La Villita Historic Arts Village
La Villita Historic Arts Village
4
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located on the South bank of the San Antonio River, La Villita was one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods and served in several iconic, historic Texas moments. In 1939, Mayor Maury Maverick dedicated the Mission of La Villita to preserving Arts and Culture, fostering an environment where local Artisans can produce works and share in cultural community engagement and events. A quaint and peaceful City park, La Villita is also listed on the National Registry of Historic Districts. Over 25 galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in the nature-filled block offer unique art, oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, metalwork, rock art, textiles, copper wares, jewelry, stained glass, regional folk-art, and award-winning culinary provisions. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat. 10AM - 6PM Sun. 11AM - 4PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
918 reviews
Excellent
273
Very good
352
Average
218
Poor
60
Terrible
15
tdhat
Flower Mound, TX769 contributions
Dec 2019
I read some reviews this was going to be a great shopping experience, nothing was farther from the truth. Nothing more than a tourist trap, and everything you can buy here you can get in the cheap souvenir shops above the river walk. Waste of time.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joerN5828YQ
Detroit, MI47 contributions
Dec 2019
I liked the historic aspect, my wife liked the little shops. Shop owners very friendly and full of hints and knowledge of the area. Shops are in historic buildings and have plaques to read about the history of the builing and what they were before. Right on riverwalk. Has an amphiteater where they have music and plays occasionally.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric
Sioux Falls, SD576 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
La Villita is a small historic area located between the a river Walk and the Alamo. It started as barracks for the mission at The Alamo and now houses artisans offering their artwork for sale. It is worth it to wander around and check out the art.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim J
Brookline, MA450 contributions
Oct 2021
This was a destination spot for us when we decided to travel to San Antonio. My brother wanted to find his lady something special and unique to the area, I was interested in seeing what kind of jewelry was available and how the rest of the Villita looked. When we stepped foot between the gates we noticed two things, a LOT of construction and no one really around. The 'vibe' of this area was one of transition and didn't feel lively or artistic.
Despite this I still wound have rated this place as at least very good. The African American Museum was amazing and there were some artisans shaping metal/glass and painting so you could feel what will make this place great when construction is completed...however, there were a LOT of shop owners who couldn't have cared less about whether you were there or not. We went into nine places and ONE person actually greeted us. One lady was so disinterested in us being there that she didn't stop looking at her computer or speak to us while we were asking here for assistance.
It left us with a feel that many of these artisans feel like the rest of us are garbage and don't want to come down to our level to speak to us. It's not really a great look when you're trying to sell yourself and your small village as an experience. Maybe they are different playing to an audience, but damn do they seem to find the rest of us revolting. I'd go back for the two shops (Plaza Taxco and Copper Gallery) that enthusiastically greeted us and showed us some unique items to purchase. Some of these other places though really need to remember they don't exist without the patrons they can't seem to stomach.
Despite this I still wound have rated this place as at least very good. The African American Museum was amazing and there were some artisans shaping metal/glass and painting so you could feel what will make this place great when construction is completed...however, there were a LOT of shop owners who couldn't have cared less about whether you were there or not. We went into nine places and ONE person actually greeted us. One lady was so disinterested in us being there that she didn't stop looking at her computer or speak to us while we were asking here for assistance.
