Destination San Antonio- From The Alamo To The Riverwalk

San Antonio is one of the top destinations for visitors to Texas. Even residents of Texas love to visit this beautiful city for weekend trips. This city has something to offer for everyone. Children and families will appreciate the entertainment of Fiesta Texas and Sea World and history buffs will love visiting the Alamo and other historical sites. Couples will find that there is nothing more romantic that walking along the River Walk in the evening.

San Antonio is a city that is steeped rich in culture and history. This city is rated as the eighth largest city in the United States, and while big, visitors certainly do not get the “big town� feel. To truly appreciate this city, you must understand a bit about the history. Before the Spanish explorers discovered the river in 1691, Native Americans called this area home. The Spanish soon built the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which in 1836 became the famous Alamo. The Alamo is one of the top places to visit in the city, as it is the site where 189 defenders held the mission against the Mexican troops for 13 days. It is here where “Remember the Alamo� became known as the rally cry for Texas independence.

Today, The Alamo remains a place that is carefully preserved for all to see. Not only can visitors walk the grounds of The Alamo, but also explore the actual inside of The Alamo and take in the shrine and museum located inside. Visitors to the area can also take tours of downtown San Antonio to see La Villita, which is one of the original settlements used by Spanish soldiers and their families. The San Fernando Cathedral, which was built in 1731, is also a popular place for travelers. Also, if you love Texas history, make sure you visit the Jose Antonio Navarro State Historical Park. For a little shopping, check out the Market Square located in downtown. It is the home to the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico.

Of course, you cannot visit San Antonio without seeing the River Walk. Located 20 feet below street level is the Paseo del Rio, also called the River Walk. Travel along the cobblestone paths through the quaint shops and delicious eateries. It seems almost serene in some areas, and full of activities in other areas. The River Walk winds through two and half miles starting at the Municipal Auditorium and Conference Center and ending at the King William Historic District. Also, take part in a favorite activity, the San Antonio Cruise. This boat takes passengers down the River Walk for some of the most interesting sightseeing in the city.

For the families with children, there is no better place to go than San Antonio. Children will love all the city has to offer. Sea World San Antonio is a “must-do� for all families. Everyone will love seeing the attractions and shows, and having the opportunity to touch and feed the dolphins. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is another popular attraction in the city. This amusement park centers on four themed areas including the Mexican town of Los Festivales, the German village of Spassburg, and cowboy town of Crackaxle Canyon and the Texas town of Rockville.

If amusement parks are the thing for you, check out other attractions in San Antonio including the San Antonio Children's Museum, the Downtown All-Around Playground located at HemisFair Park, the Tower of the Americas, where you can get a great aerial view of San Antonio and the USTA's Institute of Texan Cultures. You can also make a fun stop at the Plaza Theatre of Wax, Breckenridge Park, which is the home to the spectacular San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum, complete with a mini train and kiddie park.

When you are planning your trip to San Antonio, keep the weather in mind and bring your sunscreen. Texas is hot in the summer. If you plan on visiting in July or August, be prepared for the heat, which at times can easily exceed 100 degrees.

San Antonio is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a vacation of any length. You can find plenty of things to do to keep you busy for a week-long trip, or a short weekend trip. There is something that everyone will enjoy in this town.