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In the course of its colorful history,
ownership of San Antonio has been claimed by six different
governments. Thus, the city is said to have been "under 6 flags."
Rule by France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the
Confederate States of America and the United States of America has
shaped San Antonio, as each culture has left its mark. Art,
architecture, and history intermingle everywhere in this robust
southwestern city. With nearly 300 years as a cultural crossroads
the city has a colorful past and takes every opportunity to
celebrate it! San Antonio is well known as a party going city.
Fiestas and festivals abound.
Downtown San Antonio retains an Old World feeling as narrow streets,
plazas, and Spanish architecture blend with modern skyscrapers. The
city has always been a crossroads and a meeting place. Sounds and
flavors of Native America, Old Mexico, Germany, the Wild West,
African-America and the Deep South mingle and merge. Close to seven
million visitors delight each year in the discovery of San Antonio's
charms.
San Antonio lies on the edge of the Texas Hill country, considered
by many to be the most scenic area in the state. Its rolling terrain
is dotted with dark green cedars and oaks gradually giving way to
prickly pear and cactus. Clear rivers run beneath limestone cliffs
and canyons, and spectacular views span the endless blue of the
Texas sky.
Much of San Antonio can be explored on foot, although some of its
attractions will require transportation. For the Hill Country, a car
is a must. You can visit several towns in a day, enjoying some of
the landscapes in between as you drive.
Are you looking for excellent traditional jazz or a sing-along at an
Irish pub or piano bar? What about Hard Rock Cafe or Planet
Hollywood on the River Walk, or Sunset Station? San Antonio offers a
wide range of entertainment options both during the day and after
the sun goes down. When the stars come out over the South Texas
plains, it's time to head to the nightclubs and dance halls,
two-stepping to a country-western band, getting down to a rocking
beat or swaying in a slower Tejano style.
San Antonio is a Mecca for history buffs. Native Americans first
lived along the San Antonio River, calling the area "Yanaguana,"
which means "refreshing waters." In 1718, at an Cohuiltecan Indian
village in a pleasant wooded area of spring-fed streams at the
southern edge of the Texas Hill Country, Spanish Friar Antonio
Olivares established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the
Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio (fort), was added in the
same year.
This site became permanently etched in the annals of history in 1836
as "The Alamo", where 189 volunteer freedom fighters died after
holding the old mission against some 4,000 Mexican troops for 13
days. The cry "Remember the Alamo" became the rallying point of the
Texan revolution against Mexico. Located in the heart of downtown,
today The Alamo still stands, dwarfed by twentieth century
buildings, as a shrine and museum.
There was a time when flooding occurred on a regular basis with
devastating results. After the 1921 flood, there was much
deliberation as to how to improve the situation in the future. The
fortunate decision was made to construct a bypass channel and two
dams to control flooding. The river area was cleaned up, and a
footpath and parks were created bordering the river. The result is
that the river has become one of the city's premiere assets, the
Riverwalk, which symbolizes beauty and romance instead of
destruction.
The Riverwalk is a 2.5 mile (21 block) tree lined promenade where
luxury hotels, specialty shops, and European-style cafés line the
banks of the San Antonio River . Below street level, the walk is
reached by steps from various spots along the main roads and crossed
by humpbacked stone bridges. Cobbled paths, lined with tropical
plants and shaded by pine, cypress, oak and willow, wind beside the
jade-green water, with much of the city's eating and entertainment
concentrated along the way. You can catch a river taxi at various
points, or just stroll along and watch.
Dining options in San Antonio run the gamut from fine French cuisine
to Chinese to Soul food and Cajun, but the one not to miss is
Tex-Mex. Tex-Mex is a passion with local residents of all ethnic
backgrounds, and numerous restaurants are open 24 hours.
San Antonio also offers a wide variety of spectator sports - the San
Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Dragons of the International Hockey
League and the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball team all
attract crowds.
