San Antonio , General info:
9/10

San Antonio is the second-largest city in the state of Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States. Located in the northern part of South Texas, the city is a cultural gateway into the American Southwest. Famous for its River Walk, the Alamo, Tejano culture, and home to the SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks, the city is visited by 20 million tourists per year.

The San Antonio International Airport is located in north central San Antonio, approximately eight miles from downtown. It has two terminals and is served by 21 airlines serving 43 destinations including three in Mexico.

San Antonio , Cheap stuff:
9/10

The city is visited by 20 million tourists per year, therefore it is very expensive city.

San Antonio , Different stuff:
9/10

No other city in Texas reflects the state's Mexican heritage better than San Antonio. Hispanics make up a considerable fraction of the population though and it shows in most places. The Hispanic atmosphere of San Antonio makes it a truly unique US city. This becomes most evident during Fiesta week, a yearly celebration where thousands of San Antonians enjoy parades, food and drink in the charming downtown streets of the city. Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas.

The rest of the year there's not much to do.

San Antonio , Don't miss:
9/10

River Walk (aka Paseo del Rio). The River Walk area, one level below the street level of San Antonio, is an excellent place to explore by day and party by night. The River Walk has guided barge tours by Rio San Antonio Cruises departing regularly. Numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels line the River Walk on both sides of the most popular and developed downtown loop, which winds its way below the streets bounded by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south, and St. Mary's to the west. The east end of the River Walk is extended to the Convention Center and to the Rivercenter Mall, which houses over 100 retail shops including an IMAX theater. Further development of the River Walk is proceeding north and south of downtown. No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the River Walk.

San Antonio , Food:
8/10

From authentic to innovative, San Antonio cuisine is a fusion of gastronomical delights derived from the many cultures that settled the area. In San Antonio, Mexico meets Germany, with the Deep South and cattle-loving Texas tossed in for good measure.

San Antonio has a narrow gastronomical pallet. The Mexican, Tex-Mex and burgers are great and they make up the bulk of restaurant offerings. There's a woeful shortage of culinary diversity. Ask a San Antonian to name five good Indian, Italian, Seafood, or Deli restaurants that aren't a chain and you'll stump them.

San Antonio , Hotels:
8/10

You can find everything, from relatively cheap motels an B&Bs to luxury but very expensive hotels. San Antonio has it all.

San Antonio , Safety:
9/10

San Antonio is a relatively safe city. As long as you take elementary precautions, you'll have a great time. Even when there are crowds for such events like the Alamo Bowl, it is still relatively safe. Just remember that the River Walk always has something going on, but if you're in one of the quieter spots at night, exercise some caution. Along many sections of the River Walk, there is nothing between the edge of the sidewalk and the River. Be very careful with young children, baby strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

Stay away from the South side.

San Juan Capistrano , General info:
8/10

San Juan Capistrano is a city with over 200 years of history. It's just a few minutes from the beach by car or bicycle (if you know what you're doing),

San Juan Capistrano , Different stuff:
8/10

San Juan Capistrano is the home of the "Jewel of the Missions," a 200 year old Mission founded by a Spanish Catholic Priest, Father Junipero Serra, who founded many other Missions along the coast of California. San Juan is also the home of the returning swallows. The Return of the Swallows is celebrated every March 19, and the Swallows Day Parade (the largest non-motorized parade in the Western United States) is held on a Saturday around that time. The day before the parade is known as "Hoosegow Day," where anyone can be jailed (for fun) in an old iron barred jail cell, especially when not wearing some sort of cowboy attire. Freedom usually consists of a "bribe" of a dollar or a kiss on the cheek from a lady friend for the jailor.

San Juan Capistrano , Don't miss:
9/10

During the Summer months, Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts "Music Under the Stars," featuring live Big Band, Jazz, Blues, and Classical music, as well as dinner and dancing. Across from the Mission is The Swallows Inn, a Bar and Pool house voted "Best Night Life" by the Capistrano Dispatch. Live music, dancing and fun, must be 21 to enter.

San Juan Capistrano , Food:
7/10

Cedar Creek in, at the corner of Ortega Highway and Del Obispo has very good food. Try the Monte Cristo Sandwich. Augustin's Mexican Food in the Farm to Market shopping center has excellent carne asada tacos. For a quick fruit snack, go to the Kinoshita Farm organic produce market at the corner of Alipaz and Camino del Avion. The Laguna Cliffs Marriot off Del Obispo just passed PCH has an excellent Sunday brunch

San Juan Capistrano , Hotels:
9/10

Mission Inn, next to the Mission, and Laguna Cliffs Marriot, off Del Obispo passed PCH