Exploring Beyond Oklahoma
T he Alamo City shines as a holiday destination, offering countless things to do in San Antonio with kids. This festive city is perfect for an affordable family vacation in Texas, featuring twinkling lights along the River Walk, vibrant cultural experiences and engaging attractions that promise to create cherished family memories during the season. Shine Bright in San Antonio Explore holiday fun in the Alamo City ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY DEBBIE MURNAN
VIEW MORE THAN 100,000 HOLIDAY LIGHTS ALONG THE RIVER WALK.
DAY ONE Festive walks and shopping
Founded in 1718, San Antonio carries its beautiful Spanish colonial influence today throughout the architecture, food and music. And, a short trip to the Alamo City doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to its proximity to the Sooner State and the many free and frugal attractions. Check out this 3-day itinerary when planning your family’s new adventure to the old world of San Antonio.
Traveling to San Antonio can be done with ease now that Southwest Airlines offers a direct flight from Oklahoma City, Or, if you’re driving, it’s just under 7 hours to get there. When choosing lodging for this affordable family vacation in Texas, there are a wide range of hotels and rentals near the downtown River Walk, an ideal base location given the walkability of this area. Once you have arrived, jump right into the festivities of the season with a self-guided historic walk through the King William District . Located just south of downtown San Antonio, this neighborhood will take you back in time. The 19th century mansions have been meticulously preserved and their architectural character enhanced with holiday décor. The Villa Finale Museum and Garden is the only historic home currently available for public viewing. After strolling the charming streets of this district, stop at the corner of Turner and King William streets to visit the local park, featuring a picturesque gazebo framed by towering palm trees. If the weather is nice, grab a bite to eat at The Friendly Spot , a modern-day icehouse. This kid-friendly gathering place serves a variety of tacos, nachos and over 300 brews to choose from. The relaxed outdoor setting includes a playground for little ones to enjoy. Dive into holiday shopping along the five blocks of retail on Houston Street , from Legacy Park to the Alamo, right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The street sparkles with lights, decorations and entertainment. Just west of Legacy Park, explore the Historic Market Square for locally-owned boutiques showcasing the cultural influences of Mexico and the Southwest. The outdoor plazas allow customers to watch artisans at work, crafting homemade jewelry, candles and more. End your day with a stroll under the glowing lights of the River Walk , which is transformed into a holiday wonderland with more than
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE 19TH CENTURY MANSIONS IN THE KING WILLIAM DISTRICT.
58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024
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