The downtown All Around Playground at HemisFair Park and the newly
renovated Milam Park across from Market Square provide excellent
stops for children to burn off excess energy. The Tower of the
Americas offers a spectacular view of San Antonio from 579 feet
above the ground.
Among the museums in HemisFair Park is the Institute of Texan
Cultures. Articles representative of the social histories of thirty
diverse Texan cultures are displayed with especially pertinent
African-American and Native American sections. There is even an
intriguing corner devoted to short lived attempts to introduce the
camel to West Texas as a beast of burden.
West of the river stands the majestic 1731 San Fernando Cathedral,
oldest in the US. Mariachi Masses are held on Sunday at 9am and
12.15pm, and crowds spill outside onto the plaza.
Two blocks west on the Plaza de Armas, stands the beautifully
simple, whitewashed Spanish Governors Palace which was home to
Spanish officials during the mission era. Just one story tall, it
doesn't fit the usual image of a palace, but its flagstone floors,
low doorways, beamed ceilings, religious icons and ornate wooden
carvings elevate it to that category. It provides an illuminating
glimpse of the lifestyles of the civil and religious authorities in
this remote outpost. It is easy to imagine them strolling through
the cobbled courtyard, with its fountain, mosaic floor and lush
palms.
The possibilities for entertainment, cultural offerings, spirited
festivals, interesting shopping and exploration of natural wonders
are all awaiting the visitor to San Antonio. Whatever your vacation
dreams, they will be fulfilled in a visit to this welcoming,
exciting, family friendly city.
The site that was to become San Antonio was originally a
Coahuiltecan Indian village inhabited by a peaceful nomadic tribe.
Spanish clergy seeking to extend their country's efforts to colonize
North America, taught these original inhabitants farming and in the
process set up an outstanding system of irrigation that is still in
use in the San Antonio area.
A band of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon the river in
1691, and because it was the feast day of St. Anthony, they named
the river "San Antonio." A permanent settlement was made in 1718
when the city was officially founded by Friar Antonio de San
Buenaventura Olivares, who established the first mission and named
it after his patron saint, Saint Anthony. Later that same year, Don
Martin de Alarcon , Captain General and Governor of the Province of
Texas constructed a military fort (presidio) in order to protect the
fledgling settlement.
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To populate the colony, the Spanish
sent several dozen people from the Canary Islands. Four missions
built ,which flourished until 1794 when the attacks by Comanche and
Apache tribes weakened them to the point that they could not
survive. The missions then became military posts. In 1803 Spanish
cavalry from Mexico occupied the original mission and changed its
name to Mission del Alamo del Parras.
The city of San Antonio became a part of Mexico after the Mexican
Revolution of 1821. Moses Austin, a Missouri pioneer, was the first
American to attempt to colonize the frontier. He died before his
plan came to fruition but his son Stephen F. Austin received a land
grant from the new government and brought 300 Anglo families to
settle in Texas in 1821.
By 1836, 3,500 Anglos lived in the city. When General Santa Anna
abolished the 1824 Mexican constitution, these Americans, along with
many Hispanic Texans, refused to recognize his presidency, an act of
defiance that led to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
Texas won its independence at the Battle of San Jacinto later that
year. In the 1840's there was a great influx of German settlers
whose descendants still add to the city's cosmopolitan flavor. In
1845 Texas entered the union as the 28th state. Thereafter, Anglos
settled the city in greater numbers, and by 1860, San Antonio could
claim a population of 8,000.
The beef industry grew after the civil war. A trail was established
to drive cattle from San Antonio to Abilene, Kansas. With the
arrival of the railroad in 1877, the city was directly linked to new
northern markets In the 1870's new settlers, adventurers and cowboys
on long cattle drives made San Antonio a tough, hard drinking , hard
fighting, gambling town.
In 1876 Fort Sam Houston was established. San Antonio was also the
birthplace of the Rough Riders, a defense group formed after the
battleship Maine exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898.
