Table of Contents
Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas
Established in 1718 by Spanish missionaries, San Antonio is one of America’s earliest and largest cities, with a complex history and a cluster of major attractions that incorporates SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the San Antonio Zoo, the much cherished River Walk through Downtown, and the Alamo. The latter chapel is the shrine-like site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, when General Santa Anna wiped out a band of Texas volunteers fighting for independence from Mexico – the city was only absorbed by the United States in 1845.
Today, San Antonio differs significantly from other major Texas cities. Unlike Dallas and Houston with their oil-fueled skyscraper downtowns, it lacks this characteristic. Additionally, around 65% of its population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, so it has an overwhelmingly Hispanic identity. The Mexican border is just 2.5 hours away. It`s also a significant military hub, surrounded by bases such as Lackland Air Force Base, Brooke Army Medical Center, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston.
Most sights in San Antonio are centrally located in the walkable Downtown region thanks partly to River Walk and neighboring historic King William District to the south alongside the northern Pearl and Broadway Corridor. Beyond these central areas, the city extensively spreads necessitating automobile transportation to access additional major attractions like SeaWorld from farther locations.
In terms of lodging, the primary choice is whether to spend a little extra to reside in or near downtown, or to save money in one of the many motels and chain hotels that line the major roadways and encircle it. San Antonio contains freelance inns providing extremely low rates, but the chain establishments usually offer higher safety, better quality, and aren`t considerably more pricey. If your budget permits, you`ll have a substantially improved experience staying in downtown or the neighboring communities.
San Antonio continues to uphold a decent (and cost-effective) bus network through VIA Metropolitan Transit, but if you plan to explore the more extensive surrounding metropolitan region (or remain in a motel along a highway), it’s substantially more convenient to lease an automobile. If you’re likely to spend the majority of your time Downtown, though, there isn`t any need for one; navigating here can be stressful and paid parking proves expensive.
• San Antonio International Airport is roughly 10 miles north of Downtown, on the I-410 loop that encircles most of the city center. VIA bus route 5 gets to Downtown in around 30 minutes ($1.30). Taxis charge around $24–29 for the Downtown area. All the major car-rental agencies have counters at the airport.
• San Antonio BCycle is the city’s bike share program, with electric pedal-assisted bicycles available through a mobile app (non-members pay $5 for 30 minutes). Cycling around the downtown area is fairly easy, assuming the weather is not too hot.
Visitors should be aware that summers in San Antonio are notably hot, with July and August averaging highs of 95°F (35°C). In contrast, winters can bring unexpectedly frigid temperatures – snow sometimes falls in January. The area is also prone to spring and summer flooding.
For more information, visit the official San Antonio website.
We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to explore and stay in more thoroughly below, but with extra time, these regions are also worthwhile to check out:
• Eastside: You might head to Eastside San Antonio to catch the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center, which also functions as a significant concert venue. There are plenty of low-cost motels within a brief drive of the stadium, but none of them are particularly good – you’re better off getting a taxi from Downtown.
– Northeast: One of the key attractions in Northeast San Antonio is the family-friendly theme park Morgan’s Wonderland, with enough entertainment to occupy a full day at minimum, like the new waterpark Morgan’s Inspiration Island. There`s also the Texas Transportation Museum, showcasing vintage vehicles and trains. You`ll find the regular array of economical motels along Interstate 35 and Interstate 410 in this area, with respectable choices like the La Quinta Inn & Suites Alamo City and Best Western Garden Inn (I-35).
• North Central: This sprawling outer area is well known for its family-friendly attractions, notably Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an immense theme park. The upscale Shops at La Cantera are conveniently near, and children will also enjoy Andretti Karting and Games. The moving Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio is also situated here. There are quite a few upscale hotels in this portion of the city, though it’s not really practical for exploring Downtown. The best are La Cantera Resort & Spa,DoubleTree San Antonio Northwest,Eilan Hotel And Spa,Embassy Suites Landmark,WaterWalk at The Rim, and the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa a bit more remote.
