Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown San Antonio Hotel Deals

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 AU$256 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$256
19 July - 20 July
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! (4,926 reviews)
"Room was spacious and clean Comfortable beds Great location. Pool was definitely too small for the size of the hotel and needed some shade areas. Nice evening reception and great breakfast."

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St San Antonio TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$241 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
AU$241
7 Aug - 8 Aug
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! (2,922 reviews)
"Amazing visit friendly staff and clean environment."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

4 out of 5
123 Losoya St San Antonio TX
The price is AU$307 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$307
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,168 reviews)
"Thank you so much for the amazing experience"

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
The price is AU$150 per night from 22 July to 23 July
AU$150
22 July - 23 July
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! (6,512 reviews)
"Parking isn’t free and be aware of the public parking ! There was a break in and multiple car hit and run in the parking lot next to the hotel. The bike cops are no help. Do the valet parking it’s safer."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio TX
The price is AU$156 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
AU$156
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,242 reviews)
"Easy access easy in and out"

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Menger Hotel
Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt

Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt

5 out of 5
115 Lexington Avenue San Antonio TX
The price is AU$338 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$338
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Excellent customer service, probably the best I've experienced. But pool was a little dirty and rooms were small. Overall, a good stay."

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, by Hyatt
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.

Our guide on 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, San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium and San Antonio River are top sights worth seeing.

Medical Center District

While visiting Medical Center District, you might make a stop by sights like USAA Corporate Office Headquarters and The San Antonio Art Institute.

La Cantera District

If you're spending some time in La Cantera District, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and The Shops of La Cantera are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Side

If you're spending some time in Northwest Side, Huebner Oaks and Crystal Ice Palace are top sights worth seeing.



Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

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