San Antonio gained a small but substantial Asian community long
before most other Texas cities when, during the revolution, forces
led by Francisco "Pancho" Villa were lynching Chinese merchants in
northern Mexico. American General John J. Pershing launched a south
of the border hunt for Villa in 1917. Pershing's mission failed, but
he brought the endangered merchants back to San Antonio with him,
and they became permanent residents.
World War I brought the opening of two aviation training centers:
Brooks Air Force base and Kelly Air Force base. Randolph Air Force
Base opened in 1930, followed by Lackland Air Force Base in 1942.
The military continues to be a vital economic factor in the city.
Since mission times, the San Antonio River has been the key to the
city's fortunes. Destructive floods in the 1920s, and subsequent oil
drilling, reduced its flow, leading to plans to pave the river over.
Instead, a careful landscaping plan, started in 1939 by the WPA,
created the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk which is now the aesthetic
and commercial focus of San Antonio.
The site that was to become San Antonio was originally a
Coahuiltecan Indian village inhabited by a peaceful nomadic tribe.
Spanish clergy seeking to extend their country's efforts to colonize
North America, taught these original inhabitants farming and in the
process set up an outstanding system of irrigation that is still in
use in the San Antonio area.
A band of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon the river in
1691, and because it was the feast day of St. Anthony, they named
the river "San Antonio." A permanent settlement was made in 1718
when the city was officially founded by Friar Antonio de San
Buenaventura Olivares, who established the first mission and named
it after his patron saint, Saint Anthony. Later that same year, Don
Martin de Alarcon , Captain General and Governor of the Province of
Texas constructed a military fort (presidio) in order to protect the
fledgling settlement.
To populate the colony, the Spanish sent several dozen people from
the Canary Islands. Four missions built ,which flourished until 1794
when the attacks by Comanche and Apache tribes weakened them to the
point that they could not survive. The missions then became military
posts. In 1803 Spanish cavalry from Mexico occupied the original
mission and changed its name to Mission del Alamo del Parras.
The city of San Antonio became a part of Mexico after the Mexican
Revolution of 1821. Moses Austin, a Missouri pioneer, was the first
American to attempt to colonize the frontier. He died before his
plan came to fruition but his son Stephen F. Austin received a land
grant from the new government and brought 300 Anglo families to
settle in Texas in 1821.
By 1836, 3,500 Anglos lived in the city. When General Santa Anna
abolished the 1824 Mexican constitution, these Americans, along with
many Hispanic Texans, refused to recognize his presidency, an act of
defiance that led to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
Texas won its independence at the Battle of San Jacinto later that
year. In the 1840's there was a great influx of German settlers
whose descendants still add to the city's cosmopolitan flavor. In
1845 Texas entered the union as the 28th state. Thereafter, Anglos
settled the city in greater numbers, and by 1860, San Antonio could
claim a population of 8,000.
The beef industry grew after the civil war. A trail was established
to drive cattle from San Antonio to Abilene, Kansas. With the
arrival of the railroad in 1877, the city was directly linked to new
northern markets In the 1870's new settlers, adventurers and cowboys
on long cattle drives made San Antonio a tough, hard drinking , hard
fighting, gambling town.
In 1876 Fort Sam Houston was established. San Antonio was also the
birthplace of the Rough Riders, a defense group formed after the
battleship Maine exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898.
San Antonio gained a small but substantial Asian community long
before most other Texas cities when, during the revolution, forces
led by Francisco "Pancho" Villa were lynching Chinese merchants in
northern Mexico. American General John J. Pershing launched a south
of the border hunt for Villa in 1917. Pershing's mission failed, but
he brought the endangered merchants back to San Antonio with him,
and they became permanent residents.
World War I brought the opening of two aviation training centers:
Brooks Air Force base and Kelly Air Force base. Randolph Air Force
Base opened in 1930, followed by Lackland Air Force Base in 1942.
The military continues to be a vital economic factor in the city.
Since mission times, the San Antonio River has been the key to the
city's fortunes. Destructive floods in the 1920s, and subsequent oil
drilling, reduced its flow, leading to plans to pave the river over.
