If you would like to sample San Antonio's unique variety of restaurants, Creative Dining & Entertainment's staff will recommend and make your individual and/or group reservations at San Antonio's most enjoyable restaurants and/or catering venues! If you would like to shop, rent a car, play golf, enjoy San Antonio's vibrant nightlife, or simply relax, Creative Dining & Entertainment's staff will help!
While in San Antonio, please stop by the Creative Dining & Entertainment booth located in the PAvilion, Bridge Hall, Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center.
Or - Why wait?! Call or fax or e-mail Creative Dining & Entertainment before you get to San Antonio!
Telephone: 210/402-3046;
Fax: 210/402-0335;
E-mail: lhorn@snet.net
Climate
The average temperature of San Antonio in May is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is advisable to bring a sweater or light jacket to wear during the day while attending sessions.
Culture and Family Fun
San Antonio captures the spirit of Texas. Now the eighth largest city in the United States, the city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress. Amid the daily bustle of the metropolitan downtown, 20 feet below street level, lies one of San Antonio's jewels: the Paseo del Rio. Better known as the "River Walk," these cobblestone and flagstone paths border both sides of the San Antonio River as it winds its way through the middle of the business district. The River Walk has multiple personalities: quite and park-like in some stretches, while other areas are full of activity with European-style sidewalk cafes, specialty boutiques, nightclubs, and gleaming high-rise hotels.
San Antonio provides a picture-perfect setting for great family vacations, beginning with the San Antonio Children's Museum, where kids are encouraged to explore a miniature version of the city. The Magik Theatre provides professional family theater in the heart of downtown. The Downtown All-Around Playground at HemisFair Park and the newly renovated Milam Park provide excellent stops for kids to burn off excess energy. And don't forget the Tower of Americas, which offers a spectacular view of San Antonio from 750 feet above. Steps away from the Tower of the Americas is UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio's experience museum, featuring interactive exhibits and activities for families that celebrate Texas’s multicultural heritage.
Cuisine
Dozens of ethnic groups have given the city a multicultural legacy. The result is a unique and fabulous mix. Sample BBQ, Tex-Mex, Southwestern Nouvelle, and other world cuisines. Tap your feet to the sounds of jazz, reggae, R&B, tejano, country-western, and more. And everywhere on the street, in shops, at festivals, and performances, you'll find an entertaining display of the city's rich cultural heritage. From Caribbean and Continental to Southwest and Seafood, restaurants in San Antonio offer an abundance of choices. With options to fit any budget, you're sure to enjoy your dining experiences at the many San Antonio restaurants.
Shopping
No matter what the nationality, San Antonio shopping is an international favorite and a shopper's paradise. Antique shops abound in the central city and in charming towns on the outskirts. Art galleries cover a wide spectrum of artistic styles from contemporary and western to Latin American folk art. Ten major shopping malls are within an hour's drive of downtown. And no serious shopper would miss La Villita and Market Square in the historic heart of the city!
The River Walk
Just a flight of steps below the bustling downtown area winds San Antonio's renowned River Walk. Shaded by giant cypress trees and accented by lush tropical greenery, the banks of this lovely retreat are lined with sidewalk cafes, shops, galleries, and clubs. Climb aboard a Rio San Antonio Cruiser for a scenic ride. Or relax, sip a cool drink, and enjoy everything from nachos to a four-star meal. At night, the clubs overflow with music, dancing, and visitors from around the world — all within walking distance of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and our conference hotels.
The Alamo and Missions
Take the "Mission Trails" driving route to see the five historic Spanish Colonial missions. Stop in first at the visitor's center at Mission San Jose for a fascinating introduction to these 18th century outposts. Included is the Alamo, just a couple blocks from the convention center and most conference hotels — the "Cradle of Texas Liberty," where for 12 days in 1836, a small band of Texans were besieged by Gen. Santa Anna's legions. On the 13th day, all was lost. But an undying battle cry was born: "Remember the Alamo!"
Art and Culture
If you’re a fan of the arts, you'll find San Antonio has much to offer. Gifted singers, dancers, musicians, theater groups, and artists all contribute to a lively arts scene. Or choose to view the work of past artists at the McNay Art Museum (hosting a superb collection of the French impressionists) and the San Antonio Museum of Art, including the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art.
Sea World San Antonio
Visit the world's largest marine live adventure park and family entertainment showplace. It's actually four parks in one on 250 acres: a show park, a rides and slides park, a water park, and an amazing animals park. At SeaWorld San Antonio, there's something for everyone.
Fiesta Texas
This Six Flags Theme Park is Texas-sized fun. Find out if you have what it takes to brave the Superman Krypton Coaster. This unique, award-winning train ascends almost 16 stories, followed by a 70 mph drop! Then you splash down in a water park with slides, tubes, and a wave pool big as Texas.
The city is served by all modes of transportation. San Antonio International Airport is approximately eight miles from downtown and the River Walk.
Once on the ground in San Antonio, if you choose to take a cab from the San Antonio International Airport into downtown, the fare will be approximately $18 to $22. There are plenty of transportation options from which to choose, including taxi, limousine service, shuttle service, the city’s VIA Metropolitan transit, and all major car rental companies.
