San Antonio

Howdy partner! Grab your cowboy hat, slip into those boots and let's ride! But don't expect this old west experience to be like the days spent skimming for gold and fighting off renegades. We're talking about one of the most enjoyable and fun-filled vacation spots in America -- San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio travel means visiting the second largest city in Texas, but because of its down-to-Earth hospitality and vibrant and accommodating nature, it has the feel of a small western town. Where it was once a sun-baked barren land inhabited only by American Indians along the San Antonio River, it's now a first-class tourist hotspot steeped in natural beauty and history. As you will see, the Alamo won't be the only thing you'll remember from your visit to San Antonio.

Visiting San Antonio

Located in the southern center of Texas, the climate of San Antonio is warm and usually dry. Some may even call it a dry-heat, but it's not uncommon for winds to bring in some humid weather from time to time. Rain is also sparse in San Antonio, with most precipitation taking place in the spring or fall months.

When packing for your trip or planning your family San Antonio vacation, be sure to include some sun protection, lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes. If you simply must bring the cowboy boots, break them in a few months before your trip.

Where to Get Some Shut-Eye in San Antonio

Unlike the cowboys that roamed the Texas plains long ago, you're not going to want to sleep under the stars when there is a comfortable, air conditioned room available. Thanks to San Antonio's rise as a favorite tourist destination, there are accommodations available for every income. From inexpensive, comfortable local hotels to five-star luxurious resorts, there's a room in many San Antonio hotels for you and your kin, Amigo.

Travelers on a budget will appreciate the level of comfort and hospitality found at the Red Roof Inn for only $63 per night. Plus, it's only a few minutes from many of the main attractions of downtown San Antonio, including the Riverwalk. If you want to experience the plush luxury of San Antonio, it’s hard to beat the Westin Riverwalk, where $179 a night places you in an opulent room with all the trimmings. You won't get any beans in a can here, Compadre!

Places to See in San Antonio

Besides its historical significance, the thing that attracts so many visitors to San Antonio is the sheer number of enjoyable activities in this Tex-Mex town. Of course, the Alamo is tops on everyone's list, as it should be, but you may be surprised with some of the other activities available in San Antonio. Here are just a few of them to be seen, especially when you consider taking advantage of a San Antonio car rental.

* San Antonio Museum of Art -- Cheap admission prices and a constantly changing gallery are two reasons that a visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art is always a rewarding experience. Western antiquities, 20th Century masters and Latin classics are on display for $8 for adults and $3 for children.

* Buckhorn Saloon and Museum -- If you happen to bring those cowboy boots, here's where you'll want to wear them. Only two blocks from the Alamo, this award-winning attraction is like five museums in one. Exhibit rooms are dedicated to Horns, Fins, Feathers as well as the Hall of Texas History Wax Museum and the regular exhibition where they have been satisfying visitors for over 120 years.

* Aztec on the River -- Experience the ultimate cinematic experience in this fully restored 1926 movie palace. With its free special effects show right in the Grand Lobby, your visit starts off with a bang. Then enjoy the clarity of the iWERKS Extreme screen and the sonic acuity of one of the world's best theater surround systems.

* San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium -- You can see and learn about over 750 different species found on the grounds of this 56-acre attraction. See their newest inhabitants, the newly birthed Komodo Dragons! And before long, their latest addition, "Africa Live!" will soon be ready for the public.

The Eateries of San Antonio

Dining out in San Antonio restaurants, one would expect there to be numerous Tex-Mex eateries, and there are, but that's not all that's available for the discriminating diner. With four locations, Joe's Crab Shack is a popular place to get some quality seafood. If Asian cuisine is tempting your palate, give Sushi Zushi a try. With a name like Fatso's Sports Garden, can there be any question about the quality of the barbeque?

There's also the Italian cuisine of Dolores Del Rio to satisfy your cravings as well as Demo's Greek Food for some exquisite tastes of Greece. And since you're in Texas, you can't go without taking a meal at The Republic of Texas Restaurant, Inc.

Believe it or not, we haven't even scratched the surface of the top San Antonio attractions, restaurants and hotels found in the city. A place that's constantly changing and growing, yet at the same time staying true to its roots, San Antonio will find a special place in your heart, guaranteed.