Visiting San Antonio? Hotel deals are abundant—and so are all the fun, free or inexpensive activities and attractions. Here’s just a sampling of what the Alamo City has to offer when you're traveling on a budget.
How to Save Money in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio on a Budget
Walk through San Antonio's historical neighborhoods
Free self-guided tours are abundant all over town. Pick history, romance, architecture and more. Then, check out the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau website for maps and itineraries.
Tour on two wheels
Download a self-guided bike tour for a new perspective on key downtown destinations. No bike? No problem. BCycle, the city’s bike-share program has you covered. Purchase a day pass for just $10 or a 7-day pass ($24) and take unlimited 30-minute jaunts between docking at a BStation. Or, hang onto your bike by simply adding $2 for each extra 30 minutes.
Remember (to visit) the Alamo
It’s free to visit “The Shrine of Texas Liberty,” considered hallowed ground in the Lone Star State.
Do the San Antonio River Walk
Travel & Leisure ranked “Paseo del Rio,” as the #1 river walk in the U.S. Nighttime brings mariachis and other live music to the scene—a colorful complement to that San Antonio hotel deal you scored.
Take in the view from the Tower of the Americas
Take in the view from the Tower of the Americas, built for the 1968 World’s Fair, also known as “HemisFair ‘68.” Today, HemisFair Park has few reminders of the actual international extravaganza, but is now a lushly landscaped urban park. Admission to the Tower is less than $12 per person. Unless you’re afraid of heights, the experience—and history lesson—is well worth it.
Enjoy what’s brewing at Pearl Brewery
In 1883, it was home to Pabst beer. Today, Pearl Brewery is a multiuse space for shopping and dining. On the weekends, it hosts a popular farmer’s market where you can try out local food and crafts while enjoying live music or a free cooking demonstration.
Don’t miss the other missions
The Alamo is just one of five missions established by Spain in the early 1700s. The other four—Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada—can be found at the 825-acre San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. Free daily tours are available.
Check out Choice Hotels for San Antonio hotel deals and find budget-friendly activities all around you, too. Your comfortable guest room, travel-essential amenities and affordable rates will ensure that this trip is your best vacation ever.
