If you think of the Alamo when you hear "San Antonio," then you're only seeing a small piece of the picture. San Antonio is a bustling city that celebrates its history and the cultural diversity of its people, and it's this week's absolute Best Family Vacation Spot!
Visit the Alamo, but don't miss the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk. The cobblestone path takes you past restaurants and shops, or you can take a boat ride on the Rio Grande. The River Walk runs through Brackenridge Park, 343 acres that include the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum. The zoo has more than 600 species, but the most fun for kids are the lories, birds that will sit on their shoulder and drink from a cup. The Witte Museum focuses on Texas history, and has cave drawings, dinosaur bones, and best of all for kids, the H-E-B Treehouse: four floors of hands-on activities that are so much fun your kids will never realize they're learning.
For a taste of local culture, visit the Market Square, a spot that's been home to trading and shops for hundreds of years. There are plenty of things to look at (or buy), but don't leave before you visit El Mercado, an indoor market dedicated to all things of Mexican origin, from turquoise jewelry to piñatas.
There are two great theme parks in San Antonio. At Sea World Adventure Park, watch sharks, penguins, and dolphins; get wet (and cool off) in the Texas Splashdown flume ride; and with a reservation in advance, swim with a beluga whale. Six Flags offers a water park, plenty of rides aimed at younger children, and thrill rides for older kids and adults. And all of these are just a taste of what you'll find in San Antonio
The summer months are hot, so Mom should wear a cool breezy sundress like this swishy number from Nic+Zoe. The ruched middle emphasizes your waist and curves. Choose a shoulder bag with room for everything, and you're ready for a day on the River Walk or visiting the Zoo. Top the dress with a shrug and it'll take you to dinner, the perfect end of the perfect day in San Antonio!
