Top Ten Attractions in San, Antonio Texas
by
Suzanne Carmel
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The
Alamo
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For
a historic southwestern city with a cosmopolitan flare,
travelers need look no further than San Antonio, the
nation's ninth largest city with traditions and culture
as diverse as the sights and attractions waiting to
be explored. First Native Americans lived along the
San Antonio River, calling the area "Yanaguana"
meaning "refreshing waters" or "clear
waters".
Then
Spanish explorers and missionaries discovered the
river in 1691 and named it "San Antonio"
in honor of the feast day of St. Anthony which they
were celebrating. The city received the same name
in 1718 when Father Antonio Olivares established
Mission San Antonio de Valero, which became forever
known as The Alamo in 1836 - the place where 189
defended the mission for 13 days against 4,000 Mexican
troops. Though the mission was lost to Mexico, the
battle became a symbol for the Texas fight for freedom,
with the rallying cry "Remember the Alamo".
Today The Alamo is a shrine and a museum - perhaps
the most famous attraction in San Antonio, but certainly
not the only attraction of note. Here are ten city
attractions, including The Alamo, that are San Antonio
"must-sees".
1.
The Alamo is a monument to 189 men who sacrificed
their lives in the fight for Texas freedom. The
museum located on the mission's grounds exhibits
artifacts from that battle and from the period of
the Republic of Texas. In addition, visitors can
enjoy audiovisual shows and exhibits on early Texas
history. Admission is free. (210) 225-1391.
2.
There are four other missions from the early
1700s in the city, forming the San Antonio Missions
National Historic Park. The visitor center located
at Mission San Jose is an excellent place to begin
exploring the Spanish influence on the city. The
four active parishes are located along Mission Trail
Parkway. Admission is free. (210) 229-5701.
3.
Another historic attraction, located downtown,
is La Villita (the little village), the site
of one of San Antonio's original settlements. The
area is now a National Historic District and a center
for artists and craftsmen selling their ware. Wander
down the cobblestone streets to watch artisans such
as glass blowers and weavers work. Restored buildings
are filled with restaurants, galleries and shops.
Admission is free. (210) 207-8610.
4.
Market Square (El Mercado) is another great
place to browse. It's the largest Mexican marketplace
outside of Mexico, dating back to 1840. In addition
to the colorful imports the market holds weekend
fiestas, boasts an art gallery, and a 24-hour restaurant/bakery.
Shoppers are entertained with mariachi serenades.
Admission is free. For more information call (210)
207-8600.
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The
River Walk - photo: Steve Moore |
5.
The River Walk, 20 feet below street level along
the banks of the San Antonio River is one of the most
popular attractions in the city. It was built between
1939 and 1941 as a lush oasis through the heart of
the downtown business district. Stroll along its two-and-a-half-mile
winding route past shops and restaurants, or take
a Yanaguana Cruise where a tour guide will talk about
the history of the river. For more information call
(800) 417-4139.
6. For insight into the multicultural influences
on San Antonio visit The University of Texas
Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio where
exhibits explore the 27 different ethnic groups
that comprise today's Texas landscape with fun displays,
many of which encourage visitor participation. Many
artifacts are available to touch and handle. (210)
458-2300
7. Relax and unwind while strolling through acres
of lush vegetation at the San Antonio Botanical
Gardens. Three distinct Texas landscapes are
represented through formal gardens, aquatic gardens
- even a garden for the blind where the touch and
scent of flowers and plants are emphasized. (210)
207-3250.
8. The world's largest marine life theme park, SeaWorld San Antonio, boasts more than 25
shows, educational exhibits and rides. Learn all
about aquatic life in a fun, educational environment.
For more information call (210) 523-3611.
9. Thrill to over 20 rides, live performances,
and a laser and fireworks extravaganza at Six
Flags Fiesta Texas. Four theme areas celebrate
Texas' diverse heritage. The park is free for children
two years and under. For more information call (210)
697-5050.
10. Four San Antonio museums make up another top
attraction in the city. The Witte Museum is
a natural history museum covering the ecological
diversity found throughout the state of Texas. Walk
through the outdoor butterfly and hummingbird museum
and view live Texas animals in the Ecolab. Uncover
inventions and crazy contraptions at the H-E-B Science
Treehouse (210) 357-1900.
The San Antonio Museum of Art, housed in the
former headquarters of the Lone Star Brewery, is
noted for its antiquities collections and the adjacent
30,000 square-foot Nelson A. Rockefeller Center
as the largest repository of Latin American art
in the United States. (210) 978-8100
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The
McNay Art Museum - photo: San Antonio CVB |
A
wide array of art collections, including French and
European painting, Gothic and Medieval art and American
art, hang on the walls of The McNay Art Museum,
set inside a Mediterranean-style mansion. Admission
is free except for special touring exhibits. For more
information call (210) 824-5368. The San Antonio Children's
Museum helps children understand the city's history
with interactive exhibits and workshops. For more
information call (210) 212-4453.
With
these ten city highlights and many more, including
Tex-Mex and other world-class dining; shopping;
golf; a wide range of festivals; and day trips to
nearby caverns and ranches, you'll be kicking up
your heels and enjoying your stay in the cultural
capitol of Texas.
For
more information call the San Antonio Convention
& Visitors Bureau at (800) 447-3372 or visit
their website www.SanAntonioVisit.com |
