Tower of the Americas, San Antonio

The highlight of HemisFair Park, home of the 1968 World's Fair, is this 750-foot tower. Visitors are whisked up the structure on a one-minute elevator ride to the 579-foot-high observation deck, where high-powered telescopes provide a bird's-eye view of the city's sights.

Panoramic photo panels help locate major attractions. Both enclosed and open-air observation decks are open, and a night visit is especially breathtaking.

Close to three decades after its construction, this is still one of the tallest free-standing structures in the Western hemisphere—87 feet taller than the Seattle Space Needle and 67 feet higher than the Washington Monument.

New Renovation: Following an $11 million redevelopment effort under the leadership of Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., the famed Tower of the Americas reopened June 21, 2006. The Tower now includes:

Eyes Over Texas: This 250-seat restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, and the second floor lounge provides additional space to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. With Chef Andrew Friend, formerly of New Orleans’ Mr. B’s Bistro, in the kitchen and stylish, intimate décor in the dining room and lounge, Eyes Over Texas exudes a chic yet classic take on the traditional Texas dining experience.

Skies Over Texas: A new 50-seat, $4 million multi-sensory theater, Skies Over Texas uses 4D technology to put viewers squarely in the middle of the action by incorporating sensory elements that create realistic and involving experiences.

Observation Deck: At the top of the tower, the open-air observation deck offers views of one of the state’s most historic cities.

Location: 600 HemisFair Park, downtown (you can't miss it...just look up!)

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