The iconic Alamo is a treasured historic site, fragile with age and strained by visitor numbers, in great need of careful restoration.
Please Travel Responsibly in San Antonio
San Antonio is a city of deep roots and wide welcomes, shaped over centuries by Indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial missions, Mexican-American traditions, Black history, and a rich mix of global influences. The city is also proud of its heritage, mindful of its drought-prone environment, and energized by the people who live, work, and visit.
As we gather for One Rb World 2026, please join us in traveling with care. That simply means being aware of the impact we have, and choosing to make it positive, wherever we can. From how we use public spaces to the stories we listen to and share, every small decision can help protect what makes this place so special.
Here are a few tips we’ll aim to follow when we visit. We hope they’ll also help you to walk soft, act strong, and make the most of One Rb World and your time in San Antonio.
1. Respect Cultural Heritage
San Antonio’s story is long, layered, and still unfolding. Getting to know it more deeply is one of the real joys of visiting.
The Alamo and the Missions
You’ll likely visit the Alamo – it’s right in the heart of the city and easy to reach from our hotel. While the famous battle is well known, there’s much more to the site and its surrounding mission district. The Alamo was originally one of five Spanish colonial missions, and together they form Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site. They also sit on land that has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
A City of Many Cultures
San Antonio is proudly Tejano – home to generations of Mexican-American families with deep roots in this region. You’ll also find strong influences from German, African-American, and other cultural communities that give the city its unique flavor. Many museums, walking tours, and public art installations share these stories, and local guides and artists are often happy to talk about what they mean today.
Mindful Conversation
Language carries our history forward, so it helps to stay curious and open. If something you see or hear feels unfamiliar or unexpected, take the time to ask a respectful question or listen closer.
2. Support Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses, artisans, and food vendors enriches your experience — and gives back to the community you’ll be sharing with.
Shop Small, Find Hidden Treasures
Stroll through La Villita Historic Arts Village for handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, and copper pieces from local makers. Shops like Feliz Modern (at Pearl and Olmos Park) and Alamo Craft Company host rotating collections of ceramics, candles, art, and homeware from Texas and beyond. Don’t have time to visit the craft markets? No problem – you can order a little locally crafted San Antonio in a Box and have it delivered to the hotel or sent directly to your home!
Explore Local Marketplaces
The Pearl’s Pullman Market has been recognized as one of America’s best new restaurant complexes — offering a curated food hall, bakery, and butcher, all showcasing Texas‑grown ingredients. And for international flavors, check out Ali Baba International Food Market in the Silk Road Cultural Heritage District — a vibrant spot with Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African goods.
Eat with Intention
From mom‑and‑pop taquerías to farm‑to‑table cafés, San Antonio’s culinary heart beats outside the big chains. Choosing a locally owned venue is a tasteful adventure that boosts the vibrant, independent food scene. Ask for local recommendations, or try a casual taco crawl around the iconic La Familia Cortez restaurants.
3. Stay Safe and Respect the Land
Whether you’re exploring the River Walk, roaming around town, or hiking a trail, stay mindful of your surroundings – for your own safety and to protect the beautiful places you’re visiting.
On the River Walk
Our conference hotel is right on the River Walk – a beautiful, lively network of mostly-flat walkways beside the San Antonio River. It’s one of the city’s highlights, and because of that, it can also get busy.
Few areas of the river have railings, so please take care.
Some parts of the River Walk are below street level, and step-free alternatives are not available at every bridge or access/exit point. You’ll find detailed accessibility info and maps at the San Antonio River Walk website.
In Parks and Natural Areas
San Antonio’s green spaces are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a family picnic. Some, like Brackenridge Park or San Pedro Springs, have shaded walkways and accessible routes. Others, like the National Historical Trails around the Missions, can be more rugged.
Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging sensitive habitats or cultural sites, and keep an eye out for local wildlife. If you’re heading into Hill Country, be mindful of uneven ground, rattlesnakes, and the potential for heat stress. The warmest hours of the day are between 3pm – 6pm.
