Your guide to San Antonio
San Antonio highlights
Wander the River Walk
Start your time in San Antonio at the River Walk, a riverside pedestrian street lined with restaurants, shops and colourful umbrellas under which you’ll enjoy a prickly pear margarita. Stroll these 24 kilometres of walkways, or take an eco-friendly river cruise. Pause at Rosita’s Bridge to honour Rosita Fernandez, a Tejano music icon.
Go back in time
First a Spanish mission, then the site of a famous battle, the Alamo today is seen as an emblem of the Texan spirit of defiance. The Alamo and four other missions form the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, known collectively as the San Antonio Missions Historical State Park. Cover the distance by bike tour or walk between the attractions.
See Schulenburg
Some 90 minutes east, the charming town of Schulenburg delivers a dose of Germany with its ornate painted churches and old-world vibes. While there, check out the Texas Polka Music Museum, which highlights the German and Czech heritage of polka music. And don’t leave without picking up some authentic German sausage at City Market.
San Antonio: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to San Antonio
Weather in San Antonio
March – May: Spring sees warm but comfortable temperatures, with daytime highs between 23°C and 30°C. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella.
June – September: Summers are hot and muggy, regularly topping 32°C. Plan your sightseeing for the early mornings. Then cool off in air-conditioned museums during the day.
October – November: Autumn is short but colourful. Enjoy golden leaves along the River Walk and vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Days usually stay warm, but you’ll need a light jacket after dark.
December – February: Winters are mostly mild with occasional cold spells, so pack layers. Outside of Christmas, you’ll have the big attractions to yourself.
Events in San Antonio
Battle of the Alamo Commemoration (February to March): This 13-day tribute to the 1836 battle features re-enactments, memorial services and movie screenings. Check out Family Day, with its many free events.
San Japan (August): The region’s largest anime and gaming convention offers tournaments, panel talks and anime art. Don’t miss ‘True Dungeon’, an escape room–style experience.
Dia de los Muertos (October to November): Come witness the country’s largest ‘Day of the Dead’ celebration. The city is filled with colourful processions, traditional costumes, mariachi music and flower-covered altars honouring the dead.
Ford Holiday River Parade (November): Watch as floats cruise down the San Antonio River decorated in Christmas lights and festive characters. This popular event is usually held the day after Thanksgiving.
The best neighbourhoods in San Antonio
Downtown
This is the best area to stay in San Antonio for first-time visitors. You’ll have easy access to the River Walk here, plus cultural attractions including the Spanish Governor’s Palace and Alamo UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop by the San Fernando Cathedral at night for a light show depicting the history of San Antonio.
Good for: History, attractions, nightlife
Southtown
Southtown plays host to First Friday and Second Saturday, two monthly art walks bringing together artists and art lovers. If locally owned bars, artisan coffee shops, boutiques and those all-important galleries sound good, then hip Southtown is the best neighbourhood to stay in San Antonio for you.
Good for: Art galleries, bars, boutiques
Alamo Heights
Upscale Alamo Heights is where to be if you’re seeking a reprieve from the city buzz. Fans of the great outdoors will appreciate all the green space. Go birdwatching at the Judson Nature Trails, hike the Olmos Basin Park, or find tranquillity in the Japanese Tea Garden.
Good for: Hiking, parks, gardens
Things to do in San Antonio
Free things to do
San Antonio’s most notable attractions are often free. Start by exploring the Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The River Walk has miles of walkways — check the calendar for shows at the Arneson River Theater and river parades. Nearby, you’ll find the McNutt Sculpture Garden, a little-known space portraying Wild West history.
Shopping
Historic Market Square is the biggest Mexican market in the US. Fuel up at beloved bakery Mi Tierra before browsing more than 100 independent vendors. Stop by the plaza on a weekend for mariachi bands, dancing and street food. Elsewhere, shopping in San Antonio doesn’t get better than the boutiques of the Pearl District.
Take in the culture
While the first ‘Fiesta’ honoured those fallen during the siege of the Alamo, it has since evolved into a celebration of the cultures that make San Antonio what it is today. Don’t miss the Battle of the Flowers parade or standout museums like the Dia De Los Muertos Museum, which explores the Mexican custom of remembering the dead.
Nightlife
Some of the best nightlife in San Antonio can be found along the River Walk. Work your way through variations on the margarita, including the prickly pear, a local favourite. Or enjoy drinks with a view in one of the city’s rooftop bars. Get a double dose of spirits when you join Night Spirits ghost tour and pub crawl.
Places to eat
Tex-Mex reigns supreme in this UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and nothing represents the city’s culinary imagination more than the puffy taco. Composed of a deep-fried taco shell, the crunchy-yet-fluffy concoction can be found all over San Antonio. Ray’s Drive Inn and Henry’s Puffy Tacos are two of the best restaurants to try them.
Family-friendly things to do
Enjoy the tropical landscaping and sleek Art Deco design of Cool Crest Miniature Golf, founded during the Great Depression and still one of the best things to do with family in San Antonio. Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first theme park designed for people with disabilities, while HopScotch is an immersive art museum with a bar up front for parents.
Get ready for San Antonio
Budget
With loads of free attractions and galleries to choose from, it’s easy to explore San Antonio on a budget. The city is well stocked with affordable eats. You’ll find an inexpensive meal for about 18 US dollars ($). Working up a thirst? A local beer costs around $5, as does a morning cappuccino. Short taxi rides are usually under $10.
Day trips from San Antonio
San Antonio is only about 90 minutes from Austin, Texas. Spend a day at the capital exploring historic landmarks, parks and natural wonders. Then gear up for a barbecue feast and live music in the evening. For outdoor adventure, drive 90 minutes north to Enchanted Rock. The rosy-coloured mountain is a hotspot for hiking and rock climbing.
Getting around San Antonio
You’ll likely spend the bulk of your visit to San Antonio within its walkable downtown. The GO RIO river shuttle is a good option for getting between downtown and Museum Reach. Consider hiring a bike to explore the attractions of Mission Reach. For day trips further afield, we recommend hiring a car.
