San Antonio, Texas, claims to be the most visited city in Texas. If you come to San Antonio once, you will come back again and again. The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau confirms this.
San Antonio offers many activities and sites for tourists of every age. The Sea World complex is definitely a family “must see.” It is conveniently located near the downtown area, and offers entertainment at its best. The roller coaster rides are a big draw to the park, along with the animals.
Another family activity is the San Antonio Zoo. This complex houses some of the most unusual animals. There are 3500 animals housed on the 56 acre compound. The zoo is open 365 days, so it is available year round.
There are many historic places in the San Antonio area. Many missions were founded in the days when the area was first discovered. These missions are still being used. The Alamo, located downtown, was once called Mission San Antonio de Valero. This mission played an important role in the Texas Revolution, and Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett are some of the men who fought here. This building houses a museum, depicting the history of this famous building and the men who took part in the battles fought here for independence. The stone hewed walls are still intact. There are tours available throughout the day.
For shopping buffs, San Antonio offers many options. The Rivercenter Mall is located in downtown San Antonio, on the River. It is a large indoor mall, with a food court featuring delicious Tex Mex cuisine, and other ethnic choices. There is entertainment offered during the noon hour, and there are tables located outside on the River for dining enjoyment. North Star Mall and other malls are conveniently located near the downtown area.
The famous Hemisphere Park is located in the downtown area, also. The 1968 World’s Fair was held here. It is now the center of downtown recreation. Workers and visitors can be seen walking the beautiful 92 acre area.
When touring the downtown area, be sure and visit the Tower of the Americas. Glass fronted elevators take passengers to an observation deck, where 100 miles of Texas Hill Country. This is a special treat, in the evening, when the city lights are on.
Market Square is an interesting place for the entire family. There is fine dining available there, and the El Mercado, which is described as the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Artists work in the outdoor plaza on the week ends. There is a large Farmer’s Market located across the street from the El Mercado, where fresh fruits and vegetables are available year round.
The San Antonio River flows through the downtown area, known as the River Walk, a 2.5 milepath following the River. This area has shops, restaurants, and river taxis to delight visitors and residents. There are dining barges, where meals are served, accompanied by strolling minstrels. There is a large outdoor amphitheater where various entertainment is held throughout the year.
Getting around San Antonio is not a problem for a visitor. The public transporation system is dependable. Different colored trolley buses transport visitors to all of the pertinent sites. There is a walking tour, with maps available from the San Antonio Visitors and Convention Bureau. Their offices are conveniently located in Alamo Plaza. There are also river taxis to take passengers from one end of the River Walk to the other end.
Hotel and motel accommodations are available throughout the downtown area. There are many conventions year round, so be sure and check with the San Antonio Visitors and Convention Bureau for recommendations of available lodging. Conventions book their rooms with the Bureau, so they know how many rooms are available throughout the year.
References: AAA Publishing, San Antonio Visitors and Convention Bureau