collection is a mix of places I know, places I’ve enjoyed, and a few spots I think are worth checking out if you’re visiting or rediscovering t...
Sections
8
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Home Recipes
Texas Parks
San Antonio
Austin
Outdoor Activities
There’s always something to do in San Antonio and these are just some of my recommendations from outdoor activities from parks to skydiving. There’s something for everyone.
If you're looking for a family outting with the kiddos Brackenridge Park is the oasis you'll want to visit.
Home - Brackenridge Park Conservancy
This is the place for goods eats, play for the kids, and visit the Tower of Americas Hemisfair is that place. The site of the 1968 World's Fair has gotten an upgrade.
Hemisfair home of the 1968 World's Fair
The Pearl is one of favorite places in downtown San Antonio. The market is open Saturday (9am to 1pm) where you'll find fresh seasonal produce & Sunday (10am to 2pm) ulinary-inspired home goods like pottery, wood crafts, and more.
Weekend Market - Pearl
Acequia Park is an inclusive trail. They have paved bike paths, handicapped parking spaces, walking trails and water features.
Acequia Park
Trail users can view limestone bluffs, wildflower fields, stands of beautiful cottonwoods and heritage trees.
Leon Creek Greenway System
The Culebra/Helotes Creek Greenway Trail starts at the Terra Oak Trailhead and runs 2.2 miles down Helotes Creek and meets Culebra Creek. The trail continues under Loop 1604 and ties in with the trails in Culebra Creek Park.
Culebra/Helotes Creek Greenway Trail
Walk through themed gardens and visit the glass conservatory
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Explore iconic spots like the Sunken Garden Theater and Japanese Tea Garden. Solve riddles, complete fun challenges, and enjoy a flexible, self-guided walking tour that reveals hidden gems.
Scavenger Hunt: Bridge to Garden: The Brackenridge Park Clue Crawl
If you’re into adventure, I would suggest checking out the Natural Bridge Caverns. My family, and I went several years ago and had an awesome time on our chosen tour. There are different tours that you can choose from some a little more adventurous t...
Cavern Tours - Natural Bridge Caverns
If you’re truly the adventurous type, don’t pass up skydive space land. If height don’t bother you and you’re willing to jump out of a perfectly operating airplane, this may be your jam.
First Jump: Tandem Skydive Bookings (San Marcos)
Looking for a unique way to experience Texas? The Texas State Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Piney Woods aboard historic locomotives. It’s a relaxing excursion that’s perfect for couples, families, and anyone who enjoys a slower-paced...
Texas State Railroad
Restaurants
Visiting San Antonio and wondering where to eat? This list includes restaurants my husband and I have personally enjoyed, from casual local favorites to places serving freshly prepared comfort food, tacos, seafood, and more. These are the spots I wou...
It really depends upon your taste buds. I really enjoyed the Japanese fried rice and the spicy edamame.
Hoka Hoka Fuku
I enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki. Experience the all you can eat menu.
Izumi | Order Online | Sushi & Hibachi
I like the Pasha Bowls you can build yourself.
Pasha Mediterranean Grill
This is my neighborhood's little cafe and it's delightful. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Laurel Cafe
So during our anniversary over the weekend, which was May 2, we decided to stop into the Yard House to have a nice meal. I had the steak bowl medium well and my husband had two different kinds of hot wings. The food was very good. Service was excelle...
San Antonio - River Walk | Locations | Yard House Restaurant
My husband and I enjoyed a two piece catfish french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw with sweet tea for dinner on Friday evening. It was a Friday special. The food was very fresh, flavorful, and we definitely will be going again.
Nuttin Betta
Torchy’s Tacos is always a fun stop when you’re craving bold flavors and tacos that are anything but basic. They have a great variety of creative options, generous portions, and plenty of sauces to make each taco your own. It’s a casual, lively spot ...
Torchy's Tacos
The Brazilian steakhouse is a great choice when you want a full dining experience, not just a quick meal. The meats are served fresh at the table, there is plenty of variety, and the salad bar offers something for everyone. Come hungry because the po...
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse- Downtown San Antonio
Big Bib BBQ is one of my favorite lunch spots to visit with my husband near Joint Base San Antonio. The barbecue is flavorful, the portions are satisfying, and the sweet potato casserole is always one of my must-haves. It’s a relaxed, welcoming place...
Thebigbib
Asian Bistro is one of my go-to neighborhood spots near Kinder Ranch when I’m craving Chinese food but don’t feel like traveling far. It’s convenient, the food hits the spot, and it’s perfect for an easy lunch or dinner close to home.
Borgfeld Bistro
Home Recipes
Must try Home recipes I’ve enjoyed over the years. I’ve traveled all over the world and wanted to share some of my favorites.
