San antonio trip planner: a guide to san antonio

HOW TO GET THERE Fly into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) or, if you can find a better deal, to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (about 65 miles from San Antonio). Amtrak also

serves the city at Sunset Station, not far from downtown. Taxis and ride-booking companies such as Uber or Lyft serve both. WAYS TO SAVE: Many of the city’s hotels offer a complimentary

shuttle, so check when you book your room. The airport has a hotel kiosk with a courtesy phone. The city’s bus service, VIA, takes travelers downtown for $1.30 (with discounted rates of only

60 cents for seniors). There is also door-to-door paratransit service with advance reservation. An ADA-compliant airport shuttle costs $15 from the airport to downtown. Ride-booking

services, such as Uber or Lyft, offer cost-effective transportation, but watch for surge pricing during busy times. ACTIVITIES TO ARRANGE BEFORE YOU GO Even though San Antonio is a

last-minute kind of town, reservations for the city’s hottest restaurants and attractions are usually a must. Skip at least one line and buy tickets in advance for a narrated cruise on the

River Walk with Go Rio River Cruises. If you have the grandkids along or just enjoy amusement parks, get your tickets for SeaWorld San Antonio (mostly accessible) and Six Flags Fiesta Texas 

(fully accessible) in advance to avoid the ticketing lines. SeaWorld San Antonio is also home to Aquatica, a large water park. For a guided tour of the Alamo, buy your tickets at least 24

hours ahead. Also buy tickets in advance online for Sea Life San Antonio aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, both downtown. WAYS TO SAVE: Buy an explorer pass from Go City San Antonio, 

and visit the website of the San Antonio Visitor Alliance for coupons offering up to 40 percent discounts on admission to numerous museums, theme parks, water parks and other attractions.

Printable coupons for downtown and River Walk–area attractions, including some River Walk restaurants, are also available online from the San Antonio River Walk Association. WHAT TO PACK San

Antonio is a very casual city, accustomed to hosting guests from all over the world. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals rule on sunny days, especially downtown at popular attractions. But for

dining at sit-down restaurants or for an evening out, go business casual, with comfortable walking shoes, khakis, nice shorts, summer dresses or short-sleeved shirts. Dress smartly at night,

and you’ll look like an executive or a savvy local. The weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack an umbrella for a sudden rain shower and to provide shade on 100-plus-degree summer

days SAFETY Overall, San Antonio is a safe destination with a lower crime rate than similarly sized metro areas. Property crimes have fallen more than 4 percent over the past several years,

and most violent crimes didn’t involve visitors. Yet even though San Antonio feels like a friendly small town, it’s a big city requiring commonsense precautions. Avoid walking alone at

night, stay in more populated areas, and always keep your purse or wallet secure. Also, be cautious around the edge of the River Walk, which doesn’t have railings.