San Antonio, a city of more than 1 million people, lies on the San Antonio River and the narrow San Pedro Creek, on the south-eastern edge of the Texan tableland. It is the centre of a prosperous agricultural area (livestock farming), with important industries (engineering, aircraft servicing for the U.S. Air Force, oil). San Antonio, originally a Spanish foundation, reflects more clearly than any other Texan city the influence of different cultures on the history of Texas. The western and southern districts in particular have a distinctly Mexican character, but there are traces of a once large German community.
All come together in the annual San Antonio Fiesta in April, when celebrations take place in every corner of the city, the strains of Mexican conjunto music blending with the German polka and aroma of enchilada with that of roast potatoes.
History The Spanish military post of Presidio de Bexar and the Franciscan mission of San Antonio de Valero were established here in 1718, and soon afterwards San Antonio de Bexar became capital of the Spanish province of Texas. After the expulsion of the Spaniards (1821-36) the town was under Mexican sovereignty, until Texas broke away from Mexico in 1835. The famous battle of the Alamo was fought in the following year. In April 1836 Texas achieved its independence from Mexico, and until the incorporation of Texas in the United States in 1845 San Antonio belonged to the independent republic of Texas.
The Alamo is an early 18th C church which was later turned into a fort. The building was made famous in the war of independence when a small Texas force used the fort for cover against an army of 3000 Mexicans.
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.
North of downtown San Antonio is the spacious Breckenridge Park, with the Chinese Sunken Gardens, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Antonio Zoo. To the east, beyond Funston Place, are the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
The park is a favorite with families who come here with children.
The functioning Saloon is over 100 years old. While you have a drink or meal prepare to be entertained with trick roping, an old west card act, cowboy poet and gunfighters. There is also an arcade and wax museum.
This was the home of Jose Antonio Navarro, a central figure in the formation of Texas. His personal memorabilia is on display.
Address: Casa Navarro State Historic Site, 228 South Laredo Street, San Antonio, TX 78207-4544, United States
Phone: 1 (210) 226-4801, Fax: 1 (210) 226-4801
The museum is aimed at children 2 to 10 years of age and features hands-on, educational displays.
Address: San Antonio Children's Museum, 305 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205-1802, United States
Phone: 1 (210) 212-4453, Fax: 1 (210) 242-1313
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Sat:9am-6pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
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.
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).
Tower of the Americas in Hemis Fair Park, San Antonio.
The Hertzberg Museum has stopped operating due to the condition of the building in which it was located. It may resume operations at some point in the future.
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.
Hours:
9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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.
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.
The Lyric Opera was established in 1997 by Mark A. Richter, a local tenor and businessman. The company began with modest budget productions and has evolved into more full scale, major performing arts organization.
The McNay Art Museum, specialises in modern art, including contemporary Indian art.
The museum is located on the former estate of Marion Koogler McNay in a large Spanish Colonial Revival house. McNay moved to San Antonio in 1926 and was an avid collector of 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. Today the museum has a vast collection of works ranging from Medieval and Renaissance pieces to modern paintings and sculptures.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The center displays permanent and changing exhibits with a focus on contemporary Mexican and South American artists. The institute also provides lectures, films, and workshops.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has over 50 species from around the world that roam freely in the drive-through safari. The ranch does a good job of offering educational tours and turns the "wild" into a place of learning.
Address: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266, United States
Phone: 1 (803) 438-7400, Fax: 1 (830) 438-3494
Hours:
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Hours vary - call or visit website for details.
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens features a variety of areas with individually designed gardens. Some of the highlights include a children's garden, conservatory, a garden for the blind, butterfly garden, rose garden, and many others. Check with the gardens to see what's in bloom and also to see about featured displays and exhibits.
Address: San Antonio Botanical Society, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209-6631, United States
Phone: 1 (210) 207-3250, Fax: 1 (210) 207-3274
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The airport is located in north central San Antonio, approximately 15 minutes from the downtown area. The airlines servicing the airport offer direct flights to many destinations around the USA and Mexico.
The large marine entertainment showplace, SeaWorld, lies 16 mi. north-west of San Antonio on Loop 1604. It has over 25 shows, attractions and exhibitions, including the killer whales, Cypress Gardens West Botanical Gardens, a large white-water run and, for children, Capt'n Kid's World.
Six Flags Fiesta is a musical, theme and water park set in a former rock quarry. Rides include the Wagon Wheel, the Road Runner Express, the Rattler and Poltergeist coasters, a steam train and old-fashioned carousel.
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.
In 1862, the original museum was a research facility in Washington D.C. Everything was transferred to Texas in 1946.
The collection consists of Army medical equipment, uniforms, artwork and photographs as well as M170 Front Line Ambulance, an H13 D Model (Korean War) helicopter, and a UH1 Huey from the early Vietnam War.
Address: US Army Medical Department Museum, Box 340244, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States
Phone: 1 (210) 221-6358, Fax: 1 (210) 221-6781
Hours:
10am-4pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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The Alamo
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The Alamo, San Antonio
Paseo del Rio / River Walk, San Antonio
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio
Fredericksburg, San Antonio
King William Historic District, San Antonio
Pedernales Falls State Park, Fredericksburg
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna, San Antonio
