Move Over Austin! This Stunning Cultural City Crowned The Best In Texas

Texas ain’t just tumbleweeds, ten-gallon hats, and oversized pickups — not even close.

We at Travel Off Path have covered the Lone Star State end to end from the Southwest corner, even fellow Texans overlook the gargantuan metropolises with 26-lane highways.

But here’s no doubt Austin has become not only one of Texas’s trendiest cities, but the whole country.

Whether it be the booming comedy scene, college town vibes, astounding lush nature surrounding the city, quirky cafes and shops, or what’s essentially become Silicon Valley 2.0, Austin and Fort Worth have been neck and neck as the new go-to spots in Texas.

Though Travel + Leisure has something to say about that, awarding another city that happens to be one of my favorites as the best of the Lone Star State.

Beaming with cultural delights, winding waterways, and being one of few cities where it’s impossible to have a bad meal, the historic city of San Antonio has been crowned the top destination in Texas and top 15 in the U.S.

Yeehaw! The Only Texas City Honored By Travel + Leisure

San Antonio has seen a slight drop in tourism numbers, but this vastly underrated city is quite literally a melting pot of cultures during summer — emphasis on ‘melting’.

Since you can’t swim in the River Walk (even though that hasn’t stopped a select few who may have enjoyed the city’s margaritas to-go policy), the sweltering heat may be a deterrent for some summer travelers.

To that I say, find a shaded patio with a mister and enjoy an ice-cold cocktail. Better yet, visit almost any restaurant and for A/C and what has to be the state’s best Mexican food (err “Tex-Mex”).

On my last trip to San Antonio, even though I’ve been vacationing here since childhood, I was introduced to Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant.

This long-standing family-run staple is a must-visit, where friendly staff know their loyal customers by name and serve the best enchiladas and “puffy tacos” in town, away from the bustling River Walk — it’s a true microcosm of San Antonio’s contagious welcoming hospitality.

SA has a perfect balance of old and new. You’ll find classic eateries like Los Barrios as well as transformed neighborhoods like The Pearl District, featuring modern food halls, cafes with every matcha concoction imaginable, and another of my favorite places to eat, Down on Grayson, for a break from Mexican food overload.

Plus, their slices of cake are bigger than my ex’s ego and that’s saying something…

Equally fulfilling as the cuisine are the surprising attractions scattered around the city, stretching beyond the world-famous Alamo with sky-scraping towers offering unmatched city views, world-class museums, the equestrian tradition of Charreada, and plenty of vibrant markets to wander through Market Square — and yes, some are indoor to beat the summer heat!

Sounds a lot more fun than endless shopping in Dallas and Houston, right?

Fascinating Sites Beyond The Alamo

People flock to the Alamo like moths to a flame, and that’s not to knock one of the South’s most instantly recognizable sites.

I’m just saying there are many other impressive landmarks to enjoy, and you don’t have to make a reservation like you do at the Alamo.

When I was aimlessly exploring the city in search of hidden gems, I discovered what felt like a slice of Spain in the city center — San Fernando Cathedral.

It’s stunning, and the plaza it anchors was nearly crowd-free. Good luck with that at the Alamo…

The same can be said for the foursome of Missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas:

• Concepción
• San José
• San Juan
• Espada

Definitely try to time it right for a park ranger-led tour for better insight, but even if you miss it, exploring on your own is more than worthwhile.

Though if you’re really up for an adventure, check out the timeless small town of Goliad, roughly an hour and a half away.

Luxury Lines The River Walk

If you’re a first-timer, you might envision San Antonio as a dusty historical outpost with an overhyped River Walk — not true.

San Antonio is a luxurious city if you want it to be. There’s no shortage of posh stays lining the maze of the river downtown for an unforgettable vacation.

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at 3 luxury hotels over the years and I highly recommend all of them:

• Crockett Hotel – founded in 1909, this hotel is practically a living museum steps from the Alamo
• Marriott Rivercenter – a towering hotel with an awesome rooftop pool connected to the Rivercenter Mall mere steps from the River Walk
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa (not downtown) – the perfect hideaway away from the city life with a lazy river, wave simulator, and championship golf course