Cheap Summer Vacations: San Antonio, Texas

If you are headed to San Antonio, Texas on vacation this summer, your itinerary doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty low cost or free attractions in San Antonio that are perfect for the budget-minded traveler. In addition to the attractions, cheap eats and affordable lodging are also readily available in the city. This guide will show you how to get the most bang for your travel buck in San Antonio this summer.

Where to stay:

When booking your stay in San Antonio, it is important to know that the cheapest rates will be located away from the downtown area of the city. Virtually every national chain of motels has at least three properties in the city and these are the kinds of properties that will offer the lowest rates. Mid-week rates will always be the cheapest. Mid-week rates at these properties can start as low as $39 per night.

What to see for free:

The Mission Trail is an absolute must-see when visiting San Antonio and best of all - it's free! The Mission Trail is a scenic route between San Antonio's five historic missions. The trail isn't really a 'trail', in the hiking sense, but rather a marked route of highways and byways that meander through some of the town's most scenic areas filled with aqueducts and rolling hills. Visitors can explore all of the missions free of charge at their own leisure. Don't forget to see the historic Alamo, which is one of the missions along the trail. The Alamo is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio and is the most centrally located of all the missions.

The Riverwalk is another do-not-miss attraction in San Antonio. The Riverwalk is a network of pedestrian bridges and walkways along the San Antonio River located one story below the downtown area of the city. Lining the Riverwalk are several resort hotels, retail stores, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. If you get tired of walking and people watching, tour boats will take you on a mini-cruise down the river with while the tour guides point out areas of interest. The tour boats charge $5 per person for the tours.

Two other major tourist draws are located along or in the vicinity of the Riverwalk. The Rivercenter Mall is an impressive three story, glass-enclosed shopping venue that welcomes millions of shoppers each year. La Villita is an artist community where local artists exhibit and sell their artwork in several fine art stores located in the district. La Villita is also home to restaurants and gift shops.

Hemisfair Park is comprised of 15 acres of green space located in the heart of San Antonio. The park features waterfalls and fountains, a playground, historic buildings, and another one of San Antonio's famous landmarks - the Tower of The Americas. The impressive tower measures 750 feet from the ground to the top of its antenna. The Tower of The Americas taller than both the Washington Monument and the Seattle Space Needle. The tower is home to a revolving restaurant, observation deck, cafe, gift shop, and a 4D theater ride. Admission to the tower is not cheap. Ticket prices before taxes average $12 per adult and $9 per child.

What to eat:

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. San Antonio is famous for its authentic and Tex-Mex cuisine. The first place you want to go to get your enchiladas on is Pico de Gallo. Pico de Gallo is a brightly colored building with a fun, lively atmosphere. Foil streamers cover the ceilings and the waitresses wear authentic Mexican clothing. There is an outdoor patio with a fountain as well as live Mariachi music every night. Pico de Gallo is a family friendly restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as alcoholic drinks. Pico de Gallo is close to all of the downtown attractions and is very, very affordable.

Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant
111 S. Leona St.
San Antonio Texas, 78207
(210) 225-6060
Sunday-Thursday 8am until 10pm
Friday-Sunday 8am until midnight