What To Do
$: San Antonio defines "more bang for your buck." In fact, you won't spend one cent for many activities in the city.

Start by visiting The Alamo(300 Alamo Plaza). No first trip to San Antonio is complete without seeing this piece of history. Remember, though, that The Alamo is one of five missions. Drive the Mission Trail Parkway that connects these historic structures, which also include Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Pick up literature at the visitors center (2202 Roosevelt Avenue). Admission, including The Alamo, is free.

above, left: Everyone knows about The Alamo, but it is easy to forget the other four missions in the city.; above, right: A young San Antonian, donning his Davy Crockett garb, says, "The Alamo is my favorite place to visit."

Strolling the River Walk is a must-do adventure every trip. Restaurants, shops, musical performers, and even a huge mall line this 2 ½-mile-long, paved riverbank.

For $6, ride along the River Walk in a boat, and learn about the history of San Antonio from a tour guide.

Don't miss The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum (6000 North New Braunfels Avenue) for another freebie activity. Sitting on a hill north of Brackenridge Park overlooking downtown, this Colonial Revival-style mansion mainly houses 19th- and 20th- century European and American art.

Although the hats at Paris Hatters (119 Broadway) will cost you a pretty peso, browsing costs nada. Since 1917, this shop has covered the heads of such celebrities as Pope John Paul II, Dwight Yoakam, Waylon Jennings, Prince Charles, and B. B. King.

Let your imagination take flight in Alamo Fiesta on Main (2025 North Main), the most colorful store in the city. This place sells Mexican decorations for cheap, cheap, cheap (starting at less than $1). Pick up a crown of paper flowers or a boot-shaped piñata as the ultimate souvenir.

left: Alamo Fiesta's back room is open for shoppers looking for piñatas.; center: A birthday girl chooses one of Alamo Fiesta's mermaid piñatas (which happens to be taller than she is) for her party.; right: A young shopper in Alamo Fiesta selects the crown of paper flowers she wants to take home.