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

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown San Antonio Hotel Deals

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$270 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$270
16 July - 17 July
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,833 reviews)
"Welcoming staff, great evening amenities for adults & kids. Room & bathroom were clean & comfortable. Delicious FREE breakfast with huge selection. Overall, wonderful experience."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$185 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$185
5 July - 6 July
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! (6,446 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and so helpful. The location was pretty good too, we walked to resturants and the mall and it only took about 15 min. The rooms were outdated and small. There were a lot of small things in the room that needed to be fixed. Overall, it was not a bad hotel."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
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$295 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$295
30 July - 31 July
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! (2,892 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$211 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$211
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,163 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Menger Hotel
Omni La Mansion del Rio

Omni La Mansion del Rio

4 out of 5
112 College St San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$352 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$352
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,939 reviews)
"Clean room, friendly staff. Perfect area on the riverwalk."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Omni La Mansion del Rio
Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt

Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt

5 out of 5
115 Lexington Avenue San Antonio TX
The price is NZ$481 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$481
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Artwork"

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt
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.

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.

Uptown

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

Medical Center District

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

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.

Stone Oak

Stone Oak is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Stone Ridge Market and Shops at Hardy Oak while you're in town.



Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

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