Between the famed River Walk and the city’s historic Catholic missions, San Antonio has a lot to offer visitors seeking a destination that combines historical appeal and contemporary attractions. The city is most frequently associated with the Mission San Antonio de Valero, more commonly known as The Alamo, the site of a vigorous but overwhelmed defense against incredible odds at the hands of General Santa Anna. The Alamo, along with the other missions of San Antonio, is Texas’ first World Heritage Site and one of just 23 in the United States. Expert traveler, D.Scott Carruthers shares some of his favorite reasons to visit San Antonio, Texas.
The Alamo
While The Alamo and the San Antonio missions frequently serve as the main attraction and are indeed a must-see for any visitor to the city, San Antonio’s appeal goes beyond its status as an important historic location. The River Walk, also referred to as Paseo del Rio, is considered the “largest urban ecosystem in the nation,” and is located in close proximity to The Alamo. Visitors to the city often make their way to the River Walk after taking in the history of the Catholic missions, walking peacefully along the river beneath the cypress trees that line the pathways. The River Walk leads not just to unique restaurants and shops, but also to the King William Historic District.
Family Friendly
San Antonio offers many family-friendly opportunities as well, as the second-most populous state in Texas features several theme parks that help to strike an excellent balance with the educational and historical activities the city offers. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, Splashdown San Antonio and Morgan’s Wonderland all represent day-long diversions that ought to entertain every member of the family.
Sports
Sports fans will recognize San Antonio as home to an NBA dynasty in the San Antonio Spurs. During the basketball season, it is certainly worthwhile to take in a game at the home of the five-time NBA champions, but the city also offers opportunities for those interested in golf, racing, hockey, baseball and soccer. The city’s 50-plus golf courses rate among some of the best in the nation, and players can both play on these courses or walk alongside professionals during the annual PGA Tour events hosted in San Antonio.
Cultural Diversity
The cultural diversity of the city is perhaps best reflected in San Antonio’s many museums and galleries. The city is home to Artspace, the McNay Art Museum, the San Antonio Art League Museum, The San Antonio Museum of Art, the Southwest School of Art and the Witte Museum, all of which showcase Western, African, Asian, Mexican and European art traditions. With so many museums and galleries, it should come as no surprise that the city hosts frequent events, festivals and art walks featuring the works of local artists alongside collections from just about every artistic genre.
Despite its status as the home of The Alamo, San Antonio provides visitors with access to more than just a rare glimpse into an important historical event. The city is rich with the culture and heritage of its diverse inhabitants, and visitors to San Antonio are sure to deeply appreciate their experience in one of the most enjoyable destinations in the state of Texas.