Romance is in the air… not only has San Antonio recently been ranked the number-one “Most Romantic City in America,” according to a study by Amazon, the fall season signals a fresh wave of loving inspiration.
No matter what flavor you like your romance — from spicy to sweet, cozy to cool — the city holds the key to your heart and bae’s, too.
Whether you commune with classic Spanish architecture, get in touch with nature, have a mini fiesta, or soak up some old-world charm, these swoon-worthy ideas are sure to keep the romance alive.
And, no, don’t stop reading if you don’t have an S/O. This list still works wonders for first dates and friends.
Go back in time at The Guenther House
Where: 205 E. Guenther St.
@jazzexploringReflecting the Art Nouveau style of the 1920s, this Victorian-era restaurant, roof garden, and museum is located in the former home of the family who built the adjacent Pioneer Flour Mill in 1858. The classic breakfast spread — think buttermilk biscuits, sweet cream waffles, and the like — is served all day (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.), every day.
@rodneyjane
Activate cruise control with Go Rio
Where: Multiple ticket booth locations
@molly_ohhFloat the river with one of Go Rio’s water shuttles, which provides a whole new way to experience the romance and charm of the River Walk. They also host special culinary variations with brunch, cocktail, and dinner cruise options.
@goriocruises
Have a smooth and soulful night at Jazz TX
Where: 312 Pearl Pkwy., Building 6, Ste. 6001
@jazz_texasThe velvety smooth layers of jazz music radiate through this clubby space in the cellar of the Bottling House at the historic Pearl Brewery. In addition to jazz, you can hear a full spectrum of South Texas music — jazz, blues, swing, salsa and folk.
Have fries with that at La Frite Belgian Bistro
Where: 728 S. Alamo St.
@dreammieeeeThe inviting, family-owned bistro serves some of the finest moules frites (mussels and fries) outside of Belgium plus an array of classic French dishes done with unique twists.
@safood.eGo around the world at SAMA
Where: 200 W. Jones Ave.
@sama_artThe San Antonio Museum of Art goes global with 5,000 years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. The museum is renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern U.S. — and, you can also catch periodic outdoor flicks or grab a bite at Jason Dady’s Tre Trattoria restaurant that brings the flavors of Italy to SAMA.
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Two-step together at Gruene Hall
Where: 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels
@gruenehallSwing your S/O round and round at Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall in New Braunfels, originally built in 1878. It boasts a laundry list of famous stars who’ve played the stage, and it’s a fun place to dance all night long to country tunes, music artists, and other live entertainment. (They even host periodic dance lessons.) It’s only about 35 miles from San Antonio, but you could always make a night of it and stay in a treehouse at River Road.
@mglynnphotoPack a picnic for San Antonio Botanical Garden
Where: 555 Funston Place
@itslittlerivyThere’s something so classically romantic about a fall picnic, and the beautiful surroundings of this botanical garden are a perfect place to pitch your blanket amidst the 38 acres of flowers, paths, and trails. The dazzling contemporary architecture and glassy, geometric greenhouses only add to the natural allure.
@hcostagilesCarb up at La Panaderia
Where: Downtown, 301 E. Houston St.; Alamo Heights, 8305 Broadway St.
@lapanaderiaThey have a Nutella Cruffin. Need we say more? Okay, we will. You and bae can bond over your love of carbs at this place that’s also had its 15 minutes of fame on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” It’s no wonder, given their artisan approach to breadmaking that includes a 48-hour fermentation process. They also promise their tortas are the key to anyone's heart. Good thing you have your S/O, so you can share multiple things.
@lapanaderia
Chill out at Tropiccup
Where: 1160 N. Loop 1604 W, Ste. 108
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If you both still need a taste of summer, this urban drink and dessert shop has all the tropical flavors you could hope for with bubble teas, matcha milk foams, bubble waffle cones, and shaved ice.
@yelpsanantonioGo on an exotic safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Where: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd.
@sarahann_youngAn up-close-and-personal romp with wildlife, this 450-acre Texan-style African safari park houses more than 500 exotic animals that you can see and sometimes even touch from your car.
@renha.stewartTake a sunset stroll along Mission Reach Trail
Where: Multiple access points
@oili_miiamOne of the most romantic walks in the city, the 8-mile hike and bike trail combines old-world charm with natural beauty and takes the River Walk to another level. The wooded landscapes, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and views of four old Spanish missions (Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada) are especially beautiful at sunset.
@adrigcgTake your love to new heights at Tower of the Americas
Where: 739 E. Cesar Chavez
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Sure, it’s kind of a cliché thing to do. But, who cares. The Observation Deck of this towering beacon in the sky offers panoramic views — and, so does the Chart House Restaurant. You’ll pay dearly for dinner here, but you can always slip in for the Tableside Torched Apple Manhattan cocktail and the famous hot chocolate lava cake, too. Now, that just sounds sexy.
@xo_guelz
@shunkhiGet ghosted with Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours
Where: Multiple locations
@sistersgrimmtxSafety in numbers with your S/O, as ghosting takes on new meaning with these history-meets-mystery tours that hit up haunted San Antonio’s most paranormal locales.
Treat yourself (and your S/O) at the Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness
Where: Cantera Spa & Resort, 16641 La Cantera Pkwy.
@lomadevidaThis secluded sanctuary at the Cantera Resort oozes with lush seduction and tranquility, as it’s immersed in nature and situated on one of the highest points in San Antonio for breathtaking views of the Texas sky and surrounding Hill Country. And, we haven’t even gotten to the spa treatments yet. Those are just as spectacular.
@lacanteraresort
Have a day at the museum at The McNay
Where: 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
@kendraaahhhrThe art museum hosts immersive experiences along with more than 22,000 works in the permanent collection. Plus, its Spanish Colonial-Revival courtyard is a little slice of romance.
@mcnayart
@thetoastylifeCozy up with a cocktail at Bohanan’s
Where: 219 E. Houston St.
@bohanansThe cozy, clubby atmosphere of this steak house is a classic, cool-weather place to sidle up to the bar and have a creative cocktail and late-night small plates — or, do a double-date dinner.
@bohanansBrowse around Historic Market Square
Where: 514 W. Commerce St.
@twinhwinFall in love with all the colors of this enormous Mexican marketplace-meets-indoor mall that’s always a festive setting — even on a drearier fall day — with more than 100 shops for clothing, folk art, piñatas, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and so much more. Oh, and definitely get some churros to share.
@tamaragoestoCozy up at Paramour Bar
Where: 102 9th St., Ste. 400
@monicarphotoThe seductive, unique setting of this rooftop bar is basically all you need to know. Quirky-bohemian hangout by day, and a sultry hotspot by night, it’s a 100-percent perfect place for romance any time. They’ve also been known to do a drag brunch on Sundays… word to the wise, or fair warning.
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@paramourbar
@neyshaclevengerGo sweet and savory with #ConchaThursdays at Con Safos
Where: 607 Hemisfair Blvd.
@con_safos_saA whole lot tastier than #ThrowbackThursday, #ConchaThursdays at this cozy neighborhood eatery in the Yanaguana Garden means you and your date can each get a concha burger (it’s sweet and savory with bacon, creamy brie, and sriracha strawberry jam!), fries, and beer for $10. Plus, they often have live entertainment on their patio.
@s.a.foodie
@do210See a movie under the stars with Slab Cinema
Where: Multiple locations
@slabcinemaGet extra starry-eyed at this free outdoor movie experience that’s way more romantic than sitting inside a big-box theater. Slab Cinemas hosts screenings all around town including Hemisfair Park, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, SAMA, and more.
Have a night at the Majestic & Empire Theatres
Where: 224 E. Houston St.; 226 E. Houston St.
@do210The side-by-side historic theaters make it easy to catch any performance that strikes you and bae’s fancy — from song and dance, to musicals, and modern pop stars. Of course, the beautifully intricate venue is a showpiece in and of itself.
@majesticempirePlay with your food (and drink) at Bite San Antonio
Where: 1012 S. Presa St.
@stevenmichael90This place is almost too cool for its own good. The intimate 12-table venue features bright pops of color and mod art, but it’s the kitschy, hyper-garnished mimosas and bloody Marys that really are the star of the show.
@biterestaurantsaZen out at the Japanese Tea Garden
Where: 3853 N. St. Mary’s St.
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The chill vibes are so real here. This natural sanctuary was once a rock quarry. Now, it’s a romantically picturesque oasis with lush greenery, stone bridges, koi ponds, and waterfalls.
@lydiamawiHave some adult ice cream at Boozy’s: Creamery + Craft
Where: 732 S. Alamo St.
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This is the kind of adulting you’ll both get on board with… This ice cream here gets spiked with the good stuff. (But, they do have non-boozy versions, too.) There’s a rotating list of flavors like French toast, mint ice, mudslide, afternoon delight, dirty sailor, and bourbon vanilla. Yum.
@boozyscreamery
Shake it up at Sound Cream at Pearl
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy.
@historicpearlIt's as smooth as it sounds. Sound Cream Airstream’s dance party and DJ showcase features every genre from Cuban salsa to house, mixed by locals and guest DJs from New York City, Los Angeles, Mexico, and more. The Night Market every first Thursday at Pearl is also worth an after-dark date.
@historicpearlGet spicy at Berry To Bean Coffee House
Where: 3900 Broadway
@berrytobeanTheir signature, spicy-sweet turmeric latte is not only trendy, it’s made for the crispness of fall — making this place a cozy little stop. It's also convenient after a day date to the Witte Museum, which happens to be right across the street.
Play a round at Cool Crest Mini Golf
Where: 1402 Fredericksburg Rd.
@eric_von_zipperThe fall temperatures mean Cool Crest is now an even cooler option. This place is retro-charming, too; it’s one of the oldest continuously operating mini golf courses in the world, as San Antonians have been bringing dates here since 1929.
Catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse
Where: Multiple locations
@spaghetti2kIf it’s dreary outside, catch a flick inside at this cool-kid movie palace — with food, drink, and reclining seats. Even more fun are the special events — like the signature Dance Parties and the Movie Parties with props.
Journey through the looking glass at Ocho Lounge
Where: Hotel Havana, 1015 Navarro St.
@xtovalNot only is this restaurant magical with its sexy-sleek glass conservatory design punctuated by velvety textures, jewel tones, and chic chandeliers, it garnered worldwide acclaim when Architectural Digest deemed it one of “The World’s Most Gorgeous Glass Restaurants.”
@the.frenchy.alyCozy up with a coffee (or a cocktail) at Rosella
Where: 203 E Jones Ave, Ste. 101; Historic Rand Building, 114 E. Houston St.; Sullivan Carriage House, 555 Funston Place
@beudevilCoffee shops are especially inviting in the fall, and the Rosella has three different locations for you to get your caffeine fix together. Go to Rosella at the Rand, though, for its cozy historic charm, and on their Thursday happy hours, you can even trade coffee for hand-crafted cocktails against a backdrop of live DJ tunes.
@rosellatx