The city of San Antonio bends over backwards to make things pleasant, enjoyable and trouble-free for its visitors. In addition to being handicapped-accessible in many tourist venues with an eye towards increasing accessibility, they have appointed a trained group of 'Ambassador Amigos', who circulate around the downtown area to assist visitors and aid their various law enforcement officials. Lost on foot? Stranded in your car? No worries. These turquoise-shirted and straw-hatted ambassadors serve many purposes. Not only do they carry two-way radios for aiding those who need it (including first aid), but they can even suggest a restaurant and provide directions to a current event. If you don't spot one and you are in need of assistance, they will likely spot you.

The local government of San Antonio will also give you a list of helpful advice to help make your trip as comfortable as possible. You are advised, for example, to bring your favorite bottle of insect repellent, as annoying mosquitoes and gnats enjoy the warm climate as much as you do. This is particularly so in the places outlying the downtown area. It's also suggested that you bring your allergy medication with you, particularly in the spring when the pollen count is particularly high. These and a number of other suggestions, including when and where crowds congregate and how to avoid them, and what clothing to bring can improve your trip before you even step outside your own door to get to the airport.

The River Walk is San Antonio's most famous attraction. It winds along the San Antonio River for miles, and is in the process even now of being extended through the city. The River Walk is considered part of San Antonio's large park system, and even your dog is welcome to join you on your stroll, as long as it remains leashed. There are art installations along an art corridor along the walk, and also connected to it are outdoor patios and shops, galleries, and restaurants. Don't miss this stunning walk along the water.

There are quite a few museums in San Antonio and the outlying areas. In San Antonio proper you'll find the Witte Museum, The Institute of Texan Cultures, Steves Homestead, the San Antonio Museum of Art, The San Antonio Children's Museum, the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum, and the Guenther House. If you'd like to explore some of the city's more unique historical museums, check out the Texas Transportation Museum, Museo Alameda, The Texas Ranger Museum (remember 'Laredo' on TV?), and the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. By the way, did you know there really are wooden nickels? Find out all about them at the Wooden Nickel Museum!

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is one of the top theme parks in the country. It's located between San Antonio and Austin. SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Splashtown are all located within San Antonio proper.

Some of the day trips near San Antonio are breathtaking, but we've only room to describe a handful of these. Boerne, for example, is 30 miles from the city. The Cibolo Nature Center there has four ecosystems within its 100 acres. If you've a taste for antiquing or visiting art galleries, you'll find these in Boerne as well. San Marcos is about 35 miles from San Antonio, and is home to the Aquarena Texas Rivers Center, where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. At Aquarena's Wetlands Boardwalk plants and wildlife can be viewed for 24 hours. WonderWorld Park takes you to an earthquake-formed cave. For fishermen there is trout fishing at the Guadalupe River, and the shopping in San Marcos is great too. Also 35 miles from San Antonio is Comfort, a mecca for antiques of all kinds, so happy hunting! You won't get bored, though, if you stop by a gallery, have a quick lunch, and leave enough time for dinner at a restaurant set on the banks of the river. For wine lovers there's Fredericksburg, home of vineyards and excellent day spas. Visit Bell Mountain Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, the Oberhof Wine Cellars at Das Peach Haus and the Torre di Pietra, or any of the four other wine tasting spots in Fredericksburg. There are enough wineries in the surrounding area to make a separate vacation!