Here is a dish I made months ago. This a bowl of broccoli and cabbage, my own version of super greens. Straight-up, they’re a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This is clean eating that supports overall wellness, boosts your immune sys...
Craving something quick, healthy, and delicious? Try this easy shrimp and green bean stir-fry! Made with mushrooms, garlic, and onions, and seasoned with a touch of Cajun spice, this dish is cooked to perfection in olive oil and butter. 😋
🔹 204 cal...
🍤 Shrimp & Green Bean Stir-Fry
Shrimp Salad Delight 🥗🍤
Today’s lunch was a fresh and vibrant shrimp salad, perfect for a healthy boost! Here’s what I used:
• Shrimp: 200 grams (100 calories)
• Spinach: 1 cup (7 calories)
• Red Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup (12 calories)
• Cherry Tom...
What’s on your breakfast plate today? 🍳🍓
This veggie omelet is super easy to make and so yummy. Here’s how you can make it too:
Ingredients:
• Egg whites
• Red bell pepper slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mixed greens (spinach, lettuce)
• A pinch of ...
No knead, no stand mixer
•3 minutes active effort – you won’t even get your hands dirty
•Dutch oven (cast iron pot) ideal but not necessary
•Incredibly forgiving dough, with rise times ranging from 2 hours to 3 days (yes, really, you choose what work...
Artisan Bread - Sugar Spun Run
Tried out my new Le Creuset Petal Braiser with a colorful mix of sautéed Brussels sprouts, red onion, green beans, and mushrooms. Light olive oil, garlic powder, and a touch of sea salt. That golden sear was worth every stir. Perfect for a mindful me...
Discovered Flavor - YouTube
1 pound fingerling potatoes, half lengthwise
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Half tablespoon of salt
1/4 tablespoon of pepper
One ripe avocado halved
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
14 ou...
Fingerling Potatoes with Avocado and Smoked Salmon
This was one of those quick meals I made at home when I wanted something simple, colorful, and filling. Nothing fancy. Just pasta, fresh veggies, and a few seasonings that made it come together.
Ingredients:
Spaghetti or thin pasta
Fresh broccoli f...
Easy Vegetarian Pasta Skillet Dinner
Ingredients: For the Sticky Rice:
1 cup short-grain or sushi rice1 1/4 cups waterPinch of saltFor the Garlic Sesame Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup mushrooms sautéed
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 table...
Garlic Sesame Shrimp over Sticky Rice ... - Facebook
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
One clove of garlic, chopped
4 (6ounce) center cut salmon fillets, skinned and boned
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Half a teaspoon freshly ground ...
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Texas Parks
If you’re up for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Palo Duro Canyon is a must-see. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” it offers breathtaking overlooks, scenic hiking trails, horseback riding, camping, and incredible sunsets. It’s well worth the ...
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Garner State Park is one of Texas’ most beloved destinations for floating the Frio River, hiking, swimming, and relaxing with family. During the summer, it’s a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Co...
Garner State Park
If you’re visiting Texas in the spring, the Bluebonnet Trail is worth adding to your itinerary. The scenic drive is filled with miles of beautiful wildflowers, making it one of the best places to experience Texas’ famous bluebonnets and capture incre...
Bluebonnet Trails and Festival
Pedernales Falls State Park is a beautiful Hill Country destination where you can hike, picnic, swim, and explore the stunning limestone riverbeds. It’s an easy day trip and a great choice for anyone wanting to experience the natural beauty of Centra...
Pedernales Falls State Park
Caddo Lake feels like stepping into another world. Known for its towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, it’s one of the most unique parks in Texas. Kayaking through the peaceful bayous is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Caddo Lake State Park
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a fun mix of classic amusement park rides, carnival games, waterfront dining, and beautiful Gulf Coast views. Whether you’re riding the roller coaster over the water or simply taking in the scenery, it’s a g...
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Kemah Boardwalk is one of those places where you can easily spend the entire day. With waterfront restaurants, amusement rides, live entertainment, shopping, and scenic views of Galveston Bay, there’s something for everyone. It’s a fun destination wh...
Kemah Boardwalk
San Antonio
San Antonio is home for me, so this section is naturally going to have a little more personality. There’s so much more here than the Alamo and the downtown stretch of the River Walk. History, Mexican and Tejano culture, art, gardens, caves, theme par...
You have to experience it at least once, but don’t assume the restaurant-packed downtown portion is the whole River Walk. The river extends through very different parts of the city, including Museum Reach and Mission Reach. Walk it, eat somewhere alo...
San Antonio River Walk
It’s the attraction everybody knows, but there’s considerably more history here than the 1836 battle. This began as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718. I’d spend enough time with the exhibits to understand the broader story instead of taking the o...
The Alamo
Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are where I’d send someone who really wants to explore San Antonio history. Along with the Alamo, these missions make up Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re also c...
