Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

San Antonio

A boat tour on a canal with a bridge in the background.
A neon sign for Lone Star Cafe with an American flag.
A nighttime riverside scene with a boat tour and outdoor seating areas.
A boat tour with passengers, a bridge, and lush greenery.
A red historic sign for La Villita Shop & Dine.

Explore the network of pedestrian paths that follows the beautiful San Antonio River to discover restaurants and bars, gift shops, galleries and museums.

The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque way to navigate across downtown and to explore the banks of the river, which are one of the city’s major entertainment precincts.

You can enter the 15-mile (24-kilometre) San Antonio River Walk from a number of points in the centre of the city, each offering access to a myriad of activities. A range of colourful Tex-Mex restaurants, cocktail bars and open-air music venues provide entertainment on the restaurant terraces overlooking the river. You can find many of San Antonio’s independent musicians here performing rock, folk and Mariachi music within the cosy cafés and bars.

Follow the path to see the colourful boats that line the water’s edge or take a cruise along the river for a relaxing journey through the heart of the city. Make sure to stop at La Villita Historic Arts Village, a highlight along the River Walk. Here you can admire exhibitions of local and international art and browse more than 30 boutique craft stores.

Stroll further along the riverbank from the centre of town to the Museum Reach cultural precinct. Pass under drooping trees, flowering shrubs and landscaped garden areas. The San Antonio River is a haven for the city’s wildlife and you’re likely to see ducks and squirrels playing in the area. Arriving at Museum Reach, you’ll find the San Antonio Museum of Art and a number of San Antonio’s upscale restaurants overlooking the river.

The San Antonio River Walk is well serviced by all modes of public transport and metered parking can be found at each entrance to the trail. Visit the San Antonio River Walk to see why it has become one of the most popular attractions in Texas.


Stay near popular Downtown San Antonio attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown San Antonio

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St San Antonio TX
The price is ฿4,359 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿4,359
฿6,099 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,035 reviews)
"Fantastic location and very friendly staff it was a great stay."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

4 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿4,238 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿4,238
฿5,010 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (5,214 reviews)
"The Drury Plaza went way above our expectations! We had a wonderful time! The staff was all kind and very helpful. The room was clean and all the pool areas as well. Food was great! And you can’t beat the 3 free drinks!!"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,711 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
฿2,711
฿3,205 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
Riverwalk Plaza
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,940 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿2,940
฿3,476 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
Menger Hotel
Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa

4 out of 5
306 W Market Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿4,815 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
฿4,815
฿6,625 total
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,884 reviews)
"Fabulous! All around wonderful venue. Highly recommend! Staff fantastic! Perfect location!"

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Hotel Contessa
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
303 Blum Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,355 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿2,355
฿3,441 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very good! (4,075 reviews)
"I didnt like the fact that we had to pay extra for parking and it wasn’t even at the hotel."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown San Antonio

Find the best Downtown San Antonio areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown San Antonio
Learn more about Downtown San Antonio

Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum and Alamo Quarry Market are top sights worth seeing.

Far West Side

While visiting Far West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Aquatica San Antonio Waterpark and Hill Country Golf Club.

Northwest Side

If you're spending some time in Northwest Side, Huebner Oaks and Dub Farris Athletic Complex are top sights worth seeing.

Medical Center District

While Medical Center District isn't home to many top sights, Wonderland of the Americas Mall and Huebner Oaks are some notable places to visit nearby.

Stone Oak

Stone Oak is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Shops at Hardy Oak and Alta Vista while you're in town.



Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide