Guests are always eager for suggestions of things to do and places to go. The reason most of you stay at a small inn or bed and breakfast is so that you can get the inside scoop on what the area is about and the must sees.  I know when I travel, I'm always curious about what the locals do and where they go and what they are most proud of about their area.  Below are some of my favorite things about living in San Antonio.  When I have free time or friends in town this is my standard hit list of activities.  I hope this helps you plan your stay with us!

ARTS AND CULTURAL TRAVELER

MUSEUMS

San Antonio has a wonderful selection of museums with world class collections.  You will see everything from the classic and traditional to the extraordinarily weird and wildly contemporary. 


THE MCNAY - is privately owned and the permanent collection surprises most guests.  The special exhibits are always enjoyable and there are often lectures and workshops that are open to the public.

STEVES HOMESTEAD - in our neighborhood and just a couple blocks away.  The docents are knowledgeable about that particular house as well as thenneighborhood.  It is a fun way to get started enjoying the Historic King William District.

INSTITUTE OF TEXAS CULTURE - a short walk away and includes interesting exhibits about the variety of cultures in Texas.  Who moved here and why, how they lived, and which cultures are still here.  As you probably know, the Germans were very prominent in this area, but there were other immigrants that moved here, too. 

SAN ANTONIO ART MUSEUM - is on the northern end of downtown.  You can walk there in about 45 minutes or take the trolley most of the way.  The permanent exhibits are fascinating and the Asian Wing is outstanding.  There is usually a special exhibit up, as well.  This museum also has one of my favorite gift shops.

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ARTS AND CRAFTS  - is about a 20 minute walk.  The exhibits are usually by local artists.  Do not miss this gift shop.  It is full of beautiful things to keep and give away.

BOTANICAL GARDENS - a wonderful way to spend part of your day.  Unless we are experiencing a terrible drought the gardens are magnificent and beautifully maintained.  Plan to eat lunch there.  It is one of my favorite restaurants.  Also, save some of your money to spend in this gift shop, too.

MISSIONS - you can enjoy the mission trail by car or rent bikes [see below] Don't forget the most famous mission, the Alamo!  


ART TOURS AND GALLERIES


ART TOURS WITH DONNA SIMON  - Donna is a retired art teacher with a passion for the arts and a particular passion for local artists.  She will take you to the studios where the art is created and introduce you to the artist. Tours usually include 3 of each and are tailor made according to your preferences.

BLUE STAR ARTS - in the neighborhood and a short walk.  There are several galleries and a couple restaurants in the complex.  This is a very contemporary art scene. 

ARTPACE GALLERY -  is downtown and another contemporary venue.
 
PARCHMAN STREMMEL GALLERY -  is about a 15 minute drive from here, but well worth it.  They represent artists from around the country and have incredible taste.

JOAN GROANA GALLERY - is in the Blue Star complex.  It is a local favorite and many of my neighbors have regular exhibits here-[the King William District is the home of many local and, sometimes, famous artists]

NUEVA STREET GALLERY -  is in La Villita and about a 10 minute walk.  Some of my favorite Texan artists show here.  If you haven't found something you want to buy any place else, you will definitely find something here.


PERFORMANCE


CARVER CULTURAL CENTER -  is one of my favorite venues for concerts and other performances.  The schedule includes dance, music and other types of performance art.

LILA COCKRELL THEATER - is one of my favorite performance venues.  This is where dance companies usually perform.  The London Ballet will be here this summer.

SYMPHONY - The San Antonio Symphony is something we are all proud of.  Our musicians and conductors are among the best.  You can choose from either pops or classical concerts.  Itzhak Perlman will join them in September.

SAN PEDRO PLAYHOUSE -  is where you will find local actors performing some of your favorite plays.

SHELDON VEXLER THEATER  - is at the Jewish Community Center Campus.  It is a small theater, but one of the best in town.

MAJESTIC AND EMPIRE THEATERS  - are beautifully renovated theaters around the corner from each other and in the center of downtown San Antonio.  The symphony performs at the Majestic.  Both theaters have various kinds of
entertainment scheduled throughout the year.  The Broadway series comes through here as well as other nationally known performers and artists.

CAMERATA CHAMBER MUSIC - this is a small group of musicians from the symphony. They generally perform at one of the downtown churches on Sunday afternoons.  If they have something scheduled while you are here, don't miss it.  Their programs are well thought out and beautifully performed.

 

ATHLETE AND OUTDOORS

SPURS - the world champs of basketball live and play here.  If you are a basketball fan, it doesn't get any better!

MITCHELL LAKE AUDOBON SOCIETY  - is just a short drive from here.  I can get there in about 20 minutes.  It is a beautiful place to hike and bird watch. Take a picnic and sit in the shade on the porch before or after your hike.

PERDENALES FALLS HIKE - this is about a 45 minute drive and a fabulous place to go when it is hot out.  Take your swimming gear because there are several good swimming holes and the water is gloriously cool and refreshing.
 
GOVERNMENT CANYON HIKE - You can choose from several different lengths and types of hikes.  The landscape is pretty scrubby, so take your sunscreen and hat.

BIKE THE MISSION TRAIL - this activity is really catching on with our guests.  You can walk a few blocks over to Blue Star and rent your bikes and get a map.  It's a great way to see the missions, enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.  Be sure to take your water and maybe a picnic.  Most of the missions have lovely grounds where you can rest and eat your lunch.

GOLF - There is a huge selection of courses to choose from.  Here are the links to Kit's favorites.  Golfing is a way of life for many men and women in San Antonio.  If you have questions, Kit will be happy to tell you what he knows and try to point you toward the course that is best for your game.
 
SEA WORLD - is not just for kids!  We have so many guests who enjoy a day at this park.especially when it is a typical South Texas steamy summer day. Call ahead and make arrangements to swim with the dolphins.

YMCA [DOWNTOWN] - has been recently renovated and has everything you need for
a superior workout.  You can also swim or take an exercise class.  Day passes are $5.

RIDE A SEGWAY - this is a good way to tour the River Walk and Historic King William.   


TOURS

 
YELLOW ROSE CARRIAGE RIDE - is not owned by us even though we share the name. You can call and arrange for them to pick you up here and take you on a tour or just drop you off downtown.  

TROLLEY TOURS  - are a great way to see the rest of San Antonio without a car.