Best Places to Stay in San Antonio
- Best Luxury Hotels in San Antonio
La Cantera Resort & Spa” Drury Plaza Riverwalk” ” Eilan Hotel And Spa” ” Hotel Emma” ” JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa” ” Mokara Hotel & Spa” ” Thompson Riverwalk” ” The St. Anthony” ” Emily Morgan Hotel - Best B&Bs in San Antonio
Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast • Inn on the Riverwalk • A Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast • Bullis House Inn • O’Casey’s Boutique Inn - Best Cheap & Mid-range Hotels in San Antonio
A centrally located hotel • A riverfront hotel in downtown • A downtown hotel with suites
Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio for…
- Best Neighborhood to Stay for First Time Visitors/Sightseeing: Downtown San Antonio
Though it can be costly, staying in Downtown makes the most sense for initial visitors, particularly those without the use of a vehicle. Some of the biggest sights are within walking distance here – the Alamo, HemisFair Park, La Villita, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, SEA LIFE San Antonio, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, and River Walk itself. Strolling back to your hotel along River Walk at night is one of the delights of San Antonio, and though hotels set directly on the river tend to be very expensive, there are affordable options nearby (especially around Market Square on the west side of Downtown). - Most romantic locale: Downtown (River Walk)
It’s difficult to outdo a stroll along River Walk under a moonlit sky for romance, and there are plenty of refined restaurants and hotels positioned along the water ideal for couples. The Selena Bridge, named after the Tejano singer who died tragically young, and the Kallison Love Lock Walk Bridge are particularly romantic spots. Hit the Mokara Spa (at the Mokara Hotel), or go shopping at Market Square. Marriage Island, a tiny islet in the river connected to River Walk by a small bridge (it is sort of heart-shaped), is a well-liked spot to get married or pop the question. You’ll find it on the stretch between Navarro Street and Presa Street.
- The top neighborhoods for nightlife are Downtown and Southtown
Downtown San Antonio, especially around River Walk, is always good for bars, with local stalwarts such as Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub,Esquire Tavern, and Bier Garten Riverwalk. We also like the SoHo Wine & Martini Bar (in the Mokara Hotel & Spa) for cocktails, as well as Haunt in the Anthony Hotel, and the historic bar in the Menger. Live theater and music is provided by the Majestic Theatre and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Clubs such as Bonham Exchange can also be found Downtown, while Southtown’s South Alamo Street is another nightlife hub. Highlights include the margaritas at Rosario’s and Bar 1919 for classic cocktails. There are also some good craft breweries, including Blue Star Brewing Company,Dos Sirenos Brewing,Künstler Brewing, and Dorćol Distilling & Brewing Co.• If you have a car, you’ll be able to view the historic rural dancing halls in the nearby Hill Nation, like Gruene Hall in New Braunfels (35 miles northeast from Downtown San Antonio).
- Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Pearl/Broadway Cultural Corridor and Alamo Heights
San Antonio is renowned as the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine, but there is significantly more to enjoy. Food aficionados should head to the Pearl/Broadway Cultural Corridor north of Downtown. The Pearl complex is especially notable, serving as the pinnacle for stylish dining in the city (it also houses the Culinary Institute of America’s third campus). Not to be missed are the stalls inside the Food Hall at Bottling Department, charcuterie specialist Cured, the Belgian wheat beer and bar food at Southerleigh Fine Food And Brewery, and classic Tex-Mex at La Gloria. Over on St Mary’s Strip, do not miss Singhs Vietnamese (2803 N St Mary’s St), while the Broadway Corridor features the Alamo BBQ Company. Southtown is another great place to dine, though we also like scouring Broadway and Alamo Heights; sample the fish tacos at Beto’s, contemporary Mexican at Paloma Blanca, sweet treats at Bird Bakery, coffee at Merit Coffee, Thai cuisine at Tong’s Thai, and brunch at Cappy’s - Downtown is considered the Best Neighborhood for Shopping: In this region,
- The article Firenzecard is the official Florence museum pass. Costing €85, it is valid for seventy-two hours from the first usage. The major sites are covered (well over seventy total): the Uffizi, Bargello, Accademia, Cappella Brancacci, Medici Chapels, and others. Kids under eighteen belonging to a card holder also gain free entry. Given how busy Florence is often known to be, the ability to gain expedited entry is a bonus, however as always, the card is only a good value if one intends to do lots of sightseeing in a brief period of time. It is wise to be realistic about what can be seen in three days; if just visiting the Uffizi, Bargello, and Accademia the total cost is only around €50/person (depending on season). There are other discount cards available: the Florence City Pass is also worthwhile looking into if the exact sites to visit are known.
- Unsafe Areas of San Antonio
Downtown San Antonio (especially River Walk) is generally quite safe, though the usual precautions should be taken at night. The highest crime rates tend to be posted in Eastside neighborhoods such as Wheatley Heights, Denver Heights, and Eastwood Village, but you are unlikely to end up in these areas.
Best Neighborhood for Local Atmosphere: Westside
The Westside is where the renowned Tex-Mex cuisine of San Antonio initially emerged in the early twentieth century, and though it`s a widely spread primarily residential neighborhood, it`s also an excellent place to escape tourists and socialize with local Texans. Colorful murals adorn the neighborhood thanks to groups like San Anto Cultural Arts, while numerous buildings on Fredericksburg Road showcasing the eponymous Art Deco architecture compose the Deco District. Highlights of the neighborhood, which is best explored by vehicle, include Barrio Barista Coffee, home of the initial horchata latte, the puffy tacos at Ray’s Drive In, the local branch of Delicious Tamales, shows at Woodlawn Theatre, and Janie’s Record Shop at 1012 Bandera Road, for a scarce selection of vinyl
• Though there are cheap motels scattered across the neighborhood, you are better off visiting from elsewhere – various buses cut across the area from Downtown.
The 6 Best Neighborhoods in San Antonio for Tourists
1. Downtown San Antonio (River Walk)
Almost all the major attractions you`ll want to experience in San Antonio are situated in the downtown area, made very convenient to navigate thanks to the River Walk. Beginning in 1939, the San Antonio River flowing through the heart of the city was landscaped and redeveloped solely for pedestrian use, and is now lined with walkways, restaurants, shops, and places of interest. At times it seems like everyone, both visitors and locals, congregate here, to such an extent that venturing onto the streets above feels distinctly different. At the eastern end lies the immense HemisFair Park, where you`ll discover the enlightening UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, the tourist-focused 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas offering bird`s-eye views, and the kids-oriented Magik Theatre. On River Walk opposite HemisFair Park, La Villita (“Little Town”) was the site of San Antonio’s original settlement, now home to souvenir shops. On the north side of the river are located the superb Briscoe Western Art Museum alongside the family-friendly LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE San Antonio aquarium.
Just north of here lies the Alamo itself, one of America`s most esteemed sites. While physically small, it houses the old Spanish chapel now serving as a monument to its doomed defenders such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Not far away, the fun Buckhorn Saloon & Museum dating back to the 1880s is presently a Old West-themed bar, restaurant, and store. On the west side of River Walk lies the old Main Plaza and grand San Fernando Cathedral dating back to the 1730s.
- Each Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through 2024, you can watch a complimentary 24-minute light and sound performance by French artist Xavier de Richemont – dubbed “The Saga” – on the exterior walls of San Fernando Cathedral, dramatizing San Antonio’s history.
- Among the popular ways to explore the River Walk is by boat rides: GO RIO cruises offers numerous narrated river tours as well as scheduled shuttle services down the river.
- Best Hotels:
Drury Plaza Riverwalk” ” Grand Hyatt River Walk” ” Hotel Havana” ” Mokara Hotel & Spa” ” Omni La Mansión del Rio” ” Marriott Rivercenter” ” The St. Anthony” ” Thompson Riverwalk” ” Westin Riverwalk - Best B&B:
Inn on the Riverwalk - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
Hilton Palacio del Rio • Hampton Inn Downtown • Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk • Hotel Indigo Riverwalk • La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown
2. King William/ Southtown the Arts District
Just south of Downtown proper on South Alamo Street lies Southtown the Arts District, which itself transitions into the 25-block King William Historic District towards the river. With tree-lined streets featuring the elegant late 19th-century homes of German merchants (it was named honoring King Wilhelm I of Prussia), it’s undergone transformations into an appealing neighborhood of bars, coffee shops, boutiques, museums, and art galleries. The Blue Star Arts Complex anchors the southern end of the district, with a contemporary art space, arts venues, shops, and studios – plus Blue Star Brewing Company. This is also where the area’s First Friday and Second Saturday artwalks get initiated. Take a glimpse inside Edward Steves Homestead Museum to get an idea of what life was like here in the Victorian era, or visit the ornate Villa Finale. There’s also the San Antonio Art League and Museum and Guenther House, built in 1876 and now an atmospheric restaurant. A newer attraction is the raspberry-hued Ruby City, designed by architect David Adjaye and home to a thought-provoking collection of contemporary art.
- The only recommended lodging options here are bed and breakfasts – some of the finest in the city, housed in gorgeous old Victorians. Otherwise, Downtown is a short walk or ride away.
