San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

San with a Plan: It’s as Fun a Time as Ever to visit San Antonio

The adjoining AC by Marriott and Element by Westin hotels, a block from the River Walk

A VIBRANT DESTINATION any time of the year, San Antonio is especially exciting in October, leading up to weekend-long Dia de Los Muertos celebrations all over town. A river parade and special events in the La Villita Historic Village are among the festivities Oct. 27-29. Walkability is key, as ever — and two new Marriott properties have just opened in the heart of the River Walk, ensuring an easy trip for all.


The adjoining hotels, AC by Marriott and Element by Westin, are located on Soledad at Commerce; each offers a tasty breakfast buffet, and there’s a rooftop bar with bites, brunch and unbeatable skyline views.

The River Walk itself offers plenty of tourist-trappy fun (especially for families), but hop over to Hemisfair for more park and garden spaces, plus trendy eats like Box St. All Day. Farther east, find a more sophisticated take on the city’s mariachi-and-margaritas vibe at still-new Carriqui, with South Texas-inspired fare.

People + Places

Houstonian Kral, photographed at Lynn Wyatt Square across from HGO’s home at the Wortham

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA closes its critically acclaimed 2023-24 season of warhorses, Wagner and commissions with the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music (April 26-May 12).

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Art + Entertainment

Badolina Bakery in Rice Village (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

WHAT MAKES A restaurant patio great? Beauty, comfort, uniqueness? Check. Stellar food? Check. The feeling that you got away from it all? Triple check. Whether you’re looking to whet your whistle, grab a bite in a treehouse, dine under the stars, or catch a sunset over the urban landscape, Houston is rich with patios, balconies and rooftops. Get some air and celebrate the glorious season at these newbies and stalwarts.

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