4 days ago
Why San Antonians should fly to Philadelphia this hot travel season
If you're still planning on taking a break from the imminent and relentless heat coming this summer and fall to Central and South Texas and don't want to spend all day traveling, consider Philadelphia a no-fuss destination from San Antonio.
In June 2024, American Airlines launched seasonal daily nonstop flights from SAT to PHL that last through early November. Clocking in at just 3.5 hours one way, these seasonal round-trip fares and times vary.
Tour the history and the contemporary culture of Philadelphia
While San Antonio is home to the San Antonio Missions—of which the five Spanish colonial Missions were recognized as World Heritage sights in 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—and in 2017 the city was designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, the entire city of Philadelphia is the first city in the United States to be dubbed a World Heritage City.
As the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia's Historic District is a first stop for any history buff to take in the culture.
According to Visit Philadelphia, the city's historic district—which spans from the Delaware River to Seventh Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street—contains 23 essential stops to take in all the history. Those include the Independence Visitor Center, The Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall & Congress Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, The Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, Franklin Square, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Declaration (Graff) House, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and many other stops along the way.
Philadelphia's Historic District not only nods to the nation's past, but also to its current culture, with popular beer gardens, boutiques, trending restaurants and eclectic art galleries.
Travel beyond the historic district and visitors will learn why the city considers itself the 'Mural Capital of the World.' In the early 1980s the city embarked on an anti-graffiti program dubbed Mural Arts Philadelphia. Now it is the largest public arts program in the nation, comprising more than 4,000 murals with a goal to add up to 100 annually. The murals not only celebrate the city's place in history but also its diversity, sports legacy, portraits of famous locals and famous figures from all over, and more.
Taking the theme of murals up a notch are Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, immersive mixed media art environments created by the artist Isaiah Zagar: the Magic Gardens Studio and Magic Gardens Museum: buildings and properties that are completely covered with mosaics.
According to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, tours to all these attractions are available that offer or combine a variety of walking, driving and bus tours. Arts and Culture tours include the murals, South Philly Art Tours, Magic Garden tours, and an 'It's Always Sunny Tour.'
Historic tours highlight the city's revolutionary history, and food and drink tours include samplings of the city's iconic cheesesteak proprietors and breweries, one of which offers a light walk while sampling 12 beer styles for just $79.
If you're looking for a brief historic walk, a 90-minute walking tour of Philadelphia is available for just $29. A candlelight ghost tour of the city is also available.
The South Philly Street Art Tour, for instance, takes visitors through the eclectic Queen Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods to explore mosaics and murals alike for just $42 per person. This tour includes the magic gardens and murals along the way.
If walking sounds a little intimidating, it's important to note that for the past three years, Philadelphia has been dubbed the most walkable city to visit by USA Today. Selected by a panel of travel experts and voted on by the public, the easy-to-navigate colonial streets make for a wonderful outdoor urban experience.
The Center City Philadelphia corridor spans from the Schuylkill River in the west to the Delaware River to the east, less than 2 ½ miles or 50 minutes from one side of the city to the other by foot.
'We're thrilled that Philadelphia has been named the most walkable city in the U.S. for the third year in a row,' said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau in a statement. 'Walkability is one of our greatest strengths, especially for international travelers and meeting attendees who want to maximize their time exploring the city.'
