Best family vacation spots in America: San Antonio, Texas

May 20, 10:10 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Welcome to San Antonio's Mercado

As far as family destinations go, San Antonio, Texas is legendary. There's so many different things to do for kids of all ages. No matter if you've just got a weekend or a whole week, you'll be happy with this choice of family destination.

There are three things everyone MUST see in San Antonio... and the good news is they are all FREE! How cool is that. Hard to find that these days. Another bonus: you can walk between all three or take a cheap trolley. TIP: If you take the trolley, save the transfer coupons as you can get back on again for free! Our nice trolley driver gave us this little tip!

1. The Alamo. It's the #1 tourist attraction in Texas! If you're a history buff this could take a long time, otherwise a picture out front, stroll around the grounds, and a stop in their gift store (to support them of course) are all you really need to do. That will take about half an hour.

2. The Riverwalk. You can wonder around the Riverwalk and admire its architecture for free. But I would strongly recommend relaxing your feet and take a guided boat ride around instead. It costs under $10 per person and it takes you around the whole thing in about 30 minutes. Perfect if you're just going to spend the morning in San Antonio. Click HERE for details. You get a bit of a history lesson of the city and everything. I would catch the boat at the Rivercenter mall, which is basically down the street from the Alamo. If you want to eat on the river, avoid the chains, though there are TONS of them if you just have to go to one. Instead opt for Casa Rio, the first business to open on the Riverwalk! Really good Tex-Mex too! Yum!

3. The Mercado/Market Square. This is a little bit of Mexico in downtown San Antonio all niced-up for the touristos! My favorite part: THE best Mexican food in town at MiTierra. This is a GREAT spot to take young kids, as it is decorated to the nines with sparkly things and lights on the ceiling. The food is fantastic and authentic. An added bonus, they have a Mexican bakery, also called a panadaria. This alone will delight the little ones with their colorful cookies and other treats. Make sure to grab a number, as there's no real line.

For ride lovers...

This may be the middle of the state with no ocean for hours in any direction, but still San Antonio's got you covered. It's home to one of the nation's three Sea World parks. If you've never been, you should. There's rides and endless sea creature exhibits. And of course Shamu the killer whale and his dolphin friends put on shows.

If you want even more rides, check out Fiesta Texasamusement park. This is a Six Flags park and has all the standards from giant roller coasters to shows. They also have a full kids area with rides just for little ones.

Food and lodging suggestions...

Now my suggestion to maximize the number of great things you can do and eat (cause San Antonio has lots of fantastic food!) if you have just a weekend is this...

Stay at the LaQuinta at Market Square. When you arrive drop off your bags and head straight over to MiTierra (that I mentioned above) for lunch or dinner (and desert). Then take a nice walk down West Commerce Street to the Riverwalk and take the boat ride I mentioned above. Next head for Casa Rio (that I mentioned above) for a night cap margarita. You could walk back to the hotel or the bus (or trolley if it's still working) back up West Commerce and back to your hotel. Then crash back in your room or take a swim in the pool.

In the morning, get up and take the trolley (you catch it just outside the hotel) down to the Alamo. Stroll around and then take the trolley to El Mercado/Market Square. Browse the Mexican-made trinkets, then walk three blocks down Santa Rosa to the world headquarters and dining room of Bill Miller Bar-B-Q! Make sure to order the sweet tea with your combo. I personally recommend the carved turkey and potato salad dinner. So good! Not the best BBQ in Texas but definitely up there!

Or if you arrive early enough in the day you can do the Alamo, Riverwalk and Mercado all in one day. That gives you the next day to spend at either Fiesta Texas or Sea World. Sure this would make a packed weekend. But it would be a weekend filled with fun!