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San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic range of attractions. There are several fascinating historical sites where visitors can explore American and Native American history, as well as thrilling theme parks, fun entertainment venues, mesmerizing museums, and a huge variety of excellent restaurants.
If you’re planning to visit San Antonio for the first time, check out this travel guide to decide which part of the city to stay in. We outline the pros and cons of several neighborhoods and recommend some of the city’s top hotels to help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.
San Antonio Riverwalk for First-Time Visits
Highlights: Briscoe Western Art Museum, Rivercenter Mall, Legoland Discovery Center, Tower Life Center
San Antonio Riverwalk lies at the heart of Downtown and is the ideal neighborhood to stay in if you’ll be visiting for the first time. This lively area is packed with popular attractions, and tourists love the 15-mile riverside walkway lined with restaurants, stores, bars, and art galleries.
The most central portion of the Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile stretch known as Downtown Reach. This area is consistently busy throughout the day, but it truly comes alive in the evening when the bars and restaurants fill up. Be sure to check out Esquire Tavern — it opened immediately after Prohibition ended and is the riverwalk’s oldest bar.
The Riverwalk is the perfect area to stay in if you want to be at the heart of the city. Many of the city’s top attractions, including the Alamo, are within easy walking distance, and you’ll have no trouble finding great places to eat and drink. The only thing to keep in mind is that accommodation can be on the more expensive side, particularly if you’re looking for a waterside hotel.
Where to Stay in San Antonio Riverwalk
These are some of the best hotels in the Riverwalk area:
- San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk offers sophisticated rooms and a range of great amenities, including a fitness center and an indoor pool.
- Omni La Mansion Del Rio is a luxury hotel with an outdoor pool, a tropical courtyard, and a restaurant.
- Menger Hotel is enviably located on Alamo Plaza and offers elegant guest rooms and glamorous shared spaces.
- Hotel Contessa is an all-suite hotel with a spa, cocktail bar, pool, and hot tub on its rooftop patio.
- Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, free parking, and meeting spaces for business travelers.
- Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk is a reliable, sophisticated hotel with all-day dining available in its restaurant and free WiFi throughout.
- Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a luxury establishment with Mediterranean-style decor and hospitality.
- Mokara Hotel & Spa is a popular wellness destination with a rooftop pool, a sauna, a steam room, and three in-house restaurants.
- Hilton Palacio Del Rio is a very good hotel located among some of the city’s best restaurants and lounge bars.
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk is situated at the heart of the city’s historic center and boasts on-site restaurants, bars, stores, and a spa.
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk offers comfortable, relaxing rooms and suites, and guests have access to an on-site fitness center and heated pool.
- Westin Riverwalk Hotel is a sophisticated retreat with rooms that offer river views from their balconies.
- Riverwalk Plaza Hotel is a welcoming boutique hotel within walking distance of the Alamo.
Downtown San Antonio for Smaller Budgets
Highlights: Majestic Theatre, The Alamo, San Antonio Museum of Art, Historic Market Square, San Antonio Seaworld, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Hemisfair, San Antonio Fire Museum
Downtown San Antonio encompasses the Riverwalk and is the official business center and leisure district. This large neighborhood is very pedestrian-friendly, although using bikes and scooters to get around is also common.
Many of the city’s popular sights can be found here, including the Tower of the Americas and the Museum of Art. The best-known Downtown attraction is the Alamo, a historic Spanish fortress compound founded in the 1700s that played a vital role in the Texas Revolution. You learn even more about Texan history and culture at the many other museums and attractions that can also be found Downtown.
There are more affordable San Antonio hotels in the wider Downtown area than directly on the Riverwalk, so if you’re working with a smaller budget, this is a great place to stay. It’s also an affordable option for those who will be in town to attend an event at the Convention Center.
Where to Stay in Downtown San Antonio
The Crockett Hotel has been delivering excellence for more than 100 years and is the perfect place to stay to appreciate the city’s historic charm in Downtown San Antonio.
Pearl for Open Spaces and Museums
Highlights: Pearl Brewery, Pullman Market, Brackenridge Park, San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio Botanical Garden, The Witte Museum, The DoSeum
Pearl lies just outside the Downtown area, northeast of the city center. It got its name from what was formerly the Pearl Brewery and now serves as a culinary and shopping hub that contains a market and a hotel. If you love good food and drink (particularly craft beer) be sure to spend time exploring Pearl’s fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bars.
One of the perks of staying in or near Pearl is its proximity to Brackenridge Park. This is a beautiful urban green space dotted with trees, picnic areas, playgrounds, and several popular attractions including the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, and the DoSeum.
Pearl is a relatively small neighborhood with fewer hotels than Downtown, but you’ll find some good options in the surrounding area. Stay here if you want convenient access to both Downtown and green spaces.
