Adventure calls to you, much like it beckoned to the cowboys of the wild west. Just as the horse riding heroes of the past have become legends due to their fearless approach in exploring new territories and facing down outlaws, the city of San Antonio has become iconic in its own right. It’s apparent that what sets the Texas city apart is that its locals place high value on art, music, history, nightlife, and a thriving culinary scene. Armed with your favorite pair of cowboy boots and your camera to document everything you see along the way, reserve San Antonio lodging and prepare to be immersed in the vastness of the Lone Star State—starting with a plate of biscuits and gravy—a meal that reflects the rich and warm atmosphere of The River City.
Things to Do in San Antonio
There are tons of things to do deep in the heart of Texas. Although you’re tempted to savor some Tex-Mex or seek out a Mariachi band, you’re better off learning about the city’s history before embarking on those excursions from hotels in San Antonio. The city is most famously known for being home of the Alamo Mission. The site traces its history back to 1835, when a group of 200 Texans held down the mission as it was attacked by nearly 1,500 foreign soldiers. Although the battle was ultimately lost, the outnumbered troops held out for nearly two weeks—the mission has been viewed as a symbol of Texas tenacity and determination ever since.
If you’re in the mood for sightseeing of a more contemporary sort, consider staying at one of the San Antonio River Walk hotels. Tracing its way alongside the calm waters of the San Antonio River, River Walk is a series of paved walkways that takes you throughout the city—to the downtown district, to nearby breweries, to San Antonio hotels, and to acclaimed museums and art galleries. You’ll find plenty of things to do in San Antonio as you stroll in the Texas sunshine, admiring restaurants, boutiques, and street performers as you do so.
Eating and Drinking
While traipsing through the city, you’ll work up an appetite that any Texan would be proud of. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of dining options in S.A, not to mention San Antonio's love of beer. While in town, there’s no doubt that you should heed the call of Tex-Mex. This specific type of cuisine blends Southern cooking with Mexican flavors, and the result is mouthwateringly delicious. There are plenty of places to stay in San Antonio, but you’ll want to choose a hotel that’s in close proximity to a restaurant offering some iconic fare—the breakfast taco. The morning treat consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, beans, and salsa wrapped in a homemade tortilla.
Leave some room, though, as you will eventually need to get your hands on another signature Mexican-inspired dish: the puffy taco. It has all the makings of a traditional taco, but is wrapped in a fluffy, chalupa-like shell. Your mind and mouth will be satisfied…until dinnertime, that is.
Continue your quest for culinary bliss by feasting on some classic Southern food; Texas is home to chicken-fried steak, after all. Although this meal isn’t exactly light fare, your taste buds will appreciate the gesture. As if deep-fried meats weren’t enough of a treat, the plate will be completed with a sumptuous side of mashed potatoes, a generous portion of homemade peppered gravy, and some wilted collared greens for balance. Ah, things really are bigger and better in Texas.
Green Spaces Galore
Although the city is fond of fried fare, it’s also passionate about the great outdoors. Tote along your sketchbook and a sizable blanket for lounging in the shade at Brackenridge Park; the expansive outdoor facility covers more than 340 acres of the Lone Star State. You could get lost gazing at sweeping views of the San Antonio River—and you may even wonder if you’re in the West at all. You won’t spy a tumbleweed for miles, but you will be concealed in the shade of hundreds of elm trees. Slip on a pair of hiking shoes and traverse the many trails that wind through the park. When doing so, you’ll pass by a Japanese Tea Garden as well as the San Antonio Zoo. The zoo is home to nearly 4,000 animals, and viewing all the animals cohabitating peacefully will remind you of the welcoming spirit of the South and the vivacious “the more the better” attitude of Texans.
Day Trips from San Antonio
Now that you’ve investigated some of the more popular San Antonio destinations, you’re ready to follow your restless feet to Austin, Texas. Located just 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, Austin is the ideal destination for a quick getaway, and is known for being a little funky. Once regarded as a standard Southern city, Austin has transformed into a cultural haven for those who love art, music, and creative takes on their favorite cuisines. Pass the day in Austin by exploring the capital city’s bustling downtown district. From the stunning spires of St. Mary’s Cathedral to the inspired exhibits inside the Mexic-Arte Museum, there’s never a dull moment when you’re in town. End the evening by seeing your favorite rock band perform at the Paramount Theatre, the oldest venue of its kind in the city. Once you’ve cheered until you’re hoarse, return to San Antonio and drift off to sleep at your opulent accommodation.
Hook ‘Em Hotels
Dust off your boots and prepare to saunter through Texas like the cowboys of yesteryear. Although you lack spurs, you make up for it by bringing along your sense of adventure. After finding out where to stay in San Antonio, the only thing separating you from the sweet freedom that comes with exploring the Lone Star State is reserving your accommodation. Here at Travelocity, we make finding cheap hotels in San Antonio easy, so you can focus on researching where to find the best breakfast tacos in town. Reserve your room today and get ready to explore the colorful and inspiring culture of Texas—just as the frontiersmen of the past would have wanted.