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 ฿4,532 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿4,532
฿6,305 total
7 Sept - 8 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 ...
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 ฿4,260 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
฿4,260
฿5,036 total
13 Sept - 14 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! (5,210 reviews)
"Close to river walk area."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,464 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿2,464
฿2,913 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
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 ...
8/10 Very good! (6,469 reviews)
"WE GOT THE ROOM WITH DIRTY TOWELS FORGOTTEN, THE AIR CONDITIONING DID NOT COOL WHICH IS WORRYING IN SUMMER, THE FRONTDESK GIRLS WERE VERY ATTENTIVE, BUT THE CONDITIONS OF THE ROOM WERE NOT THE BEST"

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,395 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
฿3,395
฿4,014 total
9 Sept - 10 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 ฿4,322 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
฿4,322
฿6,025 total
10 Sept - 11 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! (3,886 reviews)
"This one really felt more like a home rather than a hotel. Front desk folks were very warm and inviting. The room and view 10/10. Literally going to be the only hotel I stay in anytime I come to San Antonio! Wish I could’ve stayed longer"

Reviewed on 3 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 ฿2,360 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿2,360
฿3,449 total
7 Sept - 8 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! (4,055 reviews)
"In the towels it has many hair. This was when I just got there I verify the restroom."

Reviewed on 3 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.

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.

Northwest Side

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

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