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Insider guide to help ease your transition to your new military assignment at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) – Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX). Read on for all the insider tips, favorites, and local gems.
Insider Guide to Churches near Joint Base San Antonio that are military friendly:
· Rise Church in Helotes (nondenominational): Multi-generational, multiracial, mix of civilian & military. Very welcoming, easy to quickly get plugged in to the community, with small groups, and serving. For young military members/families, there’s a large portion of the church that is made up of young adults, singles, newlyweds, and families with children. Very sound Biblical theology & teaching, open about leadership & accountability/oversight structure.
· Lackland Base Chapel (also known as Freedom Chapel) currently has much to offer both Airman/Guardians and their families. There are many families with younger children participating in all the services (2 Protestant and 1 Catholic) and children’s church. In addition, the Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) is thriving here at Lackland, both during the summer (day and evening Bible Studies and weekly playgroups around the area plus field trips to local family-centered places. In the fall, PWOC will kick off with a larger gathering that includes activities for both moms and kids, including homeschool-aged children.
· Trinity Baptist Church (downtown San Antonio). This church offers many, many programs for all ages. Very military friendly. They offer 2 church services, both traditional in style (often with a full orchestra courtesy of some talented students from nearby Universities) and contemporary in style. Sunday School is available for all ages. There is a youth program for 7th-12th graders. The children’s ministry is very active with Bible Study but also the opportunity to sing, play instruments, and learn Audio Visual in conjunction with art and theater. In the summer they have children’s camp (4th -6th grade), VBS, and Art camp. Plus they have many opportunities to serve the city with the food bank, Meals on Wheels, etc. Also, there is a school that meets on the main Campus (Great Hearts, middle, and HS).
· Wayside Chapel is known for its vibrant services and active involvement in local outreach, it provides a nurturing space for worship and fellowship.
· Alamo Ranch Community Church is a dynamic and family-friendly congregation known for its engaging worship services and strong emphasis on community involvement. Its modern facilities and active programs make it a central gathering place for local residents seeking spiritual growth and connection.
· Alamo City Church offers a vibrant and contemporary worship experience, featuring passionate services and a strong sense of community. Its welcoming environment and diverse programs aim to inspire and support individuals on their spiritual journeys.
· First Baptist Church, Universal City is right outside the gate of Randolph that offers all sorts of programs for children and adults. Offers contemporary worship and traditional worship at separate times.
Insider Guide to Local Recreation Near Joint Base San Antonio:
· San Antonio Tourist Spots:
o The Alamo in downtown San Antonio is a historic site renowned for its pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. This 18th-century mission-turned-fortress is a symbol of courage and resistance, drawing visitors with its preserved architecture and rich, storied past.
o The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque network of walkways along the San Antonio River, offering a vibrant blend of lush landscaping, charming cafes, and lively cultural attractions. Its scenic beauty and bustling atmosphere make it a popular destination for leisurely strolls, dining, and entertainment. Riverboat tours are available.
o The Majestic Theater, downtown with year-round theater, concerts, etc. Fabulous interior designed in 1929
o The Mission Churches (Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada) all fall under the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
o San Antonio Zoo is a dynamic wildlife haven that hosts a wide array of animal species in thoughtfully designed habitats, offering an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Its commitment to conservation and interactive exhibits makes it a popular destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike.
o The Witte Museum is a premier cultural institution showcasing Texas history, science, and natural history through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Its diverse collections and educational programs make it a valuable resource for exploring the rich heritage and natural wonders of the region. Great for kids!
o The Tower of the Americas, a striking 750-foot-tall observation tower in San Antonio, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond from its observation deck. Featuring a revolving restaurant and a variety of entertainment options, it provides a unique vantage point and a memorable experience for visitors. It also offers a 4D Theater Ride.
o Six Flags Fiesta Texas Amusement Park
o SeaWorld
· The Guadalupe River offers excellent river tubing.
