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All About San Antonio

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San Antonio Overview

San Antonio is one of those places that feels both familiar and completely unique. It’s a city where history, culture, and everyday life blend together—whether you’re walking along the Riverwalk, grabbing tacos from a food truck, or wandering through a 300-year-old mission.

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There’s a lot to take in here, and that’s part of the fun. You can spend the morning exploring art or history, the afternoon in a shady riverside café, and the evening floating past twinkle lights on a boat.

If you’ve never been—or even if you have—there’s always something new to discover.

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🔗 Check out the San Antonio Visitor Guide for more ideas.

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The Riverwalk is the heart of downtown San Antonio. It winds beneath street level, lined with old stone bridges, shady trees, and patios full of people enjoying drinks or dinner.

It’s a great place for a slow walk, a quick coffee, or just to sit and watch the boats go by.

At night, the lights reflect off the water and give everything a quiet kind of energy.​​​​​​​​​

River Walk

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The Alamo and Missions

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You’ve probably heard of the Alamo, but it’s only one piece of a much larger story. San Antonio is home to five historic missions, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re still active communities and churches, but also peaceful, walkable places where you can feel the history without needing a tour guide.

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Local Culture and Art

This is a city with deep roots and strong neighborhoods. That comes through in the murals, the music, and the markets. Whether you’re browsing handcrafted goods or watching mariachi in a plaza, it never feels like a performance — it just feels like San Antonio being itself.

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Getting Outside

Even when it’s hot, people here spend time outdoors. There are wide trails, shaded parks, and places to kayak, bike, or just sit with an iced drink under a tree. The pace is slower than some big cities, and that’s part of the appeal.

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 Explore San Antonio — Tours for Small Groups

If you've attended a convention before, you're likely aware that a considerable portion of your time will be spent at the hotel, socializing with both old and new acquaintances, and participating in a busy event schedule. However, in those rare moments when you find yourself with some free time, there are plenty of tours available that offer a chance to explore and experience the sights and sounds of San Antonio.

Here are five ideas to start with...

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1. GO RIO Narrated River Cruises (note that our evening event will include a boat ride)

  • Relaxing 35-minute boat ride with local history.

  • Small, open-air boats with padded seating

  • Gentle pace, shade options, and easy boarding

  • Departs every 15–30 minutes along the River Walk

  • Great way to get oriented on your first day
    🔗 More about GO RIO Cruises

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2. Amigo Walking Tours

  • A relaxed walk with a knowledgeable local.

  • Stops along historic buildings, hidden courtyards, and landmarks

  • Tours are paced for comfort, no steep inclines or long stretches

  • Private tours available for groups of 4–6
    🔗 Book a Walk

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3. Small Group Combo Tour: Walk + Boat

  • Ideal for first-time visitors.

  • Starts with a short walking tour of downtown

  • Ends with a peaceful River Walk cruise

  • Group sizes are capped for a more personal feel
    🔗 Tour Info

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4. Self-Guided Tour (for independent spirits)

  • Walk at your own pace with a smartphone guide.

  • Download the GPSmyCity app

  • Includes directions, fun facts, and photos

  • No schedule to follow — go as you please
    🔗 Explore the Self-Guided Tour

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5. Old Town Trolley Tours

  • Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long

  • All our tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration

  • The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides

      🔗 Book a Trolley Tour

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Image by Heather Ford

San Antonio Dining

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The Ambler: Dining Made Easy at Hotel Contessa

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The Ambler, situated inside Hotel Contessa right on the Riverwalk, offers an entire culinary experience without ever leaving the hotel. Whether you're savoring breakfast tacos, enjoying Texas-style brisket for lunch or dinner, or unwinding with a craft cocktail by the river, you've got it all within steps of your room.

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  • Open all day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch on weekends, and a full bar with happy hour: comfort at any hour.

  • Modern Texas cuisine that celebrates the Lone Star State—think brisket, street tacos, fried green tomatoes, and smoked specialties.

