Rich in culture and with a storied past, San Antonio, Texas, embraces its history while welcoming new and innovative additions to the city. As the new year approaches, the Alamo City is gearing up for an eventful year of openings, once-in-a-lifetime events, restorations to popular landmarks and the addition of new international flights.
Here is a glimpse into the future of San Antonio…
Total Solar Eclipse
Nature’s grand spectacle, a total solar eclipse, will be visible in San Antonio in April 2024. La Cantera Resort & Spa is partnering with the University of Texas at San Antonio’s (UTSA) Department of Physics and Astronomy for the ultimate eclipse adventure and educational experience. A portion of the package and event proceeds will benefit a fund dedicated to student success within the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Moon Shadow package includes a welcome reception, daily breakfast for two, a complimentary bottle of bubbles and a Total Eclipse viewing party just off the patio and lawn behind Grille 254 on Monday. Packages start at $3,500 for a three-night stay for two adults.
The Alamo Plan
In an effort to preserve this historic site, The Alamo Plan aims to restore the Alamo through several stages. In 2024, three stages will be completed: The Mission Gate and Lunette, the Texas Cavaliers Education Center and the Plaza de Valero.
Theme Park Expansions
Expansion at Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland markets itself as “The World’s First Ultra-Accessible™ Theme Park” with good reason. Each of its 25 attractions is created with maximum accessibility in mind, from wheelchair-friendly rides and sensory play elements to countless details and accommodations for neurodivergent and differently abled children and their friends, families and caregivers. The $6 million expansion is the largest to date and includes four new attractions plus several upgrades throughout the park.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
With the addition of three new rides in 2024, Six Flags Fiesta will be home to the largest DC Universe in the United States.
Culinary Advancements
The Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival returns for its third year in 2024 with more than 100 local and national chefs participating. The popular event highlights a diverse mix of cuisines and paired with rising stars and culinary talent further illustrating San Antonio hold as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) City of Gastronomy.
Since the pandemic, San Antonio has introduced more than 100 new restaurants with more new openings slated for 2024, including Make Ready Market and The Creamery.
Park Restorations
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
The historic San Pedro Creek continues to undergo a major transformation from a concrete-lined drainage ditch to a natural creek habitat and a world-class linear park. The renovations are being made through phases, and by the end of 2024, phases 2, 3 and 4.1 will be complete and opened.
Brackenridge Park
In an effort to improve infrastructure, natural and historical areas as well as water quality along the two-mile stretch of the San Antonio River that runs through the park, Brackenridge Park is in the process of being updated with Phase 1 set for completion by the spring.
Completion of the World Heritage Center
Slated for a fall 2024 completion, this new site will serve as a gateway to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. It will provide educational opportunities and information on the history, art and culture of the community around the missions while fostering community and a place to gather for both San Antonio residents and visitors alike.
New Hotels
Kimpton Hotel
Located downtown at the intersection of the vibrant La Villita and southtown neighborhoods, the new Kimpton Hotel will consist of 347 rooms and will be part new-build and part adaptive reuse of an 1850s-original schoolhouse.
Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa
Combining a historic property with restorative modern amenities, the 353-room Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa will be located in the downtown and southtown neighborhoods. An onsite garden oasis bar, pool and spa will also be included.
New Nonstop Flights
Launching May 17, nonstop flights to Europe via Condor Airlines begin service from San Antonio to Frankfurt, in Germany (FRA), making it the first trans-Atlantic flight service originating in the Alamo City.
Overnight Giraffe Experience at the San Antonio Zoo
Coinciding with the expansion of the existing Spectacular Savanna at the San Antonio Zoo, Spekboom Lodge, a private and rentable overnight venue, will give guests the chance to stay in the heart of the savanna surrounded by giraffes.
