By Andrew Collins

From the historic legacy of the Alamo to the modern vibrancy of its graceful River Walk, stellar arts reputation, and increasingly acclaimed culinary and retail scene, San Antonio has come to define both classic and contemporary Texas. More recently, thanks to a dynamic LGBT community that's growing each year in size and visibility, San Antonio is fast becoming one of the Lone Star State's premier gay destinations -- a city where whose warm hospitality, cultural diversity, and love of festivals and celebrations makes it natural fit for LGBT travelers.

The Lay of the Land

Where in some cities the LGBT scene is centered upon one or two key neighborhoods, in San Antonio you'll find that gay and lesbian residents live, work, and play throughout the city. Areas of particular note include downtown, with its bevy of attractions and hotels and its beautiful River Walk, and the adjacent Southtown area, with its artsy and architecturally noteworthy King William and Lavaca historic districts. Just a short drive north of downtown, attractive neighborhoods like Monte Vista (where you'll find much of the city's LGBT nightlife), Olmos Park, and Alamo Heights have a strong gay presence as well as some of the area's top attractions, such as Witte Museum and San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

New and Noteworthy

San Antonio may have an incredibly rich history, but it's also a destination rife with exciting new developments and attractions. One major new draw is the redevelopment of the legendary Pearl Brewery into a hip and artsy Urban Village along a newly completed extension of the enchanting River Walk - this bustling, eco-friendly complex includes shops, restaurants, entertainment and residences. Farther north along the river, the very first public golf venue in Texas, Brackenridge Golf Course, completed a stunning $4.6 million refurbishment in 2009, and in arts news, the prestigious McNay Art Museum nearly doubled in size with the opening of a dramatic new wing done in modernist style. With swank, see-and-be-seen restaurants, shops, and nightspots opening around the city, San Antonio has plenty to offer both new and repeat visitors.