Instead, a careful landscaping plan, started in 1939 by the WPA,
created the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk which is now the aesthetic
and commercial focus of San Antonio. |
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The Alamo
Originally a Franciscan mission called Mission San António de Valero,
this was the first of five missions established in the area starting in
1718. It was fortified and renamed by the Mexicans. The Alamo stands as
a monument to the 189 volunteers who fought to the death there in 1836
against an army of 4000 Mexican troops. Texas was at that time a part of
Mexico, and the goal of the 189 volunteers was to break free of Mexican
rule. "Remember the Alamo" was the battle cry several weeks later when a
motley crew of Texas volunteers surprised the Mexican army outside
Houston and defeated them.
Today , the historic chapel and barracks contain the guns and other
paraphernalia used by William Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and
other Texas heroes. Outside in the peaceful courtyard, a history wall
recounts the history of the Alamo before and after its days as a
fortress.
Texas Adventure
An action-packed multi-media production portraying the movement toward
Texas Independence with the Alamo drama as its centerpiece. Utilizing an
array of state of the art special effects, the "Encountarium F/X
Theatre" format surrounds viewers with an environment that simulates the
touch and feel of being present as history is made. Small children may
be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns
being fired. In addition to the theatre, there is a retail store and a
light food and beverage service both inside and outdoors at the Losoya
Court Cafe.
IMAX Theatre
This state of the art theater presents Alamo, The Price of Freedom a
45-minute docudrama. The story begins with the arrival of William B.
Travis on Feb. 3, 1836, in San Antonio, and tells story of the 189
defenders who chose to die for freedom from Mexican rule. IMAX surround
sound and the huge (six story) screen make the battle of the Alamo very
realistic. Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of
battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired.
San
Antonio Missions National Park
Established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century, the four
Spanish colonial missions that now comprise this national park stand as
reminders of Spain's evangelical outreach northward from Mexico. All of
the missions are active parish churches which in addition to religious
services offer exhibits, lectures, talks and cultural demonstrations.
Missión San José
One of the largest and most successful missions in the southwest, it has
a visitor center that details the history of the missions. San José's
outer wall, Native American dwellings, granary, water mill, and
workshops have been restored and can be viewed by visitors.
Missión Concepción
This mission dates back to 1731. It is one of the best preserved in
Texas and the oldest unrestored stone church in the country. It is built
of porous limestone which is found in quarries in the area. It is known
for its remarkable 18th century frescoes.
Mission San Juan
A self sufficient community was centered around this mission, which was
also established in 1731. Goods produced by local Indian artisans and
farmers and not needed by residents were traded. The mission church is
notable for its Romanesque arches. It has a serene chapel for
meditation.
Mission Espada
The southernmost Spanish colonial mission has a 120 foot long
Arab-inspired aqueduct. This was part of the missions' famous acequia
water management system that carried water over Piedras Creek for over
250 years. Nearby farms still use water from this system.
Texas Star Trail
This interesting family activity involves taking a 2.6-mile walking tour
in which 80 historic sites are identified by blue disks inlaid in the
sidewalks. A map and brochure(available from the San Antonio
Conservation Society, 107 King William St.) give details about each
marked site.
Yanaguana Cruises
The river's floating transportation system, provides a novel method of
sightseeing in downtown San Antonio. Groups can also dine aboard open
air, candlelit cruisers as they wind their way along the scenic
waterway. River taxis deliver visitors to Rivercenter, a dazzling
three-level glass shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and to the
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
River Walk
Amidst the daily hubbub of the busy metropolitan downtown, sequestered
20 feet below street level, lies one of San Antonio's jewels. Best known
as River Walk, but also as Paseo del Rio, this leading tourist
attraction comprises about 3 miles of stone pathways lining both banks
of the San Antonio River as it flows through downtown. In some places
the walk is peaceful and quiet; in others it is an energetic mix of
European style cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, gleaming high rise
hotels, boutiques, and strolling mariachi bands, all of which can also
be seen from river taxis and charter boats.
