Top: ‘Tacos and Cervezas’ Graphic Tee (XS / TTS) – (similar)
Bottom: American Eagle High Waisted Jeans (00 xshort / size down)
Shoes: Golden Goose ‘Superstar’ (dupe –30% off with code FALL2020)
Earrings: Dos Femmes ‘Topo Loco’ (similar)
A few weeks ago we took a short weekend San Antonio vacation and omg, it was just the getaway we needed! San Antonio was actually a city that Adrian and I visited when we were still dating (nearly 15 years ago!), and we felt like it was someplace we definitely needed to visit again — and this time we had our kids!
While San Antonio is a city that’s rich with history with landmarks such as The Alamo and Missions National Historical Park, Adrian and I opted for a more kid-centric adventure weekend with our top picks set for Sea World, San Antonio Zoo, Natural Bridge Caverns, plus of course a quick jaunt to the San Antonio Riverwalk for me to check out the shops and eateries!
Read on for details on our family-friendly weekend travel guide to San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Vacation
Where To Stay: TheWestin Riverwalk, San Antonio
We drove down after work on a Friday afternoon and after nearly 6 hours, finally checked into our the Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio close to midnight. Despite our super late check-in, the staff was incredibly helpful and gave us such a warm welcome. The Westin has a “Commitment to Clean” program which includes electrostatic sprayers for sanitation as well as sanitation stations always accessible. Our room was a newly renovated studio 1 bedroom studio suite, and I loved the fact that we had a mini living area next to the beds that let the kids run around as well as the almost floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the city down below!
A few other Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio amenities include a rooftop pool (with a pool bar and view overlooking the Riverwalk!) and an on-site Cafecito Café that offers delicious Starbucks coffee and delicious fresh-baked pastries.
Breakfast On The Riverwalk: The River’s Edge Café
iconic colorful umbrellas of the Riverwalk!
The location of the Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio honestly cannot be beat. The hotel is located only minutes away from the Riverwalk and it was such a refreshing way to start our morning! I had no idea about the iconic colorful umbrellas that lined the river but it made for the perfect photo op backdrop, and the river was also bustling with kayakers along with ducks and birds alike.
The River’s Edge Cafe + Patio Bar came highly recommend for breakfast and it did not disappoint! We sat outside and ordered some of our favorite American fare including eggs, pancakes, bacon, French toast, and yogurt parfaits. The kids were in maple syrup heaven as it was some of the best they had ever had and we left with full bellies as we embarked on a full day of adventure!
DAY 1: SeaWorld San Antonio
I was suuuper excited to check out SeaWorld San Antonio as the last time I had visited was when I was Dylan’s age! I did quite a bit of research beforehand too knowing that I also wanted my family to stay safe, and appreciated the fact that SeaWorld was doing temperature screenings, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning / sanitizing, limited capacity, and of course, required masks at all times.
We planned our day around the various shows, starting with Ocean Discovery where we watched the beluga whales and white-sided dolphins playing with other. This was my favorite show of all the ones that we saw and I have to say that I left absolutely enamored with the beautiful beluga whale. Similarly, it was incredible watching the dolphins as they jumped 20 feet above the water!
There were so many opportunities to really get up close to the sea animals and there were moments when we were all just fascinated with these underwater animals that we rarely get to see in person.
SeaWorld also had quite the assortment of dining options with lots of family-friendly options — we had lunch at the Smokehouse Grill where the kids enjoyed BBQ chicken, mac & cheese, fruit, while Adrian had a BBQ Brisket Platter and I had the BBQ Chicken Salad. It had been awhile since we had enjoyed BBQ and it hit the spot for all of us!
SeaWorld celebrated Oktoberfest with their own Bier Fest, extended this year through the end of October. It was perfect opportunity as Adrian loves his craft brews and was able to sample different beer options from breweries originating from Germany, Boston, and Fredericksburg!
The kids of course took advantage of SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular event, and did some mini trick-or-treating around the park along the marked trail and there were even fun performances put on by some of their favorite Sesame Street friends including Elmo and Count von Count!
Finally, we ended our SeaWorld day with the signature Orca Encounter show and it was just as amazing as I remembered from my childhood (if not even more!). I had Mei sitting on my lap and I could see her absolutely awe-struck seeing the trainers playing and bonding with the incredible killer whales. The whales were truly magnificent to watch and I think we all left feeling absolutely inspired by everything SeaWorld was doing to care for these amazing sea animals!
Dinner Feasting: Zocca Cuisin d’Italia
Italian Style Chicken Wings
kids’ extra cheesy pizza
We were all starving after the last SeaWorld show, so we headed straight to dinner! The Westin hotel restaurant, Zocca d’Italia had just re-opened and we were so excited to chow down on some authentic Italian cuisine. We dined al fresco outside on the patio and it was the perfect ambiance as we relaxed next to the Riverwalk.
