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 ฿5,228 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
฿5,228
฿7,129 total
17 Sept - 18 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! (3,082 reviews)
"We love the room. The convenience of the Riverwalk was able to easy access all restaurants around there. The food downstairs in your restaurant was amazing. The only thing we wished is that we would’ve had a balcony."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2026

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,959 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿2,959
฿3,498 total
20 Sept - 21 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 ...
8/10 Very good! (6,488 reviews)
"Needed free breakfast"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
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 ฿4,251 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
฿4,251
฿5,025 total
20 Sept - 21 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! (5,263 reviews)
"The drinks and light meal provided was inundated with people. Food ran out quickly and was mediocre. Did not want to wait in a line of 20 people for the little cups of beer and mix drinks. I love the thought of this amenity, but it just wasn't a good experience. The next day I ended up really sick ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa

4 out of 5
306 W Market Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿4,907 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
฿4,907
฿6,738 total
17 Sept - 18 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. ...
Hotel Contessa
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio TX
The price is ฿4,223 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
฿4,223
฿4,993 total
7 Oct - 8 Oct
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 1914 - Historic Alamo Riverwalk, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Hotel 1914 - Historic Alamo Riverwalk, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
220 Broadway Street San Antonio TX
The price is ฿2,795 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
฿2,795
฿3,263 total
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Hotel 1914 - Historic Alamo Riverwalk, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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

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.

Uptown

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

Northwest Side

If you're spending some time in Northwest Side, Huebner Oaks and Convocation Center 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 at Stone Oak while you're in town.



Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide