Overview
San Antonio is the second largest city in the state of Texas and the 7th largest in the United States. It's the 24th largest metropolitan area in the country. Visited by more than 31 million annual visitors, 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 lots of drinking. The culture and people are vibrant and interesting. San Antonio's downtown is one of the most lively in the nation.
23 sights · 25 things to do · 18 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 30 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about San Antonio
The Alamo
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 f…
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's furnished house, first residence, and store.
River Walk
The River Walk 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 departing regularly. Nume…
San Antonio Missions National Historical 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 are missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concep…
San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium
The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species of animals on 56 acres (23 hectares).
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Another peaceful place to walk is in the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. In the spring they have the Spring Children's Vegetable Garden Program.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 96°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Sep.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SAT San Antonio International Airport, San Antonio — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AUS Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin — 73 mi away (major hub). Directions
San Antonio is served by two Amtrak long-distance trains. The Texas Eagle provides a direct connection with Chicago while the Sunset Limited calls in San Antonio on its way between Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $51–$99 a night (typical $55), from 5 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $9 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$110, comfortable ~$210.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Alamo, Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, Aztec on the River
- Lunch Schilo's Deli
- Afternoon Briscoe Western Art Museum, Instituto de México
- Dinner Boudros
- Evening Zinc
Day 2
- Morning San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium, Witte Museum, San Antonio Botanical Gardens
- Lunch Honchos - The House of Churros
- Afternoon The DoSeum, McNay Art Museum
- Dinner Green
- Evening Mad Dogs British Pub
Day 3
- Morning Texas Transportation Museum, River Walk
- Lunch Teka Molino
- Afternoon Ruby City Art Museum
- Dinner Ruthie's Mexican Restaurant
- Evening Howl at the Moon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
San Antonio is considered to be the cradle of Texan liberty. Its best-known landmark is the Alamo, the site of the famous battle (1836) where Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were killed. When most visitors see the Alamo for the first time, their common reaction is "Hm, I thought it would be bigger."
No other city in Texas reflects the state's Spanish and Mexican heritage better than San Antonio. Hispanics make up a considerable fraction of the population and it shows in most places. The Hispanic atmosphere of San Antonio makes it a truly unique U.S. city. This becomes most evident during Fiesta week, a yearly celebration that attracts 3.5 million people to its over one hundred events including parades, music, festivals, fairs and food and drink in the charming downtown streets of the city. San Antonio also has a significant African-American population.
San Antonio, with a population of about 1.5 million (2020), and a metro population of nearly 2.5 million (2018), still enjoys a small-town feel despite the hustle and bustle. 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 30- to 40-minute drive.
Climate
During the summer it can get hot, and sometimes humid. Temperatures in the 90s and 100s °F (30s °C) are typical from May to September, though there are some days that stay cooler. The average heat index factoring in humidity is 99°F during the day and 77°F at night during the summer months, but a heat index of 110°F during the day and 81°F at night is not unheard of if it is exceptionally hot and sweltering. April and October have also been known to get into the 90s and even 100s, and during the winter it is typically cool and rainy. Carry a light sweater; you never know when the weather may change in San Antonio.
Visitor information
- Visit San Antonio website
Place San Antonio Visitor Information Center
The downtown Visitor Information Center and Official City Store 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. The San Antonio Convention & Visitor's Bureau has a savings website, the San Antonio Vacation Experience.
Get in
By plane
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Serves over 30 national and international destinations with non-stop service and many more with one-stop direct service. For destinations, check with individual airlines. Ground transportation from SAT to Downtown available by shuttle ($19 one way per person), by taxi ($25-35 one way, up to 4-6 persons depending on the size of the taxi), or by public bus (Number 5) which stops just outside Terminal B (brings you downtown in about half an hour for $1.30 exact change and runs approximately every 30 minutes).
By train
San Antonio is served by two Amtrak long-distance trains. The Texas Eagle provides a direct connection with Chicago while the Sunset Limited calls in San Antonio on its way between Los Angeles and New Orleans.
By car
Most visitors to San Antonio arrive by either I-35, I-10, I-37 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. Driving times are about 1 hour from Austin, 4 hours 15 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth and less than 3 hours from Houston.
By bus
Go Greyhound
- Megabus. Service from Dallas, Austin, and Houston. The bus stop is in the parking lot on the south corner of 4th St and Broadway St.
