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$208 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$208
7 Sept - 8 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! (5,188 reviews)
"Muchas gracias. Simplemente el mejor hotel de san Antonio."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
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 AU$143 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$143
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very good! (4,056 reviews)
"I am very disappointed with how our stay was handled. My family and I stayed at this hotel for only one night while visiting San Antonio, and during check-out we noticed that we had been charged a $500 smoking/vaping fee. No one in my family smoked or vaped in the hotel room at any point during our ..."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2026

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

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St San Antonio TX
The price is AU$256 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
AU$256
13 Sept - 14 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
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street San Antonio TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$138 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$138
27 Sept - 28 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)
"I liked"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2026

Riverwalk Plaza
Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa

4 out of 5
306 W Market Street San Antonio TX
The price is AU$279 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$279
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. ...
Hotel Contessa
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

4 out of 5
123 Losoya St San Antonio TX
The price is AU$339 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$339
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (2,272 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2026

Hyatt Regency 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.

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

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

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