San Antonio travel guide
San Antonio Tourism | San Antonio Guide
You're Going to Love San Antonio
San Antonio is Texas’ star attraction. This beautiful colonial city (founded in 1691) is small enough to feel friendly and welcoming, has a walkable downtown core, and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
It’s the kind of destination where it’s easy to blend history, culture, and sporting spectacles in a single day of sight-seeing.
History fans can relive the siege of the Alamo by visiting the historic fort, or tour elegant Spanish missions. Art lovers can spend a day wandering around the San Antonio Museum of Art, and basketball fans can enjoy the San Antonio Spurs.
There’s constant sunshine, family attractions like the Zoo and Sea World, and some of the best Mexican restaurants this side of the Rio Grande. Dine on tacos and fajitas at Mama Margie's, discover street food vendors like La Gloria, or hit the bars along the beautiful River Walk.
It all adds up to a little gem of a city, a unique fusion of cultures where gourmet food, art, sports, and history combine to create something truly special.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit San Antonio
1. The Weather
San Antonio has a sun-drenched Texan climate, with very few months of the year when rain is likely. Summer temperatures can be too hot for some, but in spring and fall, the city is a fantastic place to be for the climate alone.
2. History
San Antonio’s history stretches back to 1691, and it only became an American city in the 1840s. This long colonial history has left a beautiful architectural legacy, with buildings like the Alamo and the Catholic outposts in the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
3. Food
San Antonio mixes great Mexican (or Tex-Mex) food with cuisine from all across the world. If you love tacos or fajitas, there’s no better city to visit. Try the beef fajitas at Mama Margie's, the fish tacos at the Cove, or head to Chris Madrid’s for an authentic, meat-filled burger.
4. Sport
Watch the Spurs play in the NBA or sample other sporting attractions in San Antonio including the Rampage (in the American Hockey League), or the UTSA Roadrunners in NCAA college football. There are also some excellent golf resorts like La Cantera and Hyatt Hill within a few miles of the city center.
5. Museums and Galleries
San Antonio is a cultural center as much as a sporting hub, and there’s a vast array of museums and galleries available. Highlights include the Museo Alameda, which showcases Latino history in the U.S.A. and SAMA, the San Antonio Museum of Art, which features collections from the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, and leading contemporary artists.
What to do in San Antonio
1. The Alamo: The Origin of Texas
Texas' most visited historic landmark lies at the heart of San Antonio, one of the first Spanish Missions and the site of the Battle of the Alamo; probably the most pivotal event of the Texas Revolution. Originally built as a school for indigenous people who had been converted to Christianity, the age-old building later became an armory. As you approach the weathered facade, this history becomes strikingly evident, and the rest unfolds on the deeply intriguing tour that follows. Historical reenactments regularly take place here too.
2. San Antonio River Walk: Paseo del Río
The greatest way to experience downtown is from this beloved walkway that traces the banks of the San Antonio River. Worlds away from the busy streets up above, the path was built below street level to provide a little oasis to moseying pedestrians. Enjoy the babbling water flowing past colorful landscaping as you stroll the length of the city; then there are the shopping opportunities. From the Rivercenter Mall to waterside cafés to the Aztec Theater, there is plenty to see and do!
3. Spanish Governor's Palace: The Pre-United States
San Antonio has a rich colonial history waiting to be discovered in its preserved, historical buildings. Before Texas officially became a state, the Spanish occupation of the area was felt in the development of the region. A tour through the beautiful 18th-century Spanish Governor's Palace unearths a wealth of information about this oft-forgotten moment in history. Nearby, the San Fernando Cathedral and historic Market Square help to fill in the facts.
4. Tower of the Americas: Panoramic Views
The icon of lively Hemisfair Park, this striking observation tower welcomes throngs of eager tourists to travel to its peak. There, you can indulge in sweeping views, a fantastic restaurant, and a 4-D virtual reality ride called "Skies over Texas", that covers the history of the state in thrilling detail. In the public park down below, more exploration awaits - the Mexican Cultural Institute, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and the Magik Children's Theater are all nearby.
