Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A boat tour on a canal with a bridge in the background.
A neon sign for Lone Star Cafe with an American flag.
A nighttime riverside scene with a boat tour and outdoor seating areas.
A boat tour with passengers, a bridge, and lush greenery.
A red historic sign for La Villita Shop & Dine.

Explore the network of pedestrian paths that follows the beautiful San Antonio River to discover restaurants and bars, gift shops, galleries and museums.

The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque way to navigate across downtown and to explore the banks of the river, which are one of the city’s major entertainment precincts.

You can enter the 15-mile (24-kilometre) San Antonio River Walk from a number of points in the centre of the city, each offering access to a myriad of activities. A range of colourful Tex-Mex restaurants, cocktail bars and open-air music venues provide entertainment on the restaurant terraces overlooking the river. You can find many of San Antonio’s independent musicians here performing rock, folk and Mariachi music within the cosy cafés and bars.

Follow the path to see the colourful boats that line the water’s edge or take a cruise along the river for a relaxing journey through the heart of the city. Make sure to stop at La Villita Historic Arts Village, a highlight along the River Walk. Here you can admire exhibitions of local and international art and browse more than 30 boutique craft stores.

Stroll further along the riverbank from the centre of town to the Museum Reach cultural precinct. Pass under drooping trees, flowering shrubs and landscaped garden areas. The San Antonio River is a haven for the city’s wildlife and you’re likely to see ducks and squirrels playing in the area. Arriving at Museum Reach, you’ll find the San Antonio Museum of Art and a number of San Antonio’s upscale restaurants overlooking the river.

The San Antonio River Walk is well serviced by all modes of public transport and metered parking can be found at each entrance to the trail. Visit the San Antonio River Walk to see why it has become one of the most popular attractions in Texas.


Stay near popular Downtown San Antonio attractions


Our pick of the best Downtown San Antonio Hotel Deals

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
303 Blum Street San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$176 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$176
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very good! (4,082 reviews)
"Was not made aware of a parking fee when we booked the room."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

4 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$256 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$256
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St San Antonio TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$282 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
NZ$282
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,032 reviews)
"Best place to stay in San Antonio"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$171 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
NZ$171
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very good! (6,483 reviews)
"Perfect trip felt a bit historic"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

4 out of 5
123 Losoya St San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$360 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$360
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa

4 out of 5
306 W Market Street San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$283 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$283
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,827 reviews)
"No fre"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Hotel Contessa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown San Antonio

Find the best Downtown San Antonio areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, Alamo Quarry Market and San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.

Far West Side

While visiting Far West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Aquatica San Antonio Waterpark and Hill Country Golf Club.

Medical Center District

While visiting Medical Center District, you might make a stop by sights like USAA Corporate Office Headquarters and Cinemark San Antonio 16.

Northwest Side

If you're spending some time in Northwest Side, Huebner Oaks and Dub Farris Athletic Complex are top sights worth seeing.

La Cantera District

If you're spending some time in La Cantera District, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The Shops of La Cantera are top sights worth seeing.



Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: