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 featuring heritage architecture, boating and a bridge

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 Hill Country Golf Club.

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 Shops at Hardy Oak and Alta Vista 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 Convocation Center are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Side
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
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! (5,573 reviews)
"clean room, staff very friendly"

Reviewed on 21 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
The price is NZ$242 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$242
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (3,551 reviews)
"Staff was great"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Crockett Hotel

Crockett Hotel

3 out of 5
320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX
The price is NZ$189 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
NZ$189
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,427 reviews)
"Will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Crockett Hotel
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! (33 reviews)
Great Stay!
"This place was amazing very roomy and clean. All city attractions were very accessible and near. Parking was very affordable we could walk to every attraction."

Reviewed on 13 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Proximity to Alamo"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

La Luz
Centrally Located Stunning 3BR 2BA Near Downtown

Centrally Located Stunning 3BR 2BA Near Downtown

3 out of 5
1406 Nolan Street, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 3-star cottage in San Antonio. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Alamodome and Alamo are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Lovely
"The house felt like home. Neighborhood was quiet. Home was clean and comfortable. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Centrally Located Stunning 3BR 2BA Near Downtown
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

Activities

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
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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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