Stretch Your Dollar - Inexpensive Attractions

San Antonio already has a low cost of living compared to the rest of the first world, and as one of the ten largest cities in the United States, you can find lots of bargain prices for fun attractions.

Free

• The Alamo
• The Riverwalk
• Hemisfair Park: Site of the first Worlds Fair in 1968, a great place to picnic with the family. Also not free but definitely fun is a trip up the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas in a glass elevator to an observation deck. The ticket also includes a 4D Theater Ride, a new addition to this historic attraction.
  Be sure to check out the Instituto Cultural de Mexico, an extension of the National University of Mexico, which educates visitors about the culture of Mexico. You'll be able to view art exhibits as well as the annual San Antonio Film Festival, which runs this year from June 25 through 28.
• Market Square: Near Milam Park, this cluster of shops is fun for buying or just browsing. The indoor El Mercado features handicrafts from Mexican and local artisans. You can find everything from toys to clothes and art and religious items.
• Main Plaza: In front of San Fernando Cathedral and at the heart of the city is our Main Plaza, with free events. Here's a breakdown of events during the CNMC:
  Acoustic Lunch: June 26 (11:30am-1:30pm)
  Flamenco Fridays - Fandango: June 26 (8-10pm) Spanish music and dance!
  Raza en la Plaza - Buttercup: June 27 (8-10pm)
  Conjunto Tocadita - Foxy & Chucho: June 28 (11am & 1pm) Mexican music!

Inexpensive

• Museo Alameda: "The Smithsonian of the South" is a unique museum affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. On June 25, you can catch a concert as part of the American Sabor series about Latinos in U.S. Popular Music. The museum has low suggested donation rates.
• La Villita Historic Arts Village: While there's no admission fee into this attraction, I doubt you'll be able to browse without buying! La Villita, which means "little village," is a cluster of historic buildings hosting local artisans and musicans of all sorts.
  On June 25, La Villita will host "BRAVO! An Evening of Song and Dance." Located at the Arneson River Theater, the evening will feature Mexican Folkloric, Spanish Flamenco, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical dance. Get more info on this event here.
• VIA Metropolitan Transit: When you're downtown, do yourself a favor and hop on a streetcar trolley.
• McNay Art Museum: Located near the site of the CNMC, the McNay remains my favorite San Antonio art museum. It recently added a stunning new gallery space. While picnicking on its gorgeously landscaped grounds amid fountains and artworks, you may catch a wedding party taking advantage of its infamous gardens for photographs.
• Witte Museum: Also located near the CNMC site, this is almost obligatory if you're bringing kids along. They'll like the museum exhibits (dinosaurs, stuffed animals in ecology exhibits, mummies...) and they'll love the H-E-B Science Treehouse. The four-story "treehouse" is a completely interactive science museum that everyone in the family will enjoy. (Psst! I'm an adult and I still think it's the best part of the museum!)

If I add more to the list, it'll be in a separate post. Lots to see in San Antonio! Can't wait to share it with you.

Feel free to post questions as comments. Peace.