Sightseeing in San Antonio

Most San Antonio attractions are grouped in a few areas:

Downtown

We'd recommend starting your sightseeing downtown at Alamo Plaza, home of the Alamo and birthplace not only of Texas liberty but also of San Antonio tourism. Here you can take guided tours, a city bus or trolley, or just enjoy a pedestrian look at the area. Behind Alamo Plaza lies the Paseo del Rio or River Walk, one of the most visited spots in Texas. Located below street level, the river banks are lined with sidewalk cafes and specialty shops.

On one edge of the River Walk rests La Villita, the "little village" that was the original settlement in Old San Antonio. Here you'll find wares of many of the city's artisans displayed and sold in historic structures.

La Villita sits in the shadow of the 750-foot Tower of the Americas, where you can enjoy the best view of the city from the observation deck, a revolving restaurant, or the bar and disco. The tower was built as the symbol of HemisFair, the 1968 World's Fair. The tower is located in HemisFair Park, the grounds of the fair that now sports a fresh look following a recent facelift and addition of restful water gardens. Nearby, the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center hosts thousands of conventioneers annually as one of the state's busiest meeting facilities.

Directly south of the River Walk lies the King William Historic District, home of the city's stately mansions built during the 19th century. This area is a favorite for bed-and-breakfast lovers.

West of the River Walk

West of the River Walk area, a quick ride by trolley or car, is Market Square, the most Mexican attraction in town. Here you can shop for imports in El Mercado (the largest Mexican marketplace in the United States), dine on a Tex-Mex feast, or tour some nearby historic buildings.

North of Downtown

Along Broadway north of downtown lie many of San Antonio's museums and outdoor attractions. Brackenridge Park, home of the city's zoo and Japanese gardens, along with plenty of family activities await just minutes from downtown.

Continue north on Broadway to the intersection of Loop 410, then turn west to the intersection of US 281. This is the location of the San Antonio International Airport, where many visitors begin and end their stay. It's also home to some of the city's best shopping areas, from big name department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Marshall Field's to small import shops and art galleries.

South of Downtown

South of downtown, the Mission Trail holds many attractions, especially for history buffs. Along this historic route, you can tour four Spanish missions, each still open for Sunday services.

The Edge of Town

And on the northwest side of town, along Loop 1604, lie two of Texas's top family attractions: Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World of Texas. From spring through fall, these parks are filled with tourists from around the U.S. and Mexico who come to enjoy thrill rides, musical productions, and marine animal shows.

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