'''San Antonio''' is the second largest city in the state of Texas and 7th largest in the United States. San Antonio is a beautiful city at the axis of three different geological terrains: Hill Country, South Texas Plains and Prairie and Lakes. There's a lot to do in this city: fine art museums, historical missions and plenty of amusement parks in addition to great dining and drinking. The culture and people are vibrant and interesting.

Understand

San Antonio is considered to be the cradle of Texan liberty. Its most well-known landmark is the Alamo, the site of the famous battle (1836) where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were killed. Though it must be said that when most visitors see the Alamo for the first time, their common reaction is "Hmmm, I thought it would be bigger."

No other city in Texas reflects the state's Mexican heritage better than San Antonio. Hispanics make up a considerable fraction of the population though and it shows in most places. The Hispanic atmosphere of San Antonio makes it a truly unique US city. This becomes most evident during Fiesta week, a yearly celebration where thousands of San Antonians enjoy parades, food and drink in the charming downtown streets of the city.

The Tejano capital of the world, San Antonio, with a population of around 1.3 million, still enjoys a small-town feel. Its people are friendly, open and bicultural, and the concentration of population around its center makes it easy to get just about anywhere within a 20 minute drive.

Get in

By plane

  • '''San Antonio International Airport''' (SAT) [http://www.sanantonio.gov/AIRPORT/] May be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth or less than 1 hour from Houston. Other destinations are available; check with individual airlines. Ground transportation from SAT to Downtown available by shuttle ($14 one way per person) or by taxi ($22 one way, up to 4 persons). You can also take a free shuttle bus at the airport that brings you to a city bus stop (bus number 5). Bus number 5 brings you downtown in about half an hour, for a dollar.
  • By train

  • '''Amtrak''', ''SAS'', 350 Hoefgen St. The Texas Eagle provides service north to Chicago; the Sunset Limited train runs west to Los Angeles and east to New Orleans. Before Hurricane Katrina, the Sunset Limited was a transcontinental route with service to Orlando; currently the route is truncated.
  • By car

    Most visitors to San Antonio arrive by either I-35, I-10, or US 281. I-10 comes from El Paso to the west and Houston to the east. I-35 comes from Austin to the north and Laredo to the south. US 281 connects with Brownsville to the south and Blanco and Johnson City to the north. I-37 completed some years ago shortens the drive to Corpus Christi on the Gulf of Mexico.

    By bus

  • '''Greyhound''', 500 N St Marys St, Downtown.
  • By boat

    San Antonio is in the middle of Texas. Therefore, it is not accessible by boat. Although there are many tubing opportunities around San Antonio, thanks to the huge abundance of rivers in the area. The River Walk, in downtown San Antonio, does offer a River Taxi [http://www.riosanantonio.com/content/publish/riotrans.shtml] that shuttles people to hotels, restaurants and shops along its banks.

    Get around

    Public Transit

    San Antonio's bus system is known as the VIA Metropolitan Transit. It also runs the downtown streetcar service (actually a bus) for a small fare. Bus fares range from about $1.00 to $2.00 depending on the service. There are 4 different types of routes: Express, Skip, Frequent, and Metro. The Express routes usually run from the sub-urban areas (mostly Park and Rides) to downtown.Most of them run about once every 30 minutes. Skip service ususally runs along the streets with high traffic, they are called Skip routes because they usually Skip bus stops that are serviced by the freqent routes. Skip routes also ususally run about every 30 minutes. Frequent routes can also be found on high traffic roads and as the name implies, the stops are very frequent. Although Frequent routes come by about once every 15 minutes, it is usually faster to wait a little longer and take the skip routes if you are going a long distance,for example on San Pedro ave, it is usually quicker to wait for the #3(Skip) as opposed to the #4 (Frequent) if you wanted to get from downtown to North Star Mall. Metro service is usually found in neighborhoods around the city, frequency varies with each route, but they usually run about once an hour. Discount fares are available to children between the ages of 5 and 11, senior citizens 62 and older, Medicare recipients, persons with disabilities and students. A reduced fee ID is required for reduced fares and can be acquired from VIA Information Centers (students may get the necessary forms from their campus administration). Bus schedules and route information can be found at VIA's website [http://www.viainfo.net], by calling the VIA information line 210-362-2020 or for the hearing impaired at 210-362-2019, or at the San Antonio Visitor Information Center.

    A bus line of interest to the visitor is line #7 SIGHTSEER SPECIAL, which runs hourly daily ($1 one way) and links the various museums and attractions north of downtown (e.g., Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Museum of Art) with Downtown. There are also four (Red, Yellow, Purple, Blue) downtown Streetcar lines[http://www.viainfo.net/BusService/Streetcar.aspx], which run about every 10 minutes ($1 one way) from Alamo Plaza to the Market Square area, Alamodome, HemisFair Park, and the King William Historic area.

    Taxi

    You can reserve a cab and get taxi fare information from Yellow Cab online at [http://www.YellowCabSa.com] or by phone at 210-222-2222

    See

  • '''The Alamo'''[http://www.thealamo.org/main.html]. Considered to be hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty, the Alamo is a former mission which was also the site of the Battle of the Alamo (1836). Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. Revenues from an adjacent gift shop fund the historic preservation efforts.
  • ''' Aztec on the River'''[http://www.aztecontheriver.com/] (aka Aztec Theatre). On the River Walk, at the corner of E. Commerce and N. St. Mary_fs Streets. The Aztec on the River was touted as the Riverwalk_fs most exciting entertainment attraction. This historic 1926 movie palace was meticulously restored in 2006, complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ.
  • '''Casa Navarro State Historical Park'''. Homesite of Jose Antonio Navarro, a 19th-century Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. The park is the site of Navarro_fs furnished house, first residence, and store.
  • '''King William Historic Area''' is a 25-block area south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River. In the late 1800s, prominent German merchants settled the King William area, making it the most elegant residential area in the city. It is Texas' first Historic District. Accessible from Alamo Plaza via the Blue VIA Streetcar. Highlights include the magnificent mansions along King William St., from Beauregard St. to Guenther St. Don't miss the Steves Homestead (1876) on King William St. or the Guenther House (1859) and Pioneer Flour Mills on Guenther St. If you happen to arrive in San Antonio early in the month, try to catch First Friday, like the name implies, it happens the first friday of the month. On First Friday you can find all kinds of little booth selling things ranging from flowers to art to funnel cakes. There is usually live music.
  • '''Market Square - El Mercado'''. Visitors can browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," and 80 specialty shops in Farmers' Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Guadalajara lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. Free admission.
  • '''River Walk''' (aka Paseo del Rio). The River Walk [http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/] area, one level below the street level of San Antonio, is an excellent place to explore by day and party by night. The River Walk has guided barge tours by Rio San Antonio Cruises [http://www.riosanantonio.com/] departing regularly. Numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels line the River Walk on both sides of the most popular and developed downtown loop, which winds its way below the streets bounded by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south, and St. Mary's to the west. The east end of the River Walk is extended to the Convention Center and to the Rivercenter Mall [http://www.shoprivercenter.com], which houses over 100 retail shops including an IMAX theater. Further development of the River Walk is proceeding north and south of downtown. No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the River Walk. ''Note: Along many sections of the River Walk, there is nothing between the edge of the sidewalk and the River. Be very careful with young children, baby strollers, wheelchairs, intoxicated persons etc.''
  • '''San Antonio Missions National Park'''. Four Spanish frontier missions, part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish southwest in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, are preserved here. They include missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion. The national park, containing many cultural sites along with some natural areas, was established in 1978 and covers about 819 acres.
  • '''San Antonio Visitor Information Center''', 317 Alamo Plaza, 800-447-3372 [http://www.sanantoniocvb.com]. For visitors coming to San Antonio, a good starting place to see is the downtown Visitor Information Center and Official City Store located right across the street from Alamo. It is a wealth of information about San Antonio. Representatives there can assist you in getting a map of the city, help you get around, or anything else you may need in San Antonio.
  • '''San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium'''. The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species of animals on 56 acres. Open 365 days a year. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: adults $8; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $6; military $7; under 2 free. Group rates available.
  • San Antonio Walks. 02 Alamo Plaza (directly in front of the Alamo). ttp://www.sanantoniowalks.com. Professional guided tour. This is not a highlight reel, but real storytelling about the city's rich history. Captivating and educational. Voted: Best Tour in San Antonio. Member: Texas Travel Industry Association

