When to Go
San Antonio's climate is quite pleasant all year round, though spring (from April to early June) and autumn (from September to November) are the most salubrious times of year. Bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket Hill Country in April, and twinkly Christmas lights illuminate the Riverwalk in December. In winter, temperatures may still dip below freezing at night, even though they stay rather moderate during the day. This is definitely the off-season for tourism, and some of the larger theme parks are closed. Peak summer season - late June through August - can be stiflingly hot, even though there's air-conditioning everywhere. It's also when the region is most crowded.
Getting Around
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) 16km (10mi) north of downtown, has flights from within Texas and from many destinations across the rest of the US and Mexico.
Amtrak trains link San Antonio to Los Angeles, Tucson, Palm Springs, El Paso and New Orleans on the Sunset Limited and to Chicago via Austin, Dallas, Little Rock, St Louis and more on the Texas Eagle.
Greyhound Buses arrive just north of downtown, with regular daily services to and from Austin, Dallas, Galveston, Houston and New Orleans.
VIA is San Antonio's public bus and tourist-oriented streetcar network. There are also several coach tour operators, with itineraries ranging from basic city orientation to full day outings both in and out of town.
Downtown is a complex maze if you're driving. Taxis wait at most major downtown hotels, the Greyhound and Amtrak stations and the airport. Bikes are readily available to rent downtown.
Fast Facts
The Northstar Mall displays the largest pair of cowboy boots on the planet at an impressive 40 feet high. Those are some big shoes to fill.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum includes a miniature display of the Alamo.