10 Best Things to Do for Couples in San Antonio
What to Do on a Romantic Trip to San Antonio?
San Antonio is better known for its turbulent history and infamous battle than it is as a destination for lovers. That said, couples will find no shortage of romantic things to see in this remarkable Texan city.
The waterfront area is packed with seductive restaurants and bars, and boasts the kind of atmosphere usually found on the banks of European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice. We’ve gathered together a list of the best things to do for couples in fabulous San Antonio to give you some starry-eyed inspiration.
1. Historic Market Square
Mexican shopping and dining in an authentic outdoor plaza
Good for: Couples, History, Shoppers
The biggest Mexican market in the USA, Market Square houses over 100 unique shops selling jewelry, piñatas, textiles, carvings, and fragrant handmade candles. Adjacent to these vendors, you’ll find bustling cafés, restaurants, and eateries dishing up tasty Tex-Mex classics.
When you’re not buying souvenirs or tasting authentic street food, you can take in live mariachi bands and Mexican dancers, or join local revelers during Cinco de Mayo and Día de Los Muertos celebrations. For a fabulous dinner, La Margarita Restaurant serves freshly shucked oysters and sizzling fajitas in a fabulous old-world setting. Read more
Location: 514 West Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Historic Market Square
2. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Thirty-eight acres of verdant nature
Good for: Couples, Photo
San Antonio Botanical Garden impresses with its emerald-green lawns and huge variety of flora. Beloved for its picturesque strolls, the park draws couples from all across the city who come here to unwind in the tranquil Japanese Garden and admire rare orchids in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory.
In the grounds, you’ll find a restaurant named Rosella, which serves a delicious array of home-cooked dishes. Set in the historic Sullivan Carriage House, which is linked to the legendary cattle drives of the 19th century, you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean menu and frozen peach Bellinis. Read more
Location: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-536-1400
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
3. The Tower of the Americas
High-class meals at high altitude
Good for: Couples, Photo, Luxury
Panoramic viewpoints are always romantic. There must be something in the air up there. The 750-foot Tower of the Americas boasts the highest vista in San Antonio, as well as an award-winning revolving restaurant and a chic little bar.
The Godiva Chocolate Lava Cake is worth the visit alone, and we recommend pairing it with the Moscato Sangria or a Pomegranate Mojito. If you want to toast your romance, you can clink drinks during weekday happy hour before hitting the observation deck for views of the skyline and a couple of romantic selfies. Read more
Location: 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 210-223-3101
The Tower of the Americas
4. Mission San José
An old-world architectural feat
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
Mission San José is the largest of the Texas missions, and arguably the most beautiful. This centuries-old church is a remarkable example of the architecture of its time with its Spanish colonial façade, fairytale archways, and robust limestone walls.
The mission is most famed for its mysterious Rose Window, which was purported to be a gift from stonemason Pedro Huizar to his star-crossed sweetheart, Rosa. This ornate relic is found on the south wall of the sacristy and features a wrought iron cage and decorative baroque flourishes so make sure you snap a photo. Read more
Location: 6701 San José Drive, San Antonio, Texas, 78214, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 210-922-0543
Mission San José
5. The McNay Art Museum
Home to a romantic fountain and an incredible art collection
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The romantic green fountain in front of the McNay Art Museum is popular with couples and is regularly used as a backdrop for bridal shoots and portraits. The venue’s beautiful 1929 mansion serves as a breathtaking background, but is also worth a visit for its vast collection of art.
Housing over 22,000 American and European works, dating from the Renaissance to the present day, you’ll take in paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and costumes. Check the website calendar too, because the museum plays host to a range of events including print fairs, clay workshops, and Honduran flute performances. Read more
Location: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone: +1 210-824-5368
The McNay Art Museum
6. Marriage Island
A scenic spot for special occasions
Good for: Couples, Photo
Calling this tiny parcel of land in the San Antonio River an “island” is quite generous, but it’s actually separated from the rest of the River Walk, even if it is by a foot of water. Cross a small bridge onto a shady cobblestone patio to reach one of the most gorgeous and romantic spots in all of San Antonio.
Local legend says that this fairy-tale spot will bring your union good luck, especially if you hold your marriage ceremony there. The islet is even shaped like a love heart and hosts over 200 weddings a year. Combine your visit to Marriage Island with a stroll along the Riverwalk to see more iconic sights.
Location: 111 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Phone: +1 210-667-6503
Marriage Island
7. Selena’s Bridge
Bridge dedicated to a San Antonio star
Good for: Couples, Photo
There are several charming footbridges that cross the San Antonio River, but Selena’s Bridge stands out as the most popular, particularly with couples. It takes its name from the Texas-born, Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla, the “Queen of Tejano Music.”
An important scene from the 1997 biopic Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez, was filmed on this bridge, and people have been coming to recreate it ever since. This arched stone beauty is met by beautiful buildings on either side and is surrounded by majestic trees. If you and your partner are fans of Selena, make sure you hunt for murals of the star across the city at places like The Social Spot on Broadway and the Alamo Candy Co.
Location: River Walk (between N. St Mary’s Street and Navarro Street) San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Selena’s Bridge
8. River Walk dining
For elegant meals on the waterfront
Good for: Couples, Food
Resembling the atmospheric canals of Venice, Italy, the River Walk area is undoubtedly the most romantic part of San Antonio. The sunsets are glorious here, with the colorful sky reflected on the water, but the place really comes to life after dark.
Book an al fresco table at Casa Rio, a historic riverside restaurant that specializes in Tex-Mex fare and Margaritas, or head to Crepeccino Café & Crêperie for sweet and savory pancakes and indulgent Belgian waffles. Zocca Cuisine D’Italia serves classic pizzas and pastas under big old trees. We recommend the Texas Tagliatelle or the Loaded Margherita to share. Read more
9. Horse-drawn carriage rides
Fairy-tale sightseeing
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Unusual
A ride through San Antonio in a horse-drawn carriage is certainly the most romantic way to explore the city. For a luxury experience, the Bluebonnet Carriage Company offers tours of downtown as part of a special romantic package which features a bouquet of roses, a box of assorted chocolates, and a 30-minute tour.
Alternative carriage companies are available too, giving you multiple options when it comes to enjoying the rhythmic clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves and the open-air at sunset. Bring your camera to immortalize such a special memory.
10. The Majestic Theater
Historic performance venue with world-class shows
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
The Majestic is San Antonio’s oldest theater, and one of its largest and grandest too. Throwing open its doors in 1929, it continues to feature world-class events including concerts, symphonies, and Broadway shows.
The Majestic Theater certainly lives up to its name, with its stylish Art Deco interior and a distinctly classical outside which has earned it a place on the National Register of Historical Places. In recent times, the stage has hosted magicians like Penn and Teller, musicals like The Book of Mormon, and a ballet performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Why not add to the experience and treat yourselves to a behind-the-scenes tour? Read more
Location: 224 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Show times vary
Phone: +1 210-226-5700
The Majestic Theater
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