Is Southtown & King William a good place to stay in San Antonio?

Southtown and King William are a lovely place to stay in San Antonio for a quieter, more local feel. La Villita and Hemisfair are on the northern edge, the Alamo is about a 10 minute walk along the River Walk, and the Mission Reach trail leads south to the Spanish missions.

The area mixes history and art. King William's tree-lined streets are full of grand Victorian mansions, La Villita's tiny stone buildings hold craft shops and galleries, and the Blue Star Arts Complex fills old warehouses with studios and a brewery. First Friday art walks bring crowds to South Alamo Street each month.

The downside is the choice of hotels and the distance from some sights. There are fewer hotels than downtown, the best ones are pricey, and the southern end of Southtown is a longer walk from the Alamo. Nightlife is more about neighbourhood bars than a big scene.

What makes Southtown special is its charm. You can stroll past historic mansions, cycle the river trail to the missions and eat at local restaurants without the downtown crowds. For couples and second-time visitors, it's a wonderful base.