Forty-seven percent of U.S. travelers in 2025 opt for multigenerational or family trips, a dramatic 17% jump from the previous year. The national shift toward family travel is perfect timing for San Antonio. The travel industry’s contribution of a record-breaking $21.5 billion impact in 2024 reflects a city on the rise.
The city’s tourism boom not only underscores its growing appeal to families who crave meaningful shared experiences but also drives economic growth. Spending by visitors supports more than 147,000 hospitality jobs and delivers $507 million in tax revenues to regional governments. Family travel drives prosperity for the region.
“Travel plays a vital role in strengthening our community by supporting local businesses and creating jobs,” President and CEO of Visit San Antonio Mario Bass explains. “Beyond the dollars spent, it enriches our culture, builds connections and helps showcase the unique spirit and hospitality of San Antonio to the world. Tourism is not just an industry here — it’s part of the fabric that keeps our community vibrant and thriving.”
The national trend toward family and multigenerational travel amplifies why San Antonio punches above its weight. As more Americans look to build lasting memories, they visit historical missions, stroll the River Walk and explore fully accessible attractions like Morgan’s Wonderland. The Alamo City delivers a range of experiences: A blend of heritage, local culture and activities for all ages.
That’s also why San Antonio continues to outperform peer destinations. Its unique offerings of history, food and fun ensure San Antonio is well-positioned for sustained growth in 2025 and beyond.
Culinary traditions with a modern twist
Designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, this recognition highlights how Mexican, Spanish and European traditions shape the city’s food culture. Families experience that mix through everything from casual eats to fine dining, often just minutes from downtown. The city’s food scene blends old and new, and its fresh ideas draw national attention.
Camp Outpost, a wood-fired kitchen in Southtown, quickly became a local favorite for dishes like smoked half-chicken and brisket burnt ends, served in an open-air setting with plenty of Texas charm. Just a short drive away, Down on Grayson thrives as a neighborhood anchor near the historic Pearl shopping district, offering plates big enough to share in a space that caters to families and groups. Together, these restaurants contribute to San Antonio’s reputation as a city where dining connects people and community.
“Down on Grayson embodies San Antonio’s spirit by serving fresh, vibrant dishes in a setting that blends local charm with modern energy. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a local, even if you’re just visiting,” says Susie Molak, owner of Down on Grayson.
Barbecue and River Walk classics
Nearly three-fourths of Americans say Texas serves the nation’s best barbecue, a reputation that chefs in San Antonio continue to uphold. Few names resonate louder than Pinkerton’s Barbecue, where the Houston-based pitmaster brought his award-winning brisket to the city’s historic Crockett Park. The arrival not only expanded the barbecue map but also positioned San Antonio as a growing hub for nationally recognized chefs.
Along the River Walk, Boudro’s exemplifies San Antonio’s culinary longevity. Servers prepare its signature guacamole fresh at the table, a ritual that complements mesquite-grilled entrees and highlights the city’s flavor traditions. The restaurant’s lasting appeal shows the River Walk attracts both locals and visitors, offering more than just a tourist stop.
Brunch and sustainability on the rise
Brunch continues to grow in demand with travelers and locals. Alamo Biscuit Company draws crowds with creative menu items such as chicken-fried steak benedict and brisket biscuit sliders, showing off the playful side of Texas breakfast culture.
“At Alamo Biscuit Company, we celebrate San Antonio’s culture through every dish — blending comfort food with local flavors that feel both familiar and uniquely our own. Travelers love starting their day with us because it’s more than breakfast — it’s a taste of the city’s warmth and hospitality,” says John Vale, owner and founder of Alamo Biscuit Company.
Meanwhile, Bellagreen American Bistro, with multiple locations across Texas, emphasizes sustainability through water-conserving practices and responsibly sourced ingredients. Its approach links San Antonio’s dining scene to broader conversations about environmental responsibility in the food service industry.
History and adventure
Beyond its dining scene, San Antonio combines history and hands-on experiences, making it a top destination for families. Iconic landmarks like The Alamo provide the chance to explore the past while spending time together.
Alamo spokesperson Jonathan Huhn says, “The Alamo, Texas’ top tourist destination, offers visitors a window into San Antonio’s 300-year story. In the heart of the nation’s seventh-largest city, the site is undergoing a $550 million enhancement, with new experiences already open that help guests connect with its rich legacy, from its Spanish mission roots to the fight for Texas independence.”
The newly opened Phil Collins Collection at the mission brings artifacts from the 1836 battle to life. Visitors get an up-close look at items used by the men and women who witnessed the Texas Revolution, while interactive displays add context to the battle that shaped the state’s history.
City views and river perspectives
Just a few minutes away, the Tower of the Americas, originally built for the 1968 World’s Fair, rises 750 feet above the city. Visitors enjoy sweeping views and learn about the city’s layout and landmarks, giving kids a visual sense of the region’s story. The attraction adds another layer to the city’s mix of heritage and engaging experiences.
For a different perspective of the city, Go Rio River Cruises tours give families a front-row view of San Antonio from the water. Along the route, boats pass the historic Spanish Governor’s Palace and 19th-century commercial buildings, while guides share stories of the city’s founding and how the river shaped downtown life. The combination of scenic views and storytelling makes the tour one of the most popular tourist attractions for San Antonio’s nearly 40 million annual visitors.
Wildlife and discovery experiences
Cultural and creative attractions extend beyond the city center. The San Antonio Zoo, opened in 1914, has grown into a regional hub for wildlife education and conservation. Visitors can feed giraffes, pet kangaroos and interact with other exotic animals, giving families rare, up-close encounters while learning about the zoo’s long history of protecting and showcasing wildlife. That tradition of pairing fun with education extends to SeaWorld San Antonio, another long-standing attraction that brings the natural world to life in an entirely different setting.
“For over 35 years, SeaWorld San Antonio has been a cornerstone of family fun and education in the Alamo City. Where the legacy of the Alamo inspires courage and curiosity, SeaWorld adds a new dimension of discovery, connecting guests to the wonders of the sea through unforgettable animal encounters, thrilling rides and seasonal events. It’s more than an attraction; it’s a celebration of San Antonio’s spirit of exploration and resilience,” says Chuck Cureau, director of public relations.
Family dining with a twist
Families game for mixing activity with dining are in for some fun while staying active and social. At Chicken N Pickle, pickleball die-hards and first-time players can test their skills on full-sized courts. Guests can enjoy sandwiches and shareable snacks in a casual and energetic space. Hopscotch offers hands-on games and interactive challenges, keeping the whole family entertained.
A place to call home base
San Antonio’s hospitality scene offers a range of options that work well for families. Omni La Mansión del Rio, on the River Walk, keeps attractions and dining within easy reach. Spacious rooms, riverside balconies and Spanish colonial style make it comfortable and inviting.
The hotel reflects San Antonio’s investment in quality lodging that meets the needs of today’s travelers. Across the city, boutique inns and larger resorts continue to expand, giving families more ways to enjoy multi-day stays without giving up convenience.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The post Families fuel San Antonio’s tourism and local economy appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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