The Alamo
No visit to San Antonio is complete without seeing The Alamo. The exact spot where 189 fighters gave up their lives to defend Texas from Mexican invasion can today be seen and experienced firsthand by visitors to the historic plaza. The church façade, the Long Barrack Museum and the landscaped grounds have all been restored and are open for visits. The 4.2-acre complex can be explored through self-guided tours that make their way through the old church, which exhibits important items such as Crockett's buckskin vest. There is also the footbridge, the gardens and the Clara Driscoll Theater (which continuously shows short clips on the Alamo battle). Original foundation stones and remains of the fort itself can be found throughout the property.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-1391 x34
thealamo.org
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun and the fresh air while on the go. Cutting through Central San Antonio, this narrow stream of water is surrounded by shops and galleries, as well as a clear stone path that allows visitors to see Texas' only lock and dam system, waterfalls and pools, lush patios and quaint pathways. The River Walk's new museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art are both near the river walk, and a farmer's market operates on Saturdays off the main riverside plaza. The River Walk Art Corridor, a living art installation that incorporates nature, sound, lights and sculpture, lines up the walk. There's a river taxi and sunset/guided tours of the river on a daily basis.
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
203 S. St. Mary's St., Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 207-6700
visitsanantonio.com
La Villita Historic Arts Village
La Villita is San Antonio's oldest neighborhood and a must-see for those interested in the background of the area. Now a thriving art community, La Villita has a series of historical structures and buildings that have been preserved and open to visitors. The best way to explore the area is to take a self-guided tour of the area, using the printable map available in the village's official website. The tour takes visitors through buildings like The Cos House, originally owned by General Cos and now a wedding reception hall and the Dashiell House, now home to the San Antonio Conservation Society. Many of the original structures, such as the G. Gray & Guilbeau House and the McAllister House and Store, have been restored and turned into restaurants, shops and art galleries. Others, like The Little Church, still retain their original purpose. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways and green open parks make this an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring the past. The whole village is now part of the National Register of Historic Places.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
South Alamo at Riverwalk
(210) 207-8610
lavillita.com
Local Hikes
There are numerous hiking trails in the San Antonio area, some of which cross through important historical and cultural attractions. A clear example is the Eisenhower Park Hillview Trail, a 2.94-mile rocky loop that cuts through a quarry, a forest and lots of shade, allowing for picnicking or frequent breaks under the trees. Other popular trails are the Guadalupe River State Park Loop 2 and 3 (through flat open greens), the 1.5-mile Friedrich Wilderness Park Main Loop Trail and the Missions San Jose-San Juan Out and Back, which winds its way through the Spanish missions and along the San Antonio River. The Fort Sam Houston Hike Loop is a favorite among history buffs. It cuts through numerous historical markers, such as a parade ground, memorial statues and markers, the AMEDD museum and the 1941 home of Eisenhower. The trail is a 5.54-mile easy, but long, loop.
San Antonio, Texas Hikes
localhikes.com