I highly recommend starting with the chicken wings appetizer (so garlicky and delicious!). For my main entrée, I had the Locally Grown Lettuces salad with chicken (very fresh and great mix of flavors) while Adrian ordered the Spaghetti. The kids each had their own pizzas and the extra cheese was definitely a huge hit! And even though we strongly considered dessert (that NY Cheesecake was hard to resist!), we ultimately decided we were very full already and instead just enjoyed a few minutes post dinner enjoying the nighttime mood on the Riverwalk.
DAY 2: San Antonio Zoo
Top: Amazon Sweater Tank (S)
Bottom: Amazon Wide Leg Culottes (XXS / size down)
Shoes: Soludos ‘Ali Sport’ Platform Espadrilles (6 / size up) – (similar)
Hat: bought at SeaWorld (similar, similar)
On Day 2, we decided to hit up the San Antonio Zoo bright and early — it was a quick 9 minute drive from our Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio hotel! Our original plan was to hit up the zoo in the morning, grab lunch, and then check out the Natural Bridge Caverns in the afternoon on our way back to Dallas. But, the zoo ended up being such a huge hit with everyone that we spent both morning and afternoon there!
The zoo was exactly what we were looking for after an action-packed day at SeaWorld the day before. We took our time strolling through the shaded 35 acre park and seeing all the different areas of the zoo where we could appreciate animals in their habitats. We started with the savanna, where we could actually feed the giraffes leaves of lettuce, and the kids still talk to this day about “the crazy long giraffe tongue” they got to see!
We then moved on to check out the Africa section of the zoo and omg, we were all just amazed watching the hippos swimming in their pool. Such a cool thing to see and it was definitely the closest I’ve ever been to a live hippo! Other African animals included mongoose, monkeys, and even Nile crocodiles.
After making our rounds through all the different animal areas of the park, we rounded out our day with a couple of the kids’ favorite activities. Mei has always LOVED merry-go-rounds so of course we couldn’t say no when we passed the Zooteninail Carousel! Each animal on the carousel is unique and included both real and imaginary animals alike.
And lastly, we finished off the day with a ride around the San Antonio Zoo on the zoo train. Not only was it a cool way to see parts of the park that we didn’t see on foot, but we also were able to check out a few other nearby attractions such as the Japanese Tea Gardens, Witte Museum, and Kiddie Park!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a mini getaway that’s perfect for a weekend with the family, we all had a wonderful time in San Antonio! I loved getting to enjoy the city again with my kids and there was so much to do that I wish we had stayed longer. We were able to stay in our safe family bubble and a road trip to check out San Antonio was the perfect way to satisfy a bit of our wanderlust!
If you’re looking to book ahead, I’m excited to share a few deals that are happening at the Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio:
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday
- Booking Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 2, 2020
- Stay Dates: Dec. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021
- Starting-at Rate: $139 per night
- Includes:
- Save 20% off retail prices
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Texas Residents
- Stay Dates: Dec. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021
- Starting-at Rate: $139 per night
- Includes:
- Save 10% off retail prices
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Must show Texas ID at check-in
- Romance Package
- Stay Dates: Dec. 1, 2020 – Dec. 31, 2021
- Starting-at Rate: $139 per night
- Includes:
- Two cocktail vouchers to redeem during stay
- Late check-out
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Have you been to San Antonio, TX or any of these attractions in other cities before?
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Have you done a San Antonio vacation before? Where is one of your family’s favorite places to visit? Let me know in a comment below!
Well, it looks like I need to put together a family trip to San Antonio. We went through Texas once, but we didn’t stop here. It looks like a great city.
I know right?? My nephew lives in San Antonio, looks like I will have to plan a trip to go see him and do some of those activities.
I’ve never been to San Antonio, but I’ve heard great things. This guide is definitely helpful and love that you shared family-friendly activities. That’s currently what I’m looking for in trips!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
San Antonio is awesome, it has been forever since I was there. I remember shopping at the outlet mall there. So many fun things to do there. My nephew lives there.
Thanks for posting this you gave me some good ideas. Also, the prices at the end don’t seem that expensive as I thought it would be.
It looks like you had a great time. Your photos make me miss traveling even more!
This sure looks like one totally fun family-friendly trip! So many great activities that you enjoyed while you were traveling. From the park to the food and more. I’m jealous of your trip to the zoo. I haven’t been to a zoo since I was a little kid. I miss it!
My husband and I LOVE San Antonio and have talked about visiting soon. The zoo is one of our favorites and you can’t go wrong with Sea World. Glad y’all had a good time.
What an interesting and cheerful guide, in short, you told everything with the right enthusiasm that makes you say “hey I want to go!”
A beautiful adventure with so many things in place. I love it
Seems like you had a wonderful time! This place is really beautiful.
Lovely Post!