  • Alamo Helicopter Tours. an Antonio Helicopter Tours. 535 Mission Road. rom Downtown head east on East Market St and merge onto I-37/US-281 South via ramp to I-10. Take exit 135 to merge onto SE Military Dr/TX-13-Loop W. Sharp left at Mission Road. Located at the Airport Main Terminal Building.. 10-287-5797. ttp://www.alamohelicoptertours.com/. all. aries per tour. Take an exciting and breathtaking view of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy a sky high tour of sites like the San Antonio River, Downtown, The Botanical Gardens and Historic Mission. Reserve your flight today! reservations@alamohelicoptertours.com

    Museums and galleries

  • '''Blue Star Contemporary Art Center''' [http://www.bluestarartspace.org/], 116 Blue Star, 210-227-6960. A part of the Blue Star Arts Complex [http://www.bluestarcomplex.com/], the art center is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art center that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process.
  • ''' Buckhorn Saloon and Museum'''. Located a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk. Hours: 10am-5pm or later, Sunday-Thursday; 10am-6pm or later, Friday and Saturday. Call for exact closing times. Admission: Adults $11; seniors(55+) $10; Children (ages 3-11) $8. Special rates for group of 10 or more, and discounts for Military with ID.
  • '''Institute of Texan Cultures''' (aka ITC) [http://www.texancultures.utsa.edu/visit/genInfo.html], in HemisFair Park; main entrance is off Durango near Bowie. A one-story 50,000 sq. ft. museum featuring Texan history, brought to life by docent-interpreters, and the cultures of over 20 national/ethnic groups of people who have made Texas their home. Admission fee. Snack machines. Accessible from downtown via the Purple VIA Streetcar.
  • '''Instituto de Mexico''', 600 HemisFair Park, 210-227-0123. Thur-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm. Free. Contemporary Art from Mexico.
  • '''Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum''', 6000 N New Braunfels, 210-824-5368. Tu-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm. Free admission except during select exhibitions and special events. Fine arts exhibits, library. museum store.
  • '''Museo Alameda''', 101 South Santa Rosa, 210-299-4300. Tu 10am-6pm, W 10am-8pm, Th-Sun 10am-6pm. Free admission with suggested donation. The first formal affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museo Alameda tells the story of the Latino experience in America through art, history, and culture. Located in Market Square.
  • '''San Antonio Children's Museum''', 305 Houston St, 210-212-4453, fax 210-242-1313 [http://www.sakids.org/]. Adm. $5.95. M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun noon-4pm. Winter (School Year) hours: M 9am-noon, T-F 9am-3:30pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun noon-4pm. Groups, parties, events, hands-on learning play.
  • '''San Antonio Museum of Art''' (aka SAMA) [http://www.samuseum.org/main/], 200 W Jones (2 blocis west of Broadway), 210-978-8100. Tu 10am-8pm, W-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm. $8 adult, $7 sen., $5 student, $3 age 4-11. Free Tuesdays 4pm-8pm. Four floors of fabulous permanent collections, from Antiquities to Asian to Contemporary Art, as well as changing exhibits. Bring your sketchpad or camera (no flash, permanent collections only). Cafe SAMA serves only snacks. On the #7 Sightseer Special bus line, or via any of the buses along Broadway (#9,10,14) with several blocks walk. If you can do only one museum visit, this is the one to explore in San Antonio.
  • '''Southwest School of Art & Craft''' [http://www.swschool.org/], 1201 Navarro and 300 Augusta, 210-224-1848. Art/museum gift shop in the Ursuline Campus as well as student work in the hallways and cafe. Free. On bus lines, and the Ursuline Campus backs up to an older, parklike section of the River Walk.
  • '''Witte Museum''', 3801 Broadway, 210-357-1900 [http://www.wittemuseum.org/]. Tu 10am-9pm, Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm. $7 Ad/$6 sen/$5 kids 4-11, free Tuesdays 3pm-8pm. Dinosaurs, textiles, natural history, science treehouse, and more. A museum complex with lots of different activities going on - fun with kids!
  • Do

