Shoestring Guide – Ten Free or Inexpensive Attractions In San Antonio, Texas
Written: Mar 13 '09 (Updated Mar 19 '09)
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Pros: San Antonio offers many attractions that are free or inexpensive.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend San Antonio as a vacation destination. The dollar goes far with many free or inexpensive attractions.
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| coldsteel7's Full Review: San Antonio |
Visiting San Antonio, Texas does not have to be an expensive proposition. Visitors can take advantage of several free or inexpensive attractions that will stretch their vacation funds. I have compiled a list of ten attractions in San Antonio that are either free or inexpensive. The free attractions include The Alamo, The Alameda Museum, Hemisfair Park, The Riverwalk and the Instituto Cultural de Mexico (Mexican Cultural Institute). Inexpensive attractions include Rio San Antonio Cruises, Tower of the Americas, Shopping (La Villita, Market Square), Imax Theater and University of Texas’ Institute of Texas Cultures.
Free Attractions
The Alamo – One of the most historic locations in Texas (or America for that matter), The Alamo symbolizes the price Americans are willing to pay for freedom. Against overwhelming odds, several dozen Tejanos stood against the Spanish Army to defend their freedom. Although decimated in the fight, this battle came to represent the sacrifice necessary to secure liberty. The Alamo is a free attraction that is maintained by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The location remains free due to the generous contributions of visitors. Donation boxes are located throughout the historic site. The Alamo stands her ground in the middle of downtown. Step inside and take a trip back in time.
Alameda Museum – The Alameda Museum sits on the northwest corner of Market Square. This museum does not charge admission, relying on the generosity of visitors (and an endowment from Ford Motor Co.) to remain free. After signing a logbook and receiving a brightly colored armband, visitors are free to browse the gallery at their own leisure. The multi-faceted artwork covers a wide array of themes, but seems primarily focused on border issues. The artwork provides an interesting perspective on the influence of culture on art.
Hemisfair Park – Hemisfair Park was created in conjunction with the Tower of the Americas for the 1968 World’s Fair. The park is located between La Villita and the Riverwalk extension. The University of Texas’ Institute of Texas Cultures, the Instituto Cultural de Mexico, The Tower of the Americas and several historic buildings are located within the park. The park features several fountains and gardens scattered throughout the park (which offers some shade from the San Antonio sun).
The Riverwalk – After The Alamo, The Riverwalk probably stands as the most noted feature of downtown San Antonio. The San Antonio River overflowed her banks in 1921, killing over fifty people. An architect named Robert H. H. Hugman conceived the idea of creating a Venice-like atmosphere to serve the two-fold purpose of stimulating business while providing protection from surging river waters. Today, the narrow walkways draw massive crowds. Excellent restaurants, gift shops and bars line the sidewalk. This feature attraction generates nearly one billion dollars per year in revenue to downtown businesses. The Riverwalk is operated by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.
Instituto Cultural de Mexico – The Mexican Cultural Institute is an extension of the National University of Mexico. The purpose of the Institute is to educate visitors regarding Mexican culture through dance, music and art. The project is overseen by the Mexican Foreign Ministry. The central attraction is the Art Gallery, which does not charge an entrance fee. A donation box located in the lobby does encourage visitors to support the Gallery. Among the current artists on display are Diana Calvillo, who uses mixed medium to create a unique border-influenced art heavy on the concept of barbed wire and division (between Nations). Nino Fidencio and Gustavo Casasola Zapata also have extensive works on display within the Gallery.
Inexpensive Attractions
Rio San Antonio Cruises – Informative boat tours of the Riverwalk are available through Rio San Antonio Cruises. This company has the current contract with San Antonio to operate cruises on the historic riverwalk. The cruises last approximately thirty minutes and include a fully narrated guide who provides historical facts and figures along with a bit of levity. A River Taxi is also operated by this company. Ticket prices for the cruise are $7.75 for adults, $5.00 for Bexar County Residents, Senior Citizens and Military and $2.00 for children five and under. The tours run from 9 AM through 9 PM. They also offer dinner cruises which are coordinated through several restaurants along the Riverwalk. For information about dinner cruises, pick a restaurant and contact them directly.
