Travel guide for SAN ANTONIO

Information

Climate

We visited the city during summer, so the weather was hot and humid, as was expected. So, it would be a good idea if you always have a hat and sunscreen on! From what we’ve heard, autumn and spring are ideal seasons for a visit.

Location

It is situated in the south of Texas, about 3 and a half hours from Dallas and about an hour from the capital, Austin.

Money Issues

Withdrawing money won’t be a problem—plenty of ATMs.

History

It is considered to be the most historic city in Texas as it is where the Texan revolution started (The Alamo).

How to get there

If you are travelling by car, the highway is in very good condition and with a navigator, you’ll have no problems at all! Even if the latter doesn’t exist, the signs will do the job. Now, if you are travelling by plane, renting a car would be a good idea so that you can move around easily.

Contact

Most hotels have complimentary internet, so you’ll be able to get informed and keep in contact with the loved ones.

News-Info

Most hotels give you a complimentary copy of USA TODAY. But there’s always the internet and TV!

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in SAN ANTONIO

There is a wide range from luxurious hotels to motels for you to chose from; we stayed at Hayatt Place for $90, breakfast included. The room was very comfy, with an extremely large TV, nice sofa and desk, all separated from the bed and toilet. The bed was amazing—one of the best mattresses I have slept on!!! This was also mentioned in the reviews on travelocity site, but you never really know unless you try it. The staff was friendly and even gave us a map and a copy of directions on how to get to all places of interest.

Children

Children can have a lot of fun in a city which is home to Sea World (the biggest and oldest, from 1988, sea park in the world). I have seen some of the happiest and entranced children’s faces there and never have I seen so many prams parked together! Although the park is huge it provides special children vehicles that can make mum and dad’s life easier. There is also Six Flags Fiesta fun park. Although we didn’t have time to go there, many children at the hotel, we were staying at, had and said it was great.

Food

Given the Mexican-Hispanic character of the city, Mexican food is everywhere! There are also Italian restaurants and, last but not least, a lot of famous steakhouses. Our hotel was close to County Line steakhouse, and I have to admit it was one of the rare times that I had eaten so much! The atmosphere was great and so was the décor. Friendly service, too. When you get to Riverwalk, downtown, you are bound to find a place to eat: just take a stroll, see what is on offer and choose the one to your taste. There are even restaurant on boats! If you are willing to pay a bit more than usual (about $30 each), you can go up the rotating Tower of Americas in Hemisfair park. The view is amazing!

Amusement

Go downtown, park at Rivercenter Mall (it’s cheap) or wherever suits you, go ‘down’ to the river of San Antonio, which is at a lower level than that of the streets of the city, and stroll in the narrow winding paths along the river! There are many stalls with jewellery, frames and small pieces of art to look at or buy. You can even have your portrait made! The place is full of pubs, coffee-bars and restaurants.

Beaches

The city is no sea resort. However, if you have time, within 1 and a half to 2 hours, Corpus Christi, one of the most famous beaches of Texas, lies. Fortunately, if this is by no means a choice, there is always Sea World for swimming!

Activities

Shopping

Visit Prime and Tinger Outlets in San Marcos (40 min from San Antonio on I-35 to Austin). You will find all the big brand names at very good prices!!!! You can even have lunch, look for the food court. Go to the customer service and get a map. If you sign up and become a member on the internet beforehand, you can even get extra discounts. If you don’t want to leave San Antonio, there is Rivercenter Mall and Macy’s. Moreover, there are many traditional shops in La Villita (the small village) which is by the river. This was a settlement that Mexicans built in the 1700s and has now been restored to its initial state. It is well worth a visit. Just outside La Villita there is a beautiful bridge over the river and a small theatre: very picturesque. Now, if you would like to visit the biggest Mexican market outside Mexico, you are at the right place: just go to Market Square! All in all, the city is full of small shops selling souvenirs and traditional things.

Monuments

Museums

If you want to see exhibits related to the Wild West Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is the place. Furthermore, the Institute of Texas Cultures is very interesting as you have the chance to learn about the cultures that have shaped Texas. Witte Museum is also worth a visit, as you will get to see a Texan dinosaur, an Egypt mummy and art dating 8000 years!

Historical monuments

The Alamo is a landmark in the history of both San Antonio and Texas, as it has played a crucial role in the Texan Revolution. At first, it was a mission house, a community, that is, which formed around the church, and housed the missionaries and the first converted Indians. Later on, the Spanish and Mexican cavalry settled there. After a battle at some point, a few Texan volunteers under the leadership of William B Travis sieged it but only for a year. However, their final battle although unsuccessful, was of a decisive character for the Texans (for more info there is a site on the Alamo on the internet). Make sure to visit the place and keep in mind that it closes at 5:30pm. If you like the Alamo, you can visit the Missions National Historical Park where you can find four other mission buildings which together with the Alamo comprised the northern part of the Spanish colonies in America. The most famous apart from the Alamo is Mission San Jose.

Churches and Monasteries

The Cathedral of San Fernando is magnificent! We didn’t have the chance to go inside, but when we saw it lit by night although we were in the car on our way to out hotel, we headed back to admire it and take some photos.

Other sights

Sea World is a must! The ticket is $60, unless you are in the military, which means you are lucky as for you and your family entrance is free!!! Everything but the food, drinks, and souvenirs are included: shows, rides etc. If you don’t like big lines, you can buy tickets on the internet, at your hotel and at the self service ticket machines at the entrance of Sea World. Keep in mind that when first entering the area you pay parking lot, the cheapest being the general one ($12). It is really worth spending a day at Sea World. This place gives you the chance to see things that you could only see on a TV documentary: dolphins that you can feed (food costs $5) and if you are lucky touch them, sharks and coral reefs, seals that act (there is even a stage for their funny play), penguins and killer whales. There are 25min and 30 min shows featuring acrobats along with dolphins and beluga whales, killer whales with their trainers (a must-see), shows with waters skiers etc. In addition to all these, there is also a place where you can swim and play called the Lost Lagoon. All around the park there are all kinds of rides for both kids and grown-ups. If you get tired, there are many restaurants, coffee houses and souvenir shops. A tip: as soon as you enter the park take a map and the schedule of the shows, so that you can plan what you want to see.

Romance

For a bit of romance Riverwalk is just the place. San Antonio river goes through the city and a walk along its banks with the picturesque bridges, the gigantic trees, beautiful flowers and La Villita is unique.

Be Cautious

On the whole, the city is safe. Because of Riverwalk, there are a lot of people and policemen till late. However, choosing well lit roads, not carrying a lot of money on you, and not showing off all the high tech equipment that you may have with you are always the safe way to go about. Finally, regarding parking, downtown most roads have parking meters that only accept coins. If you can’t find a parking space there, look for parking places with low flat rates (prices range from $5 to $15). Never park on places meant for disabled people (there is a fine up to $500).

Best routes

Dress lightly and comfy so that you can enjoy your walk. There are also river taxis that take you along the river for $7 to $10.

Disabled Travelers

You can find amenities for disabled people everywhere. If you have a wheel chair and want to visit Riverwalk use the elevators from the Rivercenter Mall to go down to the river level. However, keep in mind that since the paths along the river are a bit narrow at some places choose to visit when it is not too crowded (before 9pm is a good time, but then again ask the locals or at the hotel)

Impressions

One of the most interesting, romantic and fun places I have visited.