    Events

  • '''Fiesta'''. Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas
  • '''San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo'''. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is an annual agricultural fair and entertainment event in early February. It provides world class rodeo action and entertainment to people of all ages.
  • '''Texas Folklife Festival'''. The Texas Folklife Festival is an annual four-day celebration in the second week of June, of the diverse ethnic and cultural groups that settled our state. Some 45 groups bring their stories, crafts, music, dances, and foods to share with visitors in a vibrant blend of education and entertainment.
  • Amusement Parks

  • '''SeaWorld''' [http://www.seaworld.com/]. A marine life theme park which is home to the world-famous Shamu the killer whale. There are also thrill rides, a small water park, as well as sharks, an aquarium, penguins, seals and sea lions, and an opportunity to pet and feed dolphins.
  • '''Six Flags Fiesta Texas''' [http://www.sixflags.com/parks/fiestatexas/]. Home to several thrill rides and exciting shows, Fiesta Texas is an entertaining theme park geared to people of all ages.
  • Sports

  • '''San Antonio Spurs'''. San Antonio is home to the four-time NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs that currently play at the AT&T Center.
  • '''San Antonio Missions'''. The Class AA minor league affiliate of the San Diego Padres; plays in Wolff Municipal Stadium.
  • Learn

    San Antonio is home to several colleges and universities:
  • '''Our Lady of the Lake University'''
  • '''Palo Alto College'''
  • '''Northeast Lakeview College'''
  • '''Northwest Vista College'''
  • '''St. Philip's College'''
  • '''St. Mary's University'''
  • '''San Antonio College'''
  • '''Southwest School of Art & Crafts'''
  • '''Trinity University'''
  • '''University of Texas at San Antonio'''
  • '''University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio'''
  • '''University of the Incarnate Word'''
  • Work

    Financial, communications, military, manufacturing and hospitality

    Buy

    San Antonio is home to a variety of shopping venues with a wide selection of shops and stores. With ten major shopping malls within an hour drive of downtown as well as La Villita and Market Square in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

  • '''Alamo Quarry Market''', 255 E Basse Rd, 210-225-1000, fax 210-271-3491. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., daily
  • '''La Villita''', 418 Villita, 210-207-8611, fax 210-207-4390. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Closed holidays.
  • '''Market Square - El Mercado''', 514 W Commerce, 210-207-8600, fax 210-207-4287. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed New Year_fs Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • '''Rivercenter Mall'''. Located on the River Walk and connected to the Marriott Rivercenter and the Menger Hotel. It is also within walking distance of the Alamo. [http://www.shoprivercenter.com/main/index.php]
  • '''The Shops at La Cantera'''. Located in northern San Antonio, the Shops at La Cantera offer open marketplace shopping. 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 6698. 210.582.6255 Hours are Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm and Sunday: 12:00pm - 6:00pm [http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com]
  • Eat

