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Ever wonder if you’re living life to the fullest in San Antonio?
Whether you’re a born and raised in the 2-1-0 or a brand new transplant, there are plenty of ways to get a deeper appreciation for the Alamo City. Sometimes it just takes getting into the right headspace and learning more about what our unique culture has to offer.
Try out these 20 things and get the most out of living in SA.
Watch future NBA stars at a Spurs home game
It’s no secret that the hometown Spurs are in the midst of a lengthy rebuild. But sucking isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Silver and Black are loading up on first-round draft picks and building a team around promising young players. Fans also can watch future stars including Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson develop before they become household names. Credit: Courtesy Photo / San Antonio SpursDo Fiesta the right way
You have to attend at least one parade, run into 10 acquaintances you don’t like at Oyster Bake, laugh your ass off at Cornyation, take endless selfies with Fiesta royalty while wearing a flower crown, get drunk at NIOSA and — of course — eat your weight’s worth of chicken-on-a-stick. Credit: Photo by Jaime MonzonUse VIA’s Park and Ride service
viainfo.net
Skip the nightmare of trying to park at the Alamodome or AT&T Center, and help reduce congestion for everybody else while you’re at it. VIA offers its Park & Ride service for major sports and entertainment events, and it only costs $2.60 for a round trip. Credit: Courtesy Photo / VIA Metropolitan TransitKeep a stockpile of allergy meds year round
Oak. Ragweed. Mold. Mountain cedar… San Antonians with allergies just can’t catch a break. Best to keep antihistamines on hand at all times. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Pelle ZoltanSee what the fuss is about Big Red & Barbacoa
Ever wonder why San Antonio has an entire festival dedicated to this food combo? Drop in to your favorite taco spot and try it out for yourself. Credit:Photo via Instagram / sanantoniostephanieRuby City
150 Camp St., (210) 227-8400, rubycity.org
Ruby City is the posthumous realization of a dream of the late art collector Linda Pace. The contemporary art center offers a range of exhibitions and is a part of a larger campus that includes Chris Park and the Studio exhibition space. What’s more, it’s housed in an award-winning building designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye OBE. Credit: Dror Baldinger, courtesy of Ruby CityMark the holidays by attending a river parade
St. Patrick’s Day, Pride, the Fourth of July, Día de los Muertos, Christmas — the Alamo City marks major occasions year round by floating decorated barges down the San Antonio River. Celebrate your fav holidays by joining in on the action at the River Walk. Credit: Photo by Jaime MonzonLa Fonda on Main
2415 N. Main Ave., (210) 733-0621, lafondaonmain.com
A classic for Tex-Mex and interior Mexican fare since 1932, longstanding La Fonda on Main is just one of those spots every San Antonians needs to dine at — ideally sooner rather than later. Colder weather also means the comforting fireplace is often blazing. Credit: Instagram / matthewmauldonKayak the San Antonio River
Sure, this one is outside and doesn’t involve getting IN the water, but kayaking is a classic summer activity and we’re just stoked that Mission Kayaks is back in business after a short closure. Also, the many mature trees offer lots of shade along the route if you get closer to the shore. Credit:Photo via Instagram / missionadventuretoursBest Puffy Tacos
Henry’s Puffy Tacos
Multiple locations
henryspuffytacos.com Credit:Photo via Instagram / henryspuffytacosKing William Historic District
Southtown, visitsanantonio.com
Southtown is known as a haven for art, flavor, culture and fun — and the entire area revolves around the heart of the King William Historic District. The Victorian-inspired neighborhood is packed with history and charm. Established in the 1800s, the district was home to German immigrants who bought land and built homes. It is named after King Wilhelm I of Prussia and is considered a Cultural Arts District today. Credit:Photo via Instagram / parkerleefilmProtest candidate Armando Perez-Serrato, who said he wants to give Trump the death penalty, pulled a surprising number of votes in Democratic primaries in the Rio Grande Valley. Credit: Shutterstock / Moab RepublicWatch the sunset from Hays St. Bridge
803 N. Cherry St.
The Hays St. Bridge is a prime spot for yoga and photoshoots for good reason. Take advantage of this gorgeous view of the SA skyline at dusk. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / JustPixsThe San Antonio Public Library and the American Library Association are celebrating Banned Books Week 2024. Credit: Courtesy Photo / San Antonio Public LibraryHave dinner at the Tower of the Americas
739 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., (210) 223-3101, toweroftheamericas.com
Dinner with a view? Sign us up. The next time you can’t decide where to eat for date night, knock this off your unofficial San Antonio bucket list. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / FotosForTheFutureKeep necessities in stock so you don’t panic-raid H-E-B when there’s bad weather
It’s a San Antonio tradition to join the hordes descending upon H-E-B when there’s a grim forecast. Instead of fighting the crowds, try keeping some basic necessities in stock and reduce your stress when the storms roll in. Credit:Photo via Unsplash / Brittani BurnsGo all out at First Friday and Second Saturday
Twice a month San Antonio artists give it their all in Southtown. Head to Blue Star on First Fridays and South Flores on Second Saturdays and live it up. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Contemporary at Blue StarOriginal Donut Shop
3307 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 734-5661, facebook.com/theoriginaldonutshop
Known for its donuts and prized for its breakfast tacos, Original Donut Shop has been a longstanding spot on Fredericksburg. The shop draws crowds (i.e. long lines that form a trail along the road) for these goods, especially on the weekends. Consider this hotspot a rite of passage for foodies and puro San Antonians alike. Credit:Photo via Instagram / lonestargourmandThe San Antonio River’s Mission Reach has added more beautiful public space to our city.
Photo via Instagram / timd_satx Credit:Photo via Instagram / timd_satxGo skating at the Rotary Ice Rink
301 E. Travis St., rotaryicerink.com
This is the Alamo City’s new favorite holiday tradition for a reason. The ice rink opens in Travis Park at the end of each year to provide wholesome wintertime fun. Credit: Michael Cirlos, Centro San Antonio