Mixing History with Relaxation: A Three-Day Weekend Getaway in San Antonio

Curated By
Brittany O'Brien
Curator’s statement
Exploring the new-to-us city of San Antonio on a three-day weekend escape provided a delightful mix of history touring and relaxation. Touring spots like the Alamo, Tower of Americas, and the Riverwalk, while also relaxing at the pool or spa in the Mokara, gave us the break from “home life” we needed. San Antonio surprised us with amazing food and drink options—we never had a bad meal.
The Fora Difference
Book with Brittany to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in San Antonio
Unlock perks by contacting Brittany to book your trip.
Things to do in San Antonio

A beautiful day exploring and learning about The Alamo and how it influenced the history of Texas.
Guided tour of the Alamo: The tour taught us the history of The Alamo‚ who fought, and how it influenced the Texas Revolution. Our guide was lively, funny, and full of Texas history knowledge.
Mokara Spa: We had full access to the spa with our stay at the Mokara and loved the services we purchased during our stay. The nail technician and masseuse were detailed and experts in their specialties.
Food and drink along the Riverwalk: We had some of the best food we have experienced. We loved checking out new restaurants (Bourdo's, Biga’s, Ostra, and The County Line, to name a few) and trying local cuisine. Their seafood and steaks were chef’s kiss. We found some really cool after-dinner bars—Esquire, Double Standard, and Four Brothers (with live music)—which were great finds. All of the restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets, and most had a separate menu or guide for gluten-free options.
Towers of America: After our tour of the Alamo, we walked over to the Tower of America to enjoy lunch at Bar 601—great food, drinks, and views of San Antonio. If you visit (eat or drink) at Bar 601, you can purchase discounted Observation Deck tickets (around $7 off). We loved seeing a 360-degree view of San Antonio, and the food/drinks at Bar 601 was great.
Rooftop Pool at Mokara Hotel & Spa: It was a small but great pool on the rooftop of the Mokara Hotel. They had a great rooftop bar and grill, with very friendly staff and delicious cucumber-mint water for all guests. They had a hot tub, lots of lounge chairs, and the pool temperature was perfect for the hot Texas summer days.
Walking the Riverwalk: We would wake, enjoy complimentary coffee brought to the room, and go for a long walk along the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk was lively, beautiful, and great for people-watching. You could walk/run for miles. It often had bars/restaurants that would serve to-go drinks, patio/riverwalk seating, and lots of wildlife.
Places to eat & drink in San Antonio

Downstairs at Esquire Tavern was a fun, darkly lit, after-dinner cocktail bar. The ambiance and mood were very much “old Texas.”
Biga - San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurant: Delicious food and really great cocktails and wine selection. We had the 11-spiced South Texas antelope and quail and the lamb rack; both were delicious and extremely flavorful. Great location on the Riverwalk, and a short walk from our hotel.
Boudro’s: Our favorite restaurant we ate at during our time in San Antonio. The staff was great and very knowledgeable about their food and history. The food was incredibly delicious. We had tableside guacamole and filet and blackened prime rib, and it was all water-in-your-mouth delicious.
Ostra: Breakfast was included due to Fora Perks and was delicious every morning. The staff was extremely welcoming and grateful to serve. We had a delicious dinner for our anniversary, and the staff went above and beyond with celebrating with and for us (personalized card, champagne, and appetizer/dessert). The halibut and filet were incredibly flavorful and delicious.
Four Brothers: Great bar staff, great options for whiskey and wine, and great live music.
Downstairs at Esquire Tavern: Riverside lounge/bar with a beautiful, dark bar. We enjoyed a really great old fashioned.
The Double Standard: Wwanky cocktail bar near the Riverwalk. Had delicious cocktails (and very generous pours, hence the name. All drinks are doubles) and enjoyed the environment.
Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant: On the Riverwalk, right next to Mokara Hotel & Spa. The margaritas were the best we’ve had, the tableside guacamole was delicious, the food was extremely tasty (baha fish tacos and enchiladas), and the people-watching made for a fun afternoon.
The County Line on the Riverwalk: Delicious brisket with sauce; however, the slaw and fries weren’t the best we’ve had. Great BBQ brisket and would go back again if on the Riverwalk.
Need to know
I would not recommend visiting between June and September, unless you want very hot and humid weather. It rained our first day, which cooled things off, but it was quite warm by the end of the weekend.
Stay on the Riverwalk and you do not need a rental car unless you’re going outside of town. We loved being able to walk everywhere and explore on foot. San Antonio Airport is only a 15-minute drive from Mokara Hotel & Spa.
We loved the Mokara Hotel & Spa—from the first welcome through checkout, their precision to detail, care for their guests, and incredible service made us feel like royalty.

Travel Advisor
Brittany O'Brien

Get in touch with Brittany
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Brittany within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our San Antonio page.