We really enjoyed our recent trip to San Antonio, Texas. I can’t believe I’d never been before! It’s definitely worth going back to again, and worth you planning a trip ASAP. We like the Riverwalk, the food scene, the walkability, and, of course, the Alamo. But, as with all destinations, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go. Keep reading for the details!

The Alamo is right downtown.

That’s right, the historic, centuries-old. number 1 attraction is right in the thick of it all. It’s not a road trip away, it’s completely walkable within downtown San Antonio. You can spend a lot or a little time here, but I recommend spending at least half an hour walking the grounds and visiting the church. You can also go back multiple times if you want. It’s close by!

More here: Staying at the Hotel Contessa and Spa, San Antonio

And it’s FREE to visit!

Another reason to visit more than once? It’s FREE! It’s such an important site in Texas and American history, that they want everyone to be able to visit. There are paid tours, both audio-guided and guide-led, that you can take, but if you’re on a tight budget or just want to see it to say you’ve seen it, you can check it off your list for FREE!

Read next: The Best Ways to Save Money when You’re Traveling

This famous photo is of the oldest restaurant on the Riverwalk.

Whenever you see an establishment shot of San Antonio, it’s probably this photo! This is Casa Rio, the oldest restaurant on the Riverwalk, dating to 1946. Its colorful umbrellas have become iconic. You can get this photo from the opposite side of the Riverwalk, or from the pedestrian bridge directly across from it.

Keep reading: The Best Places to Eat in San Antonio

The SAT airport is super close.

This is incredibly convenient. Just hop in an Uber or a taxi and you can be downtown in less than 15 minutes. In most major cities, that is definitely not the case. Not pressed for time? There’s also a bus that leaves every hour, on the hour, and takes about 45 minutes.

Read on: The Top 7 Things to Consider when Booking Flights

You can see almost everything without a car.

Renting a car adds a level of complication to your trip (Where will you park?), but more importantly, it adds to the cost. Sometimes renting a car is the best thing to do, but the walkability of San Antonio lends itself so well to going sans car for your trip. Almost everything you want to see is within a 20 minute walk, and anything else farther out is an easy ride share away.

More here: The Best Things to Do in San Antonio without a Rental Car

It’s one of the safest large cities in Texas.

The whole time I was in San Antonio, I kept thinking of what a great solo or “starter” trip it would be. As mentioned, the airport is super close, it’s very walkable, and it’s one of Texas’s safest large cities. There was a definite police and park ranger presence around the Alamo and the Riverwalk, but there are also military bases in the area and military members as well. I felt safe walking around by myself, as well as running by myself in the mornings on my trip.

As always, self-awareness and listening to your gut is a must. In general, though, San Antonio is a safe and pleasant destination.

Keep reading: Your Guide to Solo Travel in San Antonio

A few things about the Riverwalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the city’s best features, and aside form the Alamo, it’s the most-visited site in town. It’s the best place to feel like you’re a world away in the city center. We loved it, and we think you will, too!

It’s below street level.

This is the best part: There are no streets to cross, very little road noise, and minimal to none of the smells of street level. It’s truly like you’re in a different place entirely. It makes navigation a little confusing if you’re looking for something at street level, but only until you get the hang of it! Most hotels and businesses on the Riverwalk have both a Riverwalk entrance and a street level entrance.

There are no guardrails.

I actually think this is great. Or I did until I became a mom! Now I’m envisioning kids falling in. Or an energetic child running along, not paying attention, and knocking an elderly person over so they fall in. Or two runners passing each other and the one closest to the edge tripping and falling in. Yikes, right? But the reality is, the sidewalks are wide enough, it’s not terribly uneven, and it’s very clearly defined. It’s pretty nice that the experience isn’t visually marred by a railing. American policy really is too cautious; people need to have the self awareness to be able to handle a sidewalk along a shallow river with no rails!

The water is only 3 feet deep.

While this is part of the San Antonio River, it’s also fully controlled. So, even if you fall in, you only have to be just over three feet tall to be able to stand up in it!

It gets drained and cleaned every other January.

Every even year, in January, the riverwalk gets drained and cleaned for about 10 days. So if you’re planning a warm January getaway, be sure to check whether or not there will be a river to walk around! They find all kinds of things in the Riverwalk when they clean. Our tour guide on the Go Rio boat tour mentioned that the last time they drained the river, they found cell phones, change, electric scooters, watches, and over a million dollars’ worth of wedding and engagement rings! So, maybe it would actually be interesting to be there for the cleaning. Up to you!

It’s only about a mile around.

This is totally manageable for most people, and you’re literally never more than half a mile from what you want to see, visit, or do. It’s a lovely circuit to stroll around, with only a few bridges to cross along the way. There are also plenty of places to sit if you get tired, or too hot, and of course, there are scores of restaurants to choose from when you need to refuel!

Find ADA-compliance maps here.

Can’t do the stairs? Not to worry! There are always ramps and elevators available as alternatives. There are also QR codes for ADA maps posted all around the Riverwalk. If you want to check them out before you trip, you can find them here: SA.gov.

Read next: The Ultimate Top 10 Packing Hacks

Want more? Get everything you need to know about San Antonio and Texas on my United States Page!

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