While many people flock to San Antonio to visit its old Spanish missions, pay respects at the Alamo, or stroll along the scenic and iconic River Walk, there are also loads of terrific neighborhoods to explore. From the Pearl District, a riverside destination with gourmet eats and vibrant events, to chic Alamo Heights, home to the city’s top attractions, San Antonio is full of very cool pockets, including the area of Southtown and within it the district of King William.
Developed as an urban revitalization project in the 1990s, Southtown encompasses several smaller areas, including historic King William, which is most famous for its tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian homes. Today, the zone is home to art centers, breweries, and cool cafes, along with some top-notch eateries. The greater neighborhood is also connected to the River Walk, which helps make it one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in a city not otherwise known for its walkability.
This all adds up to a unique neighborhood that epitomizes what makes the Alamo City such an alluring destination. “The whole Southtown area is the quintessential old, small-town San Antonio,” local gallery owner Hank Lee told Texas Highways. “Out-of-towners who stay on the River Walk can get a whole other sense of San Antonio down here.”
Soak up the history and art of Southtown and King William
The King William neighborhood was originally settled by affluent German immigrants in the 1860s, earning it the nickname “Sauerkraut Bend.” These early residents built stately homes over a 25-block area in a creative blend of architectural styles, including Victorian, Italianate, and Greek Revival. After decades of neglect, the non-profit King William Association was formed in 1967 with the goal of protecting these houses, and one year later, the neighborhood was declared Texas’ first historic district. Because of this, many of these grand houses still stand. While most are private residences (some available for short-term rental), you can take in their grandeur from the sidewalks while strolling under the shade of pecan trees…