Heading down to this southern Texas city? Read on for info on the home of the Alamo, as well as some tips on restaurants, San Antonio motorcycle routes, places to stay, and rules of the road. With tons of art, delicious dining options, and lovely views, this city is definitely a must-see.

Keep scrolling for recommendations on:

• unique neighborhoods that can’t be missed
• restaurants and saloons with ice-cold beers, BBQ, and live music
• relaxing hotels and campsites
• stunning motorcycle routes featuring blooming bluebonnet fields, bubbling creeks, and gorgeous cliffs
• tips on Texas motorcycle laws

Check out our comprehensive travel guide to San Antonio below.

Exploring San Antonio

Featuring a lively riverwalk, eclectic craft shops, and a variety of diverse restaurants, San Antonio is a popular tourist attraction for a reason. There’s a ton of versatile culture in this exciting city, including a deep appreciation of rock ‘n roll, burgers, and art. 

So, park your bike and dive into these fascinating neighborhoods: 

Southtown

Southtown is home to San Antonio’s creative community. Filled with cafes, galleries, and funky bars, this neighborhood is definitely worth walking through. If you happen to be here for the first Friday of the month, you’ll notice a free festival centered around the Blue Star Arts Complex. It's definitely a great way to see the artistry of San Antonio on full display! If you miss First Friday, you can always check out these spots:

• The Friendly Spot which offers a huge assortment of brews, deals, and fried snacks on a sprawling patio.
• San Angel Folk Art Museum to purchase trinkets and handmade jewelry.
• Alamo Street Eat Bar, which is a food truck park. Hello, heaven!

St. Mary’s Strip

• Brass Monkey (pictured above) has tons of drink specials and lively music.
• The Lonesome Rose is where you can catch live honky-tonk shows around fire pits and BBQ.
• High Wire Arts displays an assortment of locally made art.

Alamo Heights & the Riverwalk

Home of the legendary Alamo battle, San Antonio definitely honors its history. Check out this district's stunning riverwalk, Tex Mex options, and learn some fascinating facts. This “neighborhood” is technically an incorporated town, and is a bit different from the rest of the city. Here, you’ll find tons of options for shopping, fine dining, and stunning architecture to admire.

• McNay Art Museum is the first modern art museum in the state.
• The Alamo is open for history buffs and curious minds.

Westside

Similar to Southtown, Westside is a celebration of San Antonio’s creativity. Bursting with street art, history, and places to eat, this neighborhood is a great stop to check out on your trip. Unwind in Woodlawn Lake Park and fish, snack on tamales, or play miniature golf at Cool Crest. Other interesting places include:

• Guadalupe Arts Center for new book readings, plays, and other local shows.
• Puente de Fuego at Jaime’s Place offers jam sessions, night markets, and $3 beers!
• Jefferson Bodega is an combination of convenience store, nightclub, and art gallery that features global snacks and pop-up hip-hop shows.

Where to Grab a Bite & Brew

Texas is known for their ranches, hospitality, and Lone Star beer. While you’re at the home of Tex Mex, check out these spots to get some Southern comfort until you’re ready for the road.

• 2M Smokehouse (pictured above) features some of the best brisket in the city…and the competition for BBQ is pretty steep in San Antonio. This locally-owned smokehouse is sure to blow your socks off! While it’s not necessarily a biker place, it deserves an honorable mention since it is one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
• Hanging Tree Saloon is a roadhouse bar complete with double-swinging doors, live music, pool, shuffleboard, and plenty of parking for bikes. Doesn’t get much more Texas (or moto-friendly) than this saloon!
• Keese’s BBQ is nestled at the top of the Twisted Sisters route, and is a great spot to refresh before the long ride. Friendly service, generous portions, and genuine small town charm will prepare you for your winding and blooming trip.

Need a place to stay?

Maybe you’ve been riding all day and you’re ready for a fluffy bed and some room service? Get some San Antonio comfort at one of these hotels:

• Eilan Hotel & Spa is located just on the edge of Hill Country. It's the perfect spot to rest up before you explore the beautiful Texas countryside!
• Hotel Emma at Pearl shows off the incredible history of San Antonio…in style. Relax at this boutique hotel, which is just steps away from downtown.
• Hotel Havana entertains guests with a happy hour, pool, and restaurant overlooking the Riverwalk. 

