San Antonio

The best months are March-May and October-November, with mild, walkable temperatures (18-28°C). Summer (June-September) is hot and humid, often above 38°C, so plan outdoor activities for early morning. The annual "Fiesta San Antonio" (late April, ten days) draws huge crowds and pushes hotel prices up, with street events that include open public drinking — families wanting a quieter visit may prefer to avoid that week or book away from the parade routes. Winters are mild and rarely very cold.

• The Alamo — free entry to the historic grounds and church, with a separate paid exhibit (~$14 adult) for the artifact collection
• The River Walk (Paseo del Río) — a scenic riverside promenade lined with cafés and restaurants, with ~35-minute narrated boat cruises
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of four still-active 18th-century Spanish missions, free to enter
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas — a large theme park with thrill coasters and younger-kid rides
• SeaWorld San Antonio — the largest SeaWorld park in the world by area, with marine-life shows and water rides

For a first visit and walkable access to everything: Downtown/River Walk hotels (roughly $100-165/night) put families within walking distance of the Alamo and restaurants. For a quieter, more upscale vibe with good food and cafés: the Pearl District just north of downtown. On a tighter budget, or if the theme parks are the main plan: budget chain hotels near Loop 410 or close to Six Flags/SeaWorld themselves save on both cost and commute time. Southtown/King William suits travelers wanting an artsy, historic feel a short distance from the River Walk crowds.

- Tipping at restaurants is typically 18-20% of the bill and is expected, not purely optional as in some cultures. - Watch for a known local scam: fake delivery menus slipped under hotel room doors — orders placed through them never arrive. Only order delivery through known apps or restaurants the front desk can confirm. - Downtown and the River Walk are safe by day and into the evening in the lit, busy sections, but avoid long solo walks down side streets at night and use rideshare instead. - Summers are very hot and humid; carry water and schedule outdoor activities (theme parks, the missions) for early morning. - VIA buses are cheap but not fast — single fare $1.30, day pass about $4 — fine if you don't mind waiting. - If your trip overlaps with Fiesta San Antonio (late April), expect large crowds, higher hotel rates, and street events with open public drinking near the parade routes.

3 days

Suggested plan:

1. Day 1: Downtown — visit the Alamo in the morning, stroll historic La Villita, then walk or take a boat cruise along the River Walk with lunch at one of its restaurants.
2. Day 2: Mission Trail — visit two or three of the UNESCO missions in the morning before the heat builds, then explore Southtown/King William, ending the day with dinner in the Pearl District.
3. Day 3: A family day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld San Antonio (choose based on kids' ages and interests), booking early to avoid queues and the midday heat.