San Antonio, Texas: We are coming for you! The 2024 TAA One Conference and Expo is only a few short weeks away, and we can’t wait! It’s a multifamily conference that never disappoints. But you know what they say about all work and no play, right?
To help you plan pre- and post-conference or after-hours fun, we consulted with Krystal Beltrán, a Regional Account Executive for Fetch and our San Antonio expert. She helped us put together a list of unforgettable experiences and amazing places to visit for food and drinks.
If you haven’t already registered to attend the 2024 TAA ONE Conference and Expo, you need to do that right now! It’s a fantastic event packed with relevant learning, an incredible expo, and impactful networking opportunities. Not to mention that it provides an opportunity to earn continuing education credits!
April 24 will be here soon, and the Fetch team is gearing up to attend. We are so excited! You can find us in Booth #232, so please stop by — whether that’s to get answers to your questions about offsite package management or just to say “Hi”!
At Fetch, we are big supporters of the career growth and connections you gain at association events like TAA. It’s a fabulous opportunity to visit with others in the industry, refresh “old” friendships, and meet new friends.
Hope to see you there!
So, without further delay, here is our list of the top 5 amazing places to visit in San Antonio during TAA.
1. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
Why you should visit: Built on the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair is a cool place to visit for its widespread appeal; it’s fun for everyone! If you plan to bring the kids, there’s a playground with unique features for all abilities, from swings and slides to a custom playhouse. And adults will enjoy games like ping pong or cornhole.
The park is beautifully landscaped, with colorful mosaics and sculptures that add an artistic flair. And because it’s a popular spot for locals, you get a true San Antonio feel. When the sun sets, the park lights up with artistic colors, making it a lovely place for a stroll or to grab a bite to eat at a nearby outdoor eatery.
- Hours: 5 a.m. – Midnight
- 434 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio (Map and Parking/Transportation Info)
- Approximately an 8-minute walk from the Henry B. González Convention Center
- Google Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Website | Instagram
2. Little Em’s Oyster Bar
Why you should visit: Little Em’s Oyster Bar in San Antonio offers a delightful combination of fresh seafood, a charming atmosphere (its distinct pink and white exterior makes it easy to spot), and a touch of local cred, making it a superb spot to visit.
They’re known for their oysters on the half shell, with a rotating selection to keep things interesting. But their lobster rolls and signature burger are also highly rated.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- 1001 S. Alamo St, San Antonio (Map)
- Approximately a 5-minute drive or an 18-minute walk from the Henry B. González Convention Center
- Google Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Website | Instagram
3. Domingo Restaurant
Why you should visit: A 2023 Travelers’ Choice winner from Tripadvisor, Domingo’s menus offer the flavors of South Texas with a modern culinary flair. It’s consistently a top-rated pick in San Antonio, and given that it overlooks the San Antonio Riverwalk, it’s a dining destination that can’t be missed.
Three reasons to eat here: 1) Flavors of South Texas, 2) Riverfront dining, and 3) Inventive agave cocktails.
- Hours: Breakfast (6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.) | Lunch (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) | Dinner (5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. but open until 11 p.m. on Fridays)
- 123 N. St. Mary’s St, San Antonio (Map)
- Approximately a 6-minute drive or 12-minute walk from the Henry B. González Convention Center
- Google Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Website | Instagram
4. Porta Rossa
Why you should visit: Located in the heart of San Antonio, Porta Rossa Bar + Food Truck is one of the city’s most attractive bars. It has adult swings where you can relax and unwind, along with late-night bites from the El Jefe food truck. A giant 150-inch outdoor screen rounds out the vibe.
- Hours: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- 1221 Broadway Rd, San Antonio (Map)
- Approximately a 6-minute drive or 31-minute walk from the Henry B. González Convention Center
- Google Reviews: 4 out of 5 stars
- Website | Instagram
5. Blue Star Complex
Why you should visit: Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a trendy place to hang out, the Blue Star Art Complex is definitely worth a visit. It houses San Antonio’s longest-running contemporary art space, the Blue Star Contemporary, which means you’ll always find cutting-edge exhibits.
But it’s more than just art. Once a warehouse complex, this mixed-use complex incorporates art galleries, studios, shops, restaurants, and bars, so there is plenty to do and see.
If you make this part of your “must-dos,” you’ll also want to visit the Halcyon Coffee Bar. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience with a variety of drink options, including coffee, espresso, wine, beer, and cocktails, along with food options like grilled paninis, salads, appetizers, and even tableside s’mores!
- Hours: This is a large complex with multiple galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, retail, and specialty services, so hours vary.
- 1414 S. Alamo St, San Antonio (Map and Parking Information)
- Approximately a 6-minute drive or 27-minute walk from the Henry B. González Convention Center
- Google Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- Website | Instagram
Late April is an exciting time to be in San Antonio because not only is it the 2024 TAA Conference and Expo, but it also is Fiesta®!
If you plan to take full advantage of your trip to San Antonio, tacking on some days either to the front or back end of the conference and expo, here are some other exciting recommendations for things to do while you are in town for TAA.
Let’s start with Fiesta.
All Things Fiesta
If you’re not from Texas, your first question might be, “What is Fiesta?”
Fiesta® San Antonio started in 1891 as a “one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. That historic commemoration still takes place, but for more than a century, Fiesta® has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures….Funds raised by official Fiesta® events provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year.”
- NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio)
NIOSA is a four-night festival in the heart of downtown San Antonio. It celebrates the city’s diverse cultural legacy for more than 85,000 revelers annually. This Visitor’s Guide provides additional details, parking information, and how to get tickets.
Website
Southtown
Southtown grew out of a neighborhood revitalization project that began in the early 1990s. For local art, flavor, and fun, it’s the place to visit. It’s close to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, only a short drive (approximately 5 minutes) or walk (roughly 16 minutes) away.
Southtown now encompasses five neighborhoods: King William, Collins Garden, Lavaca, Lone Star, and Roosevelt. It’s a large creative community with a unique blend of artists, locally-owned bars, coffee shops, boutiques, museums, and art galleries.
King William Historic District: Part of the Southtown area, the King William Historic District in San Antonio is a Victorian-inspired neighborhood that boasts stunning historic homes, some restored and others turned into museums. Its main thoroughfare was named King William, in honor of King Wilhelm I of Prussia, which remains the area’s name today. You can explore Villa Finale, built in 1876 and filled with antiques.
Beyond the houses, King William offers scenic beauty. Relax in King William Park, cool off at Roosevelt Park’s pool, or take a walk or bike ride along the Mission Reach. Enjoy a reflective stroll through Chris Park, featuring a lighted walkway mimicking constellations and benches with Chris’ journal entries. Explore the contemporary art collection and architecture at Ruby City.
For a cultural experience with food, drinks, and music, head to Beethoven Maennerchor. Open every Tuesday from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., it’s San Antonio’s oldest German Club (founded in 1867), where you can enjoy authentic German food, drinks, and fun!
Looking for more?
Some final suggestions of amazing places to visit in San Antonio for TAA include:
- Ghost Tours:
San Antonio’s rich history and vibrant folklore make it a prime spot for a ghost tour, offering a unique blend of thrills, chills, and local flavor. From stories of ghosts at the Menger Hotel to tales of spirits lingering around the Alamo, a ghost tour can be a great way to immerse yourself in these local legends and superstitions. Here are the top 10 San Antonio ghost tours, according to Tripadvisor.
- Rosario’s Rooftop (Website | Instagram):
Locals love Rosario’s ceviche and margaritas! With panoramic city views, the rooftop dining experience, in particular, provides a unique open-air atmosphere for capturing scenic photos or simply soaking in the city’s vibe. It offers upscale Tex-Mex that includes specialties like fresh seafood dishes or fajitas with a twist.
Located at 722 S. Saint Mary’s St. (Map). - Be Kind Rewind (Website | Instagram):
The Be Kind & Rewind bar in San Antonio is a blast from the past filled with fun for anyone who loves the 80s, 90s, and 00s eras. You can sing your heart out to throwback hits, challenge your friends to classic arcade games, and sip on themed cocktails like the “Back to the Future” martini or “Clueless” cosmo! It’s a totally rad place to relive your nostalgia or experience it for the first time.
Located at 115 Alamo Plaza (Map). - La Roca Cantina (Instagram)
With a 100-year-old history and cozy spaces, La Roca Cantina in San Antonio offers a chill, authentic Mexican cantina experience. With authentic Mexican flair inspired by traditional cantinas, you get a taste of Mexico and a more personal experience.
Located at 416 8th St. (Map).
San Antonio and TAA are two great places to see and be seen! We hope this guide to some of San Antonio’s top-rated places to visit will be helpful as you are planning your upcoming conference and expo experience.
Don’t forget! Fetch will be at the 2024 TAA ONE Conference & Expo on April 24-26 at Booth #232. We’re bringing a bunch of Fetch team members to answer questions about how our offsite package management solves multifamily’s challenges.
