For many years before the Battle of the Alamo, this city in southern Texas was part of Mexico. See the missions that remain from earlier times.
The strong Spanish and Coahuiltecan influences on the city of San Antonio are visible in its architecture, art and culture. See the Alamo and several other missions that remain from the early days of Spanish colonization.
Travel along the River Walk that parallels the San Antonio River, which winds through the city. Walk, bike or step into a tour boat to enjoy the quiet under the cypresses lining the riverbanks. The paved trails provide access to museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and the city’s famous missions.
The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is the site of the famous 1836 battle in which Mexico’s President Santa Anna killed nearly 200 Americans after a 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution. Take a tour along the river to see four other missions that are part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They were established not only for religious observation, but also for protection of local residents.
Attend a Sunday service at the Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, the largest of the area’s missions. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is surrounded by labores (farmlands) and an irrigation ditch built in the 1700s. When you visit these and the two other sites, Mission Concepcion and Mission Espada, look for Catholic symbols interwoven with architectural decorations depicting nature created by the indigenous Coahuiltecan people.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum holds Santa Anna’s sword and many other artworks and artifacts. See modern art in McNay Art Museum. Enjoy a live performance in the 1929 Majestic Theatre, which was once a movie theater.
When the kids have experienced enough history and culture, spend a fun-filled day at one of San Antonio’s many theme parks including SeaWorld® San Antonio, Six Flags® Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. Visit the San Antonio Zoo and the hands-on DoSeum science museum in the large Brackenridge Park and the Natural Bridge Caverns for a varied range of family-friendly activities.
