✈️ GoEngage Connect 2026 Travel Guide: Plan Your San Antonio Experience

We’re so excited to welcome you to GoEngage Connect 2026, happening March 24–26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas! This three-day event will be packed with learning, networking, and hands-on sessions designed to empower your teams.

While your days will be full with sessions, workshops, and networking, the evenings are the perfect time to explore San Antonio, enjoy local dining, and soak in the culture of this vibrant city. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare.

📍 Getting to San Antonio

• By Air: Fly into San Antonio International Airport (SAT), just 15 minutes from the Holiday Inn San Antonio on the Riverwalk.

• Ground Transportation: Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Hotel shuttle is not available to/from the airport.

• Driving: If you’re bringing your own vehicle, the hotel offer both valet and self-parking.

🏨 Where to Stay

The Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk is in the heart of the action. This hotel provides attendees with easy access to both the conference venue and evening activities. Book early through our event registration portal to secure discounted group rates.

Discount Rates are available at the link below for the first 100 registrants.

Use promo code GOE when booking. Discount Rate expires: February 21, 2026

🍽️ Dining in San Antonio

You’ll have plenty of dining options just steps away from the conference venue. Whether you want a quick bite before a session or a memorable dinner after a full day of learning, here are some top picks:

Hotel Dining Highlights

• Windows on the River Restaurant & Lounge – Bold Tex-Mex and American favorites with River Walk views; famous for Firecracker Shrimp and strawberry mojitos. Open daily for dinner.

  📞 210-224-2500

• Mugg’s Coffee Experience – 24/7 café in the hotel lobby serving coffee, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

  📞 210-224-2500

Quick Bites & Coffee

• Commonwealth Coffeehouse – French-inspired breakfast, pastries, and coffee.

• Local Coffee Founders – A modern café known for quality espresso and quick eats.

• Voodoo Doughnut* – Known for its quirky, oversized doughnuts with creative toppings—perfect for a fun breakfast treat or late-night snack.

• Market Square Vendors – Grab authentic street snacks and churros while browsing shops.

• Jack in the Box* – A quick, budget-friendly stop for burgers, tacos, and late-night eats just a short walk or ride from downtown.

Classic San Antonio

• Mi Tierra Café y Panadería – A San Antonio icon open 24/7, famous for Tex-Mex plates and festive décor.

• Rosario’s – Trendy Tex-Mex with a loyal local following.

• La Fonda on Main – Historic Mexican restaurant with flavorful dishes in a hacienda setting.

BBQ & Texas Staples

• Pinkerton’s BBQ – Brisket, ribs, and sides that define Texas barbecue.

• Smoke Shack BBQ – Beloved by locals for smoky meats and casual vibes.

Riverwalk Favorites

San Antonio Riverwalk Restaurants

• Boudro’s Texas Bistro — signature tableside guacamole and Texas bistro fare

• Casa Rio — the River Walk’s first restaurant (since 1946) serving Tex-Mex classics

• Chart House (Tower of the Americas) — rotating dining room with panoramic city views

• The County Line — true Texas BBQ: ribs, brisket, and chicken

• Casa Catrina (La Villita) — Día de los Muertos–themed small plates and premium cocktails

• Rita’s on the River — Tex-Mex, sizzling fajitas, big margaritas, and live mariachi

• Alamo Biscuit Company & Panadería (Shops at Rivercenter) — 24/7 pan dulce, tacos, fried chicken, pizza, and more

• Dorrego’s (Hotel Valencia) — Argentinian-inspired cuisine with European influences; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• On The Bend Oyster Bar & Lounge — oysters, seafood, live music, and prime river views

• Mad Dogs British Pub — British pub favorites and nightly entertainment

• Rita’s Test Kitchen — breakfast tacos, coffee, muffins, and grab-and-go breakfast

• PROST River Walk Patio & Alchemy Bar — Texas-meets-German bites, liter steins, lawn games, and live music

• The Buckhorn Saloon — casual burgers, sandwiches, and salads near the River Walk

• The Rose San Antonio — upscale cocktail bar, live music venue, and restaurant

• Domingo (Canopy by Hilton) — South Texas flavors with elegant riverfront dining

• Crockett Tavern & Restaurant (Crockett Hotel) — ribs, brisket, pecan-crusted redfish, and more in a country-themed space

• Colonial Room (Menger Hotel) — Victorian-era dining for breakfast and lunch

More River Walk staples: Ostra, Hard Rock Cafe, Biga on the Banks, Landry’s Seafood House, Iron Cactus, Dick’s Last Resort, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab Shack, Texas de Brazil, Paesanos Riverwalk, Fogo de Chão, Yard House, Durty Nellie’s Irish Pub, Lone Star Cafe

Upscale Dining

• Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood – Fine dining with exceptional steaks and an award-winning wine list.