- Autobus Americanos. Mexican trans-border bus line with services from various points in Mexico. Bus stop is at 301 Broadway in San Antonio.
- Turimex Internacional. Mexican trans-border bus line with services from various points in Mexico. Bus stop is at 518 N, Alamo in San Antonio.
- Omnibus Mexicanos. Mexican trans-border bus line with services from various points in Mexico. Bus stop is at 930 Broadway in San Antonio.
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.
Get around
Public transit
San Antonio's bus system, the VIA Metropolitan Transit, runs the downtown trolley service (actually a bus) for a small fare. Bus fares range from about $1.10 to $2.50 depending on the service with a one-day $2.75 pass (for purchase at some retail outlets see VIA's Website under Fare information) for all routes.
There are 4 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 usually runs along the streets with high traffic. They usually do not stop at bus stops that are served by the frequent routes. Skip routes also usually 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, by calling the VIA information line +1 210-362-2020 or for the hearing impaired at +1 210-362-2019, or at the San Antonio Visitor Information Center.
Taxi
Cabs are available to be hailed downtown, at the airport, or at military bases. In other areas you should reserve a cab in advance.
See
See The Alamo
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. The Alamo site consists of not only the former mission itself but quite a lot of monuments, informational placards and outbuildings. Excavations and expansion of exhibition space is continuing as of 2023, to include another future museum, but as of January 2023, there is already more than enough to see and learn on-site that you could spend an entire day there if you so chose.
See King William Historic Area
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.
See River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
The River Walk 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 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. 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. 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.
See San Antonio Missions National Historical 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 are missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion. These, plus four other missions around San Antonio, have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The national park, containing many cultural sites along with some natural areas, was established in 1978 and covers about 819 acres (331 hectares).
Museums and galleries
See Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
A part of the Blue Star Arts Complex, 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.
See San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
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.
Do
Events
Do Fiesta!!!
Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural celebration. Many family-oriented events take place during this time, as well as many events geared towards adults. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas. One of the most fun events of all Fiesta, is Oysterbake on the St. Mary's University campus. It kicks Fiesta off with a bang, has plenty of food (chicken on a stick, oysters, fried oysters, corn, corn in a cup, meats on sticks, pizza, you name it. Friday of Oysterbake is usually more family-oriented with a 1980s or '90s band headlining the festivities. (Previous headliners: Eddie Money, Loverboy, Night Ranger, Smashmouth) Saturday is a jam-packed day of fun, food, music and booze. More modern acts will headline the main stage, there will be a country stage, and a tejano stage. Previous acts include: Three Days Grace, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd, Hinder, Lit, 10 Years, Buckcherry (bad year), and The Veer Union. If you're single, Oysterbake on Saturday is your time to shine. Otherwise, you'll have an awesome time with friends or family.
- First Friday Art Walk. San Antonio First Friday is a free showcase of the art community in San Antonio. The event takes place on the 1st Friday of every month in the historic King Williams district. Many local restaurants feature live music, and there are vendors selling local goods along the walk.
Do 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. Everyone who's anyone in country music plays during rodeo time, simple as that.
Do 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.
Do Bat migration
Texas is one of the best places in the world to observe bat migrations. Every night at dusk in the summer, thousands of bats emerge from their "hangouts", including under urban bridges, and many people come to watch. Local conservation organizations host weekly events to explain the migration.
Do San Japan
San Japan is a three-day anime convention held every Labor Day weekend. Attendees are drawn to the event to purchase merchandise, appreciate cosplay, and visit panels featuring famous guests from the voice acting and animation industries. As one of the largest Anime Conventions in Texas, just over 20,000 registered attendees descended upon San Japan in 2019. You don't have to be a hardcore anime fan to appreciate this event; plenty of other nerdy subculture can be found in and around the Riverwalk over the course of these three days.
Amusement parks
Parks
Do Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is roughly 20 miles (30 km) from downtown, close to many good quality amenities for pre- or post-hike activities. The park has a good size parking lot, and parking is free. It also has onsite facilities you can rent if you'd like to have a social gathering on park grounds. The park offers 6.35 mile of paved and natural trails through a preserved Texas Hill Country landscape, providing plenty of opportunity to observe local plants and wildlife as well. The park is dog- and kid-friendly (it has a playground and children's rock wall), but bikes and other recreational transport options are not allowed on the trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderately intense -- some trails might be challenging for those who find it hard to climb up and down rocky inclines.
