Overview: San Antonio is the eighth largest US city and its cultures are a mix of native and African American, Mexican, Texan and German.
Main attractions: the Alamo Mission and the IMAX presentation of Alamo, The Price of Freedom; San Antonio Missions National Historic Park; Market Square; King William Historic District; Fort Sam Houston; and the Institute of Texan Cultures at HemisFair Park.
Getting around: Yanaguana Cruises operates San Antonio River’s floating transportation system.
Accommodation: North America Travel Service features the Hyatt Regency Hill Country set in 200 acres for £184 per person for three nights from August to November, or £460 for seven nights. The first-class Hilton Palacio Del Rio costs £183 for three nights from September 1; £427 for a week.
Entertainment: Riverwalk for nightclubs, bars and pubs, and the Rivercenter entertainment complex. For families, there is the San Antonio Children’s Museum, Hertzberg Circus Museum, Sea World of Texas and the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park.
Shopping: 10 shopping malls, and also antique shops and art galleries in the central district.
Eating out: local fare is Tex-Mex but you can eat French, Chinese, soul food, cajun and of course Texas steaks.
Getting there: British Airways and American Airlines operate daily services from Gatwick to Dallas/Fort Worth, with domestic connections to San Antonio. Connections can also be made through Houston, served daily from Gatwick by Continental Airlines.
Flydrive: San Antonio is featured in a number of flydrive packages. One is offered by American Connections including three nights in the city and three at a dude ranch, from £1,603 twinshare for two weeks and covering a car and flights.