OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of your favourite holiday hotspots – as well as some lesser-known areas.
This week, we’re shining the light on the city of San Antonio in south-central Texas.
San Antonio is more than a standard American city[/caption]
The Sun’s Head Of Travel( Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the city a couple of years ago, she said: “San Antonio in Texas (not Ibiza) is like no other American city.
“With the largest population of Mexican-Americans in the US, it’s everything we love about Tex-Mex come to life.
“In fact, as the birthplace of one of the world’s most popular foods, San Antonio was designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by Unesco in 2017 — one of two cities in the US with the title.
“I started my days on breakfast tacos, toured the market with giant micheladas (spiced beers), walked the canals at happy hour with giant margaritas, and soaked it all up with enchiladas.
“It wasn’t all consumption though, as there is plenty of culture to take in, thanks to the the deep history of the area.
“Native Americans called the land that is now Texas home for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the 16th Century, and for 300 years after that it was colonised by the Spanish, before Texas won its independence in the mid 1800s.
“There are a handful of American cities that feel truly one-of-a-kind and San Antonio is one of them, at times I felt like I was in America, others in Central America or an old European city.”
MUST SEE/DO
Experience San Antonio’s intoxicating blend of Mexican influences and Texan cowboys on a Vespa-powered SiDECAR tour.
It’s an exhilarating way to get to grips with the city as a dedicated driver takes the wheel and offers local tips and recommendations.
If you prefer to power yourself along, join a Mural Bike ride tour and discover the city’s vibrant street art on two wheels.
Led by a local guide, you’ll pedal from the historic East Side to the Pearl District and River Walk, pausing at around 20 stunning murals along the way.
Of course, no trip to San Antonio would be complete without a visit to The Alamo, where the famous battle of the Texas revolution was fought.
It’s now a museum you can visit for free, with historical documents, guns and clothes on display.
HIDDEN GEM
There are big thrills for everyone to enjoy at Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first “ultra-accessible” theme park, which turned 15 this year.
The attraction features more than 25 accessible rides and experiences, ranging from catch-and-release fishing and boat cruises to adaptive swings and wheelchair-accessible Ferris Wheels.
BEST VIEW
Take your dining experience to new heights – literally – at the Tower of the Americas in the heart of downtown.
This 750-foot-tall structure offers panoramic views from its revolving Chart House Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious seafood-inspired dishes since 1961.
Not hungry? There’s also a family-friendly observation deck with bird’s-eye-views as well as photos and history about the city’s landmarks.
RATED RESTAURANT
The legendary Mi Tierra is a family-owned restaurant and bakery that’s been in business since 1941.
What started out as a three-table cafe for early-rising farmers is now a 24-hour food hotspot, known for its Tex Mex flavours.
Tuck into huge helpings of fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and their excellent house salsa.
The San Antonio River Walk is a city park and pedestrian street in San Antonio[/caption]
BEST BAR
Bar 1919 is a low-lit speakeasy bar, inspired by the Prohibition era.
Its entrance is hidden down a set of stairs where strong drinks await, from Mexican Tequila to whiskeys.
Carefully-crafted cocktails include classic caipirinhas to “tomato, tomato”, made with gin, basil and tomato syrup.
HOTEL PICK
Located on the northern edge of downtown, Hotel Emma is a 19th-century brewery that’s been turned into a luxury hotel with 146 modern rooms.
The decor blends South Texas grandeur with historic touches – think exposed brick walls, handmade Spanish tiles in bathrooms and original brew tanks in the hotel bar.
Rooms cost from around £268 per night, based on two people sharing. See thehotelemma.com.
Stay at Hotel Emma in the Pearl District[/caption]
“There are a handful of American cities that feel truly one-of-a-kind and San Antonio is one of them”[/caption]