The Alamo
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a visit to the Alamo. Rising up amid the bustle of downtown San Antonio, the Alamo was built in 1724 to house Christian missionaries and their Native American converts. The Alamo played a significant role in the Texas Revolution in the early 1800s, and it is well-known for being the fighting grounds of the infamous Davy Crockett. The Alamo is called the "Shrine of Texas Liberty," and no true Texan is a stranger to the historical significance of these hallowed walls.
The Alamo is open to visitors year-round, except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Alamo stays open until 7 p.m. during the summer months. The Alamo does not charge admission.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-1391
thealamo.org
San Antonio Riverwalk
This slice of nature weaves its way right through the middle of central San Antonio. The San Antonio River flows one story below the busy downtown streets, and the Riverwalk features a wide variety of eateries, shopping outlets and trendy galleries. The outdoor art displays and quaint walkways evoke a European feel whether you are strolling the stone pathways or floating along in a river taxi.
The Riverwalk Museum Reach opened in May 2009, extending the Riverwalk 1.3 miles and adding public art installations that enhance the river taxi journey. Taxi riders experience a functioning lock and dam on their trip upriver, where the waterway encounters a 9-foot elevation.
Riverwalk
110 Broadway, Suite 500
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-4262
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
San Antonio Zoo
With a collection of more than 3,500 animals, the San Antonio Zoo is the third-largest zoo in the United States. It sits just north of the city, at the headwaters of the San Antonio River. The zoo appeals to visitors of all ages, exhibiting more than 600 different animal species. Bird lovers can feed the birds in Lory Landing ($1 charge for the food), and kids enjoy hours of fun in Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot, a specially designed section just for the little ones. A butterfly exhibit graces the zoo every March through November ($1 charge).
The San Antonio Zoo is open every day of the year. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors can remain inside the zoo until 6 p.m.
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary's St.
San Antonio, TX 78212-7183
(210) 734-7184
sazoo-aq.org
