Safety Tips in San Antonio

When you are walking on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, you will need to keep an eye out for the differing terrain in the area. Most people are busy gawking instead of walking in this part of the city, so often people can lose sight of where they are walking. Although we did not see anyone fall in the river specifically, we did notice a few people slip and slide while walking across the portion of river which has this cut stone look. Most of the Riverwalk is well paved, but this particular portion is distinctively not. Be careful where you walk, or you may end up in the dirty grey water of the San Antonio River!

Again, this tip is likely a moot point as most savvy travelers know not to leave valuables readily visible in a car, but in particular watch out in San Antonio. There are park rangers around that are monitoring particular areas, but they are not there at all times, so when you are visiting the attractions around town, make sure you leave your valuables at the hotel or hidden away when you leave your car. When a location has to go to the extreme of creating a sign in the parking lot to remind you of this, you know that the possibility of it happening is even greater.

The early times in Spanish colonization were clearly for a smaller group of people than exist today. As we were walking around the missions here in San Antonio, we definitely noticed that we were “head and shoulders” above the rest in terms of height. On several occasions even Sarah at 5’7 had to duck down to get through the entrances. As you can see here, there was not much clearance, Clarence. A couple of these places caught me off guard because once in the room, there was plenty of space to stand, but if I moved too quickly toward the door, I would end up nose to nose with the cross beam! Definitely watch where you are going when here!

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas did a fine job of rescuing the Alamo from years of neglect and restoring it. The lovely old building with its tranquil gardens and moving shrine is a credit to their dedicated care. Just remember though, as you sit and listen to the tale of the heroic men who defended liberty here as it is told with passion and vivid imagery by the red-waistcoated guides that history is written by the winners and deep in the core of the myths and legends that have grown up around the old stones of Mission San Antonio Valero there is the story of the Mexicans who were doing no more than defending their newly independent country's sovereignity over the land their forefathers had settled. Maybe one day they too wil have a monument erected here in their memory.

The area surrounding the Riverwalk and the Alamo is not a good area. We were trying not to run over the passed out people with the stroller. Our six year old wondered why so many people were in the streets, We were also privy to a few scenes where the police had to break things up. This was about 8:30 pm, so we weren't out very late. Be careful when you are out and about.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the sting of a cactus prick, I would highly recommend that you watch your step when walking around in the natural environment of San Antonio. You likely will not face this flora in the middle of the Riverwalk, but care should be used when walking in the open fields around town.

In particular, there are alot of landscaped areas at the National Park's missions, so keep an eye out and watch where you walk!

If U R staying here in San Antonio and your kids are in middle school,DON'T SEND THEM TO WHITTIER!!!!!!They have drug problems and fights,drug overdoses plus used condoms on the ground.I know,I go there.It Hell.

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The Cops are out if full force. You'll see them in ones and twos along the heart of the Riverwalk, but on the street above the ditch, you might see 10-15 standing around together waiting to bust some horrible criminal for not wearing a seatbelt or public intoxication. Oh the horror. They must have something better to do like guard the border.

At least they keep the touristy areas safe and welcoming for tourists and the local workers.