- Best Hotels:
Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast • Jackson House • A Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast • The Oge House
3. Pearl/Broadway Cultural Corridor
North of Downtown, suitable routes persist alongside the San Antonio River (aka the Museum Reach) into what’s referred to as the Pearl, a complex of stores, eateries, and art galleries carved out of what was originally a brewery founded in the 1880s (at first the San Antonio Brewing Association). On the way you’ll pass the San Antonio Museum of Art, best known for its ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collections. Just north of here, a group of roughly 60,000 Mexican free-tailed bats inhabit under the I-35 bridge – between April and October their evening departure makes quite a spectacle. North of Pearl you’ll pass the DoSeum children’s museum and Brackenridge Park – home to the San Antonio Zoo, the amusements at Kiddie Park, and the Japanese Tea Garden. Nearby, the Witte Museum is renowned for its dinosaur exhibits, while San Antonio Botanical Garden features a grand glass conservatory and monumental sculptures. The Witte lies at the heart of the Broadway Cultural Corridor, lined with eateries and bars, while the St. Mary’s Strip (to the west, along North St Mary’s Street) is another a hub of nightlife, food, and entertainment.
- The prominent lodging choice here is the costly but lavish Hotel Emma – visit for a beverage or snack if not staying. Otherwise we’ve likewise included several bed & breakfasts tucked away in the residential zones west of the neighborhood.
- Best Hotels:
Hotel Emma • Bonner Gardens Bed & Breakfast • Bullis House Inn • O’Casey’s Boutique Inn
4. Alamo Heights
Further north, Broadway anchors the vibrant Alamo Heights neighborhood. There are some excellent restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops located here, but the primary attraction is the McNay Art Museum, which showcases around 22,000 works of modern and contemporary art from renowned French Post-Impressionist artists like Gauguin and Picasso to Diego Rivera, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper. Birdwatching opportunities can also be found at the Judson Nature Trails, and options exist for biking or hiking through the adjacent Olmos Basin Park, or shopping at the Alamo Quarry Market mall.
- There’s little in the way of lodging in the heart of Alamo Heights, though there are apartment rentals available as well as a cluster of inexpensive motels and hotels to the north near the airport, along I-410/US-210.
- Best Hotels:
Hyatt Place Airport/Quarry Market • Sands Motel - Best Hotels near San Antonio International Airport:
The Drury Plaza Airport hotel, the Estancia del Norte lodge, the Holiday Inn Express Airport resort, and the Pear Tree Inn Airport and TownePlace Suites Airport inns.
5. Northwest San Antonio
The sprawling outskirts of Northwest San Antonio are best recognized for its well-known outpost of SeaWorld, alongside the associated Aquatica San Antonio water recreational area. The family-fun continues at the San Antonio Aquarium, which highlights ring-tailed and red ruffed lemurs as well as stingrays, sharks, iguanas, tortoises, and lorikeet. Northwest also includes a Main Event San Antonio amusement center, the Alamo Ranch open-air shopping center, Hill Country Golf Club, and on its outer fringes, over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails at the Government Canyon State Natural Area.
- Northwest San Antonio is a good option for families, with cheap motels and chains lining the main highways – you’ll need a car to get around. The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa features many recreational activities, from swimming pools and lazy rivers to golf courses.
- Best Hotels:
The Hampton Inn & Suites Lackland AFB SeaWorld • The Holiday Inn located near Seaworld • The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa • The Staybridge Suites near Sea World • The TownePlace Suites in Westover Hills - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
Best Western Ingram Park Inn • Fairfield Inn & Suites SeaWorld/Westover Hills • La Quinta Inn & Suites Seaworld/LAFB • WoodSpring Suites Lackland
6. Missions/ South San Antonio
South San Antonio, especially the area along the San Antonio River, represents one of the most historically rich locales in Texas. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park combines four 18th-century Spanish colonial missions, with the primary Visitor Center at Mission San José. To the north lies Mission Concepción, while to the south are Mission San Juan and Mission Espada, the initial Franciscan mission established in Texas, back in 1690 (though the church wasn’t completed on the current site until 1756). Pathways (known collectively as the Mission Reach Trail) connect all four missions, permitting a tranquil afternoon of hiking (assuming it’s not too blistering). Elsewhere there’s additional birdwatching at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center and vintage aircraft at the Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field.
- Mexican cuisine is particularly good in the southern part of San Antonio: Nicha’s (3119 Roosevelt Avenue), Don Pedro, Rolando’s Super Taco (93 Shasta Ave), and Claudia’s Restaurant (1305 Pleasanton Rd) are all reliable choices.
- Low-budget motels are scattered across South San Antonio but standards tend to be basic and many are longer stay accommodations. We’ve proposed some higher quality selections along the main highways nearby (I-410, I-37, I-35).
- Best Hotels:
The Embassy Suites Brooks City Base Hotel & Spa,Fairfield Inn & Suites Brooks City Base, and Hampton Inn & Suites Brooks City Base, as well as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites South, are options in the listed area. - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
Best Western Plus Palo Alto Inn & Suites • La Quinta Inn Brooks City Base
