Just the Two of You: A San Antonio Romance
San Antonio and the surrounding Texas Hill Country share a much-deserved reputation as the most romantic part of Texas. Steeped in Spanish ambiance, San Antonio tantalizes all the senses with colorful markets, the sounds of water flowing and guitars strumming, the fragrances of wildflowers and spicy aromas of Tex-Mex cooking, and the timeless beauty of historic stone buildings and graceful archways.
Couples can enjoy quiet time for two at plenty of hidden spots throughout the city and surrounding areas. A short drive takes you into the blue-green hills to marvel at magnificent sunsets, sample award-winning wines from Texas’ version of the famed Napa Valley, or escape to a charming Hill Country inn.
Stroll Hand in Hand
San Antonio abounds with out-of-the-way places to take romantic walks, share a kiss or disappear from the world for a few hours.
The Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park, located in an old rock quarry, offers a serene escape with walkways, stone-arch bridges, an island, a Japanese pagoda and ponds brimming with colorful koi. Another of the city’s most romantic spots is Rosa's Window at Mission San José in San Antonio Missions National Park. Legend has it the ornately carved stone window was named for Rosa, the sculptor’s betrothed.
The bustling River Walk displays its romantic side at night, when lights twinkle, and in the morning. Rise early and take a stroll with your loved one around the village of La Villita – an ideal time for window-shopping – and the stretch of the River Walk that meanders past the Arneson River Theatre and hot spots like the Fig Tree Restaurant and Little Rhein Steak House. If you're a fan of the acclaimed NPR show, Riverwalk Jazz, plan to stop in later at The Landing where the show originated. But in the still of morning, the sounds of doves cooing above are almost deafening, while the trickling water from fountains and rich green foliage and brilliant flowers make for an eye-dazzling experience.
Other ideal places for romantic walks around town include the grounds of the McNay Art Museum, which features a gazebo and fish pond in a natural area with trees and large boulders, and its Koehler Fountain set in a circle of paved stones.
Take a Carriage Ride
The most romantic way to see San Antonio is with a carriage ride. Visitors can catch one downtown from several operators and experience the heart of the city at a slower pace. Meander past lovely Victorian homes and inns in the King William historic district while the clip-clop of hooves echo on the streets.
Come Wine and Dine
Vineyards make for a naturally romantic setting to sip a glass of wine and savor sensual tastes. An hour’s drive to Fredericksburg puts couples in the heart of Texas wine country. There, wineries such as Becker Vineyards, Torre di Pietra, Grape Creek Vineyards and Woodrose Winery beguile guests with their locally made wines and lovely landscaped grounds. Afterward, hit the main street of charming Fredericksburg for dining options from authentic German cuisine to Asian fusion. One of the most romantic places to stay in town is the Basse Suite at the Hoffman Haus, which features a “dogtrot” that can be opened at either end, a small kitchen, and access to a lily pond and landscaped gardens. For a country dining getaway, the charming Grey Moss Inn north of San Antonio sets the stage for romance and relaxation with candlelight dinners, an extensive wine list and a menu of steaks, lobster, salmon and special desserts like homemade pecan pie.
Indulge in a Couples Spa Treatment
For the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, indulge in the “Texas Two-Step” – his-and-hers massages, along with other spa treatments – at the Watermark Hotel & Spa along the River Walk. Or get away from it all at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa or The Westin La Cantera Resort, tucked away in the gorgeous Texas hills, but a short drive to downtown. Many other spa options await visitors in San Antonio.
Whether out and about or cuddled up in your room, San Antonio is a great place to be in love – or fall in love all over again.
