Car rental San Antonio, TX

The San Antonio River runs through the centre of the city, with the Downtown area to the east . Interstate 10 (I-10) runs north to south along the west side of the river, before continuing along the Mexico border to El Paso. I-37 connects San Antonio with Corpus Christie on the Gulf Coast.

Other useful routes include I-35, running northeast-southwest across the city, and East Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, which connects east and west, crossing the river a few kilometers south of downtown.

If you're arriving at San Antonio International Airport, it's an easy drive to the city's central areas – follow the US 281 south for around 14km and you’ll be there in no time.

There's plenty to see in San Antonio itself, but if you’re interested in venturing further afield there are great nearby destinations to explore. The Texas state capital Austin is around 120km north on I-35. Meanwhile, the Mexican border isn’t far – you can reach the border town of Laredo in just over two hours travelling south along I-35.

When driving in San Antonio, it's important to pay attention to speed limits. These are usually set at 30mph (48km/h) on most residential streets and 15mph (24km/h) on smaller, urban side streets. The limit rises to 70mph (112km/h) on some stretches of major roads such as I-35. Limits are clearly signposted. You will find several parking lots conveniently located around the city's downtown areas, as well as some on-street parking. 

With its entrancing blend of historical influences, San Antonio is a cultural gem of the American South. While a long and vivid history ensures its enduring popularity with visitors, these days it’s also winning praise for its relaxed, bohemian vibe and cosmopolitan approach. Renting a car in San Antonio allows you to take all this in at your own pace.

Mission accomplished

It’s no exaggeration to say that a trip to the Alamo Mission is the essential component of any trip to San Antonio. Conveniently situated downtown, it’s an 18^th-century Roman Catholic mission and fort compound that’s now part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Alamo site offers a fascinating glimpse into Texan history, commemorating the famed 1836 Battle of the Alamo, which pitted thousands of Mexican troops against hundreds of Texan rebels – including Davy Crockett. It’s regarded as a key event in the Texan Revolution, which ultimately saw the state gain independence from Mexico.

Browse the museum at the Long Barrack before enjoying a free talk on the site’s history in Cavalry Courtyard. You can also pay to take a guided battlefield tour lasting around an hour.  

Water features

A short distance from the site of the Alamo, you’ll find another of San Antonio’s essential visitor attractions. River Walk is a 24km network of walkways, showing off the city’s striking colonial heritage and captivating architecture - all on the banks of the San Antonio River.

An oasis of calm amid the bustle of the city’s downtown areas, you can stroll to your heart’s desire while taking in the attractions before stopping at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the route.

There are plenty of cultural landmarks on route, including Arneson River Theatre and the Museum of Art, as well as the Unesco site that houses the Alamo.

Fun of the fair

Another spot you may stumble across on your travels along the River Walk is the Hemisfair Urban Park. Originally part of the 1968 World’s Fair hosted by San Antonio, it’s now an impressively green experience featuring a series of stunning waterfalls.

The park also boasts the Tower of the Americas, the tallest building in the city at 750 feet. Take the elevator to the observation deck for magnificent views of the city and beyond. There’s also a restaurant offering its own superb panoramas. 

Pearl in the crown

Now you’ve had a taste of San Antonio’s long and varied history, it’s time to take a trip to the hip neighbourhood that’s taking the city by storm into the 21^st century and beyond.

The Pearl District, just north of downtown, brings together restaurants, cafes, bars, as well as a plethora of boutique stores - many of them run by young entrepreneurs. It all adds a welcome dose of vitality and passion to the city.

Explore the Alamo or try an upcoming restaurant in Pearl District – it’s all a short drive away in your rental car from Hertz.