7 Bucket List Ideas for Military Families in San Antonio
by PCSgrades Staff - June 1st, 2022
If you are stationed in the San Antonio area, you know firsthand how interesting it is. And while it's easy to get caught up in daily life, this is a great area to explore while you’re living there.
For families who live at any of the installations nearby -- Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB, or Fort Sam Houston -- there is plenty to see and experience. The opportunities may seem overwhelming, so we’ve put together a list of the 7 top things we think you should try.
See the view from the Tower of the Americas
The 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas was built in the center of Hemisfair Park for the 1968 World’s Fair. To this day, it remains the tallest structure in San Antonio. The observation deck provides a spectacular view of the city. The Chart House, a revolving restaurant at the top, is a favorite for experiencing the remarkable panoramic view. This is a perfect idea for a special celebration, and you’ll want to make reservations.
Swim in San Pedro Springs
The San Pedro Springs Park is the oldest park in the state of Texas, and the second oldest public space in America -- second to Boston Common. The 46-acre park is the location of a Papaya village known as Yanaguana, which was the original site of San Antonio. In this park is a natural springs pool open for swimming. The water is chilly but the park is beautiful, and there is no admission.
Check out Fiesta San Antonio
More than a century ago, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and they celebrate with Remember the Alamo Weekend the first weekend in March. Originally started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, it has evolved into one of this nation’s premier festivals. About 3.5 million people from across the state and around the nation enjoy Fiesta San Antonio. It takes 100 local nonprofit organizations and over 75,000 volunteers to pull off this Texas-sized festival. San Antonio’s 11-day signature spring event is not to be missed.
Get to know the bats
From March through October, more than 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats make their home in Bracken Cave just outside the San Antonio city limits. Each evening at dusk, 50,000 bats emerge to dine on mosquitoes and other insects. Beginning in mid-July and running into August, Bat Conservation International hosts a Tuesday-evening information session and bat-viewing party across from the Camden Bridge along the Museum Reach. Even if it’s a little creepy for your tastes, it’s something to experience.
Find your inner cowboy at the stock show and rodeo
Each February, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo takes center stage. The event features rodeo events and youth livestock competitions, live music, carnival rides, and a variety of expos – all at the AT&T Center grounds. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Grab your cowboy hat and jeans and head out to enjoy the rodeo.
Get a pair of cowboy boots
If the military brings you to Texas, you can’t leave without a pair of Texas boots. The Little family has been making custom boots in San Antonio for more than a century. This handmade footwear from Little’s Boots isn’t cheap, but the experience of owning your own unique pair of Texas boots will be a memory you keep long after your next military move.
Grab a drink at the Menger Hotel Bar
Established in 1859, the Menger Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. In 1898, Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders from this bar to fight in the Spanish-American War. Enjoy a cocktail and some of the hotel’s refreshing signature mango ice cream in the cool, dark confines of this historic -- and some say haunted -- bar.
