Travel Guides > San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Travel

Simply put San Antonio is an exceptional vacation destination. This large Texas city is big on history, family attractions, arts and entertainment, shopping, and fine cuisine. You'll find stunning Mexican-style architecture on one side of the city and modern splendor on the other. Guests can line dance at a traditional Western club one evening and listen to a fine symphony orchestra the next.

Most first time visitors to San Antonio head straight for one of Texas' most famous landmarks…The Alamo. It was here in 1836 that nearly 200 defenders of this fort fell at the hands of Mexican general Santa Anna. You'll see the façade of the chapel (one of the most-photographed landmarks in America) and the Long Barracks, the only remaining parts of the fort. There's also a terrific museum about the fall of the Alamo and Texas history in general.

The Missions established in San Antonio were an important part of early Texas life as the friars attempted to replace the rituals of Native Americans with those of the Christian church. A visit to these lovely churches is a must for guests to San Antonio. Check out these missions, built in the early 1700s: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, and Mission San Jose, the largest and most well-known.

For a light-hearted look at Texas history, stop at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Visitors can enjoy a selection of cowboy memorabilia, visit a wax museum full of Texas history, test their skills at the shooting gallery, or eat a Texas-sized mouthwatering steak at the Saloon. Don't miss the shop full of unique souvenirs!

When it's time to head outdoors, locals will certainly point you towards the section of the city of which they are most proud. River Walk, maintained by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, is a long 3-mile stretch of non-stop shopping, eating, and fun, located along the San Antonio River.

The main attraction here is the river cruises that take passengers along the peaceful waters of the San Antonio, lined with lush green vegetation. Guides share interesting Texas history and anecdotes with their enthralled passengers.

From the boats, guests will also garner a great view of the unique shops, restaurants, and other attractions that line the river. You can spend a few days here and never be bored.

The San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium is considered one of the finest in the United States, boasting 3,500 animals of 750 different species. At this zoo, you can travel as far as the African Plains or the Amazon Jungle or enjoy cute little native creatures, like the Texas prairie dog.
Golf fanatics visit San Antonio in droves, especially during the spring, fall, and winter, and this city is quickly becoming a major golfing destination, thanks to its 300+ days of sunshine each year.

Music is central to life in San Antonio. Visitors here can enjoy everything from classical music to jazz to traditional toe-tappin' Country/Western or exotic Mexican/Latino folk music.