Planning a Trip to San Antonio

San Antonio radiates Mexican-influenced charm and authentic flavor that sets it apart from any other Texan city.

Known for its famous visitor experiences such as The Alamo, the River Walk, and the Tower of the Americas along with many other top attractions to explore including visitor experiences like delicious local cuisine, art, and shopping! Let us be your go-to source for planning a trip to the River City.

When is the best time to visit San Antonio?

The Weather in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a humid subtropical climate, meaning the summers are often long and humid, while winters are relatively short and mild.

January tends to be the coldest month of the year with temperatures averaging a high of 62 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year ranging as high as 95 degrees F.

For those looking to avoid the humidity, the best time to visit San Antonio is from November to April when the weather is comfortable and the hotel rates tend to be lower.

Because of its historical significance to the state and its abundance of family-friendly theme parks, summer tends to attract hordes of Texas families when kids are on summer break creating more crowded attractions and higher prices in hotels.

Visiting in the Spring and Winter seasons allow for a much more comfortable experience for both day and night, saving you some cash, and allowing you to experience an enchanting holiday getaway or the highlights of Spring festivals

Getting to San Antonio

Is San Antonio a Safe Place to Travel?

When traveling solo or with loved ones, it is important to know that where you are headed is safe for you to enjoy.

San Antonio is a safe city it is ranked the eighth safest city in the United States - so you can feel at ease knowing that you are in a safe area. For those traveling with their families, check out our What to do in San Antonio for Families blog

Traveling to San Antonio

Picture: San Antonio International Airport Facebook PageThe San Antonio International Airport is the city’s main airport with twelve domestic and international airlines providing regular commercial service, offering convenient choices for travelers in or near the San Antonio area.

Getting Around San Antonio

Once you have made it into the River City VIA Metropolitan Transit is the central public transportation network offered in the city - its newest service line connects all the popular landmarks and attractions in the heart of the city.

Cars are the most popular means of transportation as the city is not exactly built for bikers and pedestrians, but there are still walkable areas, and downtown is relatively bike-friendly.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

There are lots of beautiful places to stay in San Antonio, here are some of our favorites!

Hotel Emma

Picture: Hotel Emma Facebook PageVoted #1 on Tripadvisor for Best Hotel in San Antonio - Hotel Emma offers guests a 4-5 star experience.

Guests are left to marvel at the refined industrial elements featured throughout the hotel and its excellent quality accommodations and customer service.

With its 48-inch flat-screen TVs, plush beds, luxury bathrobes, and its ideal location, just 2 miles north of downtown - this hotel is certain to provide you with an excellent stay.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Located on the San Antonio River Walk and just steps away from the Alamo, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a boutique 4.5-star hotel offering guests the perfect place for a romantic or weekend getaway, a business trip, a group, or a convention.

This hotel is just a short walk from San Antonio’s downtown attractions and a short drive from The Pearl, theme parks, and golf courses making this hotel perfect for tourists.

The Menger Hotel

Within the top 10, Best Valued Hotels in San Antonio, the Menger Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Located in central San Antonio, just one block from the Riverwalk, this historic hotel provides visitors with a tropical courtyard garden, an outdoor pool, a beautiful terrace overlooking the Menger Court, recreational amenities, and conference rooms.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Antonio

San Antonio’s culinary scene is exceptionally diverse & sampling as much delicious Tex-Mex cuisine as possible is a must!

Chart House

Experience two must-dos at once in San Antonio at Tower of America’s award-winning restaurant: Chart House. Eat outstanding cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the sprawling cityscape below.

Enjoy an outstanding meal along with other must-do attractions and visitor experiences with our Ultimate San Antonio Tour & Lunch at Tower of the Americas!

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Serving contemporary Mexican cuisine since 1996, the Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar draw inspiration from various regions in Mexico, with a passion for creating bold, one-of-a-kind, and flavorful Mexican dishes.

Voted as one of the top 10 tequila bars in the United States, the restaurant features more than 100 different types of tequila!

Lone Star Cafe

Experience Texan culture at Lone Star Cafe, bringing you a taste of Texas on the largest balcony overlooking the beautiful Riverwalk (indoor seating is also available). Established in 1981, the restaurant serves Texas favorites like burgers, hand-cut steaks, and chick-fried steak.

A great place to take the family for a bite to eat in between a busy day of touring.

Biga on the Banks

Known for its delicious food and ambiance, Biga on the Banks is the ideal venue for a romantic dinner, overlooking a quiet bend on the San Antonio Riverwalk.

This fine dining establishment highlights the daily changing menu of award-winning Chef, Bruce Auden, featuring seafood, steaks, lamb, and more with a preference for local and sustainable products.

La Villita Cafe

When looking for a quick bite in between a busy day of touring the River City La Villita Cafe offers fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee, and more, only steps away from both the cultural icon - The Alamo and the beautiful Riverwalk.

Things to Do in San Antonio

Best of San Antonio Tour

Experience the Best of San Antonio on this 4-hour small-group tour of the River City. Explore the Alamo - a local cultural icon, witness the beautiful city skyline on a narrated drive, explore the beautiful Spanish colonial missions, and enjoy stunning views of the city from a relaxing River Cruise, and 190 m (623 ft) above from the top of Tower of the Americas.

Enjoy the best of San Antonio in a small-group tour including all attraction admission fees, skip-the-ticket line entry and complimentary downtown hotel pick up and drop off.

GO RIO River Walk Cruise

Immerse yourself in the city’s culture, history, and architecture while on the River Walk, cruising on GO RIO’s silent barge and viewing several major points of interest along the way including the city’s very first neighborhood - La Villita, the Old Mill Crossing, and the Selena’s Bridge where Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla Perez was proposed to in the biopic ‘Selena’ starring world-famous actor/singer Jennifer Lopez.

Tower of the Americas

Enjoy the best view of the city while 750 feet atop the Tower of the Americas. The Observation Deck showcases the most spectacular panoramic view of the sprawling cityscape below while the lower level offers a 4D theatre show, great for families & children.

While here, you can also enjoy delicious cuisine atop Tower of the America’s award-winning revolving restaurant - Chart House, offering a fantastic panoramic view while you dine.

Alamo

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Alamo!

Explore the 1836 battlefield where heroes fell, walk among legends, and explore the grounds. Stand in awe of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, get up close and personal with some of the Alamo’s largest weapons and fortifications, and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens shaded by oak trees.

Admission is free at the Alamo but you also have the opportunity to purchase a guided tour.

San Antonio Missions

Step back in time and learn even more about the rich & intricate history of Texas at any one of the four Missions; San Juan, San Jose, Espada, and Concepcion forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.

Visiting at least one of these Spanish colonial beauties that have been standing there for more than 300 years is a strong recommendation!

Pearl Distillery

See a completely different side of San Antonio at the Pearl District spanning 16 square blocks, it offers visitors unique restaurants, relaxing green spaces, beautiful architecture, and charming shops.

Its vintage and steampunk motif in the area offers a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring a contrasted look at San Antonio, different from the bustling River Walk.

To learn more about our favorite attractions and visitor experiences, enjoy these related articles: What to do in One Day in San Antonio and Best Things to do in San Antonio at Night