Do Crownridge Canyon Natural Area
Crownridge Canyon Natural Area is an excellent spot for a quick hike or trail run, and nature lovers will appreciate the variety of native plants (including a wildflower field) and animals often seen in the park. It's roughly 20 miles from downtown, close to many good quality amenities for pre- or post-hike activities. It offers 1.9 miles of paved and natural trails through a preserved Texas Hill Country landscape. The main trail is a low level of difficulty, suitable for most ages. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails. The park has a free parking lot which usually has enough parking.
Do Friedrich Wilderness Park
Friedrich Wilderness Park has a fairly extensive network of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty through a preserved Texas Hill Country landscape. Total trail length is approximately 10 miles. Some trails are paved and some are natural, with options for most skill or mobility levels. This is an excellent spot for bird watching or enjoying native plants (including a wildflower area). It's in northwest San Antonio, roughly 20 miles from downtown, close to many good quality amenities for pre- or post-hike activities. Kid-friendly, but no dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails. The park also offers nature classes for children. The park has a free parking lot, but on busy days it fills up quickly and you might have to park on the street and walk to the trailhead.
Do Greenway Trails (Howard Peak Greenway)
The Greenway Trails are growing collection of 82 miles of hike/bike trails for the most part located in the floodplains of San Antonio's creeks and rivers. Some but not all the trails are interconnected. The trails themselves either asphalt or concrete and wide enough for cyclists to pass each other. Trails are open during daylight hours for walkers, runners, bikers, roller skaters bird watchers and others. There are more than 65 trailheads, most with parking and many with amenities such portable toilets and bike tools. For cyclists, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) and e-bikes are allowed on trails. Dogs must be leashed.
Sports
Do San Antonio Gunslingers
The Gunslingers are San Antonio's Arena Football team. They play at the Alamodome in the NAL.
Do UTSA Roadrunners
The city's main college sports attractions are the teams of the University of Texas at San Antonio, whose main campus is off Loop 1604 just west of the northern interchange with I-10. UTSA has been in the American Athletic Conference since 2023. Most venues are on campus, but the football team plays at the Alamodome. Notably, the football team drew more than 35,000 fans per game for its first season in 2011.
Do Incarnate Word Cardinals (UIW Cardinals)
The teams of the University of the Incarnate Word, whose campus is on Broadway near Breckenridge Park and the zoo, are a fairly new addition to Division I, having joined the Southland Conference in 2013. Unlike UTSA, the football team plays on campus and in the second-level FCS.
Tours
Do Mission Adventure Tours - Kayaking
Guided and unguided kayak trips on the San Antonio River, as well as specialty guided kayak trips on the Median River, Comal River, San Marcos River and many other rivers throughout central and west Texas. Mission Kayak also offers beginner kayaking classes, large group and corporate tours, as well as team building events.
Theaters
San Antonio is home to several historic vaudeville theatres; The Empire, Aztec, Alameda, and the Majestic. There are also many live music venues including, Sunset Station, Paper Tiger, Scout Bar, Blue Star Arts complex, Pearl Brewery, Cowboys, La Tuna's, Randy's Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar, and The Ten Eleven and many great local bands.
Do Majestic Theatre
Recognized as one of the most ornate facilities in the country, the Majestic has long held a special place in the archives of Texas theatrical and architectural history. In the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Majestic was designed and built in 1929 by John Eberson for Karl Hoblitzelle's Interstate Theatres, and stood proudly for many years as the largest theatre in Texas and the second largest motion picture theatre in the country. It was intended to be the most modern and ornate building in South Texas - complete with new sound and projection equipment - and was the first theatre in the state to be totally air-conditioned.
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.
Shop 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.
