Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Calaveras Lake

"The Alamo is a famous complex on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, which is the site of a renowned ‘crossroads’ in Texan history, such as the first Spanish colonization, the independence of Mexico, and the place where the Confederacy stood its ground. One of the most popular attractions, particularly with kids, is the hallowed ground where a small band of Texans, including David Crockett, James Bowie, and William B. Travis, who held out for just under two weeks against General Antonio López de Santa Anna during the siege. The three men came to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty."

"OK, bad joke  - but it's definitely a great place to visit when in San Antonio, so don't forget that!. Here's the thing though - it gets incredibly crowded. My first "photo visit" there resulted in so-so shots with folks in them."

"The San Antonio River Walk is the most visited tourist attraction in Texas. Running along the San Antonio River, the area is lined with businesses and upscale hotels that are located one story lower than the streets that run near the river."

"The River Walk (Paseo del Rio) is San Antonio’s #1 attraction. It is one of the most romantic and scenic attractions in San Antonio. See people from all over the world, dine at delicious restaurants or sit and watch the passing scene."

"By Liveon001 ©Travis Witt [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historical Park, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is home to four of San Antonio's five missions: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada (the fifth one located at The Alamo which is not part of the park) that served as part of the Spanish colonization of Texas and efforts to spread Christianity nearly 300 years ago. All four of the missions are still active Catholic churches today, so be sure to check the schedule in advance to plan your visit and keep in mind they may be closed to the public for special services, such as weddings and funerals."

"San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves the sites of four former Spanish Catholic frontier missions constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries by Spanish colonial settlers. The park was established in 1983 and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. Visitors can explore the park's Missions Concepción, Espada, San Jose, and San Juan for free daily, which are all located approximately two to three miles apart along the San Antonio River just past the city's downtown district."

"There are a total of 16 national parks in Texas, but this is the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage site (and a national park to boot!). Of course, that means it’s not your typical green space but rather a dedicated historical site and one of the city’s biggest tourist draws. The park covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything."

"This historic three-block market square resembles a little slice of Mexico that has somehow been transported to the streets of San Antonio. Boasting more than 100 locally owned stores, restaurants and stalls, the San Antonio Market Square is a fun place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs and also to dine on authentic Mexican dishes. It has often been described as the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico."

"Enjoy the taste, sights and sounds of the rich Mexican culture!. With over 100 locally owned shops, filled with authentic handcrafted pottery and art, couples can spend an entire day marveling and shopping. For a more romantic, sit-down option, La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves up perfect margaritas and delicious dishes in an Old World setting."

"The earlier the better is when you should be making your way downtown to find some great photo quality in this downtown San Antonio location. From shots under the papel picado to the various colorful walls-Market Square really lets you get some great photography. Come early for this hotspot."

"The popular Biga on the Banks sets the standard for San Antonio fine dining, specializing in innovative, contemporary-regional New American cuisine – all made from local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Chicken-Fried Oysters, Mustard-Crusted Texas Lamb Rack, or Eleven-Spiced Hill Country Venison & Grilled Quail. Owner Chef Bruce Auden (a native North Londoner) opened Biga on the Banks in 2000, creating a spin-off of his smaller Restaurant Biga."

"Located on the River Walk, owner and chef Bruce Auden is well known for his innovative approach at Biga on the Banks. This relaxed fine dining restaurant serves New American cuisine, including chicken fried oysters and tempura shrimp just to name a few. The wine cellar offers a varied selection of wines to pair with the cuisine, whilst the private dining rooms create the perfect intimate space to enjoy your meal."

"Native San Antonio chef Andrew Weissman creates an international experience right in the middle of Texas with Sandbar — a fine-dining go-to spot for seafood and fish cuisine. The delicate meals are prepared with fresh seafood from the East Coast and are paired with the perfect blend of ingredients to create a flavor combination no visitor will forget. The flavor of the cold poached arctic char is unparalleled thanks to bluebonnet micro greens and seared scallops."

"Azuca Nuevo Latino is not just a restaurant and bar, but an experience. It's a local's favorite for their happy-hour mojitos and caipirinhas. Located just south of downtown in San Antonio's arts district, Azuca offers fantastic drinks you can't find anywhere else in town in a vivid and vibrant atmosphere."

"Try authentic Latin American street chicken taquitos, Cuban ropa vieja, beef churrasco and more. The Southtown restaurant also has multiple salads, housemade corn bread and other sides."

"Corn fritters with poached egg is a standout dish at Cappy’s|Courtesy of Visit San Antonio. Well positioned between downtown San Antonio and the airport, Cappy’s Restaurant serves a popular weekend brunch including fresh daily specials. Standout stars among the menu staples include Texas pot roast, mustang chicken (served in a fresh horseradish panko crust) and the extravagant truffled scrambled eggs with crab and poached lobster tails."

"The contemporary American cuisine offered at Cappy’s Restaurant is a favorite among San Antonians. In addition to brunch and dinner options, they also provide a great lunch menu."

"The gist: A vegan burger joint serving classic and specialty plant-based comforts from its post on the southside. The food: Signature Blissful Burgers made with house-seasoned Beyond Meat patties share menu space with specialty creations like a patty melt topped with melty slices of Follow Your Heart cheese and a dollop of crave-worthy bliss sauce. Sides like a green salad and seasoned cheese fries can (and should) be added for an additional cost."

"(South East) Cheeseburgers, patty melts, cheesy fries and more. Blissful Burgers is a haven for classic all-American favorites—without any of the typical meat and cheese."

"I am always surprised at the difference of opinions regarding restaraunts. J Alexanders has been a favorite of mine for a while."