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Southwest Employees Share Their Favorite ‘Hidden Gems’ Spots in the San Antonio, TX Area

kperez
Explorer A

If you’re looking to get away for a few days or even a week, there are always places to go and experiences to be had—especially when you get to visit one Southwest’s 99 cities across the United States and 10 additional countries! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the San Antonio area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!

 The San Antonio River Walk is a great place to walk, explore, and share a margarita with friends.The San Antonio River Walk is a great place to walk, explore, and share a margarita with friends.

     Heart     Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers. 

 

A Taste of History

The Guenther House, located downtown in the King William Historic District along the San Antonio River, was built in 1860 and served as the main home for C.H. Guenther, an immigrant millwright from Saxony, who used the river as the power source for his flour mill. This home is now a restaurant, museum, and store that serves the best baked goods you can imagine including waffles, pancakes, and fresh bread. They also have excellent sandwiches, salads, and house coffee. After filling up, you’re in a perfect spot to enjoy the river or walk along the eight-plus miles of dedicated pathways that run from the famous downtown River Walk. History, great food, and Texas ... you can't go wrong!

 

–SAT Ramp Agent P.J.  Henderson

 

Get active by exploring the historic missions of San Antonio on a bike.Get active by exploring the historic missions of San Antonio on a bike.Hike & Bike

Embark on a 16-mile roundtrip trail that runs alongside the San Antonio River and stops at four famous missions: Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, Mission San Jose, and Mission Concepcion. Not only is the San Antonio Missions Trail a healthy way to see the city, it is full of history and architectural beauty you won’t want to miss.

 

–SAT Customer Service Agent Barbara Ott

 

Need a Drink?

If you want to avoid the crowded bar scene in the downtown area, stop by Havana Bar, a dark little basement bar in the Havana Hotel.  There’s also the complete opposite—a  high-in-the-sky bar called Paramour that is very up and coming. Then there’s The Brooklynite, an award-winner craft cocktail parlour. Outside downtown near Fiesta Texas is an awesome bar under the Eilan resort called George’s Keep, a great place to people watch. Cheers!

 

–SC Customer Support & Services Michelle Salas

 

Cool off and experience a refreshing taste of San Antonio at Pearl Brewery.Cool off and experience a refreshing taste of San Antonio at Pearl Brewery.

Like a Local

If you’re looking to experience San Antonio from a local’s perspective, check out First Friday, an art walk that takes place every first Friday of the month in the King William Historic District and features live music, food, vendors, and arts and crafts. Another place that reflects the distinct San Antonio culture is the historic Pearl Brewery, which makes a great place for gatherings. The Brewery hosts a farmers market every Saturday and often has live music. Visit Japanese Tea Gardens located on St. Mary's St. for an even more relaxing environment. This place features beautiful gardens with tropical flowers and ponds filled with koi fish. It’s a great place to eat, drink tea, take pictures, or just enjoy the scenery.

 

–SAT Operations Agent Carolina Mendoza

 

Need a break from strolling along the River Walk? Take an iconic river taxi down the stream to experience true San Antonio culture.Need a break from strolling along the River Walk? Take an iconic river taxi down the stream to experience true San Antonio culture.

Cruising Around

Take the San Antonio River Taxi to go from downtown along the San Antonio up to the north section that contains several important city museums and parks.  The biggest feature along this river route is San Antonio's mini version of the Panama Canal—a modern canal lock system built in to compensate for a significant difference in the water level on one part of the river compared to the other. You’ll go through the canal lock as a passenger on the river taxi and can see the lock doors open and close and experience the pumping waters that either raise or lower your barge to the next level so you can continue your journey.

 

–SC Customer Support & Services Steven Cohen