• Bliss – Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and creative presentation.

✨ Pro tip: Reservations are highly recommended for Riverwalk and upscale restaurants, especially during conference week.

🎡 Things to Do After the Conference

Things To Do In Downtown San Antonio and on the Riverwalk

Once the day’s sessions wrap up, take advantage of evenings in San Antonio:

Classic San Antonio Experiences

• The Alamo* – Iconic Texas history site and must-see landmark.

• Alamo Plaza* – Historic plaza near the Alamo with souvenir shops, museums, and lively street entertainment.

• San Antonio Riverwalk* – Evening strolls, dining, or a boat tour under twinkling lights.

• Tower of the Americas – A 750-foot observation tower with panoramic views and a revolving restaurant.

Arts & Culture

• San Antonio Museum of Art — Global collections in a historic brewery complex

• McNay Art Museum — Modern and contemporary art in a Spanish Colonial mansion

• The Witte Museum — Texas history, culture, and natural science

• Tobin Center for the Performing Arts — Live music, theater, and dance

• Majestic Theatre & Aztec Theatre — Historic venues for concerts, shows, and ornate architecture

• San Fernando Cathedral — 18th-century cathedral; check for evening events

• Briscoe Western Art Museum — Western art and regional history

Outdoor & Family-Friendly

• San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium* – One of the largest in the U.S., with late-night events.

• Japanese Tea Garden – Peaceful koi ponds, stone bridges, and lush landscaping.

• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – UNESCO World Heritage site with four historic missions.

• Natural Bridge Caverns – Guided tours through spectacular underground caverns just outside the city.

Shopping & Evening Entertainment

• Shops at Rivercenter* – National retailers, local boutiques, dining, and an IMAX theatre right on the River Walk.

• Historic Market Square (El Mercado)* – The largest Mexican market in the U.S., filled with artisan crafts, food, and live mariachi music.

• The Pearl District – Trendy neighborhood with restaurants, shops, and breweries.

• Southtown – Artsy district with murals, galleries, and eclectic dining.

• Riverwalk Nightlife* – Live music, cocktails, and entertainment from casual lounges to lively bars.

*Indicates GoEngage staff favorites.

✨ Pro tip: Stick close to the Riverwalk for dining, the Alamo, or the Tower of the Americas—all within easy walking distance of the conference hotel.

📅 What to Expect at GoEngage Connect

• Role-Based Training: Hands-on sessions designed for directors, data managers, teachers, fiscal leaders, and family advocates.

• Interactive Workshops: Bring your laptop to follow along as trainers walk through GoEngage tools and compliance strategies.

• Networking Opportunities: Meet peers who face the same challenges and share your wins.

• Latest Updates: See the newest GoEngage features and learn how to put them to work for your agency.

🎒 Packing Tips

Here’s what we recommend you bring:

• Laptop + Charger: Essential for following along during hands-on sessions.

• Notebook + Pens: For quick notes and action items.

• Business Casual Attire: Comfortable but professional for three days of sessions.

• Evening Wear: Pack something casual-nice for dinners and networking after hours.

• Comfortable Shoes: Great for walking around the River Walk and exploring the city at night.

• Light Jacket/Sweater: March evenings can dip into the 50s.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during full conference days.

• Portable Phone Charger: You’ll be using your phone for the agenda, maps, and photos.

🌟 See You in San Antonio!

We can’t wait to see you at GoEngage Connect 2026. This event is about more than training—it’s about building connections, gaining confidence, and celebrating the important work you do every day.

👉 Register Now

As always, thank you for choosing GoEngage for your Head Start and CAP data management needs—we truly value your partnership.