If you’ve got the itch to head west, San Angelo is a perfect summer getaway destination. This city, rich in both cowboy and Texas history, is the home of the Concho Pearl, named after the river that runs right through the city, the Concho River. Admire the waterfront from the San Angelo River Walk, designated as a “Great Place in America” by the American Planning Association. You’re also bound to catch a famous West Texas sunset, which is worth the trip entirely. Read on for our top tips to make the most of this vibrant vacation spot.
Where to Stay
The accommodation options are endless in San Angelo, having a wide array of B&Bs, vacation rentals, RV lodging and hotels to choose from. We’ve listed some of our faves below, but you can find exactly what suits your fancy here.
For a romantic weekend or girlfriend getaway, Old Central Firehouse is a must! One of the first firehouses in San Angelo, built in 1929, this Bed & Brew has been renovated into a cozy spot to spend the night. Exposed brick and original architecture provide a charming ambiance, and it’s within walking distance to unique downtown San Angelo!
The Inn at the Art Center is another great stay in San Angelo—this unique bed and breakfast has a more rustic feel, so rustic, in fact, that some of the rooms were once part of the Old Chicken Farm Art Center! After some stylish renovations,you’ll have a hard time choosing between the three different themed rooms to choose from, the Country French Room, the Santa Fe Room or the Ponderosa room, you can go for historic, cozy or desert serenity.
Where to Shop
Let’s talk jewelry—San Angelo is home to two one-of-a-kind jewelry stores that have some Texas flair of their own.
Back to those Concho Pearls we mentioned earlier—you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a gorgeous pearl piece at Legend Jewelers to commemorate your stay. Home to one of the largest collections of Concho Pearl jewelry around, these pearls can only be found in the surrounding freshwater lakes and rivers of West Texas, making them a must-have for any visitor!
Holland’s Fine Jewelry is 100 years old and created the famous “spur clip” tie clip—one of the first being gifted to President Franklin Roosevelt himself!
Dive into the Texas culture at the original M.L. Leddy’s and purchase a pair of authentic cowboy boots. These handmade boots will knock the socks off any city slicker in sight! You can even watch the craftsmen make a pair through the store window. M. L. Leddy boots have been worn by former presidents and beloved rock stars alike.
Giddy up over to J.L. Mercer & Son where the possibilities are endless. Their custom handmade boots are fit specifically for you right in downtown San Angelo. J.L. Mercer’s boots are just as legendary as the legends that wear them, from Lyndon B. Johnson and John Wayne, to Billy Ray Cyrus and Bill Elliot.
And that’s just the beginning! Check out this story to read up on all of San Angelo’s seven local bookmakers and Western wear stores.
Step into Eggemeyer’s authentic “general store” to find unique and hard-to-find gifts to bring back to your loved ones! They have homemade fudge, old school candies, gourmet cooking items and even wines. It’s definitely a must-see in San Angelo.
Catering to those with a feminine style and a rustic nonchalance, Grigsby’s Boutique offers affordable, on-trend fashions for women. Shop sizes ranging from XS-2X in everything from denim and dresses to tops and shoes. Grigsby’s also keeps a steady flow of gifts & accessories, carrying brands like Kendra Scott and Sorrelli. Plus, the boutique’s new location is right next door to locally owned Pure Heart Pet Boutique and Rootbound Food Co.
Where to Eat
The Angry Cactus boasts the best Sunday brunch in town, $9 lunch combos, and delicious BBQ Thursdays you won’t want to skip! Executive Chef Timothy W. Condon operates this vast menu of Texas favorites and American fare, featuring loaded mac & cheese and bacon wrapped pork tenderloin.
You’ll want to start your days of exploration well-fueled, so we recommend breakfast at Franco’s Café or Roxie’s Diner, both locally loved.
The culinary scene in San Angelo is exploding with flavor, home to renowned chefs creating dishes you’ll keep on craving. Local staple The Grill is one of the most celebrated restaurants in town. Chef Felipe Armenta artfully blends eclectic Southwest cuisine with an impressive wine list, hand crafted cocktails and impeccable service. Here, the thoughtful recipes are made from scratch daily and every meal is an experience.
Miss Hattie’s Restaurant is another local pick. Owned by the Mayor of San Angelo, you can always trust you’re getting the best of the best here! Complete with a western theme, Miss Hatties serves everything from comfort food to seafood and steaks.
Chef Condon also created the award-winning Lonestar Cheeseburger Company, a burger restaurant on wheels. Their goal is to create the best burgers in the state of Texas, and they are definitely hitting the mark!
Just one sip of Longhorn Coffee Company and you’ll be hooked. The Veteran owned and operated coffee shop prides itself on its highly caffeinated coffee (AKA Snakebite Blend) with over twice the energy in every cup.
Our summer dreams consist of endless scoops of delicious ice cream, which is why the Latest Scoop is our go-to place to escape the heat with a sweet treat. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer to try something new, they’ve got everything from Blueberry Lavender to Sea Salt Butter Pecan.
What to Do
The Concho River flows right through the city of San Angelo, offering up some gorgeous views! Wander down the Concho River Walk to soak in the fresh outdoors. On the four-mile trail, you can observe wildlife, gardens and outdoor art.
Speaking of outdoor art, Art in Uncommon Places is a San Angelo staple. The non-profit organization is known for placing art in unusual locations and using uncommon materials, distributing over 100 locally crafted artwork pieces throughout the city. Finding these works of art is a scavenger hunt of its own!
Part wine bar, part art gallery, all fun! Raw 1899 is a one of a kind experience in San Angelo that makes for a memorable night out. Enjoy a cheese board while you sip your favorite wines surrounded by friends and abstract art pieces from local artists. Swing by Thursday through Saturday and follow their Facebook for upcoming events and classes.
If you’d like to keep the creative juices flowing, make sure to visit the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, just a short distance from the heart of downtown. Since 1985, the museum has featured over 350 exhibits, with over 150 of them featuring Texas artists.
The Chicken Farm Art Center features more than fifteen artists, The Inn at the Art Center and the Silo House all on a three-acre farm near downtown. Every first Saturday, the center lights up with music from local artists and vendors from regional businesses making for a fun (and jam-worthy) day of supporting local. This farmers market-like vibe is great for all ages! Missed the first Saturday? No problem, the center is still open Tuesday – Saturday every week and concerts take place every Friday!
The Bosque is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a day of games and fun in the sun. Overlooking the Concho River, the park has countless activities at an affordable price. Face off in a game of mini-golf or try your hand at giant chess. Or take in the scenery on a pedal boat along the river.
Go on an excursion on nearby Lake Nasworthy with the Tule Princess Steamboat Co. Yes, you heard that right, an actual steamboat will take your whole gang on a 50-minute adventure around the lake! One of the last vessels of her kind, make sure you make reservations in advance so you can experience the magic and elegance of the Tule Princess.
Did you know that San Angelo is home to one of the world’s premier waterlily collections?! And better yet, the International Waterlily Collection is in full bloom this summer and open to the public every day of the week. Bask in the beauty of gardens filled with plants native to Texas through the end of October—a paradise for gardening enthusiasts and those of us without a green thumb alike.
The world is your oyster here! Drive into Lone Star history, and soak in the true Texas charm of San Angelo for your next summer getaway.