San Antonio: Top Vacation Spot

Travelers call this South Texas city the number one tourist destination in the state, a place with south of the border excitement combined with a unique Texas style. You'll call it fun, whether you are seeking a weekend getaway with the pace of a lively fiesta or a relaxing siesta.

A direct drive from Louisiana on I-10 or a short flight into the San Antonio International Airport, the Alamo City greets residents of the neighboring state with its own special style seen throughout its 417 square miles. The term "Texas sized" is tossed around the Lone Star State to describe everything from fountain drinks to rollercoasters, but it truly summarizes this sprawling metropolis, an area that ranges from a dense downtown to quiet suburban neighborhoods.

But San Antonio's Texas-sized description covers far more than geographic area; it also describes everything from culture to cuisine, attractions to accommodations. Whether you're trying to decide on an afternoon activity or an afternoon meal, you'll find yourself presented with a full menu of choices. As the home of the Alamo, a symbol of Texas pride and its fight for independence, San Antonio boasts historic sites that can't be equaled. And when it's pure fun you're after--whether that translates to a museum tour or a park stroll, the city offers a long list of attractions that includes museums, festivals, gardens, children's activities, theme parks, and more.

Paseo del Rio

Many travelers make their home base at one of the many downtown hotels along the Paseo del Rio or the River Walk. This magical place is located 20 feet below street level along the banks of the San Antonio River. Nestled along beautifully landscaped embankments, away from street noise, the River Walk is home to high-rise hotels, shops, and European-style al fresco cafes.

The best way to get an overview of the River Walk is aboard a river cruise. Yanaguana Cruises offers narrated tours; a ride on these open-air barges is a must for any first-time visitor. Ticket booths are found at the Rivercenter Mall and across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio.

After a tour, stop for lunch at one of the sidewalk restaurants. San Antonio is known for its spicy Tex-Mex food, and restaurants like Casa Rio offer tables along the river's edge so you can watch the activity.

Just steps from the River Walk at HemisFair Plaza, the Tower of the Americas is a soaring reminder of the 1968 World HemisFair and today stands as one of San Antonio's civic symbols. A one-minute elevator ride whisks you up 579 feet to the observation deck for a great view of the city through high-powered telescopes.

Near the base of the Tower stands one of the state's best museums, the Institute of Texan Cultures. Here you can explore the 30-plus ethnic groups that settled Texas. Don't miss the dome slide show for a look at the many faces of the Lone Star State. Many days you'll find costumed docents throughout the museum, ready to explain the role of a chuck wagon cook on a cattle drive or the rigors of life as a frontier woman.

Stroll back to HemisFair Plaza and walk back to the oldest section of the River Walk: La Villita. The "little village," nestled on the east bank, emphasizes history and art. Dating back to the days when the Alamo served as a military outpost, La Villita developed as a temporary village of people without land title. Today La Villita, a National Historic District, bustles with shoppers in search of one-of-a-kind items ranging from watercolors to glass creations to handmade jewelry.

From La Villita, hop a VIA streetcar and head west to Market Square, a shopping area that dates back to the early 1800s. The market's real claim to fame lies in the fact that it was the birthplace of chili con carne, the spicy meat and bean mixture that's now the state dish of Texas. Once young girls known as "chili queens" sold the concoction from small stands in the market.

Today the chili queens are gone but the south of the border flavor of Market Square lives on. Shop El Mercado for the same goods found in Mexico's markets but without the bargaining. When you're ready for a break, stop by Mi Tierra, the 24-hour restaurant that's popular with locals and travelers. While you wait for your Tex-Mex order, strolling troubadours take requests for Mexican ballads. Just as authentic is the adjacent panaderia, a Mexican bakery exuding its own tasty aromas: fresh tortillas and polvorones, cookies topped with cinnamon and sugar.

Remember the Alamo

From the River Walk, it's a short stroll over to Texas's best known symbol: the Alamo. This "Cradle of Texas Liberty" plunged into history on March 6, 1836 when 188 Texas defenders died in a Texas Revolution battle against a large Mexican army led by General Santa Anna. Today, the mission, still standing as proud and solid as when Davy Crockett fought within its scarred walls, is located deep within the heart of the downtown district.
Standing in the Alamo, on the cool stone floor where Texas's forefathers had given their lives, the familiar tale assumes a powerful immediacy for many travelers. A quiet crowd gathers at the door to the tiny room where James Bowie met his death when Santa Anna's troops overran the Alamo's defenders. Gentlemen are asked to remove their hats at the door, and interior photos are allowed only one day a year.

The Alamo was, however, just one in a chain of missions built by the Spanish to convert Indians to Catholicism. While the Alamo is fascinating for its historic story, visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a better way to get a picture of historic use of these forts. The park stretches for nine miles along the San Antonio River and is comprised of missions constructed by the Franciscan friars in the 18th century. The missions are active parish churches today, and all are open to the public.

The chain of these historic buildings begins at Mission Concepción, a site that today illustrates religious life in the missions. Mission San Juan Capistrano, once completely self-sustaining, today demonstrates "The Mission as an Economic Center." The reconstructed Mission Espada recalls vocational education at the missions through exhibits.

The most active site on the mission trail is Mission San José. The most complete structure in the tour was once called the "Queen of the Texas Missions"; a $9.5 million park visitors center is located nearby.

When planning your visit, remember that these are active parish churches (unlike the Alamo). Services are conducted every Sunday, and respectful visitors are welcome. Mission San Juan has a Mariachi Mass every Sunday at noon that's very popular with visitors.

And More

The excitement of San Antonio stretches far beyond the river to offer attractions for every interest. Art lovers shouldn't miss the San Antonio Museum of Art. Housed in the former Lone Star Brewery, the museum maintains its factory feel with skywalks and glass elevators. Collections include Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities as well as Asian art, and 18th, 19th, and 20th century American work. The museum houses the three-story Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art, considered one of the nation's best collections of Latin American art.

Nature lovers shouldn't miss Brackenridge Park, which sprawls across 433 acres shaded by majestic live oaks. A popular picnic destination, the park is also home to the San Antonio Zoological Garden and Aquarium, housed in a former rock quarry. Nearby the Japanese Tea Gardens showcases lush flowers, climbing vines, and tall palms alongside many koi-filled ponds.

Regardless of the winter weather, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and its Halsell Conservatory always invite a comfortable stroll. Separate gardens for roses, herbs, and native plants are found here. The centerpiece is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, designed by Emilio Ambasz, formerly Curator of Design at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Glass structures showcase palm trees from around the world, desert plants, and tropical foliage.

On the city's fringes lie its two theme parks: Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld of Texas. Both keep seasonal schedules but offer holiday activities.

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