Climate Considerations
Texas weather can be deceptive, even in September. Daytime temperatures can still reach the high 80s or low 90s °F.
4. Be Water Wise
San Antonio often faces drought, and water is a precious resource. The city has taken big strides in conservation and sustainable water use, and asks visitors to support their efforts.
Learn more about the city’s water sustainability efforts at San Antonio Water System, including more helpful tips for locals and visitors.
5. Leave No Trace
Whether you’re enjoying the downtown buzz or heading into nature, keeping shared spaces clean and healthy is part of traveling well.
In the Natural Environment
When you venture into nature, like Government Canyon State Natural Area or the San Antonio Missions Trail, remember the core principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan ahead and prepare to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
- Stay on trails to stay safe and avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
- Dispose of all waste properly – including food, wrappers, and tissues.
- Leave what you find – take home only photographic souvenirs.
- Minimize campfire impacts – Be aware of wind and follow local rules. Clear the area. Have water, shovel and dirt/sand ready to control and extinguish the fire quickly. Keep it small, in a fire ring or pit. Never leave it unattended. Thoroughly extinguish it using the “soak, stir, soak” method, and ensure all embers are cold to the touch before leaving.
- Respect local wildlife – don’t pick plants or approach, disturb, or feed animals.
- Be considerate of others – keep noise levels down, respect people’s space, and let them enjoy the peace.
Every short walk becomes part of a bigger story. May our steps in and around San Antonio keep Texas beautiful and her ecosystems thriving.
6. Walk, Drive and Cycle with Care
Getting around San Antonio can be easy, especially if you plan ahead. The downtown area near our conference hotel is highly walkable, and many attractions are clustered close together, so you will likely not need a car at all.
On foot
The River Walk, Alamo Plaza, and nearby streets are pedestrian-friendly. Use designated crosswalks and stay alert at intersections – downtown traffic can be fast-moving, especially at peak times.
On the Road
Parking downtown can be tight and expensive, so it’s worth using public transport or rideshares where possible. The city’s VIA Metropolitan Transit system offers bus service around central San Antonio, including routes to the Missions, the zoo, and Brackenridge Park. Learn more about timetables, fares, mobile app for live updates and much more at VIA Metropolitan Transit.
Some historic neighborhoods and natural areas have narrow roads, limited parking, and restricted traffic zones.
Bike Share & Scooters
BCycle offers an affordable bike-share program, and rentable e-scooters can be a fun way to get around short distances. Ride safely and with consideration for other cyclists and pedestrians, and park your bike or scooter away from pedestrian areas to ensure it is not an obstacle or trip hazard.
San Antonio requires all riders under 18 years to wear a helmet in public places, and recommends riders of all ages do so for their own safety. We recommend you bring your own helmets if you think you may want to hire a bike or scooter while in town.
7. Learn About Texas and San Antonio
Knowing a little about the city we’re visiting can deepen our sense of place and purpose during our time at the One Rb World conference.
A Few Touchpoints
- San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas, founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost.
- The region sits at the intersection of Indigenous lands, Spanish colonial history, Mexican independence, and U.S. statehood. That blend still defines its identity today.
- The Alamo, while iconic, is just one part of a much wider story of resistance, adaptation, and change.
If you’d like to learn more about the state and local region, check out:
- Texas Public Radio – thoughtful coverage of local news, culture, and community issues.
- Briscoe Western Art Museum – a museum that explores the myths and realities of the American West.
- The Witte Museum – excellent exhibits on South Texas history, nature, and people.
With a little local knowledge, we notice more, connect deeper, and bring more meaning to our visits. May your time in beautiful San Antonio be a delight!
More About One Rb World 2026
San Antonio 2026 | 2026 Program | Child Life | Conference Hotel | Registration | Partnerships | Travel Facts | Discover Texas – Stay Longer | Responsible Travel
