Two Days in San Antonio – America’s 7th Largest City

Did you know? Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S., while San Antonio ranks 7th—even larger than San Jose (12th) and San Francisco (17th)! (Source: Statista 2022 metro population data) San Antonio’s downtown feels like a true tourist hub, packed with attractions and hotels. Here’s my take on what I visited in two days: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Riverwalk The San Antonio River flows through downtown, expanded into a loop by hardworking Texans. 🏞️ The canal is fairly narrow—not as wide as Shanghai’s Suzhou River, more like a stream you’d see in a Jiangnan water town. Yet, this “little ditch” is now the heart of entertainment in Texas! Lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, and even a large mall and theme park, it’s vibrant day and night. 🍹 Take a Go Rio cruise, stroll along the river, enjoy a meal or drinks—pure bliss! (Just avoid summer—it’s hot! 🔥) Stay in this area to easily join the fun anytime. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 San Fernando Cathedral The oldest continuously operating cathedral in Texas. ⛪ Don’t miss the SAGA light show at 9:00 PM & 9:30 PM (except Mondays)—a stunning projection mapping storytelling Texas history on the church facade. Educational and entertaining! The Main Plaza at night is also incredibly romantic. 💫 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Natural Bridge Caverns A natural cave system just outside the city, formed by a sinkhole under a limestone bridge. 🕳️ Two tours are available (each ~1 hour; both ~3 hours). If you’ve seen karst caves in Guangxi or Yunnan, China, this might feel familiar—but the storytelling differs! 🇺🇸 U.S. guides focus on geology and history, while Chinese caves often use mythological interpretations (e.g., “Jade Emperor” or “Queen Mother of the West”). Next to the caverns is a wildlife park 🦓 where kids can drive through and feed animals! 🌟🌟🌟 The Alamo A small mission church famous for a key Texas Revolution battle. 🏛️ Great for history buffs, but may feel underwhelming if you’re not into Texan/US history. Other spots like Market Square and the Spurs’ stadium are secondary—visit if you have time! Fun find: I bought authentic Mexican Pepsi in a local shop—not the “Mexican sugar version” from Costco, but the real deal with Spanish packaging! 🥤 Pro tip: Don’t hide cash in your bra/socks/underwear when buying drinks—just saying 😂 #SanAntonio #Texas #TravelUSA #Riverwalk #LightShow #CaveExploring #CultureCompare