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas is a great place to cool off on those hot days and enjoy some time in the water with friends and family. Since it’s just up the road from San Antonio, it makes for a fun getaway when you want to relax, have fun, ...
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Come hungry and leave yourself time to browse. Market Square is colorful, lively and filled with shops, food, music and Mexican cultural influences. This is less about rushing from attraction to attraction and more about walking around to see what ca...
Historic Market Square
Small shops, galleries, historic buildings and locally made goods right near the River Walk. I like this one when you want a souvenir that doesn’t scream “airport gift shop.
La Villita National Historic Village
Contemporary art in an architectural space that’s interesting before you even walk inside. This is one I’d recommend for visitors who want to see San Antonio beyond its historic attractions.
Ruby City
This is your drive-through wildlife experience near the caverns. Combining the two makes much more sense than driving all the way back another day.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
One of San Antonio’s most special attractions. This nonprofit Ultra-Accessible theme park was intentionally created so guests with and without disabilities can experience the park together. It’s not about separating people according to ability. It’s ...
Morgan's Wonderland
Walk the neighborhood, admire the historic homes, look at the murals and galleries and then find somewhere local to eat. No complicated itinerary required.
King William Historic District
SeaWorld San Antonio is a fun place to learn about different animals and species while enjoying a full day out. It helps spark curiosity and creates a learning environment that can be just as interesting for adults as it is for children.
SeaWorld San Antonio
The art is worth seeing, but so are the mansion and grounds. It’s one of those museums where the setting becomes part of the experience.
McNay Art Museum
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one of those places that brings back good memories for me. When I was in AIT at Joint Base San Antonio, it was one of the spots we would go enjoy during our downtime, so it still feels fun and nostalgic whenever I think abou...
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The San Antonio Zoo is one of those places I’ve enjoyed visiting for different occasions and special events over the years. It’s a fun way to spend the day, see a variety of animals, and enjoy an experience that feels both entertaining and memorable.
San Antonio Zoo
Austin
Austin gets introduced as the Live Music Capital of the World so often that people sometimes forget there’s a whole city outside the music venues. You can spend the morning swimming in a spring-fed pool, tour the Texas Capitol, wander through an art ...
Whether politics is your thing or not, the building itself is worth seeing. Tour the Capitol, walk the grounds and take in a piece of Texas history right in downtown Austin.
Texas Capitol
If you want context for all the Texas history you’ll encounter while traveling around the state, start here. Exhibits cover centuries of Texas history and give you more than the condensed version most of us learned in school.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
One of Austin’s major art museums and an easy pairing with the Capitol and University of Texas area. The outdoor spaces are part of the experience too, so don’t rush straight through the galleries
Blanton Museum of Art
A spring-fed swimming pool right in Zilker Park. When Austin temperatures start climbing, that cool water suddenly makes perfect sense.
Barton Springs Pool
Yes, watching bats fly out from under a bridge is an actual Austin attraction. The enormous Mexican free-tailed bat colony emerges seasonally around sunset, and people line the bridge and riverbanks to watch.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Not an enormous expedition, just a short climb rewarded with sweeping views over the Colorado River and surrounding landscape. Sunset is popular for a reason.
Mt Bonnell
Native Texas plants get the spotlight here. Gardens, trails and seasonal wildflowers make this especially worthwhile for gardeners and anyone interested in what actually grows well in Texas.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Austin’s children’s museum is built around hands-on STEAM learning and play. Another good one for younger travelers who need to do something rather than stare at something.
Thinkery
Exactly what it sounds like, except probably much larger and stranger than you’re imagining. This backyard art installation has become one of Austin’s wonderfully offbeat attractions.
Cathedral of Junk
Houston
Houston is enormous, culturally diverse and very easy to underestimate if all you know about it is traffic and NASA. Space exploration is certainly part of the experience, but so are world-class museums, gardens, parks, animals, science and an incred...
This is the Houston attraction I would build time around rather than squeeze in. NASA history, spacecraft, astronaut training exhibits and the Johnson Space Center connection make this something you really need a few hours to experience properly.
Space Center Houston
Located inside Hermann Park, which makes it easy to combine with other Museum District attractions. Families can easily devote several hours here.
Houston Zoo
Aquatic exhibits, dining and amusement-style attractions in one destination. Families who like combining entertainment with animals may especially enjoy this one.
Downtown Aquarium
The enormous semicircular fountain makes a beautiful quick stop and photo opportunity without requiring half your day.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Dallas
Dallas can give you skyscrapers and luxury shopping one minute and history, gardens and major museums the next. I’d leave room for both. There’s enough here for an arts-and-culture trip, a family weekend or a grown-folks getaway without everybody bei...
Modern and contemporary sculpture displayed indoors and throughout a beautiful outdoor garden.
Nasher Sculpture Center