4 Great "Insider" Attractions in San Antonio

With attractions like the Alamo, Riverwalk and Missions National Park, San Antonio is a tourist's delight. The city is also home to a number of gems that are known only to insiders. We're sharing the list of our favorite secret spots, but mum's the word!

San Antonio Public Library

These are not your father's libraries. SAPL branches are multi-sensory experiences thanks to the displays of public art filling the buildings and grounds.

• Landa Library and Gardens is housed in a Mediterranean-style mansion bequeathed to the city by Harry Landis in honor of his late wife, Hannah. The five-acre grounds include walking paths, benches, a playground and a community garden. 
• Mission Branch is located on the site of the old Mission Drive-In, and family-friendly movies have outdoor showings on the restored screen. Earlier this year, the Mission Branch received the 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Award for excellence in architectural design and planning.

Aveda Institute

Enjoy a 30-minute facial for only $25 or get a trendy new hairstyle for $20. Sound like a dream? Premium beauty-products line Aveda operates a training institute in San Antonio that is open to the public. Students perform services like the ones above as well as mani/pedis and waxing for a fraction of the full retail prices. If you're the adventurous type, you can become a model for training sessions. 

Nao at the CIA

The prestigious Culinary Institute of America has been the training ground for such notable chefs as Anthony Bourdain, Grant Achatz and Cat Cora, so it's probably no surprise that its signature restaurant on the San Antonio campus would develop a following. Located in the historic Pearl Brewery, Nao is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the traditional flavors of Latin American in a contemporary context. Can't make it for dinner? Check out their popular taco stand, open every weekend.

Sunday Brunch at Casa Hernan

Chef Johnny Hernandez, who has been featured on Bravo's Top Chef and Food Network, has brought his considerable talents to three popular restaurants as well as one of the city's premier catering companies. Once a month he hosts a legendary Sunday brunch at his amazing home/event venue, Casa Hernan, that's a hot ticket among San Antonio's foodies. Like the "Johnny P. Hernandez" page on Facebook for information about upcoming events.

Do you have a favorite under-the-radar attraction in San Antonio? Share it with us in the comments. We won't tell a soul!