· Friedrich Wilderness Park: actual hiking trails with some shade & change in incline! Not dog-friendly sadly
· Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located near San Antonio, is a stunning pink granite dome that rises majestically from the Texas Hill Country, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Popular for hiking and stargazing, this natural landmark captivates visitors with its unique geological features and serene outdoor experience.
· Chicken N Pickle: is a favorite hangout spot for big groups!! Indoor/outdoor restaurant & pickleball courts with tons of seating and other lawn games that are free to play (bocce ball, giant Jenga, cornhole, etc.). Very family-friendly & dog-friendly. Sometimes live music is available on the weekends.
· The Historic Pearl: is also a favorite hangout spot. Has a smaller, less crowded, more local riverwalk, really cool local restaurants, cute local shops, outdoor seating, & several lawn areas. Very family-friendly & the lawn is dog-friendly too.
· Lots of movie theaters & places like Andretti’s that have go-karts, laser tag, bowling, etc.
· Flix Brewhouse is nice for dinner and a movie combined (the cheese curds & fried pickles elevate the movie-going experience).
· San Antonio Trail System: for walking/running/biking. The trails are all over and go on for miles. (Just don’t go alone.)
San Antonio Botanical Gardens is a sprawling, lush oasis featuring a diverse array of themed gardens, from serene water features to vibrant floral displays. It provides a tranquil escape and educational experience, showcasing the beauty of horticulture and environmental stewardship in a picturesque setting. It offers playgrounds and spaces for the kids and offers areas that can be rented for special events.
Japanese Tea Garden is a smaller park but also gorgeous and has a waterfall & cute cafe. FREE to walk around!
Insider Guide to Recreation within a few hours of Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston):
· Fredericksburg, Texas, is a charming town renowned for its rich German heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Its historic downtown features quaint boutiques, excellent dining, and famous wineries, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a blend of history and relaxation. In the rolling hill country, it is wonderful downtown area that includes the National Museum of the Pacific War and is also the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz. Nearby Wildseed Farms is the world’s largest working wildflower farm.
· Gruene, Texas is a German town established in 1872 that is known for live music in the historic Gruene Hall, wine tasting, antiques, and history.
· Boerne, Texas, is a quaint Hill Country town known for its charming blend of historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque natural surroundings. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse array of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities make it a delightful destination for both residents and visitors.
· San Marcos, Texas, is a lively city renowned for its scenic river, thriving university presence, and eclectic blend of cultural and recreational activities. With its vibrant downtown, diverse shopping, and outdoor attractions like tubing on the San Marcos River, it offers a dynamic experience for residents and visitors alike.
· New Braunfels, Texas, is a charming town celebrated for its rich German heritage, vibrant festivals, and picturesque rivers. Known for attractions like the scenic Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, it offers a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor fun for visitors and residents. It also includes the U.S.’s largest water park, Schlitterbahn.
· Austin, TX is the capital of Texas, home of the University of Texas, live music and another airport in addition to the San Antonio airport. Austin includes the famous Lady Bird Lake, a giant dog park that overlooks downtown, art like murals and sculptures and lots of local restaurants.
· Big Bend National Park – Is about 3.5 hours away but an amazing place to check out – lots of diverse terrain and some parts of it are so high in altitude that it is a nice break from hot temperatures of Del Rio. There are not too many campgrounds in the National Park, so plan ahead if you want to camp. Outdoor Recreation at Laughlin has lots of camping gear you can rent – we even rented the RV one time.
· Austin, Texas has several natural swimming holes.
· Dallas/Fort Worth offers lots to see and do in the Dallas Area. We went to the botanical gardens, walked around a lake, a worship set at Upper Room, ate lots of local food, and walked around downtown Fort Worth & Grapevine.
· Corpus Christi offers a beach and water sports including South Padre Island for a weekend!