Shop The Shops at La Cantera
In northern San Antonio adjacent to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The Shops at La Cantera is an open-air mall anchored by Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Neiman-Marcus. La Cantera offers stores on the higher-end of shopping such as Juicy Couture, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Vera Bradley, Lucky Brand, Anthropologie, the Apple store, Aveda, Burberry, Gilly Hicks, Sleep Number, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and more. Most people, though, come to La Cantera to eat and enjoy happy hour at some of the best, upscale yet casual restaurants in the city. Kona Grill offers $3, $4, $5 appetizers such as sushi, pizza, and egg rolls, with discounted spirits and beer. Yardhouse has hundreds of beers on tap available in a 1.4 liter yard in a classic rock-inspired setting. There is a wide array of food, the general rule for chains is to skip the dishes you find everywhere and try the specialties. Here, try the seared ahi sandwich. Other eateries are Grimaldi's Brick-Oven Pizzeria, P.F. Chang's, Perry's Steakhouse and Z Tejas — a southwestern-themed restaurant with great non-Tex-Mex food and fantastic happy hour specials.
Shop North Star Mall
San Antonio's internationally-acclaimed shopping destination center boasts over 200 specialty stores and restaurants. Adjacent to the San Antonio International Airport, North Star is in the heart of the city. North Star is home to the largest cowboy boots in the world. They stand 40 feet high and 20 feet (6 m) long! Stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Pottery Barn Kids, Armani Exchange, Arden B., Montblanc, J.Crew, Oakley, The Cheesecake Factory, Talbots, Janie and Jack, Apple, bebe, Coach, Sephora, Guess, and Steve Madden.
Groceries and other basics
The major supermarket chains in San Antonio are H-E-B and Walmart, with some locations open 24 hours. In addition many specialty and organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market, Central Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe's can also be found in San Antonio.
Farmers Market
The Pearl Brewery (now an urban re-development center) hosts a farmers market on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM and Sundays from 10AM to 2PM. Local farmers, vendors, and artisans offer up fresh, seasonal products to the public. Excellent restaurants, boutique shops, condos and apartments have been incorporated in this yellow brick former brewery. The horse stables have been converted into a ball room/dance hall. The "Pearl" is right next to the San Antonio River which forms an excellent green area, you can walk or take the river shuttle up from your hotel downtown. Plenty of parking is available under Hwy 281 and along Grayson St.
Eat
Budget
Eat Honchos - The House of Churros
Local dessert shop with churros, hot chocolate, and other dessert items from the region.
Eat Ruthie's Mexican Restaurant
Great Latin food.
Eat Schilo's Deli
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. Split Pea Soup is a long-time favorite.
Eat Teka Molino
Teka Molino is a famous Tex-Mex restaurant 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.
Eat Main Street Pizza
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 its affordable prices, good food, and proximity to the campuses. Offers fried calamari, calzones, pizzas of all sizes, manicotti, and an eclectic mix of other traditional Italian food. Daily specials are available.
Eat Texan Sizzle
Go here for a cheesesteak or patty melt to soak up your hangover.
Mid-range
Eat Green
San Antonio's only all-kosher, all-vegetarian eatery. Be sure to try the soups and specials. Dinner is $7-15. Second location at 10003 NW Military, Suite 2115, in Alon Center.
Eat Rosario's
A Mexican restaurant that is somewhat lacking in character but serves good food in decent-sized portions. It's a popular place, but it occupies a large space and is far enough from the Riverwalk that there usually isn't much of a wait for a table.
Eat Joe's Crab Shack
The local version of a national chain. 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. A great place to host a birthday party or special occasion. The "fish bowl" drinks are fun for two to share.
Eat Liberty Bar
A bohemian eatery in a building with character. The menu lists everything that they make from scratch, ranging from breads to sauces. The entree choices vary from pizzas to pot roast to lamb burgers to "Puntas Norteñas" (tough to describe, easy to eat). There is a full bar with very knowledgeable bartenders, and a really solid beer and wine list. The buttermilk pie is a house special dessert that numerous patrons swear is extraordinary, although if you aren't already pre-disposed towards buttermilk you might be just as happy with the other pie selections.
Eat Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery
Blow $5 on the Mariachis, they're among the best in town (they tune because they care). The interior looks like Christmas vomited on a flea market, yet somehow the result is a charming and unique decor. Tex-Mex, Mex-Mex and Nuevo Mexicano food that is reasonably priced and definitely above average in terms of taste and quality. Service is prompt. Splendid bakery in the front section.Rumored to have free WiFi
Eat Sushi Zushi
Two 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.
Eat Paesanos River Walk
Classic Mediterranean and contemporary Italian dining on the San Antonio River Walk. Modern Mediterranean specialties such as Shrimp Paesano or oven-baked pizzas piled high with grilled chicken and artichokes, Lemon Peppered Salmon, or daily specials. Choose from inside or terrace seating and enjoy views to the famed San Antonio River Walk.
