San Antonio was founded May 1, 1718, when a Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero. Today it is a modern city filled with all of the conveniences and is a top shopping destination. The town features boutiques, shopping malls and is home to the largest Mexican market. The city’s River Walk makes getting around downtown a breeze. The River Walk, known as the “world’s largest hotel lobby,” offers a beautiful and historic setting for networking, exploring, and entertaining. Its shaded stone pathways wind along the gently flowing San Antonio River through the city center, linking convention facilities, hotels, restaurants, shops, theaters, historic sites, and other attractions. It’s also the setting for many of the city’s annual festivals and events featuring food, wine, live music, and more.
Climate and Seasons in San Antonio
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Climate and Seasons As one of the southernmost large cities in the continental United States, San Antonio enjoys a pleasant humid subtropical climate. August is the hottest month in San Antonio, and January is the coldest. Sunshine blankets the city an average of 300 days out of the year. The optimal time to visit San Antonio is from November to April, when the weather is comfortable and lower hotel rates. The warmest time of year is June through July, where highs are around 91°F and rarely dropping below 74°F at night. A memorable meeting could include riding a double-decker bus as it tours through the downtown districts. Or a kayaking tour along the Mission Reach, a River Barge tour down the winding River Walk. The adventure through the city can be enhanced with local experts at the lead. |
Average Temperature 80℉ Seasonal Temperatures
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More to Learn And Explore
When people think about Texas, they will likely think of San Antonio. Most people know about the River Walk, the Alamo, and SeaWorld, along with the rich Hispanic culture that San Antonio calls it’s own. Here are six things about San Antonio you probably don’t realize.
- San Antonio has attractions such as Six Flags Fiesta, the Riverwalk, and the historic Alamo site. It’s not surprising that San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas. It’s the 17th most visited city in the nation.
- San Antonio is the home to America’s second-oldest park, San Pedro Park, the oldest park in Texas and the second oldest in the country. San Pedro Park is home to a lot of history, including housing for war camels, a zoo, and even a beer garden. San Pedro Park has over 60 hiking trails, a swimming pool, a skate plaza, the San Pedro Library, and more.
- In Texas and across the nation, people have heard, ‘Remember the Alamo!’ 2.5 million people visit the Alamo each year, making it the most visited attraction in Texas.
- San Antonio hosts a 10-day festival, Fiesta San Antonio, the city’s largest and most attended festival. It is held in April and has been in existence since 1891. The festival began in honor of the memory of the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. At least three million people attend each year, and more than 100 events are hosted within the festival.
- The Tower of Americas, a 750-foot-tall tower, looms over the city. It can be seen from any location in the city. The city built the tower in Hemis Fair Park and opened it in 1968. It is the 27th tallest building in Texas and is the tallest building in San Antonio. Be aware: to reach the top is 952 steps.
- San Antonio has the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. El Mercado’s shopping district is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. It’s a three-block outdoor plaza filled with a combination of 100 restaurants, shops, handicrafts, and fresh produce stands. The shopping district also hosts many Hispanic festivals.
More to Explore in San Antonio
Golf
San Antonio has a trio of 5-star golf resorts. A host of upscale daily fee courses includes the Canyon Springs Golf Course, the Quarry Golf Course, and the venerable, must-play Brackenridge Park Golf Course.
Arts and Culture
In San Antonio, culture sings, and the creative community is constantly evolving. Those who enjoy shopping can shop through El Mercado, an authentic Mexican marketplace in the heart of downtown. The Witte Museum, located on the Broadway Cultural Corridor, offers exhibits of dinosaurs. The McNay Art Museum features modern European and American art. The San Antonio Museum of Art is down the road and showcases a broad range of history and world culture.
Attractions
San Antonio’s local attractions keep adventurers, thrill-seekers, and family vacationers coming back for more. San Antonio offers the classic theme parks, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld, and Aquatica San Antonio. There are new additions for fun on the land and in the water at Morgan’s Wonderland or Inspiration Island. Another ride will take you through Brackenridge Park. The San Antonio Zoo is open year-round and houses more than 750 species on 56 acres.
River Walk
The River Walk is the #1 Attraction in Texas. Stroll, shop, and dine along the winding path of the San Antonio Riverwalk for a uniquely Texas experience. On the river, there’s something for everyone. Experience what’s old and explore what’s new. With travel guides, it’s easy to find your way around in San Antonio.
Hill Country
Located just 90 minutes from San Antonio is Hill Country, the heart of Texas. This sprawling landscape of limestone, granite, and ranches is home to wineries, luxury resorts, wildflower hiking, river recreation, cave tours, and rock-climbing adventures. Small towns dot the journey providing boutique shopping, cultural experiences featuring German and Eastern heritage, and incredible scenic outlooks.
Why Is San Antonio Appealing for a Meeting?
It is easy to get to San Antonio. It is in south-central Texas. It is an easy trip for groups coming in from either coast. Once in San Antonio, the walkable city makes it easy to get around. The city has evolved into a forward-thinking, modern meeting destination amid a city of history and culture. Some things to consider when planning your meeting in San Antonio:
What is the objective? Some examples:
- Many company retreats are designed to improve productivity and to “refocus” the efforts of their employees. San Antonio provides an ideal destination to break away from the confines of an office and allow employees to socialize with people beyond their department and relax. This can be very helpful for meetings where fresh ideas, new perspectives, or/and networking is essential for high-priority initiatives.
- Executive retreats are also popular in San Antonio as this destination offers exclusive luxury where leaders can recharge as well as connect with each other.
- Incentive travel combined with meetings can be valuable for companies, key stakeholders, and top performers. San Antonio provides unique, memorable experiences and an outstanding destination for exchanging information that improves growth, solves problems and engages change-makers.
San Antonio has a rich history dating back to 1718 when the Spanish first established a mission, later called the Alamo. The city is now booming with modern attractions, and visitors will be inspired as they walk, bike, hike, and play through parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces. In San Antonio, what was old is new again.
Do you need help planning a corporate meeting or incentive travel reward to San Antonio? Contact Gavel International for more information.
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