24 Hours in San Antonio

With it still relatively cool in many destinations around the U.S., there's not a better time to visit San Antonio. For a break from the cold, San Antonio is one of the most comfortable U.S. cities this time of year. One of the top ten largest cities in the U.S., we've come up with some recommendations to help you plan a short, 24-hour jaunt to San Antonio.

While some airport shuttles transport travelers into San Antonio, we recommend either renting a car or taking a taxi. Once you get to downtown San Antonio to where many of the attractions and restaurants are, getting around is a bit easier.

There's the open-air streetcars, which stop at many of San Antonio's top attractions, as well as the river taxis, which stop at nearly 40 locations along the river walk.

For starters, head to San Antonio's famous River Walk, where you could easily spend the entire day. Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, the river walk is the urban core of San Antonio. While you'll enjoy walking in and out of the many shops and restaurants along the San Antonio River, I also recommend taking the river taxi at least once. There are several great restaurants, that make for the perfect lunch spot. Consider getting your Texas barbecue fix along the river.

After a late lunch, it's time now for historic San Antonio. While most people are familiar with the Alamo, San Antonio also features one of the highest populated areas of missions.

Just a couple miles south of downtown, San Antonio Missions National Park is the best place to see some of San Antonio's most popular missions on display. They maintain regular operating hours and many still hold services. Afterward, head to the Alamo, which is one of the world's most famous missions, most notably for the Battle of the Alamo and its many pop culture references.

To end your day, head to the Tower of the Americas, which offers one of the best views in Texas. The 750-foot tower offers panoramic views of San Antonio and the outer-lying area. Sunset provides some of the best photo-taking opportunities. For a nice dinner, the tower's restaurant, Chart House, offers a great fine dining experience.

Be sure to enter our "Texas Sized" giveaway to San Antonio. Visit this blog post to enter! Good luck!