San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the United States, and the second largest in the State of Texas. Packed with museums, galleries and parks as well as a lively nightlife and Hispanic atmosphere, it is also well placed for a family holiday as it is the hub of three very different areas of America's landscape: the South Texas Plains, the Praries and Lakes, and Hill Country. Look out for deals on self-catered accommodation for a money saving element to a potentially expensive family holiday.

The first destination for most tourists on reaching San Antonio will be the Alamo, site of the battle where American folk heroes Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett both met their ends. South of downtown Saint Antonio, any family members with an interest in history will want to wander the streets of the King William Historic Area, 25 blocks of very well-preserved 19th Century buildings. The River Walk is also an essential tour which can be done by foot or by guided barge tours, and you will also find many excellent restaurants along the way. The San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium should appeal to members of the family of all ages, however, with over 750 species and open every single day of the year. If you tire of taking in all the sights on foot, you can even take helicopter tours of the city and surrounding areas, with some breathtaking views of downtown San Antonio and Texas Hill Country.

With many rental apartments and condos available in San Antonio there are some great deals to be found for a family holiday, with prices starting at around £600 for a week in an apartment big enough for a family of four or more. This tends to work out at a low cost compared to staying in hotel rooms, and with some historic 19th Century buildings among the rental homes available, it feels like a much more authentic way to experience a stay in San Antonio. Fully equipped with all modern comforts, usually including air conditioning, broadband, DVD players and TVs, an apartment rental holiday gives you a much greater sense of privacy and relaxation, and with the self-catering facilities, you can make day trips out into the surrounding countryside without worrying about basing your day around the opening times of a hotel restaurant.