Sometimes, the best family trips are the ones that balance a little adventure with a lot of pool time – and that’s exactly what our long weekend in San Antonio delivered.

We spent three nights at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, just outside the city. It’s one of those rare resorts that manages to be both relaxing for parents and endlessly entertaining for kids (which, if you’ve ever traveled with small humans, you know is basically a miracle).

Deer on the golf course our first morning

Arrival: The Sweetest Welcome

We arrived late, travel-weary and ready for bed – only to find the most thoughtful surprise waiting in our room: chocolates, drink coupons for the lobby bar, snacks, and even goggles and pool toys for the kids. Talk about knowing your audience! After a quick cheers (and maybe a little chocolate sampling), we all crashed hard.

Day 1: Alamo Adventures & Lazy River Living

After breakfast (banana pancakes = amazing, omelet = just okay, coffee = pricey and only okay), we drove about 25 minutes into downtown San Antonio to see the Alamo and River Walk.

We opted for the free outdoor part of the Alamo, which was enough for our crew. It was hot, and let’s just say the kids’ main takeaways were that Davy Crockett wore a raccoon hat and that there’s a cat that guards the Alamo. (Honestly, the same energy I bring to history tours when I’m hot and thirsty.)

The River Walk was beautiful but busy, and we didn’t last long before retreating for, you guessed it, pool time back at the resort.

The Hyatt’s pool area is incredible: a lazy river that actually looks like a natural creek, a water slide, and even a wave simulator (though that one’s extra, $30pp for a shared session). We skipped it this time, but the kids were thrilled just floating, splashing, and pretending to be “river explorers.”

Lazy river and sand play area at the resort

Dinner was at the resort, hearty portions, friendly service, and surprisingly great shrimp po’boys. The kids’ meals were solid (mac & cheese and pizza sticks, the holy grail combo).

Day 2: Gardens, History & Foodie Fun

The grown-ups had some work in the morning, so the kids hit the playground right outside our patio, major win for us. Later, we grabbed donuts from a nearby local spot (because vacation calories don’t count).

Our afternoon adventures took us to the Japanese Tea Garden, which turned out to be a huge hit. Feeding koi fish never gets old, no matter your age.

Next stop: the Pearl District, a trendy, walkable area full of restaurants, shops, and people-watching. We grabbed lunch at the Bottling Department Food Hall (everyone got something different, everyone was happy), explored the local bookstore, grabbed iced lattes at Local Coffee (so good), and finished with ice cream at Lick, which the kids are still talking about.

On our way back, we made a quick stop at Mission Concepción, part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Because of the government shutdown, the visitor center was closed (no passport stamp for the girls, tragic), but the mission itself was open and beautiful. Built in 1791, it’s full of stories, and the brief visit was just the right length for young travelers.

Evening Magic: Firepits & Free S’mores

Back at the resort, we hit the pool again for more afternoon fun. Then we ordered dinner to-go for the kids and they ate on our patio. Then we headed to the outdoor bar to cash in those welcome drink coupons and dinner for the grown ups, sliders and a banana brownie skillet (10/10 recommend).

There’s a big grassy area right outside the lobby where kids can run wild, gymnastics routines, races, cartwheels, while parents relax nearby (or join if you dare). As the sun set, we headed to the firepit for free s’mores, which the resort offers nightly. Simple, sweet, and such a perfect way to end the trip.

The Hyatt Hill Country also has a spa, golf course, and free bikes for guests, plus a massive crystal lagoon opening soon. You can bet I’ll be back to check that out once it’s finished!

Departure Day: One Last Coffee for the Road

The San Antonio Airport is small and easy to navigate (a travel day blessing). Grabbed one last coffee at Merit Coffee, a local favorite, and we were off.

Final Thoughts

San Antonio is one of those destinations that sneaks up on you, full of charm, history, and sunshine, but with plenty of resort luxury when you need to just float and breathe.

If you’re dreaming about a family getaway that blends city fun and resort relaxation, I’d love to help you plan it.

Hill Country Happiness: Our Family Getaway to San Antonio