Top 10 San Antonio highlights
- Camila Peña P
- Jun 14, 2016
- 4 min read
San Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Texas and is also listed as one of the top 10 places to visit in the United States. You want to know why?
River Walk
The vibrant and bustling tree-shaded pathway along the San Antonio River is lined with outdoor cafes, restaurants, nightspots and many of the city’s best hotels. Is the most visited place in San Antonio. The central area is vibrant with picturesque footbridges and fountains lining the walkway as it pass by some by some clubs. Features: boat cruise on the river, Aztec theatre, The Worm bar, Arneson River Theatre, statuate of Saint Anthony, Rivercenter Mall and the Briscoe Western Art Museum.
Tips:
Parking is most convenient at the Rivercenter Mall.
If you planning on parking for most of the day, the small parking lots north of the Alamo are less expensive.
The Alamo
One of the most visited historic sites is America. The Alamo stands as a symbol of heroic Texan struggle for independence. The chapel and Long Barrack are all that remain today. Features: Chapel, Sacristy Rooms, Clara Driscoll Theater, Long Barrack, Gift Museum, Acequita and the Alamo Cenotaph.
Tips:
Men are asked to remove their hats as they enter the Chapel.
Photography is not allovew inside the Chapel.
There are restaurants across the street along Alamo.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
These remarkable six missions offer a fascinating glimpse into the confluence of Spanish and Native cultures in the 1700s. The place offers an opportunity to explore old courtyards and churches. Features: Mission concepcion church, Frescos at Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Espada Dam, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada Chruch, Mission Espada Grounds and Espada Aqueduct. Fort those who loves to wrok out, there is the Mission Trail, a 12 mile driving route from the Alamo to Mission Espada.
Tips:
Free guides tours daily.
Lively mariachi mass is held at noon every Sunday at Mission San Jose.
The Mcnay Art Museum
An exquisite Spanish Colonial mansion houses with a collection of19 th to 21st century paintings and prints by important artists such as Picasso and Rodin. Opened in 1954 as the first museum of modern art in Texas. Features: Theatre arts, special exhibitions, Art after 1945, prints and rawings, Southwest art, Medieval and Renaissance art.
Tips:
For lunch try the charmings Italian restaurant Tre Trattoria.
San Fernando Cathedral
The oldest French Gothic Cathedral in the United Statesm where Mexican General Santa Anna flew the red flag signaling no mercy. San Fernando is today recognized as a symbol of unity for the people of San Antonio. Features: Sanctuary and First Chruch, Chruch Tower, statue of San Antonio, statue of San Fernando, Baptismal Font and El Cristo Negro.
Tips:
Enter the Cathedral through the central east doors.
Visit the museum to learn about the story of San Fernando’s transformation from a simple church to a big Cathedral.
The celebrate all the traditional festivities of the Holly Week.
La Villita, historic District
This charming historic village of delightful boutiques, restaurants, cafes, craft shops and galleries is located above the South bank of the River Walk. This is San Antonio’s first neighborhood that was once a military post where families of Spanish soldiers lived in simple adobe huts. Features: the Little Chruch, Arneson River Theatre, Florian House, Losana House and Faville House.
Tips:
Stop in any store and ask for the free brochure.
Bolivar Café is one of the best places to have brunch.
King William Cultural Arts District
This beautiful residential neighborhood is lined with opulent mansions built by merchants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The city’s most lavish and elegant homes are located here. Features: Guenther House, San Antonio Conversation Society, King William Park and Bandstand, River Walk, Villa Finale Mansion and San Antonio Art League Museum.
Tips:
Pick up a free self-guided walking tour brochure outside the gate of the San Antonio Conservation Society.
Sea World San Antonio
Internationally acclaimed Marine Park located in San Antonio where Shamu and his fellow killer whales are the premier attractions. At the adventure park the inverted roller coaster, takes rides through corkscrews and high speed maneuvers along 2.500 feet. Feautres: One ocean, Cannery Row Caper, Aquatica, Rio Loco, Azul and Sesame Street Bay of Play.
Tips:
Go backstage to talk with a trainer or step behind the scenes on a tour for hands on interaction with sharks and dolhpins.
Check the show time scheduales as soon as you arrive to the park.
Bring extra clothes in case you get wet at the rides.
Always waer a hat and use sunblock, the sun can be intense.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Enter the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Botanical Garden through the restored 1896 carriage house. The high tech centerpiece is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, whose gleaming cluster of glass and steel climate controlled towers shelter indoor jungles of tropical plants and palms. Features: Sullivan carriage house, Palm house, Tropical conservatory and Desert Pavilion.
Tips:
Enter from Funston.
Check the calendar for special evening events during the summer.
The annual Shakespeare in the Park weekend and the Evening Concert series are held under the stars in the amphitheater.
Brackenridge Park
This is a city favorite since its opening in 1899. Walkers, joggers and bicyclist enjoy the trails that run through the 343 acre scenic park. Features: San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, Witte Museum and Kiddie Park.
Tips:
Plan your visit to the zoo in the morning, when the animals are more active.
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