For just $7 full-day admission, the Guadalupe River State Park — arguably the most beautiful outdoor area in all of northern San Antonio — is an affordable way to spend the day outdoors. This riverfront park is ideal for swimming, camping, hiking, and bird watching, but the Guadalupe River State Park is attraction is beloved by all types of outdoorsy locals due to its scenery and its wide variety of outdoor activities.

On warm days, visitors can cool off by tubing, swimming, or canoeing on the Guadalupe River, while avid fishers can cast off from the river’s banks. There are also 5.3 miles of equestrian trails perfect for horseback riders or adventurous mountain bikers.

Picnic tables and barbecue stations are scattered throughout the 4-mile expanse of trails, and there are different camping areas for both RVs and tents.

Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Road 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-2656
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56702-d109498-Reviews-Guadalupe_River_State_Park-Spring_Branch_Texas.html

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/William Warby

Local Coffee features fierce dedication to buying and brewing one of the best cups of coffee you'll find near Avana Stone Canyon. That’s their aim, and their fans say they hit their mark.

Spacious seating with plenty of comfy chairs and couches for relaxing, plus table seating and lots of light with big, sunny windows, makes it a great spot to kick back with a coffee or espresso drink while you have a conversation with a friend, read a book, or work on your laptop. If you'd like a bite to eat, they’ve got some yummy pastries like muffins and almond croissants to pair with your java drink. You can even get a bag of beans to brew at home at Avana Stone Canyon or at the office. Local Coffee offers beans from Counter Culture, Madcap Coffee Company, Verve, and Tweed.

Local Coffee is open every day. Visit its website to learn more about this San Antonio cafe.

Local Coffee
700 E. Sonterra
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 530-8740
www.localcoffeesa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/local-coffee-san-antonio

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/waferboard

Milano has been one of San Antonio’s most popular Italian restaurants for more than 22 years. Locals say the food is delicious, the portions are generous and the staff is friendly and attentive. Milano’s casual-but-refined ambiance makes this restaurant the perfect choice for a romantic evening, a family outing or a celebration with friends. Regulars recommend the chicken cannelloni, the baked ziti and the linguini carbonara. Most customers go with the daily special, which they say is always delicious. Previous specials have included chicken picatta, chicken Napolitano, sea bass and Colorado rack of lamb.

The owner, Talal Hajali, welcomes many customers personally, and goes out of his way to make every diner feel at home. Enjoy a drink with your meal from Milano’s fully stocked bar.

Milano is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Milano
19239 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 495-3663
www.milanoitaliangrill.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/milano-ristorante-italiano-san-antonio-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/alanagkelly