Explore like a Local

Morgan
Explore like a Local

Neighborhoods

This part of downtown is just south of the city center. Southtown has a slower pace and more refined style than downtown. You will find casual fine-dining, historical buildings, and a glimpse of the local art scene. Some might call this area hipster, if that’s still cool.
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Southtown
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This part of downtown is just south of the city center. Southtown has a slower pace and more refined style than downtown. You will find casual fine-dining, historical buildings, and a glimpse of the local art scene. Some might call this area hipster, if that’s still cool.

Sightseeing

Hays Street Bridge is a historical but recently renovated pedestrian bridge hidden right off of Downtown. It is bike and walker friendly, with a long sloping ramp to get to the top. There is a beautiful view of the cityscape here, especially at night.
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Hays Street Bridge
803 N Cherry St
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Hays Street Bridge is a historical but recently renovated pedestrian bridge hidden right off of Downtown. It is bike and walker friendly, with a long sloping ramp to get to the top. There is a beautiful view of the cityscape here, especially at night.
The riverwalk is a given for most San Antonio travelers. However, what you see downtown is only the beginning! The Riverwalk downtown is crowded, but still worth a look. You will find a fun glimpse of San Antonio culture here. This is the touristy portion of the Riverwalk, and sometimes it can be a little bit smelly. Try to visit the downtown section of the Riverwalk in less busy times, like weekdays and away from dinner time. If you want to eat on the Riverwalk during a busy time, always make a reservation! The cool part of the Riverwalk is further away from the center. Put on some comfy shoes and head South toward Southtown or North towards Pearl. As you veer further away from the downtown portion of the Riverwalk you will see more people jogging and exercising and enjoying the architecture and beautiful arts along the river! Keep an eye out for Bikes, and if you are a cyclist be sure to call out for pedestrians. You can get down onto the Riverwalk from various sets of stairs along it. Looking on Google maps you can see that the Riverwalk is a blue squiggly line running vertically through downtown. Try googling “Riverwalk trail head” to find access points.
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River Walk
River Walk
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The riverwalk is a given for most San Antonio travelers. However, what you see downtown is only the beginning! The Riverwalk downtown is crowded, but still worth a look. You will find a fun glimpse of San Antonio culture here. This is the touristy portion of the Riverwalk, and sometimes it can be a little bit smelly. Try to visit the downtown section of the Riverwalk in less busy times, like weekdays and away from dinner time. If you want to eat on the Riverwalk during a busy time, always make a reservation! The cool part of the Riverwalk is further away from the center. Put on some comfy shoes and head South toward Southtown or North towards Pearl. As you veer further away from the downtown portion of the Riverwalk you will see more people jogging and exercising and enjoying the architecture and beautiful arts along the river! Keep an eye out for Bikes, and if you are a cyclist be sure to call out for pedestrians. You can get down onto the Riverwalk from various sets of stairs along it. Looking on Google maps you can see that the Riverwalk is a blue squiggly line running vertically through downtown. Try googling “Riverwalk trail head” to find access points.

Amacebiso ngesixeko

Ungaphoswa

First Friday

First Friday is a neighborhood event in Southtown on the First Friday of every month! Local Vendors line S.Alamo street and sell art and homemade goods. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for true local culture. Be prepared to park a little further away or pay for parking, bring your walking shoes. This event starts from Blue Star Arts Complex, with Brick hosting a large market , and meanders up S.Alamo street.
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Brunch!

Brunch in San Antonio gets BUSY! Especially at popular spots, like the restaurants in Pearl or Southtown. If you plan on having Brunch Saturday or Sunday, call ahead and make a reservation. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if walk-ins get quoted a 2-hour wait! Also, many restaurants close or go on a wait around 2 or 3pm. Same goes for Dinner and Large Parties.
Ukuhamba-hamba

Parking

Parking in the city can be an expensive challenge. If you want to save money, expect to park further away and do some walking. Most parking in the city center will be garages and lots. Depending on the day these can range from $5-$30. Explore your options and read the fine print. Meters can be hard to find, but after 6pm all meter parking is free! Ps, the signs are right! Don’t leave ANYTHING valuable in your car. It’s usually pretty safe around here, but exercise caution.
Ukuhamba-hamba

Rent a Bike!

Parking is a pain. Avoid it completely by exploring downtown on a bike! Biking gives you a great chance to look around and get where you’re going. It’s also great for the environment and cuts down on traffic. Some places to rent bikes downtown: BCycle Stations ($15 a day) Bike World Pearl Blue Star Bike Shop Explore your options and choose what works best for you! Consider pricing and cutoff/return times, and bike responsibly. Read the fine print to avoid fees.
Ukuhamba-hamba

Take the Bus

The bus is a great way to get around. There are tons of bus routes and the ac is cold! A day pass is $2.75 You can pay cash on the bus, but they do not give change. You can also pay card using the VIA go mobile app, and have a digital bus pass. Use Google Maps to easily plan out your bus route! You can even follow along as you ride. Bus drivers are usually friendly and helpful. Pull the string or push the yellow strip when your stop is coming up. Keep an eye on your belongings, and wear a face mask.