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Fun and Facts for San Antonio, Texas
Know Before You Go
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At a Glance
Like many cities whose history has attracted booming tourist industries, San Antonio is a place with a split personality. Submerged in history, most notably for its fabled Alamo, it's also a thriving commercial center, where the aforementioned mission sits across the street from a Ripley's Believe it or Not. The balance of fact and kitsch makes it a perfect destination for families, where you can meet thrills on a roller coaster one day and enjoy history a la Davy Crockett the next.
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When to Go
Busy festival seasons in April and June are lively but crowded. December brings fans of the lights on the river. If you're looking for a quiet time, go in September and October or early winter. The only downside: many attractions trim their hours, some to weekends only.
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Weather
Pleasant temperatures here average year-round in the 60s, with most of the rain falling in the late spring and mid fall. The most extreme weather arrives in summer, when humidity is high and temps can soar into the mid 90s and up. Get more weather info.
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Getting There
The area is served primarily by San Antonio Airport (SAT), but at only 90 minutes away, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is also accessible.
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Getting Around
Foot power on the River Walk is a preferred mode of transportation. Rio San Antonio provides water taxi service from several stops on the river. Via Metropolitan Transit serves the area with buses and street cars.
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Festivals & Events
- Remember the Alamo (Mar.)
- Kite Festival (Mar.)
- Fiesta San Antonio (April)
- Museums Day (Sept.)
- Texas Folklife Festival (June)
- Contemporary Art Month (July)
- El Dia de los Muertas (Nov.)
- Wurstfest (Nov.)
- Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony (Nov.)
- Fiesta de las Liminarias (Dec.)
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Helpful Info
Check out the San Antonio Convention and Visitors' Bureau website.
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Deals & Discounts
Theme parks frequently have discounts posted on their websites. Bring museum/zoo membership cards; some will net you benefits away from home. Check the S.A.V.E. icon on the Convention and Visitors' Bureau website.
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Fun Facts
- It takes a lot of candles to light the River Walk. During the Fiesta de las Luminarias, the length of the pathway is lit with 2,500 luminaries.
Pre-Trip Fun
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Watch
"The Alamo" (1960) -- Study up with this rootin' tootin' John Wayne version. (Pre-Teens and Up)
"The Alamo" (2004) -- The more recent installment stars Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid. (Teens)
"Miss Congeniality" -- The Alamo and the River Walk guest-star in this 2000 comedy led by Sandra Bullock. (Teens)
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Eat
Lime Chicken Soft Tacos -- Being so close the Mexican border, the Lone Star State is all about the Tex-Mex.
Chicken and Corn Chili -- Like a backyard barbecue in one easy dish -- toss ingredients into a slow cooker and let them simmer all day.
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Read
"Susanna of the Alamo, a True Story" by John Jakes -- The real-life role model puts an inspirational face to the historical spot, especially for girls. (Ages 4-8)
"The Boy in the Alamo" by Margaret Cousins -- 12-year-old Billy Campbell tells the story of the Alamo in a way kids can relate to. (Ages 4-8)
"It Happened in Texas" by James A. Crutchfield -- Ready yourselves for the sights with more than 30 fun, easy-to-read tales of famous events in Texas history. (Ages 6 and up)
"In the Shadow of the Alamo" by Sherry Garland -- Offers a view of history from both sides of the border through the heroic story of a Mexican boy-turned-soldier. (Ages 9-12)
"A Time to Stand" by Walter Lord -- Ponders questions about the Alamo text books might not ask, such as "Did Davy Crockett surrender?" (Ages 15 and Up)
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Make
Playful Pinatas -- Little eyes will grow wide at the surprise candy inside these Spanish-Mexican toys.
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