Splurge
Eat Boudros
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.
Eat Azuca
Best tortas de jamon (ham sandwiches) north of Mexico City.
Eat Biga on the Banks
Biga on the Banks has a reputation for innovation. Owner and Chef Bruce Auden is known for his culinary creativity. Reservations recommended.
Eat Savor The Culinary Institute of America
Part of the Culinary Institute Of America.
Drink
San Antonio's downtown is the hub of the city's nightlife, with hundreds of dining options, bars and clubs mostly on the Riveralk and throughout street level. Other major nightlife locales, include Southtown Arts District, home to First Friday Art Walk, a large art block party with crowds upward of 20,000 along Alamo St. Scores of dining, galleries, theatres and lodging options, that include more than 10 historic 19th century B&Bs adjacent to the Riverwalk.
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.
Drink Mad Dogs British Pub
British-themed bar & grill on the Riverwalk.
Drink Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon is a singing, clapping, stomping, dance-on-the-piano, rock 'n' roll dueling piano show! It's part concert, part piano bar & all centered around audience interaction & 2 baby grand pianos. Howl at the Moon offers an experience beyond the average bar with live entertainment, comedy, & sing-a-longs throughout the night. Howl at the Moon is the perfect place for corporate parties & special events. Don't fret if you can't get there for your party or event–with their "Piano Shows To Go," they'll bring all the excitement & fun to you! On Thursday nights, bring your Texas college ID for free admission and drink specials -- usually $1 domestic, $2 Corona or Dos XX, and $3 UV Vodka $4 Bull Blasters. Great place to meet people on Thursdays.
Drink The Little Rhein Prost Haus
A friendly gathering place with rustic charm and its historically significant location on the San Antonio River. The building was erected in 1847 and is basically unaltered since its original construction. German comfort food dishes.
Drink Zinc
Zinc serves wines from all corners of the globe with an emphasis on champagne and domestic varietals.
Sleep
Budget
Stay San Antonio Fort Sam Houston Houston
Complimentary hot breakfast buffets and social hour in the evening. Also offers in-room business services, a work area complete with dual phone lines, Wi-Fi access, personal voice mail and daily newspaper.
Mid-range
Stay Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
The 24-story Alamo Bank building, 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. Free hot breakfast buffets and evening social hour daily on the second floor of the 50-ft tall lobby. Views from the 22nd floor observation deck; pool/spa on same level. Free internet and long-distance phone calls. Pets accepted with a daily cleaning fee of $15 each.
Stay Mission Inn San Antonio
Splurge
Stay safe
By American standards, San Antonio is safe for its size; despite a rather high poverty rate and the racial tensions that flared up around the country since 2017, the Alamo City managed to avoid most of the crime waves that hit other American cities during the pandemic. As long as you take elementary precautions, you'll have a fantastic time. Even when there are crowds for such events like the Alamo Bowl, it is still relatively safe. The River Walk always has something going on, but if you're in one of the quieter spots at night, exercise some caution.
San Antonio has a high rate of cars break-ins. Do not leave any belongings in your car.
Some neighborhoods in the east (Eastwood Village, Wheatley Heights, Arena District) should be approached with caution at night, though they are of little interest to tourists unless you. In San Antonio, if a place looks iffy, don't go there at night.
San Antonio has a large homeless population with several large encampments which are to be avoided. The most notable is directly adjacent to the central Via Bus Station / HQ at 123 N. Medina St. You can mostly avoid uncomfortable or dangerous interactions by keeping a reasonable distance and not engaging with aggravated individuals. However, the vast majority of homeless people in San Antonio are passive and will not bother anyone.
Go next
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.
- New Braunfels - 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, this town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
- San Marcos - 50 miles northeast of San Antonio, San Marcos is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.
Nearby
Natural Bridge Caverns
Park · 21 mi away
Castroville
City / town · 26 listings · 24 mi away
New Braunfels
City / town · 33 listings · 29 mi away
Boerne
City / town · 9 listings · 29 mi away
Pleasanton
City / town · 9 listings · 32 mi away
Seguin
City / town · 14 listings · 33 mi away
Jourdanton
City / town · 4 listings · 35 mi away
Hondo
City / town · 9 listings · 40 mi away
My experience
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