San Antonio Texas

Home to the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas, a 15-mile urban waterway and a celebrated culinary scene, San Antonio is on a mission to impress, says Jessica Pook

Day 1: Just around the riverbend

Morning: If you’re staying in the downtown area of San Antonio, it won’t take you long to stumble upon a section of the 15-mile Riverwalk. Lined with cyprus trees, perfectly preened gardens and arched bridges, the Riverwalk winds through downtown and beyond. A tour on one of the electric boats takes 35 minutes and offers a great overview of the city’s culture, history, architecture and attractions.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Historic Market Square, one of the largest Mexican markets outside of Mexico. The market dates back to 1820 and features over 100 locally owned shops selling traditional Mexican goods. Grab a taco from one of the street vendors or enjoy being serenaded by a Mariachi band at one of the many restaurants.

Evening: Start the evening by visiting 18th-century San Fernando Cathedral, which offers a free video projection of the history of San Antonio on the facade several times each weekend night. Then take in an outdoor performance at Arneson River Theatre, an 800-seat amphitheatre on the banks of the San Antonio River. From June until August there are weekly Fiesta Noche del Rio shows featuring Mariachis, Flamenco dancing and singing. After the show dine at La Fonda on Main, San Antonio’s oldest Mexican restaurant.

A stay at The Westin Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio costs from $204 a night, including taxes. Flights to San Antonio with British Airways start from £776pp and include a stopover in Dallas. Prices based on an August 12 departure. marriott.com; britishairways.com

Day 2: Mission accomplished

Morning: Beat the crowds with a morning visit to the historical Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1718 as San Antonio’s first mission (Catholic religious outposts), the Alamo was the site of a 13-day siege in1838 that occurred near the end of the Texas Revolution against Mexican troops. A tour is the best way to learn about an event that was hugely significant for Texas. There’s also the chance to see reenactments in the Alamo Plaza.

Afternoon: Stop for a prickly pear margarita at The Buckhorn Saloon, ‘The oldest running saloon in Texas’ before heading to the San Antonio Museum of Art, for a dose of Texan, Spanish Colonial and American art. For something more modern, stop at Hopscotch, a permanent experiential art gallery filled with quirky light installations and optical illusions. If time permits, hire an electric bike and seek out the additional four missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Evening: Spend an evening at the Pearl District, a former brewery turned neighbourhood home to trendy restaurants, cool cocktail bars and boutique shops. Enjoy a cocktail inside a cast-iron tank once used to ferment beer at Hotel Emma. Follow this with a delicious charcuterie board at Cured. •