San Antonio
San Antonio is one of Texas' most popular cities to visit with a population of over 1.3 million. Its location, a mere 3 hours from the Mexican border, has greatly influenced the culture and heritage of this fine city. Wander the streets and notice the heavy Spanish Colonial influence in the buildings and architecture. Peruse the Mexican market stalls and try some Tex-Mex cuisine for an authentic Texan experience.Dotted along the river walk you’ll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Spanish Christian gated communities that date back to the 1700s. These missions were a place of refuge for inhabitants during less peaceful times. The most popular mission, The Alamo, was the battleground for a ferocious battle during the Texas Revolution. To find out more about the rich and diverse cultural influences on San Antonio, head to the Institute of Texan Cultures, where you’ll learn about the other nations that helped form the Lone Star state. Follow that up with a trip to San Antonio Museum of Art where you can peruse art and ancient artefacts dating back to the year 400.Escape the city noise with a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens or the nearby Japanese Tea Gardens. These beautiful city centre parks offer a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio. If you'd prefer a wild safari experience, make sure to check out Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch where you can get up close and personal with the animals on the Drive-Thru.There are lots of ways to explore San Antonio, with bus route 7 servicing the majority of the city's attractions. Invest in a pre-purchased ticket and jump on and off as you like. Alternatively you can hire a car and explore the stunning wilderness just outside the city. Hike or bike along kilometres of trails in Friedrich Wilderness Park. Kids will love all the water activities at Landa Park as well as all the exotic and native animals at San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.San Antonio really is a vibrant city with lots to see and do for all the family. Many of the attractions are open all the time, making it a great destination any time of the year.