WHERE TO STAY IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

In San Antonio, the main attraction is undoubtedly the River Walk. This is where you’re likely to spend a good portion of your time during a weekend stay, so we’d highly recommend staying right on the River Walk, or at least within a short walking distance. You can park your car for the weekend and just enjoy getting outside and walking everywhere (which isn’t so easy to do in many cities in Texas!). 

For this itinerary three great options are:

HYATT REGENCY SAN ANTONIO RIVERWALK $ –Set over 16 stories, the Hyatt Regency was where we chose to stay for a weekend in San Antonio when we wanted to be right in the heart of the city. One of the really neat features of this hotel was the large, multi-story atrium that had water that came in right off the River Walk. This is part of the ‘Paseo del Alamo‘ that is a public thoroughfare that provides a shortcut between the River Walk and the Alamo.

The rooms were typical hotel rooms – comfortable and clean – but what they lacked in unique décor they more than made up with the view of the city and location right on the River Walk. We loved that we were able to pop into the hotel quickly, especially when it got a little chilly and we could come back and get a sweater and then head right back out again to explore more of the River Walk in the evening. If it had been a little warmer we likely would have taken advantage of the rooftop pool for a swim.

BOOK YOUR STAY:  Direct with Hotel  |  Hotels.com  |  Booking.com  |  TripAdvisor

NOBLE INNS $$ – For a romantic weekend, the Jackson House in the King William Historic District, was a wonderful option for one of our trips to San Antonio – especially since it was within walking distance to the River Walk so we could just walk into the downtown area each day.

Decorated in pale green and red, the room features a super comfortable king-size bed, antique claw-footed soaking tub in the bathroom, a fireplace with antique mantlepiece, and many other thoughtful and pretty touches.

Common areas of the B&B include the parlour where we could read a book or visit by the fire, a heated spa-pool in a conservatory, and the most delicious breakfasts in the dining room each morning. Seriously do not miss the breakfasts, especially if Bananas Foster is on the menu. Delicious!

BOOK YOUR STAY:  Direct with Hotel  |  Hotels.com  |  Booking.com  |  TripAdvisor

OMNI LA MANSION DEL RIO $$$ – Situated right on the River Walk, this beautiful hotel is a blend of Spanish colonial architecture and European elegance for a taste of luxury in San Antonio. While we’ve not had the pleasure of staying here (yet?), I have been inside and it is a wonderfully decorated from the courtyard with heated pool, to the restaurant known for the finest hand-made margaritas on the River Walk. There is also a full-service spa on-site that you could enjoy after touring this historic property or your day wandering the River Walk.

BOOK YOUR STAY:  Direct with Hotel  |  Hotels.com  |  Booking.com  |  TripAdvisor

If, like us, you prefer the comforts of home while on the road, an Airbnb might be ideal for you. Click to see what is available in San Antonio.

HOW TO GET AROUND SAN ANTONIO, TX

For the most part, if you are staying in the downtown core, San Antonio is a surprisingly walkable city – especially along the River Walk which will connect you with many of the sights the city has to offer. If you are visiting from late spring to early fall though, do bring along plenty of water to cope with the heat. 

You can also get around San Antonio fairly easy by car, especially if you’ll be visiting some of the sites outside of the downtown area. There is almost certain to be parking available (there may be a fee) for anywhere you’d like to visit. The downtown streets can be a bit confusing for visiting drivers, but with a sat nav (or Google maps) you shouldn’t have too much trouble. 

Taxis are another option for quick rides in downtown but you may need to ask your hotel to call you one as they don’t patrol the streets, as they might in places like New York or London. Uber and Lyft are available too as a less expensive option to taxis. 

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

WANDER THE RIVER WALK (PASEO DEL RIO)

Easily one of the biggest attractions in San Antonio, and with good reason- the River Walk is awesome! It is one of the few places I’ve been in Texas where I’ve actually seen people out walking, despite the August heat. It’s even been listed in the book 1000 Places to See Before You Die.  So what is it exactly?

