Traveling to San Antonio Texas: 15 Things I Wish I Knew

So, you’re traveling to San Antonio, Texas?

Here are some things to know to make your San Antonio vacation more fun and memorable.

I find San Antonio to be a great city. Why?

Because it is the perfect mix of history, culture, ambiance, and great food.

Trust me, the riverfront walks, delicious tacos, and Texas charm can seriously improve your vacation!

So, whether you are visiting San Antonio on a road trip or a weekend getaway, it is always good to know what to expect when visiting a new city.

Is it your first time visiting San Antonio?

If so, read my article below on 15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to San Antonio, Texas.

Traveling to San Antonio, Texas: 15 Things I Wish I Knew

It Gets Really Hot—So Time Your Visit Right

Before you start planning your San Antonio vacation, let me tell you that this city is HOT!

I mean like sweat-dripping kind of hot, especially in the summer months.

From June to August, the daytime temperatures easily reach 95°F (35°C) or more with high humidity.

If you don’t love being outdoors in full sun, I’d recommend traveling to San Antonio in spring (March-May) or fall (October–November).

Winter is also a great time as the weather is mild and pleasant most of the time. You don’t need snow boots and can pack light, breathable clothes and lots of sunscreen.

Trust me, choosing the right time to visit San Antonio can make or break your vacation experience.

The River Walk Is The Heart Of The City

Of course, the San Antonio Riverwalk is a must-visit when you are traveling to the city.

It’s a beautiful, pedestrian-only path that runs along the San Antonio River and is the heart of the city.

You will find plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and charming bridges lining the river.

Plus, the entire area is lit up with fairy lights at night, which turns it even more magical.

There are plenty of things to do in San Antonio, especially the River Walk. You can enjoy a stroll along the river or join a river cruise.

I loved spending evenings walking around the riverwalk, checking out the cafes and boutique stores here!

San Antonio is the perfect destination for that special girls’ weekend getaway.

Yes, You Should Visit the Alamo—But Know What to Expect

Let’s talk about the Alamo.

It’s one of the most iconic historic sites in the U.S. and a must-see in San Antonio.

But it is quite small, so you might be surprised to know that this place held such a significant spot in Texas history.

However, it is still worth a visit, especially since the admission is free.

You can take a guided tour to learn the full history, walk at your own pace, or take an audio tour.

Don’t Miss Out On Tacos Here

If you don’t try tacos in San Antonio, did you even go to San Antonio?

I loved the breakfast tacos (yes, they are a thing here) and would recommend the same. You will find tiny taquerias all over the city so, no need to splurge.

A few that I tried and loved were Tito’s Mexican Restaurant and Garcia’s Mexican Food.

The Original Donut Shop is perfect if you want to eat both the tacos and the donuts!

Most importantly, all these food places are super affordable, so you can go on a taco bar crawl without breaking your bank.

Fiesta San Antonio Is A 10-Day Party

If you are traveling to San Antonio in April, then do not miss Fiesta San Antonio!

This festival started in the late 1800s to honor the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto and now has evolved into a 10-day party.

From parades to live music to cultural events, you will have a lot to do here.

Honestly, the locals go all out, so there is plenty of color, dancing, and noise.

Best part? You don’t need tickets to enjoy most of it! Just show up, enjoy, and have delicious food.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Downtown San Antonio is great for walking, which is why I advise you to pack comfortable shoes for your trip.

From the River Walk to the Alamo to the Market Square, it’s all close by.

Plus, the cobblestone streets with the heat will mean that your feet will get tired fast.

So skip the heels or your brand-new sneakers and bring your tried-and-tested comfy walking shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

You’ll Hear A Lot Of Spanish

In case you aren’t aware, San Antonio has deep Mexican roots.

So, be ready to hear a lot of Spanish being spoken around the city. From menus to signs, you will see it everywhere.

However, you don’t have to worry too much if you don’t understand Spanish, as everyone speaks English here too.

But it would be fun to pick up a few words along the way!

Explore the Other Missions (Not Just the Alamo)

Did you know that San Antonio is home to more missions apart from the Alamo?

And all of them are pretty stunning.

You can plan a visit to the other four – Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

They are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can walk or bike the Mission Trail, which connects all five. Another option is to drive to them individually.

Mission San José is especially impressive with its beautiful church and preserved structures.

Perfect For Families And Kids

Another thing I found about San Antonio is that it is a great spot for families with kids.

The DoSeum interactive museum and LEGOLAND Discover Center are favorites of the younger children.

That’s not all, there are plenty of parks, kid-friendly restaurants, splash pads, etc. for you to explore with your family here.

Parking Can Be Tricky—Use Rideshare or Public Transport

Okay, so let me be honest, while driving in San Antonio is convenient, parking can be an issue in downtown San Antonio.

If you are lucky, you might nab a street parking spot, but more meters have a time limit, so the reprieve is not for long.

I found using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft a better option here.

If you find yourself in San Antonio, Texas, for only a few days, like I did, I used the Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour.

One and two-day options are available, and they go to many of the San Antonio attractions you want to visit!

Traveling To San Antonio: Plenty Of Amazing Museums To Explore

Do you love museums?

If yes, then you are going to love exploring San Antonio.

There are so many museums here that it can become a little hard to shortlist the ones that you have time to visit.

I would suggest visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art, which is located in a converted brewery and has everything from Greek statues to Latin American art.

I am disappointed I did not have the time to visit this.

Another amazing museum that you must visit is the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

There you can find cowboy culture and epic sculptures.

And for kids, the Witte Museum is perfect with all the science, history, and natural wonders.

San Antonio Is Super Affordable

Okay, another thing I love about San Antonio is that it is more budget-friendly compared to Austin or Dallas.

The hotels are more reasonably priced, the food is cheaper, and many attractions offer free admission or low entry fees.

Most of the unique experiences and activities are also affordable so exploring San Antonio is not a strain on your wallet.

Traveling To San Antonio: Don’t Miss Historic Market Square

Looking for souvenirs, live music, and a fun local vibe?

Then, head to the Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S.

From street performers to handmade crafts to food stalls, you will find it all here.

I especially love how fun and colorful everything is here.

Also, if you do visit, then don’t forget to try some aguas frescas and churros here.

Traveling To San Antonio: The People Are Genuinely Nice

One of my favorite things about San Antonio? The people.

Texans are known for their Southern hospitality, and it’s 100% real here.

I found on my visit to San Antonio that the locals were quite warm and welcoming.

They were happy to help me several times when I was confused or looking for recommendations on things to do in San Antonio.

So, don’t be afraid to mingle on your trip to San Antonio.

Traveling To San Antonio: Essentials Packing List

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car, to San Antonio, Texas, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for when exploring.

And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the hotel pool.

These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.

Where To Stay When Traveling To San Antonio

Cityview Inn & Suites Downtown – For budget travelers, Cityview Inn & Suites Downtown is a great choice. It’s just a short walk from the River Walk and the Alamo. You get rooms with essentials like a fridge and microwave. Plus, you are close to the most fun attractions in San Antonio.

Hotel Contessa – Suites on the Riverwalk – If you’re looking for something more sophisticated but still affordable, then check out Hotel Contessa – Suites on the Riverwalk. This all-suite hotel sits right on the River Walk and features spacious and modern rooms. Most importantly, there’s a rooftop pool with amazing views!

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk – Looking for something luxurious? Well, check out Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk then. It is a sleek, high-end spot with a rooftop pool, spa services, city views, and a restaurant that locals love just as much as travelers.