San Antonio for families? Of course. Now golf with the guys is one thing, talking the family along is anther entirely. In San Antonio you’re covered either way because no other North American city offers so much for families to do and enjoy. That’s my opinion, of course, but read on and I think you’ll see what I mean.
The best way start your exploration of the city is grab the kids and head for the San Antonio Children’s Museum where children are encouraged to explore a miniature version of the city with exhibits like “City Streets,” “Hill Country Bubble Ranch” and “Mission Courtyard.” Kids of all ages will want to experience the excitement of The Magik Children’s Theatre, a professional theatre in the heart of downtown, and the nearby Downtown All-Around Playground at HemisFair Park.
Another favorite is the Tower of the Americas, which offers a spectacular view of San Antonio form 750 feet above the ground. Louis Tussaud’s Plaza Wax Museum houses more than 225 life-like characters in four themed sections–Hollywood, Horrors, History and Religion. The world’s largest Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium recently opened in San Antonio’s historic Alamo Plaza, right across from the Alamo and next to the famed River Walk.
Proving that truth can be stranger than fiction, Ripley’s is known for providing exhibits that showcase the ultimate in odd and bizarre like a two-trunked elephant, a 512-pound iron meteorite and locks of Marilyn Monroe’s hair, among other oddities. The Guinness World Records Museum is a state-of-the-art, interactive experience that brings the world famous book to life. Another popular stop is the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum which showcases a 118-year old bar, one-of-a-kind oddities, Western memorabilia, and offers visitors a journey back to the Old West through exhibits, an old-fashioned arcade, the saloon and a shooting gallery.
Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre refuge in the heart of the city, provides a full day of family fun. Play a round of golf at Texas’ most historic course. Feed ducks and picnic along the adjacent San Antonio River. Refresh with a stroll on the walking trails or catch a ride on the park’s miniature train, the Eagle. Here you’ll also find the San Antonio Zoo, the third largest in the nation with a collection of more than 3,500 animals representing 750 different species from around the globe. It is also the only zoo in the country to exhibit endangered Whooping cranes. Nearby, the Witte Museum and its H-E-B Science Treehouse offer hands-on learning, with exhibits exploring history, science and anthropology.
Not far from Brackenridge Park, you can follow your senses through the San Antonio Botanical Garden, where acres of beautiful, lush vegetation replicate three distinct landscapes of Texas. Wander through formal gardens and even a sensory garden, where emphasis is placed on the texture and scent of plants.
And, if you manage all that, you’ll have done a lot better than I did and, I think you’ll agree with me that San Antonio makes perfect sense as golf destination with a difference, one where the rest of the family can stay and play while you… stay and play too.
How to Get There:
The closest regional airport is San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The airport is served by almost all domestic airlines, including American, Delta, Continental, US Air, and United, along with several other regional airlines.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
And don’t forget: there are many other opportunities for great golf all over the world. Favorite locations include Scotland, Florida, the American Southwest, Bermuda, the Bahamas and many more. For up-to-date golf travel news and information, be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