Tower of the Americas – Built for the 1968 World’s Fair, the Tower of the Americas was the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States from 1968 through 1996, when the Stratosphere opened in Las Vegas. At 750 feet tall, the tower dwarfs the 605 foot Seattle Space Needle. The tower has a 4-D movie ride which is included in the price to ride up to the observation deck (which also has a historical display). Tickets run $10.95 for adults, $9.95 for military and senior citizens and $8.95 for children. There is no charge to ride the elevator to Chart House restaurant, which is a 360 degree revolving restaurant located atop the tower. The restaurant is serviced by a private elevator. The tower is open from 10 AM until 10 PM on Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the tower operates from 10 AM until 11 PM. If you are staying at an area hotel, look for an advertisement for the tower. Coupons for $2 off each ticket purchased are available on the back of the tower brochure.
Shopping – Plenty of inexpensive gifts are available at gift shops around San Antonio. For gifts that are made in Mexico, which include the multi-colored pottery, clothing and hand-made items, be sure to visit Market Square. The market is located a half mile south of the Riverwalk, in easy walking distance from most hotels. Directly off the Riverwalk lies a group of artisan shops and restaurants called La Villita. This area offers shopping, and provides a cut-through to Hemisfair Park. Touristy t-shirt shops are available along Alamo Blvd, directly across from the Alamo. Rivercenter Mall is located on the Riverwalk extension. Several chain stores are available for more traditional shopping, with Macy’s acting as the anchor business. Many of the imported gifts are inexpensive.
I-Max Theater – The I-Max Theater is located in Rivercenter Mall, directly behind the Alamo. The feature film at this location is Alamo…The Price Of Freedom. This film has been touted a must-see history of the Alamo with stunning recreations. Other features include Dinosaurs in 3-D, Lewis and Clark, Mummies 3-D and Deep Sea 3-D. Benjamin Button is currently showing as an additional feature film. The prices vary depending on group size, film type and coupons. Most coupons offer a dollar off and can be used for up to six people. 35 mm films (like Benjamin Button) are less expensive than the 3-D films. The theater does offer double-features for a substantial savings. If you sign up for the I-Max Passport at the ticket counter, you can save up to two dollars per adult admission and one dollar for each child admission.
University of Texas’ Institute of Texas’ Cultures - This museum occupies approximately 50,000 feet of floor space designed to engage visitors with multi-sensory exhibits. The emphasis of these exhibits center on Texan culture to include origins of Texan settlers, contemporary local artists, and interactive geometry. A “back 40” area takes visitors back through time to Texas life in the 1800s. Outdoor exhibits demonstrate what life was like for early settlers. Free parking is available at the Museum. Admission to the exhibits runs a modest $7 for adults or $4 for children, seniors and military. Faculty and students of the University can enter for free with their ID.
Other Recommendations
I visited several restaurants during my stay. Several were mediocre or forgettable. Among those that stood out were Casa Rio, Schilo’s Deli and Pat O’Briens. Casa Rio is the oldest restaurant on the Riverwalk, offering traditional Tex-Mex dishes. Delicious. Schilo’s provides a taste of the German heritage of San Antonio and has been in operation in its current location since 1927. Pat O’Briens is a chain based in New Orleans. I mention this restaurant because I devoured an 8-ounce Filet Mignon at this restaurant for the modest price of twenty dollars. It was a phenomenal meal at a very good price. Additionally, Pat O’Briens offers coupons in the local advertising for ½ off a second entrée. Two filet mignon dinners for thirty dollars? It sounds impossible…but it is not.
San Antonio has plenty to offer the many visitors who take in the sights of the city each year. Getting your vacation dollars to go further, especially in tough economic times, is definitely a possibility with a bit of planning. Most of the attractions in San Antonio are located downtown in walking distance to the area hotels. The free and inexpensive attractions are certain to offer something for different age groups, and some for all age groups. The variety of money-saving options in San Antonio along with their close location, make for easy navigation. If you decide to visit San Antonio, be sure to bring your shoestring guide. Save a few dollars and treat yourself to a Filet Mignon dinner at Pat O’Briens. I would give San Antonio five stars out of five.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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