Texas Attractions & Fun Things To Do In San Antonio
Hit San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, and get it on everything from museums and entertainment to shopping, nightlife and dining. The all-new TownePlace Suites San Antonio Downtown is located only steps from Riverwalk and less than .1 miles from the Alamo, it's the perfect place to see it all!
Riverwalk San Antonio.
Riverwalk San Antonio is a charming stretch of walking paths lined with shops, bars and restaurants that wind along the banks of the San Antonio River. Also known as Paseo del Río, the Riverwalk passes one story below downtown San Antonio, Texas and offers a splendid walking tour that includes the San Antonio Museum of Art, Rivercenter mall, HemisFair Park and much more. For a directory of fun things to do and attractions to see on San Antonio's Riverwalk, go to www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.The Alamo.
The Alamo is the last vestige of the famed Battle of the Alamo, a 13-day siege which took place from February 23 - March 6, 1836. Although defeated by the Mexican Army, the Texas Revolutionaries or "Texians" who fought the battle inspired many others to join their cause. Eventually, the Alamo led to the end of the Texas revolution when the Texians won the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, which decisively drove the Mexican Army out of Texas. To learn more about visiting the Alamo and its history, go to www.thealamo.org. [Top]
SeaWorld San Antonio.
SeaWorld San Antonio is a marine-life theme park that covers a sprawling 250 acres in the Westover Hills area of San Antonio, Texas. SeaWorld San Antonio's exhibits include: Penguin Encounter, Dolphin Cove, a Seal And Sea Lion Community, a Sharks and Coral Reef exhibit and Alligator Alley. There's plenty of rides too, and Shamu's Happy Harbor with little kids rides like Pete's Pinwheel, Shamu Express and Jumpin' Jungle. To learn more about SeaWorld San Antonio, visit www.seaworld.com/sanantonio.Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Six Flags Fiesta is located in San Antonio, Texas at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Loop 1604. Six Flags Fiesta features six main theme areas to have fun: Crackaxle Canyon, Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, Los Festivales, Spassburg, Wiggles World and Rockville. To learn more about Six Flags Fiesta Texas, visit www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas. [Top]Lackland Air Force Base.
Lackland Air Force Base is located in San Antonio, Texas. A United States Air Force base operated by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), this base is known as the only place that the United States Air Force puts their enlisted through Basic Military Training for active duty, the Air National Guard and reserves. To learn more about Lackland Air Force Base, visit www.lackland.af.mil.Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center hosts nearly a million conventioneers attending more than 300 events each year. Named in honor of Texas' late U.S. congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center boasts more than 1,300,000 square feet. To learn more about the facilities and attending conventions and upcoming events at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, visit www.sanantonio.gov/convfac. [Top]
Alamodome.
The Alamodome is a multi-use facility and was the home of the championship San Antonio Spurs before moving to AT&T Center. A domed combination football and basketball stadium, the facility seats up to 72,000. Opened in 1993, the Alamodome also functions as one of San Antonio's leading convention centers. To learn more about attending events at San Antonio's famed Alamodome, visit www.sanantonio.gov/dome.Shops at La Villita.
Shops at La Villita is an historic arts village that features a number of art galleries and collectives, including River Art Group, Susan Carlin Art, Nueva St. Gallery and Little Studio Gallery. Grab a bite while you browse the art, there's the Fig Tree Restaurant, Little Rhein Steak House and Guadalajara Grill for your dining pleasure. To learn more about the Shops at La Villita, visit www.lavillita.com.San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens.
The San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and has alternatively been known as the Chinese Tea Garden Gate, the Chinese Tea Gardens and the Sunken Gardens. Built on an abandoned limestone quarry, the land was donated in 1899 to the city of San Antonio, Texas by the president of the San Antonio Water Works Company, George W. Brackenridge. To learn more about interesting things to see and do at the San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens, visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Japanese_Tea_Gardens. [Top]San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory opened in 1980 and occupies 33 splendid acres in San Antonio, Texas. Today, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory includes the Lucile Halsell Conservatory and a restaurant. The restaurant is open for lunch most weekdays and open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. To learn more about things to do at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, visit www.sabot.org.Natural Bridge Caverns.
Experience one of the world's premier caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns. Take the Discovery Tour and see what millions of others have seen - an incredible underground world of natural beauty. This 75-minute tour travels through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular show cavern in Texas. The new Illuminations Tour gives guests an up-close and personal tour of the amazing Hidden Passages dramatic lighting and spectacular formations. www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
In 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions' purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htmMission San Jose.
While the Alamo is the most widely known and visited, travelers shouldn't make it their sole stop inside San Antonio Missions National Park. The San José, established in 1720, was a model for other missions--and the most prosperous. http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm [Top]Mission Concepción.
Arguably the most beautiful mission church, Concepción looks much like it did in 1731 when it hosted many religious ceremonies. The structure is, in fact, the oldest un-restored church in America. While its exterior paintings have faded, guests can view conserved interior remnants of wall and ceiling paintings.http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htmMission San Juan Capistrano.
The San Juan's fertile farmlands allowed for a self-sustainable mission, and its surplus helped supply the region with produce. The chapel and bell tower are still in use. Note the typical Romanesque archway at the entrance gate and the remains of a half-completed, more elaborate church. http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htmMission Espada.
This mission contains the best-preserved segment of the acequia (irrigation system) that was used to bring water to the fields. Today, part of the acequia operates the Espada aqueduct and dam. Also noteworthy are an unusual door and stone archway. http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm [Top]Tower of the Americas.