5. Missions National Historical Park: Politics and Religion
Missions were amongst the most important early institutions established in this region, and this National Park preserves that legacy amidst lush nature. A cluster of significant churches and educational centers stand here today - time-worn, atmospheric, and full of answers to historical questions. Wander between the different buildings, imagine the goings-on of centuries past, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Renting bicycles to get from one corner of the park to another is a popular way to travel around.
1. The Alamo: The Origin of Texas
Texas' most visited historic landmark lies at the heart of San Antonio, one of the first Spanish Missions and the site of the Battle of the Alamo; probably the most pivotal event of the Texas Revolution. Originally built as a school for indigenous people who had been converted to Christianity, the age-old building later became an armory. As you approach the weathered facade, this history becomes strikingly evident, and the rest unfolds on the deeply intriguing tour that follows. Historical reenactments regularly take place here too.
2. San Antonio River Walk: Paseo del Río
The greatest way to experience downtown is from this beloved walkway that traces the banks of the San Antonio River. Worlds away from the busy streets up above, the path was built below street level to provide a little oasis to moseying pedestrians. Enjoy the babbling water flowing past colorful landscaping as you stroll the length of the city; then there are the shopping opportunities. From the Rivercenter Mall to waterside cafés to the Aztec Theater, there is plenty to see and do!
3. Spanish Governor's Palace: The Pre-United States
San Antonio has a rich colonial history waiting to be discovered in its preserved, historical buildings. Before Texas officially became a state, the Spanish occupation of the area was felt in the development of the region. A tour through the beautiful 18th-century Spanish Governor's Palace unearths a wealth of information about this oft-forgotten moment in history. Nearby, the San Fernando Cathedral and historic Market Square help to fill in the facts.
4. Tower of the Americas: Panoramic Views
The icon of lively Hemisfair Park, this striking observation tower welcomes throngs of eager tourists to travel to its peak. There, you can indulge in sweeping views, a fantastic restaurant, and a 4-D virtual reality ride called "Skies over Texas", that covers the history of the state in thrilling detail. In the public park down below, more exploration awaits - the Mexican Cultural Institute, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and the Magik Children's Theater are all nearby.
5. Missions National Historical Park: Politics and Religion
Missions were amongst the most important early institutions established in this region, and this National Park preserves that legacy amidst lush nature. A cluster of significant churches and educational centers stand here today - time-worn, atmospheric, and full of answers to historical questions. Wander between the different buildings, imagine the goings-on of centuries past, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Renting bicycles to get from one corner of the park to another is a popular way to travel around.
1. The Alamo: The Origin of Texas
Texas' most visited historic landmark lies at the heart of San Antonio, one of the first Spanish Missions and the site of the Battle of the Alamo; probably the most pivotal event of the Texas Revolution. Originally built as a school for indigenous people who had been converted to Christianity, the age-old building later became an armory. As you approach the weathered facade, this history becomes strikingly evident, and the rest unfolds on the deeply intriguing tour that follows. Historical reenactments regularly take place here too.
2. San Antonio River Walk: Paseo del Río
The greatest way to experience downtown is from this beloved walkway that traces the banks of the San Antonio River. Worlds away from the busy streets up above, the path was built below street level to provide a little oasis to moseying pedestrians. Enjoy the babbling water flowing past colorful landscaping as you stroll the length of the city; then there are the shopping opportunities. From the Rivercenter Mall to waterside cafés to the Aztec Theater, there is plenty to see and do!
3. Spanish Governor's Palace: The Pre-United States
San Antonio has a rich colonial history waiting to be discovered in its preserved, historical buildings. Before Texas officially became a state, the Spanish occupation of the area was felt in the development of the region. A tour through the beautiful 18th-century Spanish Governor's Palace unearths a wealth of information about this oft-forgotten moment in history. Nearby, the San Fernando Cathedral and historic Market Square help to fill in the facts.
Where to Eat in San Antonio
San Antonio has a richly diverse food culture, with influences from Mexican, German, Traditional American, and Eastern European cuisines. So there should be a restaurant to suit everyone’s tastes. Casa Rio is an affordable place to dine on satisfying Tex-Mex dishes like grilled steak fajitas, while the Cove is the place to go for delicious fish tacos. Joe's Crab Shack mixes great seafood and live music, while Chris Madrid’s is the best place to go for a filling burger and fries combination. Italian food is represented in force as well, thanks to pizza restaurants like Dough Pizzeria Napoletana.
When to visit San Antonio
Generally, the best times to visit San Antonio are spring and fall, when the weather is warm (but not scorching hot) and the city’s entertainment schedule is in full swing. Try an April break for the best weather and the chance to attend the city’s Fiesta or visit in October to avoid the occasional spring downpours. Summer is great if you can stand the heat (and there are plenty of water parks in town if you need to cool off).
How to Get to San Antonio
Plane
San Antonio International Airport is about 13 miles northeast of the downtown district, and it’s well connected to central hotels. The cheapest way to get into the city is via VIA Metropolitan Transit buses, which take about 30 minutes and cost just $1.30. There are also shuttle buses to major hotels. Tickets must be purchased in the baggage reclaim area and cost $19.
Car
San Antonio is at the intersection of three major interstate highways: I-35 from Dallas, I-10 from Houston, and I-37 to Corpus Christi. This makes the city easily accessible from the north, south, east and west.
Bus
Greyhound is the major intercity bus operator in San Antonio, and their buses stop at 500 N St Mary’s in the Downtown area. Megabus also run services into the city, with connections to other Texan cities, while Shofur offers a luxury bus service, also from Texan destinations.
Airlines serving San Antonio
Where to stay in San Antonio
Downtown – The most touristy part of town, Downtown includes the beautiful River Walk – a pedestrian path along the San Antonio River that is lined with bars, cafes, hotels, and stores. It’s also where you’ll find the Alamo as well as other attractions like the Tower of the Americas, which provides the best views of the city.
Popular Districts
Alamo Heights – An up-market district just to the north of Downtown, Alamo Heights has a cluster of family attractions like the City Zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and the McNay Art Museum. It’s also the greenest part of the city, thanks to Mahncke Park and the city’s botanical gardens, which help to create a pleasant, safe atmosphere.
Uptown Loop – The city’s major shopping district, Uptown Loop features the North Star Mall and San Pedro Town Center. North Star Mall, in particular, is a must-see for shoppers. That’s not just because of the 200 stores, including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cheesecake Factory. The massive pair of cowboy boots outside is also a unique San Antonio tourist attraction.
Where to stay in popular areas of San Antonio
Most booked hotels in San Antonio
How to Get Around San Antonio
Public Transportation
VIA Metropolitan Transit runs an efficient trolleybus network in the center of town that serves most tourist attractions. Single journeys cost between $1 and $2.50, but it makes more sense to purchase a $4 day pass. The #7 Sightseer Special is a particularly useful bus, as it links together a group of attractions, including the Alamo and the zoo.
Taxis
Taxis in San Antonio have a basic fare of $2.50 for the first sixth of a mile. After that, it costs $0.49 for every fifth of a mile, with a minimum fare of $5 in Downtown areas. Uber usually works out much cheaper, with a base fare of $1 and then $0.9 per mile (for their cheapest vehicles).
Car
If you want to get out of San Antonio’s city center, having a car makes sense. You can rent a car at the airport or outlets in the city, and car rental agencies active in San Antonio include Avis, Budget and, of course, Alamo. If you do intend to rent, check with your hotel if they offer free parking, as on-street and garage parking in the center can be costly.
The Cost of Living in San Antonio
Shopping Streets
San Antonio has plenty of conventional malls like the North Star Mall in San Pedro, where you’ll find major names like Sak’s and Macy’s, and for high-end luxury Lacoste and Hugo Boss. Then there are the 80 smaller antique and craft stores at El Mercado (W Commerce St), a great place to buy souvenirs for folks back home.
Groceries and Other
San Antonio tends to be significantly cheaper than other major U.S. cities like Chicago or New York. Expect to pay around $2.40 for 12 eggs and $15 for a good bottle of wine. You can save even more money by shopping at the city’s supermarkets. La Fiesta has a number of outlets and sells fresh, organic produce, while you can also find a local Safeway, CostCo, and Trader Joe’s.