San Antonio, Texas, is known for its River Walk, historic landmarks, and excellent Tex-Mex cuisine, but for those not from the area, it might come as a surprise to learn the city was officially named “Military City USA” in 2017. With one of largest concentrations of military bases in the country (each year, nearly 40,000 military trainees call it home), San Antonio wears its 300-year military legacy with pride.
November is one of the best times to visit, not only for mild weather and lively cultural events like Diwahli, but for a chance to connect with the city’s military heritage. Veterans Day weekend brings the Alamo City to life with parades, free celebrations, and the opportunity to support a growing roster of veteran-owned businesses. From exploring historic landmarks to dining at restaurants run by those who’ve served our country, here are the best things to do for an eventful, and distinctly Texan, Veterans Day weekend.
More Things To Do In San Antonio
Visit The Alamo
Muchgee via Wikimedia Commons Remember the Alamo…is very small
A must-see on any San Antonio itinerary, the Alamo—officially known as Mission San Antonio de Valero—marks the site of the 1836 battle that shaped Texas history. On November 11, the plaza celebrates Military Appreciation Day with live music, exhibits, and ceremonies. The chapel and grounds are free to explore, and on Veterans Day, service members and veterans, along with one guest, receive complimentary admission to the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center.
thealamo.org; 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205; 210-225-1391
Celebrate Veterans Day In The Hemisfair District
Take your kids for a fun-filled (and free) day at Civic Park during the annual SA Veterans Day at Hemisfair. Just a short stroll from the San Antonio River Walk, the celebration kicks off with a 5K Fun Run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the Veterans Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. Enjoy the presentation of colors and a symbolic flyover, then stick around for live music, food, drinks, and plenty of activities, all open to the public.
hemisfair.org/event/sa-veterans-day-at-hemisfair; 210 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205; 210-709-4750
Watch The San Antonio Veterans Day Parade
Courtesy of United States Military Veterans Parade Association
If there’s one thing San Antonio does well, it’s put on a good parade. Held each year on the Saturday before Veterans Day, the procession typically begins at noon in Milam Park and cruises its way through downtown along historic Houston Street. Grab a spot along the route to catch marching bands, military units, and colorful floats honoring the city’s service members.
Learn Aviation History On A City Bus Tour
San Antonio’s military roots go hand in hand with its aviation history. Thanks to nonprofit organization San Antonio Flight, you can see the city through an air-conditioned coach tour as you learn how “Military City USA,” the birthplace of military aviation, came to be. Stops include several significant sites like the Fort Sam Houston Museum and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), the largest military complex in the country.
saflight.org/bus/san-antonio-military-city-tour; 210-842-8647
Dine At Veteran-Owned Restaurants
Courtesy of Visit San Antonio
Bexar County is home to nearly 160,000 veterans, and many of them are leaving their mark on San Antonio’s food scene. Head to Garcia Barbecue for award-winning brisket, smash burgers, and other smoked favorites, crafted by Marine veteran Jonathan Garcia and co-founder Alex Garcia. For Caribbean cuisine, stop by The Jerk Shack, where Chef Nicola Blaque channels a decade of Army discipline into flavorful jerk chicken and oxtail plates. End your day with a pint at Gather Brewing Co., where Coast Guard veterans Mike and Rachel Voeller transformed their shared passion for craft beer into a beloved community hangout.
Enjoy Free Admission To Missions National Historical Park
On Veterans Day, enjoy free entry at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the site protecting four of the city’s five original Spanish frontier missions (not including the Alamo). The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada; all open for self-guided tours. For a scenic route between them, rent a bike and follow the roughly 8-mile Mission Reach Trailhead linking each site along the San Antonio River.
nps.gov/saan/index.htm; 210-932-1001
Stay At The Historic Menger Hotel
Courtesy Menger Hotel
For history buffs—or anyone who appreciates a stunning stay—book a room at the Menger Hotel. Considered the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi, this storied property is centrally located beside the Alamo and just steps from the River Walk. Relax in the Spanish-style courtyard garden, or take a dip in San Antonio’s largest heated pool, all while surrounded by a rich blend of historic architecture and stately palm trees.
mengerhotel.com; 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205; 210-223-4361
Read the original article on Southern Living