    Budget

  • '''Casa Rio''' (Tex-Mex). A great Tex-Mex restaurant if you're on a budget. This is one of the first restaurants that took advantage of its setting on the River Walk since 1946. You can enjoy very good dining environment.
  • '''Schilo's Deli''' (German). If you're tired of Tex-Mex, Schilo's is a great place for good German food at budget prices, right above the River Walk (next to Casa Rio). Try their Evening Specialties, available after 5pm, excellent value.
  • '''Taco Cabana''' is another great Tex-Mex place in San Antonio. It's a chain located in Texas, OK, and NM.
  • '''Teka Molino''' (Tex-Mex). Teka Molino is a famous restaurant located on San Pedro, two blocks from North Star Mall. Locals are familiar with their famous puffy tacos, carne guisada, guacamole cups, bean rolls, and home-made tortillas.
  • '''Hungry Horse''' is a 'Texas-fare' restaurant on West Avenue, serving up chicken fried steak, bran muffins, meatloaf, pork chops, and more homestyle meals. They have another location on San Pedro.
  • '''Lulu's''' is located just north of interstate 35 on N. Main St (about a 15 minute walk from the Alamo). This diner/bakery offers huge portions at very low prices. Their cinnamon rolls are as big as a human head, and their chicken-fried steak takes up the whole plate. Not very touristy, more of a local place. Not to be confused with Luby's cafeteria which is just across the street and ''much'' more expensive.
  • '''Main Street Pizza'''(Italian).1906 N. Main st. Just east of San Antonio College, about 2 miles north of downtown.Popular with students at San Antonio College (SAC) as well as Trinity University because of it's affordable prices, good food and proximity to the campuses.Offers Freid Calamari, Calzones,Pizzas of all sizes,Manicotti and an ecclectic mix of other traditional Italian food. Daily specials are avaliable.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Green''', 1017 N Flores Street Near Downtown. San Antonio's only all vegetarian eatery, be sure to try the soups and specials. Dinner is $7-$15
  • '''Joe's Crab Shack''' River Walk, 212 College St #100. Dinner $9-21. A great good time, especially when the waiters all stop and line dance in the aisles. Good food, silly T-shirts, on the north side of the River Walk loop.
  • '''Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery''', 218 Produce Row in the Mercado. Open 24 hours. Blow $5 on the Mariachis, they're among the best in town. Good food: Tex-Mex, Mex-Mex and Nuevo Mexicano. Splendid bakery in the front section. Entrees were $9-20. Rumored to have free WiFi. Some of the best mariachi musicians in town (they tune because they care).
  • '''Sushi Zushi'''[http://www.sushizushi.com/untitled/pages/contact.html], 203 S. St. Mary's at Market, in the International Center across the street from the Drury Plaza Hotel, Phone: (210) 472-2900. Three other locations in San Antonio area. Extensive Japanese sushi menu, including other Japanese dishes like soup, salad, udon, soba, etc. Japanese comfort foods are good value. Tasteful, modern setting.
  • Splurge

  • '''Boudros'''[http://www.boudros.com/boudros/], 421 E. Commerce. From Commerce St. entrance, take the elevator down to the River level and walk through the restaurant to the riverfront entrance. A very popular Texas bistro, with locals and tourists alike, right on the River Walk. Hearty portions. Blackened prime rib is its signature dish. Reservations are advisable, especially weekends.
  • '''Yokonyu Sushi Bar & Restaurant'''[http://www.yokonyu-sushi.com/], 301 E Houston St at Navarro. Across from Walgreen's and the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon, just a block north of the River Walk and a couple of blocks west of the Alamo. Gorgeous lovely modern setting inside; exquisite Japanese food with a Latin flair. Lunch Specials $9-$13, an excellent value.
  • '''Zuni Grill'''[http://www.zunigrill.com/], 223 Losoya. While you can have a splendid local version of a Cobb Salad for $10 here, the daily specials page does not have prices listed (if you have to ask...) - paella and seared ahi tuna arere $35 and $25 respectively, and worthy; good to share with good company. The salsa is smoky and tasty.
  • '''Azuca'''[http://www.azuca.net/welcome.asp.htm], Best tortas de jamon (ham sandwiches) north of Mexico City. 10% discount if you tell the host that Ham Man sent you.
  • Drink

    Wander down through the River Walk and take your choice of bars and eateries. You can't go wrong. There are also several bars/restaurants in the Mercado block of tourist shops.

