San Antonio Vacations

San Antonio Travel Guide
Also see: New Braunfels, Gruene, Boerne

Region: South Texas Plains

Will Rogers once proclaimed San Antonio "one of America's four unique cities." Wake up in the Alamo City with the scent of huevos rancheros in the air, the sound of mariachis filling the streets, and the sight of barges winding down the San Antonio River, and you know you're someplace special. Even other Texas cities don't boast San Antonio's unique spirit.

San Antonio is the number one tourist destination in the state and offers travelers lots of options. The heart of the visitor area is the Paseo del Rio or the River Walk, a magical place located 20 feet below street level. Nestled behind tall buildings, away from street noise, the River Walk is the top destination in town, with luxury hotels and plenty of specialty shops and European-style al fresco cafes.

The River Walk is just steps from Texas's most recognized landmark: the Alamo, a symbol of Texas liberty. If you'd like to learn more about the city's history, tour the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which winds south from downtown to several scenic missions.

San Antonio also pulsates with the excitement of a south-of-the-border getaway. Mexican crafts, jewelry, and plenty of Tex-Mex food can be found throughout the city.

Attractions:

Dining

We're at work on an extensive section about dining in San Antonio but here are a few restaurants just to get you started.

Shopping

From Mexican imports to fine art, designer clothes to cowboy duds, San Antonio shopping is an attraction in itself.

More Attractions

Art galleries

Performing Arts

San Antonio Festivals

January: Martin Luther King Jr. March & Rally
February: Asian New Year, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Cowboy Breakfast
March: Dawn at the Alamo, St. Patrick's Day Parade
April: Fiesta San Antonio
May: Tejano Conjunto Festival
June: Texas Folklife Festival
December: Los Pastores, Christmas on the River Walk

A month by month look at other special events in the city.

The Football Fans' Guide to San Antonio [PDF] Are you headed to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl? We've got a downloadable mini-ebook you can print and take with you, covering TexasTripper's top choices for attractions and dining. The file is a PDF and will open with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Hotels

Booking San Antonio area hotels

Hotel index

San Antonio Basics

Where is San Antonio?

Highways and major roads

Arriving by air, flight times

Getting Around San Antonio From parking to trolleys

Sightseeing overview What's where

Higher Education A look at the city's universities and colleges

In-Depth Travel Articles

Community Markets Near San Antonio

The Story of the Alamo

History of the River Walk

The City's Historic Neighborhoods

San Antonio Fiestas

San Antonio's Mission Trail

San Antonio: Top Vacation Spot

A Suggested Three-Day Itinerary

San Antonio Photo Ops

San Antonio for Groups

Haunted San Antonio

King William Historic District

For More Information: San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau