City Center, San Antonio

The River Walk, along the San Antonio River, runs for several miles past restaurants, shops, and hotels. The walk is a level below street level so no streets need be crossed. River cruises are also available along this section.The River Walk is the heart of the tourist area in San Antonio. Most people at least come here to see it and walk along this highly developed stretch of river, even if they don't stop to shop or eat. For those who want to spend some time here, outdoor patios and dining areas line the paved walk, offering a great place to sit and people watch.

South of the Arneson Theater is La Villita, the Mexican quarter (mid-18th c.; restored), with many shops selling folk art, art galleries and restaurants in adobe houses.

South-east of the Alamo is HemisFair Park, scene of the World's Fair of 1968. It is dominated by the 750 ft high Tower of the Americas, with an observation platform and revolving restaurant. Beyond this are the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Mexican Cultural Institute (contemporary Mexican art).

To the west of the San Antonio River, reached by way of the Main Plaza and the archiepiscopal San Fernando Cathedral (originally built by settlers from the Canaries in 1738-58), is the Military Plaza/Plaza de Armas, with the low whitewashed palace of the Spanish governor, built in 1749 with materials imported from Spain.The building is today a National Historic Landmark and operates as a museum.

To the south of these two plazas is the King William Historic District, built by prosperous German settlers in the 19th c. and named after King William of Prussia. The Steves Homestead (509 King William St.) a German house built in 1876, and Guenther House (205 Guenther St.), built in 1860, are open to the public.

Beyond San Pedro Creek is the city's Mexican quarter, with the picturesque Market Square (El Mercado) on West Commerce Street.Visitors will find Mexican restaurants, and shops and galleries with all kinds of souvenirs and crafts.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The museum, housed in an 1850's building, contains a collection of Old West artifacts and art as well as depictions of a saloon, saddle shop, jail, and general store.

The exhibits at the Institute of Texan Cultures depict the contributions of many of the ethnic and cultural groups that settled in Texas. The museum's collection is displayed through rotating exhibits.

This was the home of Jose Antonio Navarro, a central figure in the formation of Texas. His personal memorabilia is on display.

This home was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. It has been maintained since 1954 as a historic home.

The museum has more than 250 life-size wax figures displayed in various theme settings.

The burial site of heroes of the Alamo.