Attractions
Things to see and do in San Antonio
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. For special events please call 210-225-1391 ext. 34. 210-225-1391
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
318 E. Houston (78205) For a taste of the Old West and wildlife exhibits from all over the world visit this classic 1881 saloon and museum. The museum is a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 yards from the River Walk. Stroll through 33,000 square feet of artifacts from Texas history and world record wildlife exhibits with African, Asian, Alaskan, and North American themes - over 520 different species in all including fish from the Seven Seas. Visit the arcade and Buckhorn Curio Store. Cafe opens daily at 11 am. Weekday lunch specials for $3.99. Open all year except Christmas and New Year's Day. Memorial Day to Labor Day (call for schedule). Labor Day to Memorial Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: adults $8.99; children (3-11) $6.50; Discounts for seniors and military with ID. 210-247-4000
Casa Navarro State Historical Park
228 S. Laredo St. (78207) The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. The site of Navarro’s furnished house, first residence, and store. Navarro’s life illustrates Texas’ rich Mexican history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Admission: adults $2; children (6-12) $1; children under 6 free. Adult group rate $1; school groups 50 cents per person. 210-226-4801
849 E. Commerce, Rivercenter Mall, Street Level, Crockett Street Entrance (78205) "Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo and the 189 defenders who fought and died. The IMAX screen is six stories tall, 10 times larger than a conventional movie screen. The huge screen and magnetic stereo sound system put viewers in the center of the action. Other IMAX features are also shown. IMAX recently opened a second 3-D screen. For ticket prices and show times, call 210-247-4614 or 800-354-4629 Fax: 210-227-5432.
Japanese Tea Garden
3800 North St. Mary's St. (78212). (At the northwestern edge of Brackenridge Park) Winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools highlight this lush garden. Free admission. Hours: 8 a.m.-dark. 210-821-3120.
King William Historic Area
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.
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 addmision. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 210-207-8610.
Majestic Theater
224 E. Houston (78205) Named a State and National Historic Landmark. One of the few remaining vintage, atmospheric vaudeville movie palaces. Home to the San Antonio Symphony and the AT&T Broadway Series. Individual concerts and events also showcased. 210-226-5700 210-226-3333 (tickets) 210-223-4343 (tours).
Market Square - El Mercado
514 W. 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. Free admission. 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.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Mission Trails Park Headquarters: 2202 Roosevelt Ave. (78210)
www.nps.gov/saan. The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain’s most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. Representing both church and state, these missions were charged with converting the local Native Americans, collectively called Coahuiltecans, into devout Catholics and productive members of Spanish society. More than just churches on the Spanish Colonial frontier, the missions also served as vocational and educational centers, economic enterprises involved in agricultural and ranching endeavors and regional trade. They were the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America and formed the foundation for what is today the thriving city of San Antonio. The park contains the historically and architecturally significant structures of missions Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. Other important cultural resources included are the historic Espada Dam and Aqueduct, acequia (irrigation) systems and the Rancho de las Cabras. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Free admission. The visitor center is located next to Mission San Jose and contains a theater showing a 20-minute depiction of early life at the mission, a museum and book shop. 210-534-8833 or 210-932-1001.
River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
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.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Lucile Halsell Conservatory
555 Funston Pl. (78209) www.sabot.org. This 33-acre garden represents in miniature, the diverse Texas landscape—from Hill Country wildflowers to the formal rose gardens of East Texas. A biblical and children’s garden and a fragrance garden are featured. Enter through the Carriage House to visit the gift shop and have lunch in the tea room (kitchen closed on Monday). The Conservatory, a $6.5 million complex with 90,000 sq. ft. of climatically controlled structures includes an exhibition hall, tropical house, desert house, palm house, fern room and an orangery. Visitors enter at ground level and follow a tunnel 16 ft. below the surface where architecture separates different environments within a series of tent-like pavilions surrounding a large inner courtyard and pond. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. For hours and admission prices, call (210) 207-3255.
San Antonio Zoological Gardens And Aquarium
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. Seasonal shows and educational programs throughout the year. The zoo also offers boat rides. Open daily. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. For hours and admission prices, call (210) 734-7183.
Spanish Governor's Palace
105 Plaza De Armas (78205) Labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society and a national historic landmark. It once housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. Over the entrance is the original keystone which contains the carved, double-headed eagle of the Hapsburg coat-of-arms and the inscription in Spanish, "finished in 1749." Distinguishing features include period furnishings and a cobblestone patio with fountain and foliage. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. For hours and admission prices, call (210) 224-0601.
Tower Of The Americas
600 HemisFair Park (78205) 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 symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. Hours: Observation Deck, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday –Saturday. Fees subject to change. Call (210) 223-3101.
Sunset Station
1174 E. Commerce (78205). Sunset Station is a destination for world-class entertainment, delicious food and night life all set in the historic backdrop of a turn-of-the-century train station. Originally constructed in 1902. Revitalized entertainment destination, Sunset Station showcases San Antonio's rich cultural diversity which is reflected in the wide array of specialty restaurants and entertainment choices, ranging from traditional Mexican cuisine to Ruth's Chris sizzlin' steaks, to Texas toe-tapping country music and the latest in the Latin craze music scene.
210-222-9481. www.sunset-station.com
