P.J.

We are planning an anniversary trip to San Antonio, TX for the first time in July. I need recommendations on great places to stay, eat, things to see, etc.

Lisa

I would suggest staying on the riverwalk. A great area with lots to see and do. Make sure to have dinner at one of the mexican restaurants where the mariachis sing. Breakfast at the Guenther House is wonderful. It is in a historic house on the grounds of the Pioneer Flour Mill. If you have a car, the Mission Trail is very interesting. It takes you to some of the historic missions built by the Spaniards. A neat day trip from SA is to drive up into the hill country, i.e. Fredricksburg.Have a great time!!

Dennis Holland

We stayed in a B&B, a suite in a carriage house in the Prince William District, just south of downtown. The homes were built by German settlers in the mid-1880s very historic and beautiful. Mexican food at Mi Tierra (sp?) near the riverwalk, also another Mexican restaurant in Prince William, sorry I don't remeber the name but a local could direct you, also catch a folklore show at the Riverwalk ampitheater.
Some good museums include the Heritage museum at the site of the exposition center, an art museum housed in a mansion. Also a BBQ place north of town off the highway to Austin and Fredericksburg, self serve but yummy! Have fun we spent 7 days there and didn't see everything.

Eileen

As stated above the Riverwalk area is the best place to stay as far as hotels are concerned, although be prepared to pay well for it. I can recommend the La Mansion hotel & the Hyatt - both are right on the river & tons of restaurants & nightlife are at your feet. One excellent restaurant on the walk is Boudro's - it's not your typical tourist trap. It really is worth it. I also highly recommend catching a cab & going to La Fogata. All the locals go there, & they have some of the best Mexican food I've ever had.(& I live in Texas!). If you have time, I would drive outside San Antonio one day to my favorite small Texas town, called Gruene. (pronounced "green".) Only about 35 or 40 miles away,it is a quaint German town filled with great shopping in old houses on the main street. In summer it will be bustling with activity, since that is also the prime river rafting/floating area. (Also very fun!). Don't miss Gruene Hall in the evening either. It's the oldest saloon & dance hall in the state, & always books great live bands. Sometimes singers like Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson & Hal Ketchum play there. They filmed John Travolta's dance scene in the movie "Michael " there also. Bring your shorts as it will be hot, & have fun!

mar

Really friendly people in SA! Rosas is a great authentic Mexican Rest. Mission trail is wonderful...river ride at night is fun...

marcia

Being a native Texan, I can speak with authority on San Antonio. I would recommend staying in a Riverwalk hotel, perhaps the Marriot Riverwalk. Take a river boatride (hokie but kind of gets you in the spirit). Visit the market for interesting imports, and I agree, you must eat dinner at La Fogota on Vance Jackson. My very favorite restaurant in SA. The zoo is well worth a visit, but it's crowded. Oh, and remember the Alamo! If you have the time and a car, the King William neighborhood is pretty, and a drive in the hill country is memorable.

Mary

My all time favorite place to stay is the Menger Hotel. Beautiful and lots of history (Teddy Roosevelt recruited his "rough riders" in the bar). Also really outdoor great pool, the Alamo is right nest door, mall nest door and the River Walk is across the street. you will enjoy all of the above mentioned! HAve Fun!

Mary

My all time favorite place to stay is the Menger Hotel. Beautiful and lots of history (Teddy Roosevelt recruited his "rough riders" in the bar). Also really outdoor great pool, the Alamo is right nest door, mall nest door and the River Walk is across the street. you will enjoy all of the above mentioned! HAve Fun!

Cynthia

I agree that you should stay somewhere on the Riverwalk. We stayed at La Mansion (high but nice) and are planning to return this spring. In addition to the above mentioned activities, I highly recommend the Omni Theatre presentation of "The Alamo"--it feels like you are sitting in the middle of the battle. If you have young children, Sea World is good. The riverwalk has canoes for hire as a sort of downtown tourist transportation system. Relaxing and scenic--and it beats walking in the heat. Have a good time!

Sandra Engley

Stayed at The Menger last October. This was a wonderful location, on one side The Alamo, in front the Alamo plaza, accross the street the back entrance to the Hyatt and Riverwalk, the other side The Marriot and riverwalk entrance to catch the boat ride, in back of it the Rivercenter Mall with plenty of restaurants and entertainment possibilities. Enjoyed this hotel and location very much. Palm trees around the pool snd exercise room very relaxing. The Menger also had a very reasonable and tasty breakfast buffet, I think it was $8.00 and included all typical and some unusal breakfast foods, omlette station chef will make any combination you want. Part of the fun of the Riverwalk is sorting thru all the outdoor cafes and deciding which one to dine at. Lots of good places on the Riverwalk.

ruth parker

We made our first trip to seaworld just two weeks ago and it is wonderful whether you have children or not. If you like seafood try Sea Island on the north loop. Also I agree, you shouldn"t leave without eating at La Fogatas on Vance Jackson it's great food, great service, great atmosphere.
Have a great time!

Bobbi

Lived 10 years in San Antonio, left 6 years ago and still miss it! Yes, I can confirm some of the recommendations: La Fogata - inland Mexican and wonderful with unusually reasonable prices. Mia Tierra restaurant and bakery in El Marcado (Mexican market) is worth the trip even if you are not staying downtown. On the river is the best place to stay: suggest marriot, La Maison and Hilton, all with views of the river but I don't know the rates. In the area, including for adults, is Sea World and Fiesta Texas-ask about both or get info before you go. Expensive-probably $30+ per person, but both will fill up a day or more of time.
Happy visiting to my old home town! I get nostalgic just thinking of La Fogata!!