Things to Do

As you wander through San Antonio, you’ll find that its rich history and vibrant culture are alive in every corner. Travel back in time at the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site, Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore five remarkable missions, including the iconic Mission San Antonio de Valero—better known as The Alamo. Experience a living classroom of Tap–Pilam Coahuiltecan Native history and culture. Enjoy a guided tour of Mission San José de Aguayo, Mission Concepción de la Purísima, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano, led by lineal descendants of Mission Natives. Learn about the Mission Natives and their continued contributions to the history of South Texas and experience Native heritage foods, traditional song, dance, and art with the Yanaguana Mission Heritage Tours. These extraordinary sites boast the most complete and intact group of Spanish Colonial mission complexes in the world. Another must-see is the San Fernando Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and the oldest active cathedral in the USA. With its stunning Gothic Revival design and centuries of history, it’s a living testament to the city’s spiritual and architectural heritage. For a deeper dive into the city’s cultural tapestry, the San Pedro Creek Culture Park offers a captivating mix of public art, nature, and historical landmarks. And no visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll through Market Square (El Mercado), the largest Mexican market in the USA. This bustling hub is brimming with shops, mouthwatering food, and vibrant cultural experiences that highlight the city’s deep Mexican roots. Each step in San Antonio reveals a new layer of its dynamic past and present.

Make the most of your historical journey through San Antonio’s missions by hiking, biking, or even paddling along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River—the largest urban stream restoration in the nation. This 9-mi stretch was transformed through the US$384.1 million San Antonio River Improvements Project, completed in 2013, which turned a once degraded, flood-prone channel with barren, grassy banks into a lush, vibrant river teeming with life. Native fishes, plants, and birds have returned, signaling significant ecological lift, including efforts to reestablish populations of the Guadalupe Bass Micropterus treculii, the state fish of Texas, and the first-ever reintroduction of freshwater mussels in the state. Today, the revitalized area offers expansive trails for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing anglers, birders, cyclists, paddlers, and adventurers alike. Balancing flood management, recreation, and ecological resiliency, this project has had a substantial economic impact, contributing $117.5 M annually to the San Antonio community. A visit to the Mission Reach is an essential part of any San Antonio trip, blending history, nature, and adventure in one unforgettable experience.

Let’s be honest, the first thing many of you did when you knew you were coming to San Antonio was open Yelp or Google and type in “best food in San Antonio,” or even better, “breweries in San Antonio.” The good is news is that you won’t be disappointed. For starters, here’s an insider tip, most of the restaurants on the River Walk aren’t great, know that you’re going there for the great atmosphere and a drink or two. There are some wonderful exceptions like Boudro’s, Tokyo Cowboy, and Iron Cactus, and having a beer at Mad Dog’s or a Margarita at Casa Rio is a good time. But if you really want to eat and drink like a local, head north to Midtown or down to Southtown. Midtown has wonderful food options like Hot Joy, Pumper’s, Pete’s Tako House, and NOLA. Or you can get the best of both worlds and eat at Last Place Burger in the parking lot of Roadmap Brewing, have some pizza at Back Unturned Brewing, or take your pick of dining options then walk next door to Idle Brewing. Southtown is your real hidden gem in San Antonio. You can get some of the best Mexican food in the City at Rosarios or Nixtamali, grab a great sandwich at Station Café or a coffee from one of the many local coffee shops like Gold, Southbound, or Stranded. Finally, no trip to Southtown or San Antonio in general is complete without a Chicken on a Stick and a drink at Friendly Spot and a German snack and craft beer at Kunstler Brewing. We’re going to take a break before writing the last six reasons so we can grab a bite…

Are you full? Good, time to come back to the meeting and head to the Black Bass 2025 symposium. The Black Bass symposium was first held in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1975, with the second one coming 25 years later in St. Louis, Missouri (rumor has it that Dave Philipp had a gray beard at both). This 50th anniversary symposium will focus on four topical sessions, ecology of black bass Micropterus spp., innovative management and conservation strategies, the science/management/angler/industry nexus and future proofing. The symposium will be integrated into the full AFS meeting with additional activities at the tail end of the week.