    Sleep

  • '''San Antonio Lodging''', 500 N Santa Rosa, 866-999-8300 [http://www.SanAntonioLodging.com]. San Antonio Lodging features three bed and breakfast inns in downtown San Antonio.
  • Budget

  • '''Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk'''[http://www.druryhotels.com/properties/Alamo.cfm], 105 S. St. Mary's Street, between Commerce and Market (kitty corner from Aztec Theatre), 210-270-7799. The 24-story Alamo Bank building, restored to historical elegance and style, opened as a Drury hotel in 2007. Direct access from the lower level of the hotel to the western side of River Walk downtown loop. Complimentary hot breakfast buffets, with plates and silverware no less, and evening social hour daily on the second floor of the 50-ft tall grand lobby. Spectacular views from the 22nd floor observation deck; pool/spa on same level. Free internet and long-distance phone calls.
  • '''Hampton Inn - San Antonio Downtown (Riverwalk)'''[http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?moreDesc=true&ctyhocn=SATDTHX], 414 Bowie, 210-225-8500. Located in downtown San Antonio eight miles south of the airport, one block west of the US-281/I-37 freeway, and about 3 blocks from the River Walk downtown loop.
  • '''Hawthorn Suites San Antonio Riverwalk''', 830 N St Mary's St at Richmond Ave, 210-527-1900 [http://www.hawthorn-riverwalk.com/]. Studio suites; complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Located right on the quiet north leg of the River Walk.
  • '''Hawthorn Suites - North San Antonio''', 6900 IH 35 North, 210-798-3900, 800-210-4255 [http://www.hawthorn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=1301]. Complimentary hot breakfast buffets and social hour in the evening. Also offers in-room business services, an work area complete with dual phone lines, WiFi access, personal voice mail and daily newspaper.
  • Hill Country Inn & Suites at Salado Creek Villas. 383 NE Loop 410" . 1-210-599-4204. ttp://www.shellhospitality.com/hotels/salado_creek_villas/accommodations.html. Offering 178 comfortable suites with resort amenities including two Jacuzzi_fs, an swimming pool and large children's playground.

  • '''Microtel Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport/North''', A San Antonio airport hotel offering discount lodging and complimentary transportation to San Antonio International Airport. 15314 Highway 281 North, Tel: (210) 404-1900, [http://www.microtelsanantonioairport.com].
  • Quality Inn and Suites - Northwoods. 505 Bexar Crossing. orner of San Pedro Avenue, just south of 281 and 1604 junction. 1-210-545-5400. 89. ing bed suite. ttp://www.qualityinnsuitessa.com/. Well outside of San Antonio's downtown. Large and comfortable rooms, pool, free high-speed Internet (Ethernet). Just off a big freeway, so no neighborhood nearby to enjoy, but pleasant inside and with friendly staff.

  • '''San Antonio International Hostel''', 621 Pierce Avenue, ''+1 210'' 223-9426. Beds start at $22.57 per night.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Beauregard House Bed and Breakfast Inn''', 215 Beauregard St, 888-667-0555, 210-222-9338 [http://www.thebeauregardhouse.com]. In the King William District in downtown San Antonio. Private baths, free breakfast each day.
  • '''Holiday Inn - Downtown''', 318 W Durango Blvd, 210-225-3211 [http://hisanantonio-downtown.felcor.com/]. Downtown; the airport is just ten miles from the hotel.
  • '''Hyatt Place San Antonio/Northwest''', 4303 AmeriSuites Dr, Tel: (210) 561-0099, Fax: (210) 561-0513[http://sanantonionorthwest.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/place/index.jsp].
  • '''The Inn at Craig Place''', 117 West Craig Place, (877) 427-2447 [http://www.craigplace.com]. The Inn at Craig Place, built in 1891.
  • '''O'Brien Ascend Collection hotel''', 116 Navarro Street. [http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-san_antonio-texas-TX778] (210) 527-1111. Boutique hotel is located just one block away from the San Antonio River Walk.
  • '''Residence Inn, San Antonio Downtown/Alamo Plaza''', 425 Bonham[http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/satrw-residence-inn-san-antonio-downtown-alamo-plaza/] 1-800-371-6349. Two blocks north of the Alamo, and 2 blocks west of the US-281/I-37 freeway. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily and evening social hour (M-Th).
  • '''The St. Anthony''', 300 E Travis [http://st-anthony.wyndham-hotels.com/]. Built in 1909 and now run by Wyndham, this beautiful downtown hotel was frequently awarded AAA's Four Diamond Award for excellence.
  • '''Salado Creek Villas''', 2383 NE Loop 410, Toll Free: 1(800) 314-3424, [http://saladocreekvillas.com]. San Antonio's newest resort. Offering spacious 1 & 2 bedroom condo-style suites.
  • '''Sleep Inn & Suites at Six Flags''', 5042 Beckwith Blvd, 210-561-6100 , [http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-san_antonio-texas-TXB46]. Ideally located next to the popular Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park.
  • Splurge

