A Weekend in San Antonio - 2025

San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio

Not sure what the general impression is of Texas. I've been out there a number of times...Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Generally, my impression is big flat spaces, lots of mini malls and not too much to offer outside of a few bars and restaurants. However, I was determined to get a better idea of San Antonio this time around and see what the city had to offer. And the 2025 San Antonio BIG Salsa Fest was a good excuse to check the city out again.

2025 San Antonio BIG Salsa Festival

San Antonio looks like a lot of big Texas cities to me...large, sprawling, and in a constant state of development. My challenge visiting Texas cities is figuring out where the city center is and where the entertainments districts are. Theaters, restaurants, bars, clubs...they could be anywhere! As it turns out, San Antonio has a lot of interesting areas to check out. But, highly urban and highly rural.

The Weather

No surprise...the weather in July in Texas is hot. VERY hot. But, this year, a bunch of rain storms interrupted the heat every afternoon. That made the pool parties a little challenging, but it was a relief to get a break from the heat with a cooling rain storm.

Japanese Tea Garden

First stop this time was the Japanese Tea Garden. A Japanese tea garden might not be the first thing you think of in Texas, but this is a really amazing spot. The main attraction is a large carp pond, with bridges, waterfalls and lots of great spots for pictures. It's surrounded by a beautiful collection of colorful plants, vines, and flowers. There are also a number a peaceful, quiet paths...perfect for meditation or just taking a break from a busy day. And at the end of one path is the Sunken Garden Theater, which plays hosts to a number of live events. Unfortunately, none while we were there.

The Alamo

While in San Antonio, you have to get in a little history. So, next up was a stop at the Alamo. There are a number of displays at the Alamo that paint a vivid picture of that conflict and battle. Definitely worth a visit. Watch out for the parking, though. Most of the parking lots in the area are $15 or more, so street parking was the call for the day.

Riverwalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk is more of what you think of when you think San Antonio. This sprawling complex following San Antonio river through downtown is packed with restaurants, bars, hotels, live entertainment, theaters and a lot of other attractions. Namely, the boat rides that take you up and down the river. It's cool place to spend a day.

The Pearl

And for a little shopping, the next stop was the Pearl. This cool outdoor mall looks like it was repurposed industrial complex. Now, there are restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, book stores, a food court, and plenty of outdoor seating. Perfect spot for a nice cool drink on a hot afternoon.

La Fonda

For dinner, how about a little Tex Mex! La Fonda is an establishment. And amazing choices up and down the menu. That night, the house special was Lamb chops. And La Fonda didn't disappoint!

Natural Bridge Caverns

On Sunday, I found something that sounded really cool...under ground caves! The Natural Bridge Caverns are on the Northern outskirts of the city and have a series of underground limestone formations that have created a series of caves over the centuries. The caves descend almost 200 feet underground and are really impressive. The humidity level is quite high, but compared to the surface, the caves are cool, a nice break from the summer heat. And they're filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations from 1000s of years of dripping water. And if you have time, the caves are also right next door to a wild animal park.

First Watch

First Watch has become a regular stop when I go to San Antonio. The best meal of the day at a salsa congress is definitely brunch. And First Watch seems to have the market cornered in San Antonio on brunch. The west coast doesn't really have a high end brunch chain. But, the south certainly does. This time around, it was lemon ricotta pancakes, a side of eggs and a "morning meditation" pressed juice. Nice way to start any day, even at 1 in the afternoon.

Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ

Another must in San Antonio is some Texas barbeque. The last spot I tried was out of business, so I tried a new spot, Smokey Mo's. It seemed like more of a fast food place rather than a more sit down spot, but the food was still really good. Good briskets, good pork ribs and good beans.

Ribs & Brisket at Smokey Mo's

The San Antonio BIG Salsa Festival Experience

Overall, this festival was another quality event. Great artists, great shows, great social dancing. However, there were some things we noticed. Namely, the absence of not only Fernando Sosa, but also Taty Bonaguro, who didn't make it to San Antonio this time. Unfortunately some external factors affected the number of attendees as well this year, but hopefully, that will get solved next year.

The highlight would have to be a rising star in the scene and from right there in San Antonio. Yolieth Baragan has gone to Mexico and dominated. She went to San Francisco to amaze audiences. And she finished off the weekend taking over the Sunday shows. She's one to keep an eye on in the future and if she comes to your town, her shows/workshops are something you shouldn't miss.