  • Waterfront setting—Dine at river-level lobby seating with scenic San Antonio Riverwalk views. (Patio is pictured below)

  • Room service—Don't want to go out? Call room service for a full menu including pizzas, calzones, lasagna, chicken parmesan, shrimp & chicken alfredo, wings, meatball, club & steak sandwiches, fresh salads, and more.


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​​Quick Bites — Less Than 10 Minutes from Hotel Contessa

Great spots for breakfast or lunch, all within a short stroll:

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  • Schilo's Delicatessen – 6-minute walk

  • 424 E Commerce StHistoric German-Texan deli, open since 1917

  • La Panadería – 7-minute walk

  • La Villita Café – 3-minute walk (pictured on top right)

  • Las Ramblas – 4-minute walk

  • Box St. All Day – Right on the edge (check pace and comfort)
     

If You’d Like to Walk Further...

Still walkable, just not for everyone every day:

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  • Commonwealth Coffeehouse – About 10 minutes

  • The Guenther House – 20–25 minutes along the River Walk

  • Marriott Riverwalk Dining (Cactus Flower, etc.) – 15 minutes

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Shops at Rivercenter

“From Contessa to the Shops – A River Walk Stroll”

The Shops at Rivercenter and Hotel Contessa are both located right along the San Antonio River Walk, and the walking distance between them is about 0.3 miles — that’s around a 5–7 minute walk depending on your pace.

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This indoor mall blends historic architecture with modern flair, offering an inviting mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment — all nestled along the water.

As you follow the winding path past lush landscaping and iconic stone bridges, the tranquil river gives way to the hum of Rivercenter’s energy. Whether you're in the mood for a bite at the food court, a boutique treasure, or even a movie, the Shops offer a vibrant counterpoint to the restful luxury of the Contessa.

It’s a short walk — but packed with the flavor of San Antonio. Romantic, scenic, and lively, it’s the kind of everyday journey that feels a little extraordinary.

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Made in San Antonio  & Worth Taking Home

1. Fiesta Medals

  • Colorful enamel pins created for San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebrations

  • Designs range from humorous to historic

  • Many are limited edition and collectible

  • Available at local shops like Nativa, Feliz Modern, and Fiesta On Main

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2. Salsas and Hot Sauces

  • Locally made brands like SuckleBusters, SABOR! by Texas Lone Star Tamales, or La Botanera

  • Some markets and stores even bottle small-batch hot sauces made in San Antonio kitchens

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3. Handmade Leather Goods

  • Wallets, belts, journals, and bags from local makers

  • Check out Bexar Goods Co., a San Antonio brand known for durable, stylish pieces

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4. Mexican Folk Art and Talavera Pottery

  • Colorful ceramics, Day of the Dead figures, or embroidered textiles

  • Find them at La Villita Historic Arts Village, Market Square, and El Mercado

  • Many artisans are San Antonio-based and craft one-of-a-kind pieces

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5. Texas Pralines and Local Candy

  • Sweet treats from Alamo Candy Company, known for Mexican-inspired candies, spicy gummies, and nostalgic sweets

  • Also look for Texas-style pralines or chocolate pecan clusters

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6. Spices and BBQ Rubs

  • Regional spice blends and brisket rubs made by Texas pitmasters

  • Available at H-E-B or small spice boutiques

  • Good for cooks or grillers in the group

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7. Local Art Prints or Photography

  • Prints of the River Walk, Missions, or San Antonio icons

  • Sold at art markets, La Villita, or by street vendors

  • Easy to pack and frame later

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8. Handmade Soaps or Body Products

  • Look for shops like Bando’s Soapworks or Bear Moon Soaps

  • Scents often inspired by Texas flowers, citrus, or prickly pear

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9. Books by San Antonio Authors

  • Works by Carmen Tafolla, Sandra Cisneros, or local history authors

  • You’ll find them at The Twig Book Shop or Nowhere Bookshop

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10. Custom Texas Jewelry

  • Look for handmade turquoise, copper, or silver jewelry

  • Often includes shapes like stars, hearts, or state outlines

  • Available at local boutiques, markets, or artist co-ops

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