  • '''Crockett Hotel''', 320 Bonham [http://crocketthotel.com]. This sister hotel to the Menger is across from both the Rivercenter and the Alamo.
  • '''Hotel Contessa''' [http://www.thehotelcontessa.com], 306 W. Market St, A contemporary luxury 12-story hotel offering 265 suites with over-sized bathrooms and a separate parlor with a sleeper sofa.
  • Hyatt Regency Hill Country. 800 Hyatt Resort Drive. 1 210 647 1234. ttp://hillcountry.hyatt.com/. 1 210 681 9681. A casual luxurious San Antonio Texas resort. 27 holes of championship golf, world-class Windflower spa and four-acre water park.

  • Grand Hyatt San Antonio. 00 E Market Street. ww.grandsanantonio.hyatt.com.

  • '''The Grand Fleur de Lis'''[http://www.grandfleurdelis.com], 120 Cedar Street, (877) 792-7700. Large guest rooms all with private baths. Central downtown location.
  • Hyatt Regency San Antonio. 00 North Columbus Drive. ttp://www.fairmont.com/chicago. Newly renovated 632-room hotel directly overlooking the historic Alamo and on the Riverwalk.

  • '''Marriott Rivercenter''', 101 Bowie Street, '''1-210-223-1000'''[http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/satrc-san-antonio-marriott-rivercenter/?corporateCode=ES2]. Big chain hotel right on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
  • '''Menger Hotel''', 204 Alamo Plaza [http://mengerhotel.com/]. Also connected to the Rivercenter, and right next door to the Alamo.
  • '''Noble Inns''', 102 Turner Street [http://www.nobleinns.com]. 3 Victorian Era San Antonio inns located near the Riverwalk in the heart of King William Historic District.
  • '''San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk''', 889 East Market Street '''1-210-224-4555'''[http://www.marriott.com/satdt], Balcony views of the city and the famous River Walk below. Across the street from the San Antonio Convention Center.
  • The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio. 6641 La Cantera Parkway. -866-716-8137. ttp://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Westin_La_Cantera/SO.htm. In the Texas Hill Country just north of San Antonio; good views. Six pools, three hot tubs, 36 holes of golf, luxurious spa services, tennis courts and a kids club. On Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List: The Best Places to Stay in the World.

    Contact

    Stay safe

    San Antonio is a relatively safe city. As long as you take elementary precautions, you'll have a great time. Even when there are crowds for such events like the Alamo Bowl, it is still relatively safe. Just remember that the River Walk always has something going on, but if you're in one of the quieter spots at night, exercise some caution.

    Cope

    During the summer it can be quite warm, and sometimes humid. 90's are the norm from May to Sept, though there are some days that stay cooler. April and October also has been known to get into the 90's even 100's, and during the winter it typically is cool and rainy.

    Get out

    To leave San Antonio, use US 281 south to get to Brownsville, I-10 east to get to Houston, I-10 west to get to El Paso, I-35 north to get to Austin, Waco, and Dallas/Fort Worth, I-37/US 181 south to get to Corpus Christi and Floresville, SH 16 north to get to Bandera, SH 16 south to get to Poteet, or US 281 north to get to Blanco and Johnson City. An alternate route to Austin is to use US 281 north and US 290 east. I-410 and SH 151 do not leave the city. However, Loop 1604 does go to small towns in the county.

    San Antonio is a great place to start a day trip to '''New Braunfels,''' best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the '''Schlitterbahn''', persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark; or to '''San Marcos''', home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center.