But if you’d prefer the open skies and desert to a roof and bed, there are also some stunning campsites near San Antonio. You can check out 

• Blanco State Park which features a gorgeous river that’s available for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Guadalupe River State Park is just north of the city and provides all the classic amenities of a campground with just a little bit more: the park offers a “glamping” experience.
• Lost Maples State Park, shown above, has absolutely breathtaking displays of foliage. It’s a bit further from San Antonio than the other parks, but well worth the trip. Check out this park for prime stargazing, bird-watching, or hiking.

Ready to Ride a Motorcycle Through San Antonio?

Texas doesn't just have deserts and cattle! This huge state also offers lush meadows, stunning cliffs, and sparkling waters. And luckily, all those sights are just a short ride around San Antonio.

Get on your gear, gas up, and check out these routes. 

San Antonio Loop Around

To get familiarized with San Antonio, check out this basic route that features plenty of open skies, hills, and, well, loops. This highway route takes less than a day to complete, and is a great choice for when you’ve just arrived. 

San Antonio is actually encircled by a few different highways, and the quick trip on them will show off the different neighborhoods and skyline. Also known as “The Circuit”, this 33-mile route highlights the versatility of architecture in San Antonio. 

Gruene-Fredericksburg Bandera Loop

While San Antonio has plenty of routes that feature the city landscape, the roads just outside the city are where you can really see the wonder of the Lone Star State. During spring, you can find bluebonnets and other wildflowers in full bloom along the road of this route. The flourishing blue and purple meadows are a sight that cannot be missed! 

Over 200 miles, this route takes at least two days. You might just find yourself wanting to stay longer, though, as this gorgeous route is filled with motorcycle-friendly restaurants and plenty of places to camp, fish, and ride. As you ride through four different towns, you can check out the various ranches in the “Cowboy Capital in the World.” The road itself is pretty versatile. It features lots of twists, turns, and corners to explore. Both the sights and the ride will keep you entertained. 

Twisted Sisters 

A collection of three different Hill Country Ranch roads, this 100-mile loop is made for long-time bikers and pros. The Twisted Sisters Route is about an hour northwest of San Antonio, and features tons of  sharp turns, steep cliffs, and gorgeous views. Starting in Medina at the Old Spanish Trail Restaurant (known as the OST) this route takes about four hours to complete. During the ride, you’ll see sprawling, rolling vistas and plenty of greenery. 

You can even stop to check out the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum and learn a bit of history about our favorite two-wheelers. (If you happen to be over the age of 100, the museum will even give you $5 to visit!)

Texas Motorcycle Road Rules

Whenever you travel, it’s important to be aware of each state’s laws and rules of the road. After all, no one wants to get a ticket on vacation! If you’d like to learn more about Texas motorcycle laws, check out the official Texas Motorcycle Training Manual. 

Here are some quick tips to keep you safe in the Lone Star State:

• helmets are legally required for people under 21, individuals without insurance, or a motorcycle training certification
• Texas requires brakes, reflectors, and head and rear lamps on all motorcycles
• lane splitting is illegal
• class M license is required
• eye protection is required for offroading.

Another factor to be aware of in Texas is the heat and humidity. With temperatures regularly in the 90s, riders need to be prepared so that they do not overheat. Avoid sunstroke and dizziness by hydrating before your trip, avoiding the peak hours, and wearing breathable clothing. 

Bonus…RV and Motorcycle 20220 Rally

September 22-25, 2022
Bandera Crossing RV Resort in Bandera, Texas (NW of San Antonio) 
4300 State Highway 16 N, Bandera, Texas 78003 

Join RV and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the United States who ride free part-time, full-time or as weekenders. All rig types, all bikes, all the wheels! Experience the first rally specifically designed for RVers + Motorcyclists, trikes, sidecars and more. Learn from seminars, test your knowledge with all-wheels trivia, and experience the first ever “Newly Rig Show”. Just one more reason to head to San Antonio and rent a motorcycle.

Curious, but not ready to commit? 

Planning a trip, but you don’t want to transport your bike or take a really long ride to get to San Antonio? With Twisted Road, you can easily rent and ride the bike of your dreams. Click here to explore San Antonio by motorcycle!