San Antonio Attractions
The Alamo - 300 Alamo Plaza (78205) On the
east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189
defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General
Santa Anna’s army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was
established in 1718 as the city’s first mission. The chapel, one of the
most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all
that remain of the original fort.
Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel. The museum contains
relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the
fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside
beautifully landscaped grounds. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday;
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed December 24 and 25. Restricted hours
March 6.General admission: donations accepted. Special events for groups
include before and after hours tours-for more information call
210-225-1391 ext. 34. |
River Walk -
454 Soledad, River Ste. 2 (78205)
The Paseo del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is
the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the
banks of this peaceful, historic river.
Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the
river-level restaurants and shops. The river
bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the
Incarnate
 Word and flows to downtown and beyond, threading its
way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city
streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning
"place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped
riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and
willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants.
River cruisers travel the River Walk’s three miles past unique retail
shops, restaurants and nightclubs. See Yanaguana Cruises, listed
alphabetically. 210-227-4262. |
 Yanaguana Cruise, Inc.
- hosts one of the
most interesting and beloved facets of
San Antonio, the River Walk cruise.
Whether it be in December with the
world renowned Christmas lights taking
some of the sparkle out of the stars and
lighting the river, or during those warm
summer nights where frosty noses are a
distant memory, you can always jump on
a Narrated Cruise, get on a dinner boat
or just catch a ride to your hotel on our
Rio Trans River Shuttle. 315 E. Commerce Ste. 202 (78205)
210-244-5700, 1-800-417-4139. |
 La Villita - 418 Villita (78205) A unique arts and crafts
community with shops, working artists,
restaurants and a post office. The Old San
Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a
collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols
relevant to the history. This beautifully
landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and
five rental venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6
p.m. Free admission. Closed holidays. 210-207-8610. |
Institute
of Texan Cultures - Meet the pioneers of Texas
through exciting, creative displays featuring the 27 ethnic groups that
built the Lone Star State. A party at the Institute can include typical
foods, music and entertainment, all creating an "International" theme and
ambiance. Number of guests: exhibit floor, 1,000; patio area, 2,000.
210-458-2300. |
 Mexican Market - 514 West Commerce (78207) From early morning until
late at night, Market Square is alive with activity.
Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned
after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty
shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many
Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside
the Guadalajara lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the
excitement of Mexican dances. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer;10 a.m.-6
p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and
Easter. 210-207-8600. |
 Mission Trails - There is no admission fee at any of the missions, however, donations are
accepted. The park is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily except
Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's Day. The city's Mission Trail, which begins at the
Alamo, winds southward along a nine-mile stretch of the San Antonio River.
For additional information, contact San Antonio Missions National
Historical Park, 2202 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio 78210-4919; or phone
210-932-1001. |
 San Antonio Museum of Art - A castle-like building housing a collection ranging
from ancient art to Mexican folk art. Original home of
Lone Star Brewing Company. Elegant setting for
indoor/outdoor themes. Number of guests: 60,
indoors; 1,000 outdoors.
210-978-8158. |
 San Antonio Botanical Gardens -
(210) 207-3250
Hours of Operation
Open Year-Round<
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
(central standard time)
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day
Operated under the auspices of the City
of San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Department, the San Antonio Botanical
Garden founded in 1980, encompasses
33 acres in the center of the city of San
Antonio, 555 Funston @ North New
Braunfels Avenue. |
 San Antonio Zoo - 3903 N. St. Mary’s st.
(78212) (Brackenridge
Park) Ranked as one of the top zoos in the
nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 751
species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio
River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped
acres. Includes one of the largest bird
collections in the world and the only American zoo to exhibit the
endangered whooping crane. A new Gibbon Forest exhibit opened
April 2001. The Conservation Research Center exhibits the unique
naked mole rat. Seasonal shows and educational programs
throughout the year. The zoo also offers boat rides. Open 365
days a year. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial
Day; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: adults
$7; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $5; children 2 and under
free. Group rates available.
210-734-7183 |
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