City guides
United States of America
Texas
Things to do in San Antonio
Considered the heart of Texan cowboy country, San Antonio offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to the city. San Antonio has a rich Wild West history, which visitors can get a feel for by visiting places such as Casa Navarro State Historic Site, the Spanish Governor's Palace, San Antonio Missions National Park, the King William Historic District and the iconic Alamo Mission.
There are plenty of galleries and attractions for the culturally inclined, such as the fun and eclectic Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the DoSeum children's museum, San Antonio Museum of Art and the Witte Museum.
Spending time outdoors is a great way to take advantage of the San Antonio sunshine, and families will want to visit theme parks such as SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. There are also many different ways to travel around and discover San Antonio. Local operators offer tours by helicopter, Segway, bus and on foot. For a different view of the city, try the night-time Ghost Hunts of San Antonio Tour.
The Alamo
The Alamo has assumed mythological significance in American culture. Originally built as a mission by Spanish priests in 1718, the missionaries later gave the land to resident conv…
The Alamo
The Alamo has assumed mythological significance in American culture. Originally built as a mission by Spanish priests in 1718, the missionaries later gave the land to resident converts to continue their farming. But in the early 19th century, the Spanish military stationed cavalry at the old mission station. The men began calling the mission the Alamo, a reference to their hometown in Spain, and during the following wars over Texas, the Alamo played a very important role. Davy Crocket and his small party held out for 13 days against a 2,500-strong Mexican army before finally being overrun. While the actual Alamo is smaller than most visitors expect, its immense history and gravitas means it is seen as the cradle of Texan Liberty.
Website www.thealamo.org
Riverwalk
The River Walks serves as the centre of San Antonio's shopping and dining district. Winding its way for some five miles (8km) along the river, travellers can even take a stroll thr…
Riverwalk
The River Walks serves as the centre of San Antonio's shopping and dining district. Winding its way for some five miles (8km) along the river, travellers can even take a stroll through La Villita Historic District. Dinner cruises are a perfect way to enjoy the scenery while over 20 exciting events take place every year, such as the Fiesta de las Luminarias and the Ford Holiday River Parade. Cobbled walkways sit a full level below the city's streets, lending a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, while there are plenty of restaurants, bars and theatres on hand such as the Pearl Brewery, the Alamo and the Aztec Theater.
Website www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The city's biggest theme park and one of the best-known in the United States, Six Flags Fiesta Texas keeps raising the bar with its water rides, roller coasters and musical shows. …
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The city's biggest theme park and one of the best-known in the United States, Six Flags Fiesta Texas keeps raising the bar with its water rides, roller coasters and musical shows. Visitors can experience the thrill of the Krypton Coaster, the looping Boomerang, and the Scream, a 20-storey free fall, or let fly through the air on the Screamin' Eagle Zipline or the Joker Carnival of Chaos. The rides all come with a rating, from mild to moderate to max, and there will surely be something for everyone's taste. After a long day out, there are plenty of snack shops, restaurants and ice-cream parlours, while there are numerous fun events to mark out on the calendar such as the Fight Night on Hallowe'en and the Coca Cola July 4th Fest.
Website www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum contains wildlife exhibits, wax effigies and other western memorabilia. The owner's wife also collected rattlesnake rattles, which she used to create…
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum contains wildlife exhibits, wax effigies and other western memorabilia. The owner's wife also collected rattlesnake rattles, which she used to create the unusual artwork still on display. The attached Ranger Museum is filled with guns from the era, along with a shooting gallery and a lifesize reproduction of San Antonio of the Wild West. But thirsty customers can still grab a local craft beer at the 129-year-old saloon, enjoyed at its original cherry and marble bar counter.
Website www.buckhornmuseum.com
Spanish Governor's Palace
Described by National Geographic as the most beautiful building in San Antonio, the diminutive palace once served as the headquarters for the Spanish rulers of this region. Built i…
Spanish Governor's Palace
Described by National Geographic as the most beautiful building in San Antonio, the diminutive palace once served as the headquarters for the Spanish rulers of this region. Built in the Spanish Colonial style, it is said to have been erected as early as 1722. The lovely building is filled with treasures and historical relics from the 18th century and the patio flows onto a relaxing garden perfect for contemplation. The palace is an easy walk from the San Antonio River Walk.
Website www.spanishgovernorspalace.org
Corpus Christi
A resplendent South Texas coastal city, Corpus Christi enjoys a relaxed and laidback atmosphere. Affectionately known as the Sparkling City by the Sea, it's just 143 miles (230km) …
Corpus Christi
A resplendent South Texas coastal city, Corpus Christi enjoys a relaxed and laidback atmosphere. Affectionately known as the Sparkling City by the Sea, it's just 143 miles (230km) from San Antonio. Aside from its sought after beaches, visitors to Corpus Christi can venture on to the floating museum on the USS Lexington, wander through the botanical gardens and birding trails, or experience its vibrant promenade nightlife. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either as the Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped stretch of barrier islands in the world, is easily accessible from Corpus Christi.
Website www.cctexas.com