San Antonio Marathon 2026: The Complete Travel Guide

The Humana Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon combines the energy of a live music-filled course with the rich cultural heritage of one of Texas's most historic cities. Held in late November, the race starts and finishes near the Alamodome and takes runners through downtown San Antonio, past the famous River Walk, and through diverse neighborhoods. With mild late-fall weather, affordable prices, and legendary Tex-Mex cuisine, San Antonio is an excellent destination for a marathon weekend getaway.

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The Event

Late November weather in San Antonio is mild and comfortable. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Race morning temperatures are typically around 9-12°C (48-54°F), ideal for marathon running. Rain is uncommon but possible.

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The Venue: Alamodome

The Alamodome, a 65,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in downtown San Antonio, serves as the hub for the marathon start/finish area. The area around the dome provides ample space for runners and spectators, with easy access to parking, transit, and the nearby convention center where the race expo is typically held. The downtown location puts you close to the River Walk and all of San Antonio's main attractions.

What's nearby:

• San Antonio River Walk — the famous network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels, just a few blocks from the Alamodome
• The Alamo — the most famous landmark in Texas, a former 18th-century Spanish mission and site of the legendary 1836 battle, a short walk from the start area
• HemisFair Park — a revitalized urban park adjacent to the Alamodome featuring the Tower of the Americas and family-friendly green spaces
• La Villita Historic Arts Village — a charming collection of historic buildings now housing art galleries, shops, and restaurants along the River Walk

Important: The Rock 'n' Roll series features live bands and DJs along the course, creating a festive, party-like atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter race experience, position yourself between the music stages. The post-race concert at the finish is a highlight.

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Where to Stay

The River Walk area is the best place to stay, giving you walkable access to the race start/finish, restaurants, and attractions. Hotels along the River Walk range from luxury to mid-range. The King William District and Southtown, just south of downtown, offer a more artsy, residential feel with excellent restaurants and easy access to the course.

Hotel Contessa — Best for River Walk Access

An all-suite hotel located directly on the River Walk, Hotel Contessa offers spacious suites with river views and a prime location for both the marathon and sightseeing. The hotel is a short walk from the Alamodome start/finish and steps from dozens of restaurants. The rooftop pool overlooks the river.

The Emily Morgan Hotel — Best for Sightseeing

Located directly across from the Alamo on East Houston Street, The Emily Morgan Hotel offers stunning views of the historic site from its upper floors. This boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Gothic Revival building is within walking distance of the River Walk, the start/finish area, and all major downtown attractions.

Hotel Havana — Best Boutique Option

A charming 1914 Mediterranean Revival building on the quiet northern stretch of the River Walk, Hotel Havana offers individually decorated rooms with a romantic, vintage Cuban aesthetic. The ground-floor Ocho bar and restaurant is one of the best spots on the River Walk. Walking distance to the Alamodome and downtown.

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Getting There

From San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

SAT is located approximately 13 km (8 miles) north of downtown San Antonio.

A taxi or rideshare is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach downtown from SAT. The airport is close, so rides are affordable. The VIA bus is a budget-friendly alternative if you are traveling light.

Public Transport

San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit operates buses throughout the city. Downtown, the free VIVA Culture route circulates between major attractions including the Alamo, River Walk, Market Square, and the missions. For marathon weekend, most visitors can walk between their hotel, the race, and attractions.

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Where to Eat

The River Walk — the heart of San Antonio dining, with everything from upscale Southwestern cuisine to casual Tex-Mex, all along the scenic river. Look for restaurants a level above the main tourist strip for better quality and prices. Southtown and the King William District — San Antonio's arts district, south of downtown, with chef-driven restaurants, bakeries, and cafes in a charming historic neighborhood, slightly off the tourist path.

San Antonio Food to Try

• Puffy tacos — San Antonio's signature dish, fried masa shells filled with picadillo, chicken, or beans, best at the original Henry's Puffy Tacos or Ray's Drive Inn
• Breakfast tacos — the quintessential Texas morning meal of flour tortillas filled with eggs, bacon, beans, cheese, and salsa, found everywhere for just a few dollars
• Enchiladas — the Tex-Mex staple is done exceptionally well in San Antonio, with cheese enchiladas smothered in chili gravy a local specialty
• Barbacoa — slow-cooked beef cheeks, a weekend morning tradition served with Big Red soda, from spots like Garcia's Mexican Food
• Churros and Mexican hot chocolate — a perfect post-race treat from Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery in Market Square, open 24 hours

Budget eating: San Antonio is one of the most affordable food cities in the United States. Breakfast tacos cost $2-4 each. Market Square (El Mercado) offers authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. Taco trucks and neighborhood Tex-Mex spots serve excellent meals for under $10.

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Essential San Antonio Tips

Currency. US Dollar (USD). Cash vs card. Card is accepted everywhere. Cash is useful for taco trucks and Market Square vendors. Tipping. 18-20% at restaurants. Texans are generous tippers and friendly service is the norm. Language. English and Spanish are both widely spoken. San Antonio has deep Mexican-American roots, and Spanish is heard throughout the city. Weather in November. Highs around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F). Generally mild and pleasant with low humidity. Occasional cold fronts can bring cooler temps. Safety. Downtown San Antonio and the River Walk are safe and well-patrolled. The tourist areas, including the missions, are comfortable for visitors. Use standard awareness in less-traveled areas at night.

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What to See

• The Alamo — visit this hallowed Texas landmark and former Spanish mission in the heart of downtown, free admission
• San Antonio River Walk — stroll or take a river barge tour along the winding, tree-lined waterway below street level, one of the most unique urban spaces in the country
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing four 18th-century Spanish missions, including Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion
• Market Square (El Mercado) — the largest Mexican market in the United States, with shops, restaurants, and live music
• Tower of the Americas — a 750-foot observation tower in HemisFair Park offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding Texas Hill Country
• Pearl District — a revitalized former brewery complex north of downtown with farm-to-table restaurants, the weekend Pearl Farmers Market, and boutique shopping

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Quick Reference

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This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.