Keys to the City

Facts & Fundamentals

Seat of Bexar County, San Antonio ranges across 412 square miles and ranks as America's eighth-largest city, a fact that surprises many. Approximately 1.25 million call this cultural crossroads home, and almost 20 million visitors explore the city's attractions yearly.

San Antonians pull 9-to-5's at a variety of employers, including at telecommunications giant AT&T, Bank of America, and Citibank. Other major employers are insurance company United Service Automobile Association, H.E.B. Food Stores, Valero Energy Corporation, and fast food chain Taco Cabana.

Also prominent in the local economy is South Texas Medical Center. Military installations include Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Brooks City-Base.

When you visit, be prepared to spend a bit on San Antonio's charms: the city's sales tax is 8%, and the hotel room tax is 16.75%.

San Antonio is in the Central Standard time zone.

Weather

As you'd expect, summer in San Antonio can be a real scorcher. With the average high hovering around 95° in July and August, you'll want to slather on the sunscreen if you take a midday stroll. High humidity makes the heat feel hotter, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Winters are mild, with highs in the mid- to upper 60s – perfect for exploring the River Walk.

That said, spring and fall are terrific seasons to capitalize on the city's attractions, thanks to more moderate temperatures. Granted, you may run into slightly higher lodging rates, but the overall comfort level of your visit is certain to offset the increase.

Holidays & Business Hours

On federal and state holidays, many offices and businesses close or have truncated hours. Naturally, policies vary, but in general, the following holidays are broadly observed:

Coming & Going

Located thirteen miles north of downtown, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) serves 7 million passengers yearly and handles 260 international and domestic flights daily. It has two terminals, is easy to maneuver, and features a number of well-known car rental agencies on the premises. It also offers easy access to major highways.

Private and corporate pilots often make use of Stinson Airport, a reliever facility located 6 miles south of downtown.

Getting to downtown from San Antonio International can be accomplished by shuttle van, taxi, or bus. SATRANS, the shuttle service, runs daily from 7am till 1am and picks up outside of baggage claim (800-868-7707). Fees run from $18 for a one-way trip to $32 for a round-trip journey. To arrange a pick-up from your hotel, book a day in advance.

Taxis stand at the ready outside of terminals; a ride to downtown San Antonio will run approximately $20. If you need a taxi in town, it's best to call for one rather than attempting to hail one on the street.

For $1-2, you can catch the bus to downtown, although you will have to accommodate its regular route and pay in exact change. The trip takes around 45 minutes, so consider it only if you have time to spare.

Making Your Way

If you're staying in downtown San Antonio, you'll find most sights and attractions within walking distance. Having a car can be a hassle – especially when you need to park – so avoid it if you can. Plus, wandering along the scenic River Walk is a treat you won't want to miss.

For additional sightseeing, consider a river taxi. The vessels run daily from 9am till 9pm and have dozens of pick-up sites. Purchase tickets when you board: $4 (one-way), $10 (all-day), and $25 (3 days).

If you do have a car, be vigilant about the direction of streets and about where you're going. Downtown streets follow the river and can be somewhat confusing to novices. Street and garage parking are both available in the vicinity, and typically, meters don't require money after 6pm on weekdays and Saturday, and not at all on Sunday.

If you're up for public transportation (210-362-2020), bus rides begin at $1 (transfers and express buses require more), but exact change is necessary. Tourist-oriented routes are available, especially on downtown trolleys (which are similarly affordable).

In fact, VIA Metropolitan Transit Service (San Antonio's city bus system) will carry you on over 70 routes, including the #7. This tourist-geared route swings by popular destinations like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Botanical Garden.

If you call for a cab, rides in the downtown area run to about $4.

News & Views

Stay in the know with the San Antonio Express-News, the most widely-read city daily. It's been a reliable source of information since 1865.

Other regional periodicals include San Antonio Current (an alternative, entertainment-focused publication), San Antonio Business Journal, and a variety of tourist-related publications that detail River Walk happenings and local events. Pick them up around town or at the CVB.

Quirks & Curiosities

The famed River Walk hasn't always been the charming strolling, shopping, and eating mecca it is today. Plans to develop the area were first bandied about in the 1920s and '30s. The flood of 1921, which poured 9 feet of water into downtown San Antonio and killed 50 people, didn't deter city officials from realizing the San Antonio River's potential as a commercial and leisure site. Today the river is truly the lifeblood of the city, and downtown streets tend to twist and turn in deference to this main artery.

Only San Antonio could make a festival out of drudgery. Each year, on the first Saturday in January, the River Walk canal is drained, cleaned, and filled anew. In conjunction, the city hosts a festival, complete with food, music, and good times born of dirty waters.

If you're "in the Loop" in San Antonio, you're literally inside of I-410. This roadway encircles downtown and the oldest part of the city within its 53 miles; inside its bounds are King William District, Alamo Heights, Monte Vista, and Southtown.

San Antonio has the distinction of being home to the largest structure ever moved on wheels, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. In 1985, the 3.2 million pound Fairmount Hotel took a 5-block ride to the tune of $1 million. Today, the luxury hotel remains a beautiful, historic treasure.

Getting Your Bearings

Not all who wander are lost – but some are. Thankfully the San Antonio Convention and Visitors' Bureau is to the rescue. The Visitor Information Center, located just across from the Alamo, happily provides directions as well as information about restaurants, attractions, nightlife, and shopping.

Visitor Information Center
317 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
800-447-3372
Daily 9am-5pm

Necessities - Post Offices

It's usually not too difficult to spot a drop box when you're out and about, but if you need to conduct more serious postal business, it's not always that easy. In that event, head to the downtown branch of the US Post Office:

615 E Houston ST
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-212-8046 (p)
800-275-8777
210-227-8600 (f)
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Common Courtesies

Although tipping is generally a personal matter, there are some guidelines that prove helpful to travelers. At restaurants, servers typically get 15% of the bill, although 10% acknowledges basic assistance, and 20% awards exceptional service. It is also common now for some restaurants to charge an automatic gratuity of 18% for groups. You should be aware of this possibility before providing an additional tip. Taxi drivers usually fit into similar guidelines by receiving a tip equivalent to 15% of the fare.

Often, a dollar tip covers many situations. Bartenders are customarily given $1 per cocktail, hotel maids are provided $1-2 for each day of a stay, bellhops get about $1 per bag, and a coat-check clerk typically receives $1 as well. The exception is a concierge, who generally receives $5-$10 for standard service (additional assistance suggests more).