Whether your group is interested in cruising down the San Antonio River or feasting at a food hall, there's something for everyone in Texas's second-largest city. Even the iconic Alamo can be transformed into a meeting space and has more options for groups coming soon.
The city welcomes groups of all sizes. It hosted nearly 1,800 attendees for Meeting Professionals International's World Education Congress in June and is currently hosting Northstar's latest Small & Boutique Meetings event.
For rich history, mouthwatering meals and venues with wow-factor, look no further than these five San Antonio sites.
Private River Barge
The best way to see San Antonio is by riding in a river barge. Go Rio offers private charters that can accommodate up to 37 passengers in eco-friendly electric riverboats. Narrated tours of the city's history and architecture are available, as well as dinner cruises.
The Alamo
Step back in time by hosting your next gathering at the Alamo. The landmark UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 1718 and was the scene of a major battle during the Texas Revolution. Multiple venues can be rented for private events, with spaces that accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 525 people. Popular options include the Alamo Hall, Calvary Courtyard and Alamo Plaza.
In addition to private tours, planners can book "living historians" who demonstrate clothing, daily life and activities like musket firing that were common during the Texas Revolution. More meeting space is coming soon with the addition of the Alamo Museum and Visitor Center, which is scheduled to open in 2028.
Food Hall and Speakeasy
A new addition to downtown is Mexico Ceaty at the Rivercenter mall. The 20,000-square-foot venue, which opened in April, is designed to serve as the Mexican version of Eataly.
It features eight food-and-beverage concepts, including a full-service restaurant, a tortilleria, a ceviche bar and a bakery. Tucked away behind a hidden door, you'll find El Ultimo, an intimate speakeasy that seats up to 20 people for agave tastings. Groups can rent out different areas within the market or opt for a full buyout.
The Monarch Hotel
This boutique luxury hotel pays homage to Monarch butterflies and San Antonio's place along their migratory route. Part of the Curio by Hilton collection, the 200-room Monarch Hotel opened its doors earlier this year. Tasteful nods to the butterflies are woven throughout the design and architecture. Groups have more than 15,000 square feet of event space available, including La Mariposa, an outdoor venue that features a striking sculpture of Monarch wings.
The Hotel Emma
Follow the River Walk north of downtown and you'll find Hotel Emma, a historic property from 1894 that originally operated as Pearl Brewery. According to Visit San Antonio, it was the only brewery in the city to survive prohibition. The property was converted into a 146-room luxury hotel in 2015 and currently has two Michelin keys as recognition of its excellence.
The property blends historic charm with modern luxury. It offers more than 6,000 square feet of indoor event space, as well as 1,500 square feet of outdoor space. Unique venue options include the Brewmeister's Office, Swiggle Key room and the Elephant Cellar, which is named after the brewery tanks that line the perimeter of the room and resemble elephant tusks.
Hotel Emma is part of the Pearl Campus, which spans 20 acres formerly occupied by the brewery. A variety of other venues dot the campus, such as the Stable Hall music venue, Pullman Market and the Culinary Institute of America's San Antonio location.
