About San Antonio
San Antonio is a city in the southern part of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the seventh-most populous city in the United States, the second-most populous city in Texas, and the second-most populous city in the Southern U.S., with a population of 1.43 million at the 2020 census. The Greater San Antonio metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.76 million residents, ranks as the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest in the nation. It is the county seat of Bexar County.
Places to visit in San Antonio
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The Alamo
HistoricThe former Spanish mission famous for the 1836 battle in the Texas Revolution; visitors can tour the church and grounds and learn about the siege. Entry to the church is free.
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San Antonio River Walk
NeighborhoodLandscaped paths a level below street grade follow the river through downtown, lined with restaurants and hotels; river barges offer a relaxed narrated tour. Evenings are the most atmospheric.
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Historic · 4 mi from centreFour Spanish colonial missions south of downtown, including Mission San Jose, linked by a riverside trail ideal for biking between them. Mission San Jose is the largest and most complete, with a visitor center.
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Market Square
MarketA lively Mexican-style marketplace with shops selling crafts, clothing and souvenirs, plus restaurants and frequent festivals and live music. It is a good place to try Tex-Mex dishes and pick up colorful handmade souvenirs.
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Pearl District
NeighborhoodA former brewery complex north of downtown turned into a dining and shopping district with a farmers market, culinary school and River Walk access. Weekend markets are popular.
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San Antonio Museum of Art
MuseumHoused in the historic Lone Star Brewery, the museum covers ancient Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American art, and sits along the River Walk. It is reachable by river barge.
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Japanese Tea Garden
ParkA garden built in a former quarry with stone bridges, koi ponds and a waterfall, located within Brackenridge Park and free to visit. It is lovely in early morning light.
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San Fernando Cathedral
ReligiousOne of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, facing Main Plaza; its facade hosts an evening light projection show on many nights. Check times before visiting.
Things to do in San Antonio by type
38 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Tickets & Attraction Passes 14 experiences AQUATICA SAN ANTONIO -
Art & culture 9 experiences LiggettVille San Antonio: Fast Track + High Ropes Course, Zip Rail and Wall Climb -
City tours 9 experiences River Walk San Antonio: Guided Food Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 4 experiences Enjoy - Slingshot Rentals of San Antonio -
Amusement Parks 4 experiences AQUATICA SAN ANTONIO -
Gastronomy & nightlife 3 experiences Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 3 experiences San Antonio Aquarium: Entry Ticket -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences San Antonio Botanical Garden: Entry Ticket
- Flexible 13
- 1-3 hours 7
- 3-6 hours 4
- Up to 1 hour 1
- Families 5
- Couples 1
- Senior 1
- Youth 1
- Small group 3
- Wheelchair accessible 1
- Private 1
Top experiences in San Antonio
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 38 available.
San Antonio CityPASS® - Access to 4 attractions
From $56 per adult
Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio
From $36 per adult
Twisted Trails Course Plus Clip and Climb
From $30 per adult
Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour from San Antonio
From $106 per adult
San Antonio: The Grand Historic City Morning Half Day Tour
From $67 per adult
San Antonio: The Grand Historic City Full Day Tour
From $106 per adult
San Antonio: The Grand Historic City Half Day Afternoon Tour
From $67 per adult
Enjoy - Slingshot Rentals of San Antonio
From $88 per adult
Natural Bridge Caverns Hidden Wonders Tour
From $24 per adult
Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour
From $24 per adult
NBA Game: San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center – Ticket
From $90 per adult
Secret Food Tours: San Antonio
From $96 per adult
Where to stay in San Antonio
Popular hotels in San Antonio, out of 426 properties you can book.
Westin Riverwalk San Antonio
From $191 per night
La Quinta Inn and Suites San Antonio Airport
From $80 per night
Holiday Inn San Antonio Northwest
From $68 per night
The Westin San Antonio North
From $142 per night
The Hotel Contessa
From $138 per night
Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
From $374 per night
Red Roof Inn San Antonio - Airport
From $52 per night
Hilton Palacio del Rio
From $235 per night
Courtyard San Antonio SeaWorld®/Westover Hills
From $112 per night
Indigo San Antonio Riverwalk
From $125 per night
The Inn at Market Square / Downtown
From $49 per night
Red Roof PLUS+ San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk
From $61 per night
Best time to visit San Antonio
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Antonio is February, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
San Antonio weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 84° 54° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 67° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 62° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 63° 8%
- Sun 25 Oct 84° 63° 9%
- Mon 26 Oct 84° 63° 12%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to San Antonio
These are the airports closest to central San Antonio. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SSF Stinson Municipal Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- SKF Kelly Field6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
- SAT San Antonio International Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
- RND Randolph Air Force Base15 mi (24 km) from the city centre
Getting around San Antonio
San Antonio's bus system, the VIA Metropolitan Transit, runs the downtown trolley service (actually a bus) for a small fare. Bus fares range from about $1.10 to $2.50 depending on the service with a one-day $2.75 pass (for purchase at some retail outlets see VIA's Website under Fare information) for all routes.
Taxi
Cabs are available to be hailed downtown, at the airport, or at military bases. In other areas you should reserve a cab in advance.
San Antonio travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit San Antonio?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Antonio is February, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in San Antonio?
August is usually the warmest month in San Antonio, with average highs of 98°F (36°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 40°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 209 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to San Antonio?
Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (10 km) from the centre of San Antonio. Other nearby airports include Kelly Field (SKF, 6 mi) and San Antonio International Airport (SAT, 7 mi).
What time zone is San Antonio in?
San Antonio uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around San Antonio?
San Antonio's bus system, the VIA Metropolitan Transit, runs the downtown trolley service (actually a bus) for a small fare. Bus fares range from about $1.10 to $2.50 depending on the service with a one-day $2.75 pass (for purchase at some retail outlets see VIA's Website under Fare information) for all routes.
What are the best places to visit in San Antonio?
Top sights in San Antonio include The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Market Square. The former Spanish mission famous for the 1836 battle in the Texas Revolution; visitors can tour the church and grounds and learn about the siege. Entry to the church is free.
What are the top things to do in San Antonio?
Popular experiences you can book in San Antonio include San Antonio CityPASS® - Access to 4 attractions, Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio and Twisted Trails Course Plus Clip and Climb. Destina Holidays offers 38 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in San Antonio?
The most popular types of experiences in San Antonio are tickets & attraction passes (14), art & culture (9), city tours (9) and outdoor activities & adventure (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in San Antonio?
Popular areas for hotels in San Antonio include Riverwalk, Airport Area and Six Flags. Well-reviewed options include Westin Riverwalk San Antonio and La Quinta Inn and Suites San Antonio Airport.
How many hotels can I book in San Antonio?
Destina Holidays currently lists 426 properties in and around San Antonio, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