Where to Stay in Pearl
Hotel Emma is set within the former 19th-century Pearl Brewery and provides a luxurious experience with a range of amenities, including a library, a rooftop pool, and complimentary cruiser bike use. This is our top choice for those looking to stay in Pearl during their trip to San Antonio.
Northwest for Family Vacations
Highlights: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Aquatica San Antonio Water Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area
Northwest is a busy suburb of San Antonio and is home to one of the city’s most beloved family-friendly attractions – Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This huge theme park is jam-packed with rides, games, and entertaining attractions. A little further south is the popular SeaWorld where you can learn about a variety of marine animals and fish, and catch the impressive orca show.
Another great option for families in the Northwest area is the Government Canyon State National Area. There’s hiking, biking, birdwatching, and geocaching on offer in this sprawling green space, with multi-use trails to suit a variety of skill levels. Plus, you’re sure to be amazed by the 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks on display here.
There are some great family-friendly hotels and resorts here in San Antonio Northwest. And, since the suburbs are predominantly residential, you also have a good shot at finding a private vacation rental if you’re looking for an entire house or apartment.
Where to Stay in Northwest San Antonio
Check in to one of these popular Northwest San Antonio hotels:
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is a secluded, peaceful hotel with a water park and golf course on site.
- Courtyard San Antonio Medical Center is a convenient, welcoming base for those who need easy access to the city’s central hospitals, such as traveling nurses.
East Side San Antonio for Great Eats and Entertainment
Highlights: Alamodome, Martin Luther King Park, Frost Bank Center
East Side is San Antonio’s most diverse area and the best neighborhood to experience the city’s multicultural side. The neighborhood originally grew from the Ellis Alley Enclave, which was one of the city’s first African American settlements. Nowadays, East Side is renowned for its excellent food scene, so if you’re looking for tasty tacos or delicious soul food in a laid-back environment, you’re bound to find it here.
Two of the biggest attractions in the East Side neighborhood are the Alamodome and the Frost Bank Center (formerly known as the AT&T Center), both of which are huge sporting venues. The Alamodome is particularly well-known for hosting music concerts in addition to football and soccer matches. Another popular spot to check out in East Side is Martin Luther King Park which has sporting facilities, picnic areas, and attractive water features and sculptures that make it a great spot to unwind.
There are plenty of comfortable, affordable hotels to choose from in East Side. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind driving to see the main sights, this is a great area to stay in.
La Cantera for Shopping
Highlights: The Shops at La Cantera, iFly Skydiving Experience, Andretti Indoor Karting, Eisenhower Park
La Cantera is a small neighborhood in San Antonio North close to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. It’s home to a popular luxury shopping village known as The Shops, where you can easily spend a full day indulging in retail therapy and enjoying a range of high-end restaurants.
There are also some great entertainment venues in La Cantera. Check out iFly for a thrilling indoor skydiving experience, or visit Andretti Indoor Karting & Games to let your competitive spirit soar.
La Cantera provides convenient access to major highways which makes it a great base if you’ll be dropping into the city for a brief visit.
Where to Stay in La Cantera
Looking for the perfect place to stay in La Cantera? La Cantera Resort is an impressive ranch-style property that blends a rustic, cozy vibe with luxury service and amenities.
Alamo Heights for Art
Highlights: McNay Art Museum, Holocaust Memorial Museum, Judson Nature Trails, Olmos Basin Park, Alamo Quarry Market, San Antonio International Airport
Alamo Heights lies northeast of Downtown and is a trendy neighborhood popular with art enthusiasts. Its biggest attraction is the McNay Art Museum which displays more than 22,000 artworks from modern and contemporary artists, including Picasso, Gaugin, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper.
San Antonio International Airport lies directly north of Alamo Heights, and you’ll find some comfortable hotels here if you want easy airport access for an early morning flight. Sam Houston Airport Base, comprising Joint Base San Antonio and Randolph and Lackland AFB, is also nearby. There are several affordable hotels, motels, and apartment rentals available in Alamo Heights that are great for visiting Sam Houston AFB.
Stone Oak for Luxury
Highlights: Canyon Springs Golf Club, The Village Shopping Center
Stone Oak is an affluent residential community north of San Antonio and is considered one of the safest and most serene parts of the city. You can expect to see luxurious properties and rolling hills dotted with parks, shopping centers, and entertainment centers.
The biggest attraction in Stone Oak is the famed Canyon Springs Golf Club. There’s also a popular shopping center called The Village which is home to several excellent restaurants and high-end stores. As far as accommodation goes, you’ll find a good range of hotels on the southern outskirts of the neighborhood.
Plan Your San Antonio Getaway
These are San Antonio’s best areas for visitors to stay in and explore, so be sure to check them out when planning your visit. Where will you choose to stay when you travel to this historic Texan city?
