When the air turns crisp and the Texas hills trade blazing heat for golden light, there’s only one answer when your group chat begs for plans: pack a weekender bag and head for the hills. Specifically, the live oak-studded hills surrounding Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, where Hill Country charm meets heritage-driven luxury.
Fresh off a 2025 refresh, the resort’s 496 rooms, including its exclusive SEVEN floor and spacious Villas, have been thoughtfully reimagined with rustic textures, warm tones, and handcrafted touches inspired by the world-famous King Ranch. From wood beams and stone fireplaces to inviting leather accents, the interiors pay homage to the legendary South Texas ranch’s “Big House,” blending timeless design with the welcoming spirit of Texas hospitality.
Here’s how to make the most of a long fall weekend where every detail is rooted in comfort.
Stay
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa’s $40+ million guest room refresh is calm, cool and designed to match the rhythm of Hill Country life. Think warm tones, rainfall showers, Nespresso machines, and morning light that pours in like a dream. For next-level relaxation, the adults-only floor SEVEN takes it up a notch with private concierge check-in, complimentary champagne, and exclusive spa access.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Want a little more space and seclusion? The Villas at La Cantera offer a retreat within a retreat. Spanish Colonial design, private patios, and outdoor fire features make every Villa feel like a well-kept secret. With personal golf carts, complimentary valet and names inspired by legendary Texas ranches like Waggoner and Briscoe, these one-of-a-kind stays blend history with Hill Country luxury. Bonus: there’s a secluded pool and hot tub just for Villa guests.
Dine
Credit: La Cantera Resort & Spa
Start your day at SweetFire Kitchen, where the open-air exhibition kitchen keeps things fresh and flavorful. Breakfast favorites come with a side of Hill Country views, and evenings invite long conversations over wine and hearty plates that warm you from the inside out.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: La Cantera Resort & Spa
When it’s time to turn up the romance, or just dress up for the evening, the Michelin-recognized Signature Restaurant is your move. Led by Chef John Carpenter, the menu features wild game, oysters, caviar, and elevated tasting menus rooted in Texas terroir. The vibe? Alluring, intimate and totally worth the reservation.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: La Cantera Resort & Spa
If bold flavor is your love language, Primero Cantina delivers Tex-Mex favorites with handcrafted tequila cocktails that pair perfectly with cooler nights on the terrace. Grill 254 hits the spot for post-golf bites and sports bar energy, while Sire Bar keeps it classy with charcuterie, cheese boards, and shareable snacks that transition easily from day to evening.
On-property Activities
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Five pools, endless views. Whether you’re lounging with a seasonal cocktail or cheering on the kids in the splash zone, there’s a pool for every mood. Topaz, the adults-only infinity pool perched high above the Hill Country, steals the show with cabanas, fire features, and stunning sunset views.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Need a reset? Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness is your sanctuary in the sky. Nestled on one of the highest points in San Antonio, this nature-soaked spa invites you to breathe deep and slow down. Choose from soulful treatments like the Hydrate & Glow Gemstone Facial or the Of Earth and Sky CBD Massage, or go all in with a full day of customized care. Private terraces, a salt room, and expansive views of the Texas sky make every exhale feel like a reset.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
For outdoor lovers, the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts and pickleball courts keep things active. Scenic trails also beckon for a fall hike through the rolling Hill Country terrain.
Seasonal spotlight: fall events worth the trip
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
This October, La Cantera takes its fall programming to legendary heights with Tip of the Hat to Texas (Oct. 2–4), a songwriter retreat and showcase in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, Renate Event & Design, and the Recording Academy’s Texas Songwriter-Composer Wing. Expect powerhouse performances from breakout country star Drake Milligan, genre-defying vocalist Madeline Edwards, and a lineup of Texas talent from Alex Lambert to Terry McBride.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
From intimate dinner shows and storytelling sessions to a runway fashion event and a full-scale tribute concert, the three-day experience blends music, style, and timeless Texas spirit.
The celebration continues into November with the resort’s Día de los Muertos activation (Nov. 1–2). Guests can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience that honors tradition with artful displays, live music, and soulful gatherings. It’s the perfect way to mark the season, equal parts remembrance, celebration, and community.
Off-property adventures
Credit: The Shops at La Cantera
When the mood strikes to explore beyond the resort, there’s no shortage of worthy things to do in San Antonio. A complimentary shuttle delivers guests to The Shops at La Cantera, an outdoor mall with 140 high-end retailers from Neiman Marcus to Tecovas.
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Of course, no visit would be complete without a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. Meander through shaded pathways, hop on a riverboat or slip into a quiet wine bar for a mid-afternoon pause. Just a short ride away, The Alamo stands as a proud symbol of Texas resilience, and it’s only one part of a larger legacy.
The San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a deeper look into the city’s roots. These 18th-century Spanish Colonial complexes, including Mission Concepción and Mission San José, blend Catholic and Indigenous traditions in their architecture and culture. Walk or bike the scenic Mission Reach Trail to explore all four historic missions, still active parishes today and a striking reminder of San Antonio’s vibrant past.
This is fall in full color
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
Credit: Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
At Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, the season comes alive with chef-driven dining, restorative spa rituals, and Hill Country nights that stretch long past sunset. From songwriter showcases in October to Día de los Muertos celebrations in November, every stay is designed to feel indulgent, inspired, and unforgettable.
A California local, Kathleen Hokit grew up on a farm but spent every chance she could at the beach. After earning her graduate degree in the social sciences in Finland, she built a 17+ year career writing and editing across lifestyle, entertainment, and culture. A longtime magazine lover, she now lives the dream as part of the editorial team at LOCALE. When she’s not on deadline, she’s hiking or sneaking in a beach day with her husband and son. Kathleen loves all things art—from writing and photography to spending time on the dance floor, where she teaches ballet to everyone from tiny tots to grown-ups on their pas de bourrée path.