San Antonio

People always remember the Alamo, but there's a lot more to this sprawling metropolis in southeastern Texas. Into history? Visit one of the interesting Spanish missions. Just want to put your feet up? Boats ply the waters of River Walk, an artificial waterway lined with interesting eateries. When the weather is pleasant, there's no better place to be than on one of the tree-shaded patio bars overlooking the water.
 

Getting here

San Antonio International Airport is about 12 miles from downtown. VIA Metropolitan Transit has local bus service to downtown for about $1. Shuttle vans cost $18 per trip or $32 round-trip -- see SA Airports Shuttle.

Getting around

If you're staying outside downtown, a car is a must for getting around San Antonio most of the day. In town three VIA streetcar lines cover most of the center, for only $1.10 per trip (all-day pass for $4). Their website has maps and schedules. Service ends between 9pm and 12:30am, so grab a taxi, a lift, or walk from the bars.

Neighborhoods

For nightlife, there's a lively gay bar scene in the downtown neighborhood known as North Central.

Media & Resources

Ignite is, or was San Antonio's gay and lesbian magazine - their last website update was January 2012. Try Q San Antonio for more up-to-date news, and TWIT, This Week In Texas, for gay coverage both local and elsewhere in the Lone Star State.

The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce website has info on local businesses and a calendar of events.

The San Antonio Current is the weekly alternative paper for news, arts and entertainment listings and reviews, including the gay community here, with good photos of annual Pride events.

Visit San Antonio, the official city website, My San Antonio and San Antonio Magazine also have good online guides to the city.

For info on the year-round social and community events of the Bears of San Antonio, see their website.

Pride San Antonio has events all year, with big festivities each June.



Accommodations
Three gay-friendly options are found in the Kings William neighborhood, all near to River Walk and the Alamo.

Arbor House Suites (109 Arciniega; 210-472-2005) five stately houses linked by a lush garden courtyard.
Painted Lady Guesthouse (620 Broadway; 210-220-1092) Hotel-style B&B impeccable and luxurious suites, rooftop spa.
Victorian Lady Inn (421 Howard St; 210- 224-2524) elegant rooms, period antiques, modern amenities, private porches, fireplaces.

 

Bars and clubs

2015 Place (2015 San Pedro) central men's neighborhood bar, open daily 365 days a year, happy-hour specials.
Annex (330 San Pedro Avenue) men's cruise bar, bears, cowboys, leather groups, darts, burgers on Sunday.
Bonham Exchange (411 Bonham) big, busy multi- level River Walk dance club, drag shows, go-go boys, patio theme parties.
Club Essence (1010 N Main Ave) male strippers and guest porn stars perform and mingle, mostly men, theme parties, relaxed and casual vibe, food served at covered patio grill.
Heat (1500 North Main) futuristic dance club, after-hours on weekends, heated patio, all-male revue dancers, Sunday cookouts.
One-O-Six (106 Pershing Av) local hangout, popular with Mexican guys.
Pegasus (1402 North Main) every night cruising and dancing, shows, video main bar, patio, karaoke bar, leather-sports-country music bar; mostly men, pool tables, Sunday beer bust and cook-out.
Saint (800 Lexington Ave) devilish drag divas reign over go-go boys and 18+ dance crowd. Woody's was here.
Silver Dollar (1418 North Main) country-western saloon, Latinos, large patio, pool tables, music mix.
Sparkys Pub (1416 N Main Ave) popular new after-work neighborhood bar, with Friday buffets from 6pm.

Restaurants

Crumpets Restaurant & Bakery (3920 Harry Wurzbach Rd), European-style dining amid trees, ponds, and waterfalls; seafood, pasta, beef, and chicken, lunch or dinner every day. Voted one of Esquire Magazine's best 100.
Mad Hatter's Tea (320 Beauregard St) breakfast, lunch, dinner for every budget; tea, decious cakes and pastries.
Candlelight Coffeehouse (3011 N St Mary's) laid-back coffeehouse, lunch, appetizers, gourmet desserts, beverages, live music, shady patio.
Luther's Cafe (1425 N Main) greasy spoon for before or after the bars, great hamburger, meatloaf, stews and chili; patio, serves until 3am.
Rosario's (910 S. Alamo) Mexican cafe and cantina, always crowded for good food at reasonable prices.
Web House Cafe & Bar (517 E Woodlawn), underground/alternative crowd hangout, bar & internet cafe, DJ music.


Shopping

Encore Video (1031 NE Loop 410)  large selection of erotic VHS and DVD movies, music CDs, lubes, apparel and toys.
Zebraz (1608 North Main Av) rainbow and pride merchandise, funky club wear, CDs, flavored lubes, underwear.

Saunas

ACI, Alternative Club (827 E Elmira St) all sauna/steam faciilites, plus hot tub, tanning sundeck, covered patio, free weights and excercise machine, TV lounges, bunk room.
Executive Health Club (402 Austin St) basic facilities, technically an overnight "hotel" - popular with local guys.