The River Walk is a set of cobblestone and flagstone paths that follow about 20 blocks around the San Antonio River. It is below street level and sometimes feels like a whole other world, especially as you wander through the arbours of palms, olive trees, cottonwoods, cypress, and willows that shade the sidewalks.

All along the edges are a variety of indoor/outdoor restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, and shops – there is really something for everyone’s taste to be found. One of the best ways to take it all in is on one of the cruises they offer during the day and into the evening. In addition to seeing all the sites, the boat drivers are great guides and full of information about the city and the main landmarks the cruise takes you by. The cruises are about 35-40 minutes long, and even though I’ve done them several times I’d still hop on one again if I was in town.

FOLLOW THE MISSION TRAIL AND VISIT THE ALAMO

The only UNESCO site in Texas, the San Antonio Missions are the next must-see on the list of the things to do in the city. Spanish priests established these five missions along the San Antonio River in the early 1700s with a church, residences, and a granary. For the most part, only the churches remain today but they are still active congregations so you can attend a service if you’d like.

Four of the five missions make up the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, with the fifth (and undoubtedly most famous), the Alamo being located in the heart of the city. More than 100 years after the missions were established, the Alamo was the scene of the 13-day stand-off in the Texas Revolution between 189 colonists and the Mexican Army. Among those who lost their lives in this battle were Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, both names you’ll find often in San Antonio, and around Texas.

TIP: The only drive listed in the book Great American Scenic Drives for Texas, it is best to give yourself about 3-4 hours to drive the 25 miles (round trip) to visit all of the missions. This can be done by car, or by bicycle on the trails that have been set up specifically for this purpose.

STROLL THROUGH THE KING WILLIAM HISTORIC DISTRICT

After Texas won statehood, affluent settlers from Germany flocked to San Antonio and settled into a 25 block district that they named after the Prussian King Wilhelm I- today it is known as the King William Historic District. From the 1850s to 1920s this was considered the most elegant neighbourhood in San Antonio, and although it has decayed a bit over the years, many of the distinctive (and beautiful!) homes have been restored to their former Victorian, Creole Colonial, or Romanesque styles.

To visit this lovely area you can download this walking tour map created by the San Antonio Conservation Society. Imagine walking or cycling the area in the spring or autumn. What a wonderful way to while a few hours away.

In addition to strolling the pretty streets, there are also a couple of homes you can visit. The Steves Homestead is an elegant three-storey mansion that is furnished in period style and has a few other buildings on the property. Or the Guenther House decorated with Art Nouveau and Victorian styles can be visited and includes a museum, shop, and restaurant. Perhaps a cup of tea and some apple strudel after an afternoon exploring this area?

SHOP IN LA VILLITA NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

The “Little Town” was initially developed as a Spanish squatters’ settlement along the San Antonio river but in the mid-19th century, Anglo and European immigrants began arriving. The adobe huts were replaced by sturdier limestone buildings and the district became the town centre until its decline in the early 20th century.

During the 40s and 50s, artists moved in and began renovating the old structures and they have remained. Today La Villita is very much a showcase for artisans and craftspeople with many crafts- like pottery, weaving, jewellery, and clothing- coming from Mexico and Central America. This is definitely the area of San Antonio to visit if you want to find some items to take home as mementoes of your trip or gifts for others.

TIP: If you need the facilities there is a free public washroom in this area behind the Arneson River Theater seating.

ADMIRE THE BEAUTY OF THE SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

The original cornerstone for the nation’s oldest cathedral was laid by Canary Islanders in 1738, and 20 years later they finished it, just in time for the Bishop of Guadalajara’s visit. At the time the domed, mission-style church could be seen for miles around and the city was named for its patron saint Villa de San Fernando.

Today we don’t see quite the same church in this spot, as it was replaced stone-by-stone and built into the Gothic-style cathedral in about 1872. And they did it all without an interruption in services! Remnants of the original sanctuary walls can still be found behind the alter though, along with the remains of Alamo defenders in the inside of the left alcove.

