Philadelphia/ Fun & Entertainment
Published on September 18, 2019
Escape from Philadelphia to San Antonio on a budgetPhoto: iStock

No travel bucket list would be entirely complete without San Antonio, Texas. From the iconic history of The Alamo to amusement parks, SeaWorld, the San Antonio Aquarium and Zoo, this city has plenty of attractions for every taste. The River Walk in downtown San Antonio is full of shops, bars and restaurants, along with plenty of nearby theaters, Texas' first modern art museum and numerous universities.

Luckily, there are loads of relatively inexpensive flights between Philadelphia and San Antonio on a regular basis. We pulled a short list of flights and hotels from travel site Skyscanner, handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest San Antonio flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Philadelphia and San Antonio are if you leave on Nov. 16 and return from Texas on Nov. 19. American Airlines currently has tickets for $167, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had in December. If you fly out of Philadelphia on Dec. 5 and return from San Antonio on Dec. 8, American Airlines can get you there and back for $176, roundtrip.

Top San Antonio hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of San Antonio's top-rated hotels that we selected from Skyscanner's listings, based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel Havana (1015 Navarro St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Hotel Havana. The hotel has a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $105/night.

Situated on the river, this San Antonio hotel is close to the Alamo, San Antonio Central Library, the River Walk and Rivercenter Mall.

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio (600 E. Market St.)

There's also the 4.8-star rated The Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Rooms are currently set at $119/night.

"Their amenities are wonderful and the rooms modern and spacious," wrote visitor Tyson.

The Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio (205 E. Houston St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

A third option is The Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio, which has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner and rooms going for $98/night.

Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa tub and a fitness facility. 

Local restaurant picks

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of San Antonio's many quality eateries, here are a few noteworthy culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Bakery Lorraine (306 Pearl Parkway, #110)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to Bakery Lorraine, which has an average of five stars out of 12 reviews on Skyscanner.

"Scrumptious in every way — truly authentic French patisserie," wrote visitor Margaret. "Quiche, croissants, pain au chocolat, eclairs, delicious salads and sandwiches to boot. Must leave room for one of their magical macarons!"

Tiago's Cabo Grille (8403 State Highway 151, #101)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is Tiago's Cabo Grille, with five stars from eight reviews.

The restaurant features hand-shaken margaritas, and says it has been voted Best Happy Hour, Best Chips and Salsa and Best Guacamole in San Antonio.

Magnolia Pancake Haus (606 Embassy Oaks)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Magnolia Pancake Haus.

What started with a wild idea back in 1998 turned into San Antonio's favorite spot for breakfast.

"So delicious. The buttermilk pancakes melt in your mouth — you won't be disappointed," wrote Alexis. "I hear the wait on the weekend might be long, so either aim for a weekday or go early."

Top San Antonio attractions

To round out your trip, San Antonio offers heaps of notable attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

The San Antonio River Walk (849 E. Commerce St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The San Antonio River Walk.

Once hailed as The American Venice, the San Antonio River Walk is much more than a typical walkway — this Texas attraction has the best dining, attractions and entertainment around.

"I walked the River Walk twice during my time in San Antonio, and I much prefer it at night," wrote visitor Taylor. "It's beautiful all lit up ... Still, it is worth a visit in the daytime, if that's when you find yourself in San Antonio. There are so many great restaurants lining it, and you can also take a boat ride."

The Shops at La Cantera (15900 La Cantera Parkway)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

The Shops at La Cantera is another popular destination.

"All-around great shopping center with a wide selection of stores," wrote visitor Stephen.

SeaWorld San Antonio (10500 Sea World Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, consider checking out SeaWorld San Antonio.

"Whether you're a Texas local or on a family vacation, SeaWorld San Antonio has it all," wrote visitor Joe. "From interactive touch pools to live shows, there is an animal experience, thrilling rollercoasters and a waterpark."


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.