Staying Fit
When to go
Visitors flock to San Antonio throughout the year. But the busiest times are during the long Texas summer, even though it’s uncomfortably hot and sticky and occasionally rainy, especially in May and June. May through early September is peak tourist season, with families on school vacation, so expect long lines to get into landmarks and amusement parks. The next-busiest times are in March, when families and students flock to San Antonio for spring break, and April, when expat San Antonians and visitors come for the city’s annual Fiesta, an 11-day citywide party that includes a whirlwind weekend of parades, music, food and more than 150 cultural events.
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For those not attached to school schedules, a good time to visit is from late September to mid-April, for moderate temperatures and fantastic weather for dining alfresco. The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a great time to explore the River Walk and enjoy the holiday lights and hanging piñatas everywhere. Just know that you’re rolling the dice with the weather early in the year, because January and February can be warm and gorgeous or cold and miserable — or both in the same week.
Where to stay
For a delightful dose of historic ambience, consider such finer gems as the St. Anthony, a National Historic Landmark; the Sheraton Gunter, where legendary bluesman Robert Johnson recorded many of his famous songs; the Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt is said to have recruited his Rough Riders in its bar; or the Hotel Emma, an 1894 landmark that anchors the Pearl development.
While high-end is nice, budget-conscious travelers looking for a fab location at affordable rates can easily find them downtown. The Hotel Gibbs stands catercorner to the Alamo, the Emily Morgan (a DoubleTree by Hilton) towers next door, and nearby with a nice pool is Tru By Hilton. There are many other budget-friendly hotels not far from the famed mission’s walls.
Quaint B&Bs, most in the King William District, stand along a quiet stretch of the River Walk not far from downtown and offer a bit more intimacy. These include the Brackenridge House, the Oge House, O’Casey’s Boutique Inn and Jackson House.
Big-name brand hotels, such as Embassy Suites by Hilton River Walk, the Grand Hyatt, Marriott Riverwalk and Marriott Rivercenter, are solid choices, too.
Ways to save: Home rental agencies like HomeAway, Vrbo and Airbnb may save you money. Find good rental deals near downtown, in the historic King William District and Monte Vista. Or book the wallet-friendly Drury Inn, Homewood Suites, Hotel Indigo River Walk or Towne Place Suites.
