Vacations don't have to be too costly if you look for free entertainment. We recently spent a few days in San Antonio, Texas. We're planning trips that aren't too far away this year.Note: If combining with air fare look at Hotels.com or some of the other discount sites.
Hotels:
Staying outside the city is probably cheaper but we opted for a hotel within walking distance of the River Walk and the Alamo. La Quinta was a good choice and with a hearty breakfast included was good value for money (parking is an additional $25 per night).
Entertainment:
It's free to walk around the Alamo and with free audio, but arrive early because there is usually quite a line to view the church.
Riverwalk:
The Riverwalk is entertaining with plenty of music in the evening. The riverboat barge tour costs around $12 with discounts for seniors and children under 5. This narrated tour is worth a splurge but if you prefer, just walk along the banks of the river.
San Antonio Missions:
The missions are free to visit and local guides give an interesting historical account of the missions.
Parks:
There are several parks worth visiting for a stroll.
The Tower of the Americas:
You have to pay for parking and tickets to the observation deck are $14 for adults, but if you just want to enjoy the view going up to the top, take the elevators to the restaurant or lobby (these elevators are separate from the observation deck elevators and you probably won't have to wait in line), then take the elevator down again. Restaurant prices were around $16 for meals at lunch time which you can eat on the revolving platform or eat in the lobby (less wait time) where the Alamo area and parts of the Riverwalk are in view.
