San Antonio is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. From the iconic Alamo to the bustling Mexican Market Square, there's something for everyone in this Texas city. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic evening, San Antonio has it all. The Mexican Market Square is a great place to start your exploration of San Antonio.
Here, you can find mariachi bars and restaurants that extend to the plaza. You can also visit the Carver Community Cultural Center, which was founded in 1918 as a community center for African-Americans. Today, you can attend concerts and dance performances at this historic venue. San Antonio is home to many popular attractions, including the Spanish colonial missions, El Alamo, and the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
El Alamo is an 18th century Spanish mission that is now preserved as a museum commemorating the 1836 battle for the independence of Texas from Mexico. The San Antonio waterfront (also known as Paseo del Rio) was created as a result of a devastating flood that claimed the lives of 50 people. The Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo was founded in 1720 and received its name in honor of San José and the Marquis of San Miguel de Aguayo, governor of the province of Coahuila and Texas. Unfortunately, the Mission experienced a long period of gradual decline after the Mexican secularization law of 1833. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is another great attraction in San Antonio.
This safari by car is home to 500 animals (without predators or elephants) of 40 different species, which live within a 400-acre radius of gently sloping wooded hills. As you drive around the private property, you can watch the animals roam freely through their 3 generously sized pastures. The 38-acre botanical gardens are also worth visiting. Here, you can explore lush gardens and take in stunning views of the city skyline.
The San Antonio Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1981 and is popular with locals and visitors alike. The four superbly preserved missions are also worth visiting. These missions were established in the early 18th century and were considered a refuge by the population of South Texas after having lived in constant fear of being attacked by Apaches. All four missions are free to visit and offer a quiet and contemplative environment. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is another great attraction in San Antonio.
This 25-acre park was once a limestone quarry but has since been renovated and rebuilt. It now offers more than 25 attractions, including pulse-pounding roller coasters like the 105-foot-tall Goliath and milder rides for young children. You can also cool off at White Water Bay or have fun at one of the many family-friendly attractions, such as The Buckarooz. The San Antonio Zoo is also worth visiting. This zoo contains 520 species of wildlife from around the world, some of which have been collected over 100 years, including an unprecedented 1,056 pound black stingray and a 10,000-year-old prehistoric Irish elk. Lollypop Carriage offers carriage rides through downtown San Antonio between 6:00 p.m.
and 11:00 p.m., making sightseeing even more fun. Skip the Alamo tour and visit the other missions: Misión Concepción, Misión San José, Misión San Juan and Misión Espada.The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is an institution in San Antonio but it definitely won't be for everyone! Downtown San Antonio is very easy to get around on foot but there isn't much to do in the city center. If you're looking for some shopping options, in addition to the historic Market Square mentioned above, San Antonio has other great shopping options for you. The restaurant is open every day for breakfast and lunch and before or after lunch you can visit the elegantly restored historic house from 1860. The 1,300,000 square foot center offers shops for all ages and is easy to get around with maps, places to relax and cool off from the sun in shady outdoor seating areas (or heated areas in winter months), as well as clean facilities and a play area for children. The family will also love seeing the store's light and audio show which shows details about The Alamo before the famous battle of 1836 took place. Make sure to check out The Alamo Show which is broadcast on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 21:00, 21:30 and 22:00 hours respectively. This show tells the story of San Antonio through a 24-minute video. Keep in mind that summer days in San Antonio are generally very hot and humid so unless you're used to walking or biking in these conditions we generally recommend that you choose another option. San Antonio also has a municipal discount card that can help you save money on many of its attractions.
