Destination attractions things to do in san antonio

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

San Antonio, located in the heart of Texas, is a true destination city. There are many attractions in San Antonio for young and old alike, and even though the city has over a million in population, it has the feel of a much smaller place. Many of the attractions are concentrated in a central area, with others found on the two loops that surround the city. Its easy to find lots of things to do in San Antonio. Here are some attractions I find interesting.

TROLLEY TOURS

The trolleys operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis; visitors pay for a tour and pass and then can get off, see some sights, and get back on when a trolley comes around again. Theres an hour-long narration that will orient visitors. They can then explore on their own. For those who dont mind a little walking, its also easy to get a map and explore the central downtown area without a tour since there are many attractions there.

THE ALAMO

In 1836 a battle for Texas independence was fought at the Alamo. The Alamo was San Antonios first mission, and is now the citys most famous attraction. Guided tours of the Alamo are given, and a guide will tell the story of the famous men who fought in the 13-day long siege. Nearby theres an IMAX theater that shows a great film about the battle at the Alamo.

THE RIVERWALK

The Riverwalk, or Paseo del Rio, is below the level of the streets; it can easily be missed if a visitor is driving in a car. A good entrance to the Riverwalk is through the Rivercenter Mall; tickets for the excellent boat tours can be purchased near the Marriott Rivercenter and in two other locations. The Rivercenter Mall has more than 125 stores and restaurants. Walking along the riverwalk is great fun, and its romantic at night when the twinkling lights are on. There are hundreds of restaurants and unique shops along the Riverwalk, as well as numerous hotels; some of the best hotels are Marriott Rivercenter, La Mansion del Rio, and Hilton Palacio del Rio. If visitors get tired of walking, a river taxi is available from many locations, and theres also a boat cruise that offers fine dining. Events are held along the Riverwalk year round; there are fun events like the Mud Festival, and the river turns green for St. Pats Day. Eating outdoors by the riverside at one of the many restaurants often reminds visitors of a European experience, and the Riverwalk is fun to visit again and again.

HEMISFAIR PARK

In 1968, San Antonio hosted a worlds fair, and this park remains. Beautifully landscaped, the park contains the Tower of the Americas, towering more than 600 feet above the city. Visitors can ride an elevator to the top and go out on the walkway that encircles the tower, or dine in the tower restaurant while enjoying the view. The Institute of Texas Cultures, a museum that celebrates the ethnic diversity of Texas, is also on the park grounds. The museum holds the Texas Folklife Festival annually, a popular event that features people demonstrating old-time car skills, ethnic musicians and dancers, and food from many different countries.

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

SAN ANTONIO ZOO

BRACKENRIDGE PARK

WITTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY & SCIENCE

These attractions are all located north of the Riverwalk and Alamo, east of I-37/281. The zoo has almost 4,000 animals in natural habitats, a miniature train that will delight children, and an amazing aquarium. Brackenridge Park adjoins the zoo, and features beautifully landscaped gardens, including the remarkable Japanese Tea Gardens. The San Antonio Botanical Garden includes a glassed-in rain forest and a lake, and the Witte Museum has exhibits that will interest the whole family.

SEA WORLD

Sea World is located west of downtown between the 410 and 1604 loops and has enough attractions to keep visitors busy all day. In addition to seeing numerous marine animals star in shows such as The Shamu Adventure, visitors can get wet during the hot San Antonio summer in the Lost Lagoon or ride roller coasters and other rides.

SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS

This amusement park, located on I-10W north of Loop 1604, has some awesome thrill rides and lots of attractions for the whole family, including water rides. The park is a little different than most in that it features Texas culture theme shows, such as a 50s rock and German and Hispanic musicals. Visitors will find plenty of fun at Fiesta Texas, and its more adult-friendly than most parks of this kind.

MUSEUMS

San Antonio has several art museums, including the McNay Art Museum, located on N. New Braunfels, and the San Antonio Museum of Art, which is housed in the old Lone Star Brewery building on W. Jones Avenue, north of the Alamo. Other museums include the Buckhorn Museum, on E. Houston Street, which features Old West exhibits and thousands of animal trophy heads, and the Plaza Wax Museum, which is near the Alamo.

SHOPPING

San Antonio has several enclosed shopping malls; most are found near Loop 410. Downtown, visitors can shop at Rivercenter Mall, La Villita, which features artisans in action, and El Mercado, which is a Mexican market. The Quarry Market, on the north side off Hwy 281, offers upscale shops in old factory buildings, and outlet shopping is available in nearby San Marcos.