EXPERIENCE SAN ANTONIO: WHAT’S NEW
Ruby City
This modern, crimson-hued, 14,000 square foot exhibition space was designed by architect Sir David Adjaye and is transforming San Antonio’s skyline. Ruby City houses more than 900 paintings, sculptures, installations and video works by contemporary artists from around the world. Admission is free.
San Antonio Food Trails
Get your food fix from the new San Antonio Food Trails. Specialty tacos, the finest smoked brisket, and smooth margaritas will satisfy your culinary desires. San Antonio is a city of culinary innovation but we’re always ready to revisit our roots.
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
San Pedro Creek improvements have begun to transform the area into a world-class park. Visitors can now see the beautifully landscaped and art-filled first half-mile of the project, featuring Tricentennial Plaza, multiple water features and Rain from the Heavens, an art installation that depicts the night sky in 1718. Each of the murals throughout the park is mixed with colorful tile designs and poetry that tell the story of the rich cultural history that defines San Antonio.
Pearl
Pearl is an evolving, active community with a culinary focus. Dine and drink in one of Hotel Emma’s captivating restaurants, or explore Pearl’s newest offerings such as Botika and High Street Wine Co. Visitors to JAZZ, TX can dance off the in-house Texan cuisine to the music of a live band and patrons of Bottling Department Food Hall make selections from an array of vendors, including local chefs and established culinary professionals. Try not to eat all of the kids’ carnitas when they’re running through Pearl Park’s new splash pad. If relaxing is more your vibe, experience the trendy, upscale Hiatus Spa + Retreat, complete with a hydrotherapy room and a zero-gravity nail station.
Hemisfair
Hemisfair, site of the 1968 World’s Fair, is well into the second of a three-phase development plan to become San Antonio’s very own Central Park, a place where you can eat, play and relax. The family friendly Yanaguana Garden includes a splash pad, a challenging playscape of ropes and slides. Local favorites and candy shops, Chocollazo and Sugar Sugar will open in Hemisfair in time for Valentine’s Day, featuring handcrafted chocolates, truffles and other candies. Don’t miss the recent public art installation from the government of Mexico City and Mexican artist, Jorge Marín, “Alas de México” or “Wings of Mexico” to celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial.
Mission Reach Updates
No matter how you move down Mission Reach, take time to admire the World Heritage Trail’s new public art installations, murals and hip eateries. At Mission Espada, don’t miss the Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life). This giant public art holds 700 small ceramic sculptures created by community members and inspired by San Antonio’s ranching culture. Take advantage of the SWell Cycle stations at the Blue Star Arts Complex after lunch at Burgerteca or Villa Rica, new concepts from Chef Johnny Hernandez featuring Mexican-influenced burgers and a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of Mexico, respectively. If water transportation is more your style, rent a kayak or a canoe to travel down the Mission Reach. Make a stop at the newly opened Confluence Park, a destination to inspire and teach the importance of the San Antonio River for a yoga class under the breathtaking BHP Pavilion.
Creative City of Gastronomy
As of October 31, 2017, San Antonio is a designated Creative City of Gastronomy and is a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This designation signifies San Antonio’s place as an international culinary destination. Our deep, culturally diverse, culinary traditions began with the innovative agricultural techniques of Native American peoples who lived here for thousands of years and continue to showcase innovation and growth.