San Antonio, Texas is a historic city with modern attractions. The Alamo is a must-see, along with theme parks, museums, Market Square, the Mission Trail, Riverwalk, and the Tower of the Americas. The Menger Hotel and local cuisine are also highlights.
Now the eighth largest city in the United States, San Antonio, Texas is a place steeped in history and also bustling with modernity. San Antonio is an old city. The area was first settled by Spanish explorers and missionaries in 1695. The city was officially founded in 1718 by Father Antonio Olivares, who also established the San Antonio de Valero Mission, also known as the Alamo.
The Alamo, of course, is the most famous of San Antonio’s tourist attractions. This mission was the site of a 13-day siege during the Texas War of Independence. Davy Crockett and Sam Houston both fought here. The Alamo’s biggest surprise is that it’s now right in the middle of downtown. Most people think the Alamo is in the desert, and it used to be. No longer rural, it still retains an air of quiet mystery. The enclosed grounds are home to massive oak trees, some of which may have been standing when the building was erected. The Texas Rangers provide security, as the building contains many important artifacts and documents. The noise of the city is barely audible within the thick stone walls. The Alamo’s central role in Texas independence makes it a must-see attraction.
Other tourist attractions in San Antonio include the theme parks. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, and Splashdown Water Park all have their home in San Antonio, making it a great city for kids to visit. Other tourist attractions for children in San Antonio include the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, the Downtown All-Around Playground, the Plza Theater of Wax, and the San Antonio Zoo.
Museums are also included in the tourist attractions of San Antonio. The San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Museum of Art, and other museums, including those celebrating San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage, are located throughout the city. The Texas Air Museum is another attraction for the whole family, as is the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
One of the tourist attractions in San Antonio that also pays homage to Hispanic culture is Market Square, or El Mercado. This is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Market Square includes shops, restaurants and a street fair atmosphere that is irresistible. Mi Terra Cafe y Panaderia, one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, is located in the heart of El Mercado. It is open 24 hours and serves breakfast all day. The panaderia, or bakery, sells delicious breads and pastries. Mi Tierra is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike.
Since the missionaries founded the city, another of San Antonio’s popular tourist attractions is the Mission Trail. The missions were a vital part of San Antonio’s early religious and educational life. The nine-mile trail begins at The Alamo and ends near the San Antonio River. Five quests are on the trail, and the trip is suitable for driving, biking, or hiking. Complete trail and mission information is available at nps.gov/saan.
No San Antonio tourist attractions article would be complete without mentioning the Riverwalk. The San Antonio River cuts its way through the downtown core, and 20 feet below street level, shops, bars, and restaurants thrive. Flat-bottomed tour boats are a familiar sight along the way. Tour tickets are available at several locations, including Rivercenter Mall. Rivercenter Mall offers some of the best shopping in the city.
Other tourist attractions in San Antonio include the Tower of the Americas and IMAX Theater at the Rivercenter Mall, along with Natural Bridge Caverns and the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Many wonderful accommodation options are also available in the city, including the Menger Hotel. This hotel was built in 1859 and was once a brothel. It’s in the middle of downtown, right across from the Alamo, in fact. It’s a beautiful structure and the opulent lobda alone is worth a visit.
Eating in San Antonio is also an adventure. “Real” Mexican food is available in the area, great Texas Steaks and BBQ, Italian, seafood and other great cuisine. A tourist can eat for a week in San Antonio and not hit a single chain restaurant, there are so many good local places to choose from.
San Antonio, Texas is a city of old and new. Mostly, they mix in a creole of sights, sounds and flavors that is as delicious as it is different.
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