The River Walk stretches for approximately two-and-a-half miles from the
Municipal Auditorium and Conference Center on the north end to the King
William Historic District on the south.
HemisFair Park
This former 1968 World's Fair site southeast of River Walk is
home to the 750-ft Tower Of The Americas. The Tower, 750 ft. tall,
offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Glass-walled elevators ascend over 500 feet to the restaurant and
observation level. It was the theme structure for HemisFair in 1968 and
was designed to symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of
civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. Observation Deck, 9 a.m.-10
p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday -Saturday. Elevator fees:
adults $3; children (4-11) $1; seniors (55+) $2. children under 4 free.
Fees subject to change. Parking for restaurant is available off Bowie
Street, east of the park.
Institute Of Texan Cultures
This is an interactive museum which allows visitors to walk
through a recreated sharecropper's house and also to observe and listen
to an animated, recorded conversation that might have taken place
between a Spanish governor and a Comanche chief in the 1790's.
La Villita (Little Village)
This 250 Year Old Spanish settlement and site of the city's
original settlement was reconstructed during the 1930's to preserve the
unique buildings. The area has three patios where various functions and
festivals are held. The adobe houses currently are occupied by working
artists who produce art work and craft items for sale and display.
McNay Art Museum
This 1920s mansion on the outskirts of the city has handsome
tile floors and a Moorish-style courtyard. Gothic, medieval, late 19th
and 20th century American and European paintings, sculpture, graphic
arts, rare books, and exhibits are all featured. The impressive
collection includes works by Gauguin, Picasso, and Manet, and there is a
theater arts library.
Menger Hotel
According to legend, William Menger's hotel was occupied at
various times following its opening in 1859 by Robert E. Lee, Theodore
Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan. The mahogany bar is where Teddy
Roosevelt supposedly recruited his Rough Riders.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Among these 33 acres of formal gardens are meadows of
wildflowers, a Japanese garden, herb gardens, a xeriscape, rose gardens,
native Texas vegetation surrounding a lake and model dwellings of the
1800's. There is also a "touch and smell" garden specially designed for
the visually impaired.
San Antonio Museum Of Art
Housed in the castle - like former Lone Star Beer brewery, this
museum is noted for its unique collections of pre-Columbian, Native
American, and Spanish colonial folk art. There is also a section for
Ancient Art, with Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. On the grounds
are a sculpture garden and rest areas. . A new $11 million wing houses
the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art. It contains
major Latin works dating back 3000 years.
Brackenridge Park
This lushly landscaped park has 340 acres of picnic grounds,
playgrounds, athletic fields, and a golf course. It also has a miniature
railroad, a carousel with antique horses, a cable car sky ride and
paddle boats. SSome of the attractions charge a small fee. Stroll across
rustic stone bridges and up winding walks around gleaming pools, and
through an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. The Sunken Gardens Theater
regularly presents entertainment. Following are additional facets of the park:
San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium
The zoo is inhabited by more than 3,000 animals representing
750 species and is one of the top zoos in North America. It is a
sanctuary for various endangered species like the whooping crane, snow
leopard, and white rhino. Natural habitats have been created and there
are special sections for Australian and African animals. Most of the
animals reside in outdoor habitats. In addition, there is a children's
zoo with a boat ride.
Witte Museum of History and Science
The museum features extensive hands on exhibits covering
history, science and the humanities. Also displayed are exhibits of the
natural history and natural science of Texas and dioramas of Texas flora
and wildlife. These are brought to life through instructions on how to
decipher ancient rock art, by the recreation of a walk through a thorny
Texas landscape and the opportunity to meet some dinosaurs that once
roamed the State. On the museum grounds are four early Texas houses and
a furnished log cabin. A four-level "science tree house" filled with
interactive exhibits lets children lift themselves with pulleys and
ropes, play music with laser beams, and launch tennis balls 30 feet in
the air.
Pioneer Memorial Hall
This museum houses collections of Texas trail drivers, pioneers
and the Texas Rangers. Among the exhibits are saddles, guns, tools,
furniture, etc.
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Sea World Of Texas
Sprawled across 250 acres of manicured gardens northwest of the
city, this is the world's largest marine life park offering more than 25
shows in a 4500 seat stadium. The 300,000 gallon coral reef aquarium
features many species of sharks and thousands of Indo-Pacific fish. The
shows feature sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, and penguins, among
others. There are water rides and a children's play area. For the more
adventurous, there are high speed roller coasters, including the Steel
Eel hypercoaster and The Great White inverted coaster. A water park
features rides such as the Rio Loco.
The Spanish Governor's Palace
This was the residence and the seat of government when San
Antonio was the capital of the Spanish Province of Texas from the mid
1700's to the early 1800's. It has carved doors, low beamed ceilings an
interior patio with a fountain and several rooms furnished in period
furniture. Tours are offered daily of this National Historic Landmark.
Market Square
The largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, this
colorful village within a city is busy from dawn until late at night. It
includes a farmers' market, Mexican restaurants, a bakery, art
galleries, boutiques, and El Mercado, a market with vendors selling
handicrafts and souvenirs from Latin America. Festivals are often held
here.
Military Bases Complex
San Antonio has five military installations - a reminder that
the city was founded as a garrisoned fort. A visitor's pass is normally
required except for Fort Sam Houston, an open post. Since some of these
bases are restricted, it is best to call in advance.
Hangar 9/Edward H. White Museum Brooks Air Force Base
Hangar 9 is the oldest aircraft hangar in the Air Force. It houses the
Museum of Flight Medicine, which contains exhibits concerning the
history of the base, the development of manned flight and the evolution
of aerospace medicine and the Flight Nursing Annex which is dedicated to
the history of flight nurses
Fort Sam Houston
This fort was established in 1876 and was the site of the first military
airplane flight. Today, it is Fifth Army Headquarters and home of Brooke
Army Medical Center. Fort Sam's Quadrangle dates from 1876. The Apache
Indian Chief Geronimo was once held prisoner within its walls. Today
this historic landmark stands in the center of a park-like setting where
animals roam the grounds among people at work and visitors from around
the world.
Fort Sam Houston Museum/National Historic Landmark Building
Exhibits trace U.S. Army history in San Antonio area from 1845 to the
present. Historic 500 acre fort includes the Quadrangle, built in 1876.
U.S. Army Medical Department Museum
The museum collection consists of Army medical equipment (including
captured medical equipment from Germany, Japan, Russia, China and
Vietnam), uniforms, artwork, photographs, and scale models. The museum
is also assembling a collection of restored and replicated ambulance
vehicles. The museum has a significant collection of American prisoner
of war memorabilia.
Lackland Air Force Base
Lackland is a basic military training center for all Air Force recruits
nationwide.
Air Force History and Traditions Museum
Featuring aviation history, the museum maintains a collection of rare
airplanes and their components. Free admission.
Randolph Air Force Base
Randolph is home to the 12th Flying Wing, HQ. Air Training Command, HQ.
Air Force Military Personnel Center and HQ. Air Force Recruiting Center.
The Taj Mahal (Bldg. #100) is on the National Register of Historic
Places.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Set in a limestone quarry, this 200 acre theme park surrounded by
100-foot cliffs celebrates the cultural diversity of Texas. Disney
characters entertain with thrilling rides, a water park and live shows.
The park is divided into "theme areas" : the Mexican town of Los
Festivales, the German village of Spassburg, the 1920 cowboy boom town
of Crackaxle Canyon, and the small Texas town of Rockville during the
golden age of rock'n'roll, which includes Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, a
'50s-'60s seaside boardwalk complete with a 90-foot ferris wheel.
Thus, in the course of one visit, it is possible to polka in Germany,
participate in a Latin fiesta and move on to riding one of the world's
tallest wooden roller coasters. Joker's Revenge sends the rider into a
360 degree loop, a series of corkscrew turns, and into a spiral. All of
this rotation is backwards!
Blue Bonnet Palace
Country/Western entertainment complex includes dance hall, indoor
bull-riding arena, outdoor sports, and rodeo arena. Big name country
stars, professional cowboys, special events, and entertainers.
Majestic Theater
Named a State and National Historic Landmark. One of the few remaining
vintage, vaudeville movie palaces. Home to the San Antonio Symphony and
the Majestic Broadway Series. Individual concerts and events are also
showcased.
Sunset Station
All aboard! The complex is a destination for great entertainment, food
and live music, as well as shopping all set in the historic backdrop of
a turn of the century train station on St. Paul Square. Originally
constructed in 1902, it has been revitalized to showcase the city's
cultural diversity. Traditional Mexican cuisine against a backdrop of
live music. Four music stages and five dance floors.
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
The museum's two stories are packed with more than 40,000 western
artifacts and 550 different species displayed from all over the world.
Other features include the only wax museum of Texas history, an
authentic shooting gallery, videos, live entertainment, gifts and the
original 118-year old bar
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center brings its artistic vision alive
through six art disciplines: visual arts, media arts, theatre arts,
literature, dance, and music life
King William Historic Area
A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San
Antonio River. In the late 1800's the King William District was the most
elegant residential area in the city. Prominent German merchants
originally settled the area. It was zoned as the state's first historic
district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. The area
includes the following attractions:
Guenther House
The house is located on a bend of the river, at the foot of King
William, one of the oldest historic districts in Texas. Carl Hilmar
Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, built this elegant home in
1860. The restored house is now a museum. Of interest to collectors are
the Dresden china anniversary plates which were made in Germany until
WWII.
Steves Homestead
Located in the King William Historic District, this Victorian French
Second Empire design three-story home was built for Edward Steves in
1876 and furnished in a late 19th-century style. The River House, a
one-story brick structure, housed the first natatorium or inside
swimming pool in San Antonio. The Carriage House was built in 1875. This
two-story frame and stone building was used for storage. The servants
quarters were built around 1877. The Steves Homestead has been
maintained since 1954 as a historic house museum.
Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area
For several years, beginning in 1942, a portion of Matagorda
Island was used for practice bombing by the U.S. Air Force. Now, as a
state park, the 7,325-acre area has largely returned to its natural
state as a haven for migratory water fowl and deer.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
Operated by city of San Antonio as a nature preserve. Provides nesting
habitat for black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. Five miles of
hiking trails.
Mission Tejas State Historic Park
Landmark structure in 363-acre state park commemorates Mission
San Francisco de los Tejas, first Spanish mission in East Texas, built
in 1690 to stem tide of French settlement, but was not successful and
closed in 1693
Lake Calaveras
3,624-acre impoundment on Calaveras Creek is among the best of
the Texas bass lakes, producing trophy-size fish above 12 lbs. Two
non-native species of game fish have been introduced.
Choke Canyon Reservoir
Midway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, the 25,733-acre
reservoir on the Frio River has been heavily stocked with largemouth,
striped and Florida bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel and blue
catfish.
Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area
The wildlife management area is open nightly from June - Oct.
for a spectacular emergence of 1.5 to 2 million Mexican free-tailed bats
from an abandoned tunnel of the old San Antonio, Fredericksburg and
Northern Railway Co.
Cascade Caverns Park
This beautiful park has been a popular visitor attraction since 1932.
Skilled guides conduct 45 minute interpretive tours every 30 minutes
over well lighted, comfortable walking trails. A water formed
underground cavern with spectacular rock formations is the centerpiece
of the tour. It has a 100 foot underground waterfall. There is a picnic
facility on the grounds of the 10 acre park .
Japanese Tea Gardens
At the northwestern edge of Brackenridge Park Winding pebble
walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools highlight this
lush garden.
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