Main Attractions in San Antonio

Main Attractions in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, the seventh-largest city in the United States, ranks 32nd on the list of the nation's most walkable cities. Outdoor opportunities abound, from fishing in one of the area's lakes to hiking in the Texas hill country just north of town. You can also hunt, shoot skeet, river raft or simply play a round of golf, among other activities. The most popular tourist city in all of Texas, San Antonio also boasts many historic buildings, museums, botanical gardens, and even a Six Flags amusement park.

The San Antonio River Walk

Once prone to flooding, the San Antonio River was tamed through the creation of the now-famous River Walk. Wending its way through downtown San Antonio at one story lower than street level, the 2 1/2 mile River Walk has a quiet, almost European feel. Tourists may choose to walk its length, enjoying the quiet pools and picturesque waterfalls, shopping in the many shops and galleries, or dining in one of the many unique restaurants. The less active visitor might choose instead one of the river tours and water taxis, which provide a unique perspective on the city. New as of May 2009 is a 1.3-mile extension leading to the San Antonio Art Museum. Along this "Museum Reach" is the Art Corridor, an outdoor space featuring intriguing and unique public artwork, which incorporates sound, light, movement, water, and architecture.

San Antonio River Walk
http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/

The Alamo

In 1836, Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna and his forces laid siege to and captured the Alamo in San Antonio. Its defenders, including frontiersman Davy Crockett and famed knife fighter James Bowie, were killed. "Remember the Alamo!" soon became a rallying cry in support of Texas independence from Mexico. Centered in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo today lies surrounded by tourist attractions and hotels and is the most-visited site in Texas. Visitors can stroll the Alamo gardens, view the displays of antiques depicting what life was like at the Alamo during the siege, and enjoy exhibits on the Texas History and the Texas Revolution.

The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, Texas 78205
http://www.thealamo.org

SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio, the largest marine park in the world, has everything from roller coasters to water park attractions, sea life shows to animal exhibits. You can watch the Orca show at the famous Shamu Stadium (most likely getting wet in the process), or take part in a hands-on beluga whale or sea lion interaction program. The fun doesn't have to stop at the end of the day, either, as the park plays host to overnight visits, featuring learning experiences, dinner, and a night spent next to the sharks, fish, or playful penguins. SeaWorld is guaranteed to delight everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and every age in between.

SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78251
http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio

Article Written By K.M. Chapman

Based in California and Maine, K.M. Chapman is a freelance writer, photographer, and educator. She is a former weekly columnist, and has been published in newspapers, in-house publications and online. She is an intensely curious former science teacher and a cohort of the Maine Governor's Academy for Science and Mathematics Educational Leadership. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies.

Write for Trails.com
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