Weather
San Antonio has a semi-tropical climate that rarely strays from the agreeable. Mid-summer through September is the most humid period, but even the August heat spells aren't half as bad as you'd think. Humidity levels follow a year-round pattern of high in the mornings and low in the afternoons. The hottest summer's day seldom tops 95°F (35°C), and winter temperatures usually drop no lower than 40°F (5°C). Autumn and spring are the optimum times to visit.
Getting Around
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) 16km (10mi) north of downtown, has flights from within Texas and from many destinations across the rest of the US and Mexico.
Amtrak trains link San Antonio to Los Angeles, Tucson, Palm Springs, El Paso and New Orleans on the Sunset Limited and to Chicago via Austin, Dallas, Little Rock, St Louis and more on the Texas Eagle.
Greyhound Buses arrive just north of downtown, with regular daily services to and from Austin, Dallas, Galveston, Houston and New Orleans.
VIA is San Antonio's public bus and tourist-oriented streetcar network. There are also several coach tour operators, with itineraries ranging from basic city orientation to full day outings both in and out of town.
Downtown is a complex maze if you're driving. Taxis wait at most major downtown hotels, the Greyhound and Amtrak stations and the airport. Bikes are readily available to rent downtown.
Health and Safety
In 1995, Texas passed a state law granting a permit to carry a concealed weapon to any Texan who has never been convicted of a felony and who passes a course in handgun use and safety. It's likely you won't notice anything at all, since public offices and private businesses are permitted to ban the carrying of concealed weapons on their premises. But you should still avoid stepping into the line of fire. Never argue with or make rude gestures at other motorists. If pulled over by a police car, keep both your hands in plain sight at all times (preferably atop the steering wheel) so the officer doesn't mistake your movements for a 'reach' (as in reaching for a weapon).
Fast Facts
The Northstar Mall displays the largest pair of cowboy boots on the planet at an impressive 40 feet high. Those are some big shoes to fill.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum includes a miniature display of the Alamo.
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