Must-Do Activities in San Antonio

1. San Antonio River Walk
   Texas’s number one attraction winds 15 miles through the city offering dining, shopping, and entertainment along scenic waterways. The Downtown section features lively nightlife, restaurants, and boat cruises, providing historical context. Museum Reach showcases contemporary art installations while Mission Reach connects UNESCO World Heritage missions. Conference attendees appreciate walking distance to the convention center, relaxing boat tours between sessions, festive atmosphere with year-round events, and countless dining options. The iconic urban oasis transforms ordinary meals into memorable riverside dining experiences perfect for client entertainment or post-conference relaxation beneath cypress trees.
2. The Alamo
   This legendary 1718 mission represents Texas independence and courage, where 189 defenders made their famous stand in 1836. The shrine offers free admission to explore the church, Long Barrack Museum, beautiful gardens, and exhibits chronicling the pivotal 13-day siege. Located steps from the convention center in downtown’s heart, this essential Texas landmark provides meaningful historical context within 30-45 minutes, making it perfect for conference breaks. The hallowed grounds, fascinating artifacts, and powerful story resonate with visitors seeking authentic Texas heritage and understanding the state’s independent spirit that shapes its culture today.
3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
   America’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas preserves four Spanish colonial missions along the scenic Mission Reach: Concepción, San José (the largest), San Juan, and Espada. These 18th-century structures showcase beautiful architecture, active Catholic parishes, and cultural heritage blending Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences. Free admission provides access to impressive stone churches, historic irrigation systems, ranger-led programs, and peaceful grounds. Located along the River Walk’s southern extension, these missions offer conference attendees authentic historical immersion, stunning photography opportunities, and spiritual reflection within 20 minutes of downtown via car or bike

Top 3 Hotels in San Antonio for Conference Attendees

1. Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
   This 1,003-room AAA Four-Diamond property sits directly on River Walk adjacent to the convention center, offering dramatic spaces, modern design, and an unbeatable location. Over 115,000 square feet of flexible meeting space includes a 31,000 square foot ballroom, while 46 suites and 6,500 square feet of outdoor space provide versatility. The hotel’s scale and style deliver a wow factor with direct convention center skybridge access, river cruise proximity, and walking distance to everything downtown. Free WiFi, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on-site, and contemporary Texas aesthetics attract business travelers. Conference attendees appreciate seamless venue access, prime River Walk location, professional service, and the ability to maximize conference participation while enjoying San Antonio’s vibrant hospitality scene.
2. Westin Riverwalk San Antonio
   This 473-room luxury landmark occupies a romantic bend surrounded by cypress and palm trees with water and skyline views. Recently renovated in 2023, the property offers 20,000 square feet of versatile meeting space with audiovisual support, outdoor pool, pet-friendly accommodations, and concierge service. Located steps from the Alamo, La Villita historic village, and the convention center, the hotel blends the city’s historic charm with signature Westin comforts, including Heavenly Beds. Conference attendees value the tranquil riverside setting providing peaceful retreat from busy convention floors, excellent service, direct River Walk access for client entertainment, and seamless connectivity to cultural landmarks, making business travel comfortable and convenient.
3. San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
   This 512-room AAA Four-Diamond award-winning property features sweeping River Walk balcony views and 17,566 square feet of meeting space, including a 9,800 sqft ballroom accommodating 1,000 attendees. Located beside the convention center, the hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, spa services, dining showcasing local flavors, and a sister property across the street. Convention guests appreciate direct venue access via a short walk, Gold Award recognition for excellence, authentic Texas hospitality, and off-site event partnerships with Alamo Brewery and Texas ranches. The balanced combination of business convenience, riverside location, contemporary amenities, and genuine San Antonio character makes this ideal for anyone seeking quality accommodations.

Top 3 Restaurants in San Antonio for Convention Attendees

1. Boudro’s Texas Bistro
   This River Walk institution, since 1986 serves sophisticated Southwest cuisine in limestone-walled dining rooms, riverside tables, or floating barges. Famous for signature prickly pear margaritas and theatrical tableside guacamole presentations incorporating roasted tomatoes, lime, and orange juices, the menu features blackened Gulf fish, mesquite-grilled Texas quail, and creative preparations. Chef Danny Ibarra blends South Texas traditions with world-class finesse through dishes like blue crab tostada and prime rib. Convention guests appreciate the lively yet upscale atmosphere, extensive wine cellar, riverside ambiance perfect for client dinners or team celebrations, and convenient downtown location steps from hotels and meeting venues.
2. Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
   Located in a historic downtown building one block from River Walk, this AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse features sublimely tender prime beef grilled over fragrant mesquite wood with spectacular tableside desserts flambé. Chef/Owner Mark Bohanan’s menu showcases extraordinarily delicious Akaushi beef, large custom cuts of prime aged corn-fed beef, and succulent seafood flown in fresh daily. The first-floor Bar serves classic cocktails before upstairs dining. Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence recognition, elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and private rooms accommodating groups make this the perfect venue for important business dinners, special client entertainment, or celebrating successful conferences requiring sophisticated steakhouse excellence.
3. Biga on the Banks
   This New American fine dining institution features stunning River Walk views, chef-driven seasonal menus, exceptional steaks, innovative preparations showcasing Texas ingredients, and a sophisticated waterfront setting. Biga has been a long-time favorite for fine dining on the Riverwalk. The restaurant offers various private dining spaces with spectacular views, dedicated staff, and a dedicated kitchen for private groups, ensuring exceptional service for office parties or gatherings. Conference guests appreciate the upscale riverside location perfect for important client dinners, a daily-changing menu featuring exciting options like Hudson Valley foie gras and creative fusion dishes, impeccable service, and representation of San Antonio’s culinary excellence. The restaurant successfully delivers refined hospitality with River Walk ambiance, offering memorable gastronomic experiences combining quality ingredients with expert preparations in an elegant environment ideal for special business entertainment requiring a sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.

Closest Airport to San Antonio

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
This airport is the main commercial gateway for South Texas, located just 8 miles north of downtown. It facilitates millions of passengers annually with domestic and international non-stop flights to Mexico and Canada, and was recently ranked highly for customer satisfaction and fast security clearance nationally.