VIEW THE CITY FROM ABOVE AT THE TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

Zip up 750 feet in less than a minute in a glass elevator that takes you to the top of the Tower of the Americas for a view of the city of San Antonio. The view can even come with dinner! Take your time over dinner, as the restaurant makes one revolution an hour so you’ll be able to see the whole city.

The symbol of the 1968 World’s Fair, the Tower of the Americas can be found in the wonderful outdoor space called Hemisfair Park. Stroll the park to enjoy the beautifully landscaped areas with large shade trees, flowering plants, and cascading waterfalls.

The park is also home to the Institute of Texan Cultures, which is an ethnic history museum that focuses on the people of 26 ethnic and cultural groups of Texas. For the kids, there is also a “Magik Theater” and a playground that is built like a fortress. So much to do!

LEARN ABOUT TEXAS HISTORY AT THE IMAX THEATRE

To get the most of your trip to San Antonio, and especially before you visit the Alamo, the 45-minute docudrama Alamo: The Price of Freedom really should be one of the first things you do when you get to town.

The film was shot in 1987 at Alamo Village at Brackettville (unfortunately closed indefinitely at this time), which was the same set used for the original John Wayne version. Unlike that version though, this new version has historians that double as actors and it has a more factual story than John Wayne’s version.

The six-storey IMAX screen is located in the Rivercenter Mall so it’s easy to find and can double up with a little souvenir shopping in the evening.

ENJOY TRANQUILITY AT THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

As an alternative to the more popular family park- Brackenridge Park – a surprising find in San Antonio is the Japanese Tea Garden that has been built in an old rock quarry used in the early 1900s.

Constructed in 1917-18 the quarry was shaped into a complex that included walkways, stone arch bridges, and an island, and a Japanese pagoda. The local residents then donated bulbs to help beautify it. It has continued to develop over the years, with a major renovation and grand reopening in March 2008. It now contains floral displays, shaded pathways, koi ponds, and a 60-foot waterfall.

DISCOVER GEOLOGICAL WONDERS AT NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

Discovered in 1960, the Natural Bridge Caverns were turned in to a commercial venture in 1964 and are now regarded as the largest known commercial caverns in Texas. They were so named from the 60-foot natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheatre setting of the cavern’s entrance; the span was left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed below it.

There are a few tours to pick from, depending on the time you have available and how much you like dark, tight spaces. The 75 minute Discovery Tour, which takes you 180 feet below ground with a guide to point out and teach you all about the formations, is a great tour to start with. For hundreds of years, these formations have been growing into stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, chandeliers, and soda straws.

TIP: Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance, or by buying one of their combo tickets if you’d like to try a couple of tours.

LEARN THE LAY OF THE LAND ON A SEGWAY TOUR

For a neat way to get a feel for the city, learn where everything is, and hear stories about the history and architecture, a Segway tour could be just the thing to do. There are several options/companies in the city and they offer tours like general sightseeing, historical landmarks, or haunted San Antonio.

Depending on the tour you opt for you could see sights like Alamo Plaza, the famous (and haunted!) Menger Hotel, Tower of the Americas, San Fernando Cathedral, Hemisfair Park, River Walk, and La Villita. The company we used was Segway Nation and they did a fantastic job.

This particular activity might not be for everyone though. There are age and weight restrictions, so check those details out on their site before you promise the kiddos you’re going. It also takes a little getting used to (they will train you to use the Segway) and while I felt a little wobbly and nervous at times (I didn’t fall off though), the kiddo thought it was a piece of cake.

TIP: To save money, check out Groupon as they often have deals on Segway tours for 40-55% off depending on the company.

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR WEEKEND IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

• Looking for more to do in San Antonio? Check out “100 Things to Do in San Antonio Before You Die” for ideas to keep you exploring!
• If you have more time, you can expand your trip to include Austin and/or the Hill Country which are both great destinations in Texas.