Each San Antonio neighborhood offers unique finds, from the bars and restaurants lining Downtown’s famous River Walk to the cutting edge art galleries of Southtown. With so many things to do, deciding where to stay in San Antonio can be a challenge.
For most first-time travelers, Downtown is the right choice since you’ll be steps from most attractions. But other neighborhoods are also worth considering, with options from quiet suburban retreats to bustling artistic centers.
Explore our San Antonio lodging options in the city center and see how close you could be to the city’s top attractions, shops and restaurants.
There are so many things to do in San Antonio, and staying in Downtown ensures you’re never far away from the action.
Lined with restaurants, bars, shops and landscaped pathways, the River Walk winds through Downtown and is a top destination for locals and visitors. It makes navigating the area by foot or bike quick and easy.
Downtown is where you can try every aspect of San Antonio’s culinary heritage, from classic Tex-Mex to the latest farm-to-table restaurants. Luz Roja serves up Tex-Mex cuisine made from high quality ingredients, while Biga boasts innovative New American dishes with River Walk views.
Shopping choices are also endless, with plenty of stores selling items you’ll only find in San Antonio. For trend-setting boutiques, head to The Shops at Rivercenter, conveniently located along River Walk. Or try La Villita Historic Arts Village, home to boutique galleries selling works by local artists. Meanwhile, the Historic Market Square, the country’s largest Mexican market, allows you to truly immerse yourself in San Antonio’s one-of-a-kind culture.
Ready to compare Downtown options? Placemakr’s two San Antonio properties are ideally located for city center stays. Discover Maverick for modern stays in San Antonio that places you just steps from River Walk and the Alamo.
Or stay at The Continental in San Antonio, just a block from Historic Market Square, the elegant Spanish Governor’s Palace and the breathtaking San Fernando Cathedral.
San Antonio is home to two incredible theme parks: Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. If you’re looking to easily park hop between the two, consider staying in either the Northwest Side area or Westover Hills.
Both areas are home to large shopping centers, including The Shops at La Cantera with its award-winning open-air design and hundreds of shops and restaurants.
The sprawling Northwest Side covers a large suburban area of San Antonio and is home to Six Flags Fiesta Texas — one of the South’s premier amusement parks.
After a day of riding the coasters, you can crash at one of the more spacious, larger accommodations of the Northwest Side. With easy access to Loop 1604 and Interstate 10, you can commute easily to Six Flags and anywhere else in the San Antonio region.
Alternatively, a short drive south down Loop 1604 takes you to Westover Hills. This area is ideal for visiting SeaWorld San Antonio, North America’s largest marine-life theme park.
Like the Northwest Side, Westover Hills is a calm and spacious suburban area with plenty of hotels, allowing you to recharge after a day of park hopping.
For an extra special vacation, consider visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio during the holidays. Both parks put on impressive light displays, including an annual tree lighting at Six Flags. Check out San Antonio's festive holiday events for more ideas of what to do during the holiday season.
If you’re looking to experience San Antonio’s unique food and culture, head to either Southtown or the Pearl District. They’re within easy walking distance of Downtown without the hustle and bustle of the city.
In Southtown you’ll discover an area bursting with creative energy. This is where to go to immerse yourself in art galleries, micro-distilleries, museums and some of the best tacos in Texas. Not to be missed is the Contemporary at Blue Star, a non-profit art space that runs 12 exhibitions annually, showcasing local artists.
Southtown is also home to the King William neighborhood, which became San Antonio’s first designated historic district in 1968. Built by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, the area is filled with elegant Victorian homes and tree-covered streets, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
For even more creative vibes, head north of Downtown to the Pearl District. Centered around the historic Pearl Brewery, this former industrial area has become one of San Antonio’s trendiest new neighborhoods. You’ll spend hours exploring a farmers’ market, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
The Pearl District is situated along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. Both an open air art gallery and public park, this section of the San Antonio River connects Downtown to the Pearl, making for a great walk between the two neighborhoods.
Museum Reach passes the impressive San Antonio Museum of Art. Housed in a converted brewery, the museum covers 5,000 years of art, including some of the largest Egyptian, Greek, and Latin American collections in the southern United States.
North Central and nearby areas boast quiet suburban areas with lush lawns, tree-lined streets and grand historic residences. If you want a spacious property and quiet retreat, North Central is a great choice, with plenty of peaceful enclaves to choose from, including Olmos Park and Castle Hills.
Despite the suburban character, you won’t be far away from San Antonio’s main sights. The main thoroughfare of San Pedro Avenue runs straight to Downtown as does the McAllister Freeway. Both can get you to Downtown in just 10-15 minutes by car. North Central is also conveniently close to San Antonio International Airport.
You also don’t need to venture outside of North Central for excellent shopping and dining options. Along Blanco Road and San Pedro Avenue you’ll find plenty of neighborhood eateries, including dozens of authentic taquerias and restaurants serving classic Tex-Mex options.
One of the city’s premier shopping centers, the North Star Mall, is located conveniently close to many hotels along Interstate 410. Here you’ll find over 200 stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Round1, Dillard’s and Macy’s. The shopping center also makes for a uniquely Texan photo opportunity thanks to its iconic cowboy boots sculpture, nicknamed the “world's largest pair of cowboy boots.”
Whether you’re looking for non-stop action or a peaceful retreat, this vibrant city has lots to offer every type of traveler. Now that you know what defines each neighborhood, you can feel confident about where to stay in San Antonio. From thrilling roller coasters to grabbing drinks at a trendy bar along the River Walk, you’re sure to find a place in the city that suits you perfectly.
For extra convenience, book your stay with Placemakr, so you’ll be steps from the city’s top sights while still enjoying amenities like a kitchenette, in-unit laundry and stunning city views. Explore top San Antonio lodging options with Placemakr and discover the latest rates and special offers!