Insider Guide to Annual Events to Look Forward to near Joint Base San Antonio:
· Christmas lights on the River Walk & at the Pearl
· Boerne Farmer’s market
· Boerne Annual Car Show
· Fiesta celebrations each April. The entire city gets involved, from the elementary schools and businesses, and the military bases. It lasts for 11 days, with parades for everything (people, pets, etc.) sometimes more than 1 in a day. Most are for fundraisers, with businesses and groups selling collectible medals. Colorful and exciting.
· Air shows -with several military bases air shows are frequent.
Insider Guide to Interesting Shops Near and Around Joint Base San Antonio:
· The Shops at La Cantera includes outdoor stores with large anchor stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s
· North Star Mall with the world’s largest cowboy boots
· Historic Market Square, Downtown
· IKEA, Live Oak
Insider Guide to Restaurants Near Joint Base San Antonio:
· Whiskey Cake is locally sourced with fresh farm-to-table food. We went all the time for dinner and weekend brunch and had almost everything on the menu, it’s all great! The staff is also great.
· La Panaderia by the River Walk & by La Cantera/the Rim. Authentic Mexican style. Amazing coffee, sandwiches (tortas), & pastries. (Have to try the conchas!)
· Merit Coffee offers great coffee plus a fantastic atmosphere. THis is a coffee shop sutable for a date or meeting up with a friend. There are several different locations, one at in the medical district not far from Lackland and my favorite was downtown close to Ft. Sam. Their location at the Pearl is called “Local Coffee.”
· The Rustic is great for large groups and offers live music outside on the weekends. Plan to go for brunch on the weekend!
· Mash’D offers unique gastropub-style food.
· Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a local chain featuring great burgers!
· Hoka Hoka Fuku is family-owned restaurant offering local ramen that is excellent.
· Cured at the Pearl offers expensive, but amazing and fun food for a fancy date night!
· The Food Hall at the Pearl: several different options for restaurants, all of which are good! Can sit inside or outside or on the lawn.
· The Boiler House at the Pearl offers a fun and unique dining experience for a nice date night
· Sweet Paris is a cute crepe & coffee shop
· Lick Honest Ice Cream at the Pearl & the Rim offers organic/natural ingredients and dairy-free options.
· Chart House Restaurant at the Top of the Tower of Americas, downtown. This restaurant revolves so while dining you can view the entire city as you eat. All seats have great views. Food is great but it is pricey $$$, highly recommend for a special occasion.
· Mamacita’s Mexican near I-10 a fun atmosphere that resembles an old Mexican village. Spacious and tasty, prices start at $10+
· La Fonda on Main Street, Mexican, downtown
· Viola Ventana’s large with indoor and outdoor seating, good Mexican, good prices
Insider Guide to Veterinarians Near Joint Base San Antonio:
· Ellison Drive Animal Hospital is close to Lackland, gives military discount. There are a lot of vets in SA, but many are at max capacity/over capacity. Long wait times at appointments at Ellison, but they usually accept new patients. We had one dog neutered there and another treated for an ear infection and they did a good job. They also have an in-house groomer where we took both dogs.
· St. Francis of Assisi Veterinary Hospital on Potranco Rd, close to Lackland.
Insider Guide to Dentist Near Joint Base San Antonio:
· Dr. Miller on 410/Fredericksburg Rd.
What’s the best part about living near Joint Base San Antonio?
· There are so many really good, unique local restaurants that are fun to try. The food scene in San Antonio is hard to beat. Not all military bases are in large cities with good restaurants so enjoy & explore!
· The city of San Antonio is very military-friendly. Many military families call San Antonio home for a period of their career, so there are lots of military families to plug into.
· HEB is an incredible grocery store chain and can be found all over the city.
What’s the most challenging part about living near Joint Base San Antonio?
· The city and the Joint Base System are huge; therefore, it can be easy to feel lost and lonely. Get plugged in as soon as you can and find a community & be intentional about finding your people.
· SA is mostly concrete and most of the “nature” is polluted.
· The heat can be tough. The traffic is awful, especially during peak times.
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