San Antonio in winter is a different city than the one most people picture. The crowds thin out, the weather turns mild and walkable, and the city's best spots are easier to enjoy. Here are five things worth doing between November and February.

1. Walk the River Walk at Night

The River Walk gets strung with lights through the holiday season, and the cooler air makes the walk genuinely pleasant. Grab a table at one of the riverside restaurants, order a margarita, and watch the boats go by. It's quieter than summer and far more enjoyable for it.

2. Visit the San Antonio Missions

The four missions south of the Alamo — Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada — are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and almost always uncrowded in winter. The light is softer, the heat is gone, and you can actually take your time walking the grounds. San José is the largest and worth at least an hour on its own.

3. Catch a Spurs Game at the AT&T Center

The NBA season runs right through winter, and catching a Spurs game is one of the better ways to spend an evening in the city. Tickets are reasonably priced, the arena is easy to get to, and the crowd is genuinely into it. Check the schedule before you book your trip and plan a night around it.

4. Explore the Pearl District

The Pearl is a converted brewery complex on the northern end of the River Walk, and it's become the best food and shopping neighborhood in the city. The Saturday farmers market runs year-round. Restaurants like Cured and Southerleigh are worth a reservation. On a cool winter morning, it's a good place to spend a few hours without a plan.

5. Day Trip to Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is about an hour and a half northwest of San Antonio through the Hill Country, and winter is a fine time to go. The wine tasting rooms are open, the main street is easy to walk, and the crowds that pack it in spring and fall are mostly gone. If you want to make a full day of it, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is another 20 minutes up the road and worth the hike.