Allurerage
Thetrendybride
Looks like great times were had…Sounds like there’s plenty to see and do! xoxo, Sarah
Looks like you and your family really having a great time visiting that place and I just wish we have something like this near our place.
Aw so glad that you have a fun family breakaway it is so nice to get away. We are in lockdown from Thursday so it is a month of no travel sadly x
My son would really love the “SeaWorld” experience. It seemed you had a great family fun as well. San Antonio looks appealing to me ❤️
It looks like you had a great getaway! You guys did so many fun things! Would love to go here one day!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
I have not been to San Antonio in about 10 years. I really want to take my kids!
this looks like the best trip for the whole family!! Sea World looks amazing and I loveeee a trip to the zoo! Thanks for sharing, girl.
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com
That is fully awesome. I had no idea San Antonio had so much to offer. I certainly didn’t know Sea World was there.
A lovely trip with the kids enjoying. Your dresses look cool. The place looks great for kids. How I wish we travel again.
This looks like such a fun zoo and the kids looked like they had fun!
What a great travel review! Looks like you had a great time!
This looks like the perfect getaway! I’d love to plan a trip to San Antonio.
San Antonio has been on my list of places to visit! The riverwalk looks so neat and a good breakfast spot? Yes please! Thanks for sharing these SA spots!
I’ve never been to San Antonio, it looks so fabulous! I love your pictures and seeing the variety of things you did to keep the littles entertained
omg, I really want to go to sea world. you look so gorgeous.
I haven’t been in San Antonio yet. It looks a fun place. Can’t wait to tour soon after pandemic.
Beautiful family 🙂 I have never been in San Antonio but you made me want to visit the city!
Aaahhhh….I haven’t been to San Antonio before. It must be really nice there….at least, the movies say so.
This looks like a fabulous place to spend a weekend. So fun!
Wow I miss traveling so much! Looks like it was a really fun family trip and San Antonio looks like a fun place to visit and lots to do there!
Wow! This place is amazing, everywhere I look is so mesmerizing. Especially the whale show, it’s definitely extraordinary. Plus the food looks really delicious and so enticing.
Saving this post. Texas is a state I’d love to explore more of. I’ve only ever been to Dallas, and there is so much more to see! xo Jaimie http://www.jaimietucker.com
this place looks so adorable and lovely one to go with family and explore completely…indeed glad you shared the guidance with us…great work though…
San Antonio is one of my favorite destinations! My mom and I went a couple of years ago for a girls trip and it quickly became a favorite of ours. it is such a beautiful town and the riverwalk is amazing! love all of your snaps – the little ones couldn’t look any happier!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
I always love to see your trip and having a great time with your family. What an amazing family I ever seen.
I’ve always wanted to go to San Antonion! I hear the food is absolutely amazing!
I’ve always wanted to visit the San Antonio TX area! I never knew there was a Seaworld there! I will have to add this to my travel to do list.
Looks like all of you had a great family time in San Antonio! Love those photographs. I’ll surely visit this place if I ever go to Texas 🙂
My friend lives near there and it sounds like there is no shortage of things to do. I would love to visit sometime. The weather also sounds amazing!
Sounds like you guys had a blast! Stay safe ❤️❤️
San Antonio looks great and I’m just gazing back at your post again to get a glimpse of zoo! You have visited an amazing part of the world and I am jealous!
Wow! There’s so many things to do at San Antonio. Can’t wait to visit Westin Riverwalk! Seems so fun!
San Antonio looks like a great and fun place to visit. I am going to add this to my travel list…I loved all the pics you’ve shared.
I cannot WAIT to be able to travel again. We have plans to visit SA soon!!
My friend used to live in SATX and she always raved about it. This post makes me want to visit!
I have never been to San Antonio but many of my friends have and they all say it is amazing. They especially talk about Riverwalk. I hope to get there sometime soon.
Wow!!! What a wonderful family friendy city! I definitely have to check it out. I also love how you included the videos in your post!
Seems like you had such a gala time. The place looks like a perfect place for vacation for sure! Thanks for sharing such a detailed review.
These pictures are so beautiful and they share the story of a magical weekend indeed.
These pictures are so beautiful and they definitely share the story of a magical weekend.
WOW! There is so much to do in San Antonio! Someday I would love to visit and check out Sea World – it looks so fun!
I have been there. It is indeed a lovely place to explore. Very important points to remember indeed.
This looks like such a fun trip! I’ve never been, but I’ve always wanted to go!
Now that is a trip. Your family looks like they are enjoying this time together especially with the sea animals
Obsessed with your first top! What a fun weekend away!
I love the pics! Do you sell your presets? Glad that you finally had time to vacation with your family! I admire you for traveling with kids. I can imagine it must be tough!
This is so detailed and I just love the thoroughness of your entire weekend itinerary. It’s got so many options, and I love that it is family friends but this can be applied to anyone visiting. So helpful girl!
These pictures are so beautiful and they definitely share the story of a magical weekend.