When I arrived, I was so excited to see the history. I've never been a huge fan of history, but when I can actually see it in front of me, I get sucked right in.
The Alamo is a must-see, though it is by far, not the most impressive mission in San Antonio. I was actually shocked when I saw it. My boyfriend had been there several years ago, and while walking through the city to go there, I couldn't understand where it could possibly be with so much city still around us. Well, there it was, surrounded by city- and surprisingly small! In fact, my first reaction was "That's it?" However, even though it wasn't as majestic as I'd imagined it to be, it was still beautiful. Plus, it's free, so there's no excuse not to go! Other missions in San Antonio are placed along what is called "Mission Trail" and set just outside the city. 
If you're staying right in the city, there's a lot you can see without a car (if you don't mind walking a bit) but Mission Trail isn't one of them. You definitely need a car, but these missions are gorgeous! In 1983, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established. Again, Mission Trail/Missions National Historical Park is completely free. So apart from the fantastic Spanish architecture/history, there's still so much to do. One of the more obvious tourist attractions is the River Walk. The River Walk is set below the level of the rest of the city, with shops and restaurants along the San Antonio River. One of the best surprises when I visited was the Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony. 
This takes place along the River Walk the day after Thanksgiving as a kick-off to the Christmas season. Boats float down the river decorated for Christmas, and at 7pm, all the lights along the River Walk are turned on. Tickets can be purchased to watch this from the River Walk, but it's completely free to watch it from the street level above. Thousands of people show up for this event and a good view can be hard to find, but a little patience (and arriving early!) will get you a pretty good spot. I had read about the parade before going, but didn't realize it could be viewed from the street and thought you could only see it if you bought a ticket, so we stumbled on it after some Black Friday Shopping. 
There are actually many malls in San Antonio, but the Rivercenter Mall is right in the city next to the River Walk. The River Center Mall is a pretty good size, and like every mall, likes to go all out with Christmas decorations.Two other must-see attractions that people don't usually think of: The San Antonio Botanical Garden and The Japanese Tea Garden. Parking is free at the Botanical Garden and admission is very inexpensive.
Adults are $7, Children are $4, and Students/Senior Citizens/Military personnel are $5. This garden is HUGE and so gorgeous. We easily spent hours, and by no means took our time! The garden includes Formal and Display Gardens, the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, and the Texas Native Trail which includes vegetation from different sections of Texas. When I was visiting, there were bug displays made of branches throughout the garden. 
The Japanese Tea Garden was just reopened (2008). Admission and parking are free. This Garden is actually right next to the San Antonio Zoo, which I did not visit. There are ponds and waterfalls, beautiful vegetation and an extraordinary pagoda. The garden was surprisingly quiet, which was a nice escape from city noise.
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, a restaurant you'll adore is La Margarita Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Located in the Market Square, Mexican vendors lined the street, with concerts and food and banners all over that said "Feliz Navidad." La Margarita has AMAZING Mexican Food at very reasonable prices! My boyfriend and I got an appetizer, each had a margarita and so much food we couldn't finish, and the final bill was under $30. Yum yum yum. Also, they have a mariachi band available for serenading for $5. Even if you choose not to be serenaded to, they add a nice atmosphere as they sing to tables around you. My suggestion is to find a hotel in the city. I found my hotel at hotels.com which resulted in a King Suite for around $70/night. Parking in the city is VERY expensive. We stayed at the Best Western Alamo Suites Downtown which is located just off Route 10 about a mile from the River Walk, Alamo, etc. We were able to walk into the city each of the days we were there, so if you don't mind walking, it saves a lot on parking. 
Food along the River Walk can also be expensive, though the experience can be fun. There are a lot of restaurants in the area outside of the River Walk though, so depending on the types of food you like and how much you're willing to spend on meals, you might just have to look around a bit. Our hotel had a free continental breakfast we took advantage of. Many hotels will also have brochures in the lobby with coupons for attractions in the area. Right across from the Alamo is a visitors center with information as well.Duration: ~3 1/2 days
# of people: 2
Total $$: ~$300
Cost doesn't include travel to get to San Antonio (or my shopping spree on Black Friday at the River Center Mall which is obviously non-essential...sorta haha). With our days packed full of attractions and delicious food, $300 for a vacation is amazing! I give this trip 5 stars!
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