It left us with a feel that many of these artisans feel like the rest of us are garbage and don't want to come down to our level to speak to us. It's not really a great look when you're trying to sell yourself and your small village as an experience. Maybe they are different playing to an audience, but damn do they seem to find the rest of us revolting. I'd go back for the two shops (Plaza Taxco and Copper Gallery) that enthusiastically greeted us and showed us some unique items to purchase. Some of these other places though really need to remember they don't exist without the patrons they can't seem to stomach.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T S
Tennessee79 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
I took one of those river boat rides the previous night but couldn't really see this area. So, we walked the River Walk which is the best way to access many of these sights. This area is nice for those who appreciate art of all kinds. Here you can find some unique pieces and perhaps catch a show in the open theater.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,470 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
La Villita Historic Arts Village is an art community in San Antonio, Texas, with art galleries and shops that feature local, original and handcrafted keepsakes, contemporary jewelry, locally designed fashions, pottery and imported Mexican folk art and artisans and craftsmen who specialize in metal smithing, jewelry making, painting and body care. Located at 418 Villita Street, on the south bank of the San Antonio River, near the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo, it is within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Open from 10 to 6 Monday through Saturday and 11 to 4 on Sunday, La Villita was one of San Antonio's first neighborhoods, dating to 1845. Visitors walk the cobblestone streets, relax in the tree-shaded courtyards, take a lunch break at one of the restaurants in the village and admire the folk art that lines the colorful shop windows. Art galleries and shops found in one city block offer art by local and regional artists featuring oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, metal art, rock art, textiles, copperwares, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and regional folk art. In addition, there are new fewer than 27 buildings or houses that are listed as notable within the district, including the 1811 Elmendorf House at 220 Arciniega, the 1818 Aldrete House at 323 East Nueva and the 1835 Cos House at 503 Villita. Shoppers can visit Starving Artist Art Gallery, Plaza Taxco, Villa Tesoros, River Art Gallery, Yolix Luna Fine Art, Scentchips USA, Sifuentes Metalsmith, River Art Group Inc., Capistrano Soap Company, Angelita, Copper Gallery and Little Studio Gallery. Hungry? Enjoy the French inspired cuisine at Fig Tree or stop at La Villita Cafe, Smoke BBQ & Riverbar, Little Rhein Prost House or Guadalajara Grill. La Villita Historic Arts Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esmeralda A
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
On vacation Dec 2021, looking for a place to congregate and hear the Word of God on a Sunday. We found a gem downtown San Antonio close to our hotel. Highly recommend to locals or tourists, stop by and you’ll be welcomed by smiling faces and a kind congregation.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worldwonderer365
Stavanger, Norway239 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Hidden Gem. It’s a stroll along a 300 year old village, full of artisan crafts and works. Reminded me of a very small Santa Fe experience. Jewelry, Clothing, Copper, Candles and Art.
The Cafe had healthy food options and huge salads.
Beautiful court yards.
Step back in history.
The Cafe had healthy food options and huge salads.
Beautiful court yards.
Step back in history.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine W
Brookfield, WI105 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
La Villita is a quaint historical,cultural village located on the River Walk> its made up of craft and boutique type shops and some restaurants. It also has an out door theater facing the river with the stage on the other side of the river. Very unique and pretty. This was a nice place to spend an afternoon shopping and having lunch.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josue C
New Haven, CT510 contributions
Nov 2021
When visited La Villita, there was a lot of renovations and construction, so there wasn't as many shops open as I would expect in better conditions. The parts that ere open left a positive impression of things to come. La Villita is an old neighborhood that has become an artisan village, for locals to show case their art work and crafts. Located by the Riverwalk, it is a cute and quaint area very reminiscent of the old southwest. Lots of the shops had handcrafted work, and restaurants provide good food in a great ambiance. I do plan of visiting San Antonio and going to La Villita.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a boutique hotel The Elian Hotel & Spa trip planned for my birthday in mid October, what are the must do & see’s in this area. Do we need to rent a car? Flying into San Antonio. It’s possible to change dates depending on events happening. Prefer early to mid October. Will pools be open? Does anyone have a an opinion on this Resort? Looking for a fantastic birthday trip with my hubby.
Written August 15, 2021
Margenne S
Lincoln City, Oregon
How far from Mokara. Hotel to village on river walk
Written September 29, 2015
Both are along the Riverealk so a stroll southward from the hotel will get you to La Villita. Approximately 10-15 minutes unless you stop for beverages along the way! Per other response Boudros does have delicious guacamole and they also have potent margaritas. Hotel Mokara had a very nice bar by the Riverwalk.
Written September 30, 2015
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