Business conferences and meetings have continued a steady return to San Antonio, but rosy expectations for the fall have been dampened by the delta variant of the coronavirus and by corporations’ growing comfort with Zoom meetings.
Though eclipsed by the vast crowds of vacationing tourists, business conventions bring throngs of high-rolling spenders that help tide the travel industry over when leisure travel ebbs during weekdays and through the long school season. The incremental return of large-scale business gatherings, after nearly vanishing last year at the onset of the pandemic, has been welcome relief to battered downtown hotels and restaurants.
When you’re on a business trip, you don’t always have to be busy with official activities. There are plenty of times when you will have some recreational opportunities, and you will want to make the best use of that free time. This is especially true if you’re living in corporate housing in San Antonio. Prolonged business trips often result in more free time than you might expect, and the good news is that there’s plenty to do while you’re visiting.
Take a look at the top five activities you can try out when you get some time away from the business aspect of your trip.
1. San Antonio River Walk
One of the most memorable features of San Antonio is found in the River Walk, also known as Paseo del Río. This attraction is made up of multiple walkways located along the banks of the San Antonio River, one level below the streets. The River Walk is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, and bars. It’s a huge part of local culture, as well as a prominent tourist attraction. If you happen to be in town during springtime, there is a festival called Fiesta San Antonio during which floats go down the river during the River Parade.
2. San Antonio Botanical Garden
If you love being in nature, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is an attraction you can’t pass up during your visit. It serves as both a museum for a variety of different plant species and a tranquil escape from the constant work that may happen during your business trip. It also serves as the home to research and conservation efforts. It’s open all year long, but you may want to plan your visit based on which plants will be in bloom when you are in town.
3. The Alamo
Who could forget to visit the Alamo when they’re in San Antonio? This is one of the most popular tourist sites in the United States, with over 2.5 million visitors every year, and has an amazing history. This is the famous site where 13 Texans stood their ground against the Mexican army in 1836. There are a variety of activities in which to participate at the Alamo, like tours, museums, and visiting the Alamo Shrine.
4. Majestic Theater
San Antonio’s Majestic Theater is one of the best spots in the city to find live entertainment such as Broadway plays, comedians, and concerts. There’s always something going on at the theater, so make sure to look at the schedule for the time you’re going to be in town to see if an act looks interesting to you.
5. Theme Parks
If you’re in the mood for big fun, you’re in luck. San Antonio is home to two major theme parks: Six Flags and SeaWorld. Each of these attractions is typically more expensive than others in the area, but they also offer a world of opportunities for fun while you’re in town.
Whether you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing or active and outdoorsy, there’s something in San Antonio for you. If you’re going to spend a few weeks or a few months in the area, be sure to check out some of the benefits of renting a fully furnished apartment in San Antonio.