Speaking of bass, San Antonio and its surrounding areas offer some of the best fishing experiences in Texas, catering to anglers of all skill levels. Within a 150-mi radius, you’ll find a diverse range of fishing opportunities, from headwaters to saltwater. A local favorite is the Mission Reach, where you can reel in sunfish, catfish, and bass, including sizable Guadalupe Bass, a true Texas native. For a change of scenery, venture into the Texas Hill Country, where spring-fed rivers like the Frio, San Marcos, Comal, and Guadalupe provide tranquil and picturesque fishing settings. If lake fishing is more your style, the Highland Lakes along the lower Colorado River offer ample opportunities for anglers to reel in black and temperate basses, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Nearby reservoirs such as Calaveras and Braunig lakes are ideal for catching Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and Blue Catfish I. furcatus, or for something unique, try your luck at catching Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus in freshwater. For those seeking an authentic saltwater experience, head to the Gulf Coast, with prime fishing spots in Seadrift, Rockport, Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, and beyond. Here, you can target Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, and flounder in the bays and estuaries, or go big in the Gulf of Mexico with an offshore charter for the chance to hook Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus, amberjack Seriola spp., or Blue Marlin Makaira nigricans. Whether you’re looking to cast a line in fresh or saltwater, San Antonio’s prime location provides easy access to diverse, high-quality fishing adventures, ensuring a memorable conference experience.

Remember that whole eating and drinking thing, well we have a little more for you. Make your way to the historic Pearl district and visit the old Pearl Brewery in all it’s restored glory. The best way to get there is to stroll along the banks of the San Antonio River through the Museum Reach. As the name suggests, your walk will take you right by the San Antonio Museum of Art, and you’ll be able to see the northernmost stretch of the US$384.1 million San Antonio River Improvements Project that the Mission Reach also fell under. The Museum Reach is home to residences, hotels, shops, and restaurants and ends at the Pearl. The Pearl is home to world class restaurants like Ladino, Carriqui, and Boiler House. You can also check out the new 40,000-square-foot Pullman Market, home to four full-service restaurants and five-walk up counters, or the Bottling Depot, where you can find five more walk-up counters. The Pearl is also home to great coffee, independent stores, and even a concert hall.

Bringing the whole crew? San Antonio is the ultimate family playground. Start with the San Antonio Zoo, ranked the third best in the nation, where wildlife and adventure awaits. Then, head over to Brackenridge Park, where kids can run free, families can enjoy a picnic by the river, and there’s endless space to explore. For a perfect mix of fun and learning, check out the Witte Museum, where nature, science, and history come to life, or let the kids dive into the hands-on exhibits at the DoSeum. Ready to cool off? Schlitterbahn, crowned the world’s best waterpark for 24 years straight, is the ultimate place to make a splash. If you’re craving thrills, Six Flags Fiesta Texas combines wild roller coasters and water rides for a day packed with excitement. Want it all? SeaWorld San Antonio delivers the best of animal encounters, live shows, roller coasters, and water adventures in one action-packed experience; and thanks to the wonderful AFS staff, you can enjoy a full day at Sea World for 50% off each ticket!

Location. Location. Location! The convenience of stepping out of your conference or hotel room and finding yourself on the iconic San Antonio River Walk and the vibrant heart of downtown can’t be overstated. It’s not just a location—it’s a gateway to endless possibilities. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or just a picturesque stroll along the water, the River Walk offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, enjoy peoplewatching at its finest, or take in the beauty of the historic architecture. San Antonio’s River Walk isn’t just an attraction—it’s a destination. As the proud winner of numerous awards for its beauty and accessibility, it’s no wonder visitors from all over the world flock to this picturesque waterway. Whether you’re grabbing dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a performance at the stunning Majestic Theatre, you’ll find entertainment and culture at every corner. Every step you take on the River Walk is an invitation to discover something new and exciting. So, relax, explore, and make the most of your time in one of San Antonio’s most celebrated locales.

The last thing to prepare you for your trip to Texas in August, is to talk about the temperate, cool 85 degree F weather you can look forward to… at 5 a.m. There’s really no way to sugarcoat this part, it’s going to be really, really hot when you’re down here. Highs will likely be 100 degree F+ every day with some humidity to boot. Bring some shorts, bring some sandals, bring a bathing suit, and know that we have plenty of ways for you to cool down. And oddly enough, don’t forget that jacket either, to compensate for the outdoor temperatures, we try to re-create winter conditions indoors.