San Antonio MUST SEE ... (Houston, Mission: city hall, to rent, homes)

[1101]

Hi!

I'll be in San Antonio next week for the dental convention and want to know what is it that I MUST SEE!

I realize I'll need to "remember The Alamo", so I can mark that off my list, but what else should I be sure not to miss?

I'm staying near the Riverwalk (like every other tourist) but I'd like to get out and see the city like a native. Any hidden gems? Anything I should avoid?

I'm into contemporary art, love sushi and enjoy shopping. Where can I find the best Tex/Mex food? Where can I find a great selection of watches?

Suggestions?

Thanks!

[zero]

For contemp art near downtown, check out Artpace Gallery.
They always have artists in residency.
The McNay Museum is not downtown, but if you can get there, it's worth the trip.
San Antonio Museum of Art is also not far from the River.

As far as Sushi, it depends who you talk to and your tastes. Cream cheese vs. Sashimi .

Not sure on watches, but I'm sure there's shops downtown.

Tex-Mex food is everywhere on the Riverwalk. It's not the best in S.A. but it again goes back to your tastes. There's a couple of good options in an area south of downtown called Southtown/King Williams.
A bus trolley can take you there.

Either way, have fun and safe travels.

[SnappyBob]

If you want to see San Antonio I would stay off of the River Walk. It was sold to outside investors years ago. It's mostly franchise places that you can see anywhere. Nothing special just really expensive. For Tex-Mex food near downtown you might try Rosarios just south of downtown. Will you have a car or will you have to rely on hired transportation? I am somewhat confused as to why you want to make sure to visit a watch store while you are here. Are we somehow famous for our great watch shops? Are you a watch collector? Just need a watch? The area around Mi Tierra's restaurant is pretty cool for tourists. The last time ate there though it was just OK.

[Turtle_Mom]

A fun area is Brackenridge Park, Japanese Tea Gardens and the Witte Museum. I wouldn't say they are "Must see" but there is a great Sushi/Japanese restaurant right by there - Koi Kawa.

Along Broadway is good shopping, heading into Alamo Heights and then north of the Witte is the McNay Art Museum.

There is another area of town that has an Art museum and a fun nightlife. There is the Blue Star Brewery and the adjoining Blue Star Arts Complex Blue Star Arts Complex - San Antonio, Texas. La Tuna is near there too, and a great place to eat!

I'm not as informed about all the areas downtown, but this is a great place!

[Chaka]

For TexMex breakfast or lunch, head to Taco Haven on S. Presa (take the blue line trolley, you'll have to walk a few blocks). Their tortillas are the best. Rosario's is good TexMex for dinner.

Agree with the Art suggestions, there are also a few galleries at Blue Star - also a brewery. The buildings behind hold many independent, contemporary artists. However they're not always open as they tend to be people's homes.

My favourite sushi is Nikki's on Hildebrand. Short on atmosphere but amazing on food.

I love the Missions - best is to rent a bike at Blue Star and head down the Mission trail. Lovely parks in between. If you have to pick only one, San Jose is the most restored but tiny Espada is really unique, San Juan Capistrano has a wonderful nature trail, and Mission Concepcion, nearest to downtown, is a real gem.

I like San Antonio history so I'd suggest a walking tour of the downtown historic sites - St Joe's Church, Casa Navarro, Spanish Governor's "Palace", City Hall.

Head to the N/S stretch of the Riverwalk - away from the restaurants, south through King William or north. Beautiful and peaceful.

There's lots more...

[1101]

I am somewhat confused as to why you want to make sure to visit a watch store while you are here. Are we somehow famous for our great watch shops? Are you a watch collector? Just need a watch?
____

Thanks for the response ...

I've made it a point to buy a watch whenever I go to a new city as a souvineer. I have watches from all over the US and I'm really looking forward to adding to my collection.

[Chaka]

There is a watch store on....Houston St I think, not far from Broadway. Anyone know what I'm talking about? I always walk around and see it, but since I never go in, not sure exactly where it is.

There's a nice jewelry store in La Villita, but I'm not sure how they are for watches.

[OzzyRules]

There is a watch store at Shops of La Cantera (far northwest side) but it may not be what you are looking for. Lots of the popular mid to high end watches (from Hamilton up to Rolex and beyond). But you could probably find something like that in any major city.

A more central place is the Time Shop on Broadway in Alamo Heights. It's more like a small jeweler.

Of course my own favorite is WalMart because I buy mostly Timex and water/sports type watches.

[quest51210]

if in Southtown, visit Tito's Mexican Restaurant and forget Rosarios and China Latina. Taco Haven is also great as mentioned above.

[hello13685]

The missions are the only "must see" that I can think of.