San Angelo is a true gem of the west. As a quaint and unique city on the rise, the “Oasis of West Texas” remains a vacation destination with various retail spots, authentic restaurants, engaging activities, and a rich history dating back nearly 400 years! While many know the city as the birthplace of Concho pearls, which are found at the bottom of the Concho River, few people realize just how much the city has to offer.
In 2020, the city earned its reputation as the #1 True Western Town by True West Magazine due to a nearly unbeatable cowboy-driven western ambiance. It is also a worthy recipient of the First Lady’s “Texas Treasures Award” from the Texas Historic Commission.
San Angelo offers a welcoming climate, friendly faces, and endless fun, so whether you’re spending the day at their world-famous rodeo or strolling down the city’s famed River Walk, this vacation spot is a great destination for a summer getaway. Scroll down and take in some of our best tips for making this year’s San Angelo getaway the best one yet!
Where to Stay
The accommodation options are vast 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 the 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 deciding 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!
While we’re on the topic of the Concho-inspired shops, Concho Confetti is one of San Angelo’s top spots for unique antiques, beautiful jewelry, elegant furniture, rare collectibles, and much more. Not only do they boast an extensive hand-selected inventory of timeless treasures, but their doors are also open 7 days a week, giving you the opportunity to practice your picking skills any day of the week. Set aside some time during this year’s getaway to stop by this must-stop shop on Concho Avenue!
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 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’s boots have been worn by former presidents and beloved rock stars alike.
Giddy on up over to J.L. Mercer & Son where the possibilities are endless. Their custom-made boots are fit specifically for you right in downtown San Angelo. J.L. Mercer & Son’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 that range from XS-2X in everything from denim and dresses to tops and shoes. Grigsby’s Boutique also keeps a steady flow of gifts & accessories with brands like Kendra Scott and Sorrelli. The boutique’s new location is 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.
Another excellent choice for breakfast and lunch is Buttercup all day café. This fan-favorite full-stop shop is where locals like to fuel up with everything from high-quality espresso and delicious iced coffee to rejuvenating and refreshing herbal teas and just about everything in between. When you’re out and about and in need of a pick me up, Buttercup has got you covered! They also feature some solid lunch options with mouthwatering flatbreads, sandwiches, and more.
If you’re looking for more great options to ensure your days of exploration are well-fueled, we also recommend breakfast at Franco’s Café or Roxie’s Diner, both of which are locally loved.
Looking to satisfy those intense Tex-Mex cravings? Fuentes Café is the perfect place to visit! . This legendary restaurant has been happily serving the city of San Angelo for nearly 35 years, and they have a well-earned reputation that only seems to get better. This café is one of the city’s top picks for dining, with an impressive menu featuring fan-favorite dishes like sizzling fajitas, authentic tacos, tasty enchiladas, and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails.
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.
Speaking of restaurants that are exploding with flavor, Western Sky Steakhouse combines authentic Mexican cuisine with the savory appeal of a western American steakhouse. Sounds like our kinda place!
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.
For all the Italian lovers out there, Old Central Firehouse Pizzeria and Taproom has helped bring an authentic taste for the beloved Italian cuisine to West Texas. The pizzeria is situated in one of the first firehouses in the city, which was originally built in 1929! Not only do they offer tasty hand-tossed pizzas, but the firehouse also features a wide selection of self-serving beer on tap. Pizza and beer, what’s not to love?
Chef Condon from the Angry Cactus we mentioned earlier also created the award-winning Lonestar Cheeseburger Company, which is literally 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!
San Angelo takes its coffee seriously, and Bearded Barista is no exception. This veteran-owned, family-operated coffee shop is the only one in San Angelo that roasts their beans on-site.. In addition to providing locally sourced and roasted coffee, this shop also offers freshly prepared food that pairs nicely with a hot or cold cup of joe.
Speaking of the San Angelo coffee scene, it takes just one sip of Longhorn Coffee Company to become totally 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 getaway 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! Art in Uncommon Places also established the Pop Art Museum, an engaging experience that showcases the stellar art form that was popularized during the mid to late 1950s.
Another fun and unique artistic extension stemming from Art in Uncommon Places is called Paintbrush Alley, a project that features art from over 50 local artists in a vibrant alley between the Texas Theatre and Firestone on Concho Avenue. Take a stroll through this one-of-a-kind experience and take in some of the best art that San Angelo has to offer.
If you’d like to keep the creative juices flowing, make sure to visit the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, located 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 Restaurant 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 locals. This farmer’s 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!
Christoval Winery and Chapel is located on a scenic vineyard in beautiful West Texas and brings an amazing selection of wines to the landscape of San Angelo. Grab your girls, cause this is a must-visit!
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 on your favorite wines, all while surrounded by friends and abstract art pieces from local artists. Swing by Thursday through Saturday and follow their Facebook for upcoming events and classes.
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 so many great activities, all 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.
Did you know that San Angelo is also home to one of the world’s premier waterlily collections?! The International Waterlily Collection is in full bloom this summer and is 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! Dive into Lone Star history, and soak in the true Texas charm of San Angelo for your next weekend getaway.