Here's where to go for a panoramic view of San Antonio from 750 feet. Built for the 1968 World's Fair, the tower recently underwent a series of renovations to the observation deck and rotating restaurant at the top; the latter now features upscale dining and a sophisticated bar area. A glass elevator will take you up to the Flags Over Texas observatory, with heart-stopping views all the way. http://www.toweroftheamericas.com/
San Antonio Zoo.
The third largest zoo in the U.S., the San Antonio Zoo is one of the oldest as well. A collection of animals was assembled in San Pedro Park in the 1800s. more animals were added in 1914. Today, more than 3,500 animals reside at the zoo, representing 600 special of animals on 56 acres.http://www.sazoo-aq.org/King Williams Historic District.
A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River. In the late 1800's the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. Prominent German merchants originally settled the area. It was zoned as the state's first historic district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. http://kingwilliamassociation.org/joomla/ [Top]Witte Museum.
This family-oriented museum is geared towards experiencing South Texas history, natural science and technology. There are mummies and dinosaurs, Native American pictographs, Fiesta gowns and an EcoLab with living Texas critters – like tarantulas. http://www.wittemuseum.org/McNay Art Museum.
Established as the first museum of modern art in Texas, the McNay is renowned for its collection of 19th- and 20th-century European and American art displayed in a gorgeous Mediterranean villa and courtyard. http://www.mcnayart.org/Buckhorn Museum & The Texas Ranger Museum.
Discover more than 128 years of history.... Texas style. Marvel at two stories of the most exotic collections you've ever seen, from our unique horn collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas. See a two headed calf and a lamb with eight legs! http://www.buckhornmuseum.com/ [Top]Splashtown.
With 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement, this family water-park has something fun for every age - from Kids Kove to the Siesta del Rio offering a relaxing ride down a lazy river to major water rides. StarFlight is designed for space age thrills, and there are new rides and attractions throughout the park. http://www.splashtownsa.com/
Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort.
The 65-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has been called the #1 waterpark in the world by the Travel Channel. Plus, not only is Schlitterbahn the most popular summertime waterpark in the United States, but is also ranked as the #1 Kid-Friendly destination in the state of Texas. http://www.schlitterbahn.com/Kiddie Park.
Generations of small children have enjoyed the rides are this small, colorful and relaxed amusement park near downtown. A pint-sized Ferris wheel, roller coaster and antique merry-go-around are just some of the family-friendly rides. http://kiddiepark.com/ [Top]Ripley's Believe it or Not Adventures.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! allows you to discover one-of-a-kind oddities, curiosities and illusions gathered from all over the world by the famed cartoonist Robert Ripley. There are over 500 exhibits - one of the largest in the world! Louis Tussaud's Wax Works features a collection of wax figures displayed within themed sections of Hollywood, Children's Land of Make Believe, Freedom's Journey, Horror, History, Religion and much more! http://www.alamoplazaattractions.com/
Main Plaza.
San Antonio's historic Main Plaza, at the heart of the city, dates back to the early 1700s. The city lovingly restored it in spring of 2008. This innovative public space, with huge trees, bubbling fountains, sidewalks, tables and soft landscaping, vitalizes the city's center core.http://www.sanantonio.gov/mainplaza/Market Square.
The rich culture of San Antonio abounds throughout the plazas of Market Square with family-owned cafes, working artists and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande also known as El Mercado. From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through 32 shops at "El Mercado," and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers Market Plaza. http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/marketsquare/ [Top]Brackenridge Park.
One of the city's most beloved parks is Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre refuge in the heart of the city that offers a full day of family fun. This oak-studded oasis follows the northern bends of the San Antonio River, creating many alcoves perfect for picnics. There is also a stunning playground, trails for quiet walks and a dog park for four-legged entertainment. http://www.wildtexas.com/parks/bracken.phpSpanish Governor's Palace.
A national historic landmark, labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society, it once housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. Over the entrance is the original keystone which contains the carved, double-headed eagle of the Hapsburg coat-of-arms and the inscription, in Spanish, "finished in 1749." http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/SpanGovPal.asp?res=1366&ver=trueThe Aztec Theatre.
The historic Aztec Theatre on the River Walk is home to the San Antonio Rose LIVE, a two-hour live classic country music show. The newly renovated Aztec Theatre now has comfortable spacious seating, a new stage, state of art sound and lighting technology that complement the live show.http://www.aztecontheriver.com/ [Top]HemisFair Park.
Built to host the 1968 World's Fair, the parks lushly landscaped areas and dramatic, cascading waterfalls offer a refreshing retreat from city streets. The park houses several historic buildings, a playground, the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Instituto Cultural Mexicano. But one of the park's biggest (literally) highlights is the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas which offers breathtaking views of San Antonio. http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/HemisFairPark.aspInstitute of Texan Cultures.
The Institute of Texan Cultures features 65,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits and displays that tell the stories of Texans. The mission of the Institute is to engage lifelong learners in the understanding and celebration of Texas cultural heritage. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras, and don't be afraid to touch! http://www.texancultures.com/San Fernando Cathedral.
Often considered the heart and soul of San Antonio, San Fernando Cathedral has played an integral part of the city's growth. Built in 1738, its history includes both religious and secular duties. Texas hero James Bowie married Ursula de Veramendi in its sanctuary, and Mexican General Santa Anna used the church as a lookout. http://www.sfcathedral.org/
Biking in San Antonio
San Antonio recently received the honor of one of America's "Most Bike-Friendly Cities," and it's no surprise as downtown San Antonio recently launched a revolutionary bike share program called B-Cycle. While you are in San Antonio, TX make use of this innovative system by finding your bike for the day at any of 20 B-Cycle stations around the downtown San Antonio area. Get to your destination quickly and cleanly with San Antonio alternative transportation. For more information on B-Cycle, visit http://sanantonio.bcycle.com [Top]
