We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Prathyusha, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Prathyusha lives in the United States, and submitted the following report about San Antonio, Texas. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
The Alamo at night.
Reasons to Visit San Antonio
San Antonio is a wonderful city rich in historic culture. It's a little under-rated compared to Austin or Houston, but it would be my pick for a Texas destination.
I decided to visit this location as I wanted something different than the usual top rated cities in the United States. This place has a lot to offer. It just feels like your own city, with warm and welcoming people.
Here is my list of must-visit places in San Antonio:
- The four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, Mission San Jose, and Mission Espada, which are a part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The missions are walled compounds having a church and buildings where the local Native Americans lived and worked. You could take one of the guided tours or bike rides (Six B-cycle bike rental kiosks are located at Roosevelt Park which is near to Mission San Jose) or drive yourself (this was more convenient for me) to all the missions.
- The Alamo – the most popular tourist attraction – a Spanish Mission which is most famous for The Battle of the Alamo, fighting for the independence of Texas from Mexico.
- River Walk is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River below the Downtown area. The entire path is filled with shops, bars, and amazing restaurants. It connects to the top tourist attractions, including the Alamo, Rivercenter Mall, La Villita Historic Arts Village, etc. Do take the River Walk cruise tour, preferably when the sun is about to set to get the amazing views. This will cost around $8.
- Visit the Casa Rio restaurant, which offers fine Tex-Mex cuisine. Casa Rio was the first San Antonio business to open its doors to the river in 1946. Take the river side table to enjoy a good view of the river and the birds wandering about.
- Visit the popular Market Square well known as El Mercado. The rich culture of San Antonio abounds throughout the plazas of Market Square, a three-block outdoor plaza lined with restaurants and handicraft shops. Authentic lively Mexican music is performed in the streets, and it is lively with people walking around.
- Visit La Villita Shopping market, which is a center for regional art & crafts. You'll find paintings, folk art, textiles, sculptures, copper wares, jewelry, and more. They also conduct classes.
- Visit the San Fernando Cathedral – one of the oldest church in United States.
- Visit the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, one of the best and most amazing Japanese gardens I have visited so far. The theme of the park is a blend of San Antonio culture and Japanese style. It has a beautiful waterfall, a koi pond, walking trails where you could reach the top of the waterfall, and lots of nooks and crannies where you could sit and just relax.
- Natural Bridge Caverns, which are gigantic formations from the drops of water and flowing water . Do take the adventure tour if you are visiting on the weekend. This place also offers zip-lining.
- If you are spending 2 to 3 days in the city, then drive to Honey Creek State Park which is about 35 miles from downtown. An easy trek to the creeks will reward you with amazing views. It is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- The San Antonio Rodeo show takes place every February. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to visit the city just when this started. It features amazing horse shows and competitions between cowboys from around the world.
- Take a Segway tour. If you have not tried a Segway before, the ride is so much fun!
Mission Concepcion
Mission San Jose
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 2 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
