San Antonio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

San Antonio Travel Guide Video

For many years before the Battle of the Alamo, this city in southern Texas was part of Mexico. See the missions that remain from earlier times.

The strong Spanish and Coahuiltecan influences on the city of San Antonio are visible in its architecture, art and culture. See the Alamo and several other missions that remain from the early days of Spanish colonization.

Travel along the River Walk that parallels the San Antonio River, which winds through the city. Walk, bike or step into a tour boat to enjoy the quiet under the cypresses lining the riverbanks. The paved trails provide access to museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and the city’s famous missions.

The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is the site of the famous 1836 battle in which Mexico’s President Santa Anna killed nearly 200 Americans after a 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution. Take a tour along the river to see four other missions that are part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They were established not only for religious observation, but also for protection of local residents.

Attend a Sunday service at the Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, the largest of the area’s missions. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is surrounded by labores (farmlands) and an irrigation ditch built in the 1700s. When you visit these and the two other sites, Mission Concepcion and Mission Espada, look for Catholic symbols interwoven with architectural decorations depicting nature created by the indigenous Coahuiltecan people.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum holds Santa Anna’s sword and many other artworks and artifacts. See modern art in McNay Art Museum. Enjoy a live performance in the 1929 Majestic Theatre, which was once a movie theater.

When the kids have experienced enough history and culture, spend a fun-filled day at one of San Antonio’s many theme parks including SeaWorld® San Antonio, Six Flags® Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. Visit the San Antonio Zoo and the hands-on DoSeum science museum in the large Brackenridge Park and the Natural Bridge Caverns for a varied range of family-friendly activities.

Where to stay in San Antonio

Downtown - Riverwalk showing a river or creek, a bridge and boating

Downtown San Antonio

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

A scenic riverfront great entertainment and top sights from Alamo to Alamodome – discover Downtown San Antonio, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Downtown San Antonio
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Far West Side

While visiting Far West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Aquatica San Antonio Waterpark and Ingram Park Mall.

Far West Side
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Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium and Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown
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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.

Medical Center District
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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.

Stone Oak
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Northwest Side

If you're spending some time in Northwest Side, Huebner Oaks and Crystal Ice Palace are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Side
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$172 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$172
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,524 reviews)
"Nice room, convenient price and location"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

Riverwalk Plaza
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street, San Antonio, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$236 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$236
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,508 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay. Staff was so friendly and helpful and we had so much fun looking at the old pictures and vaults in the basement on the way out to the river walk. Thank you for a great wknd!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
La Cantera Resort & Spa

La Cantera Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX
The price is NZ$546 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$546
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"My daughters and i go for a girls weekend every year. This is by far the best hotel around. Everything about this hotel is top notch. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

La Cantera Resort & Spa
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.
The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square

The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square

3.5 out of 5
322 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions San Antonio River and River ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"Loved this place!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square
La Luz

La Luz

4.5 out of 5
505 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Alamo and River Walk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Proximity to Alamo"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

La Luz
3 Bedroom Home Near Pearl Brewery/River Walk

3 Bedroom Home Near Pearl Brewery/River Walk

San Antonio
Stay at this vacation home in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Alamo and River Walk are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"The interior of the property was very nice. There was lots of space for the family to hang out indoors. The yard was muddy in the back and the front yard looked neglected. Fortunately we had lots of activities for the kids to be entertained they didn’t want to go outside. Great proximity to downtown ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

3 Bedroom Home Near Pearl Brewery/River Walk
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.

Popular places to visit

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Reviews of San Antonio

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great place to visit. Have been there 3 times

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I loved San Antonio

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

San Antonio was a surprise, would definitely go back there again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

we had family to show us around but San Antonio is a fantastic place to visit. We loved it our two weeks went too fast.

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