The River Walk
Yes, we have German roots, too. Explore downtown neighborhoods like the King William District for evidence of buildings with German architecture, eateries with German food and festivals with German polka music. Don’t miss Beethoven Maennerchor, a group dedicated to preserving German heritage in San Antonio. They host Oktoberfest at their King William-area Halle und Garten the first two weekends in October and sponsor other German-themed events year round.
In San Antonio, we rodeo. In several varieties. Every February, visit the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center to experience one of the largest, most prestigious events in the city (hosting nearly 2 million visitors each year!). For year-round rodeo fun, visit the Tejas Rodeo Company in Bulverde for a true taste of Western-heritage, cowboy culture in San Antonio and an action-packed show. Or, visit the San Antonio Charros Association Charreada for a traditional equestrian show performed with the precision, style and grace of Old Mexico. Make sure to dress for the part and visit one of our many local outfitters for a custom cowboy hat and don’t forget to swing by the Briscoe Western Art Museum to get a feel for the wild west.
Shop, dine, explore and celebrate local events, all at La Villita. Just one square block in the heart of downtown – and steps from the River Walk – the village is home to historical buildings that house pop-up boutiques, local eateries and lively artisan displays. For festival fun, don’t miss the annual Coffee Festival, Dia de los Muertos celebration, Diwali San Antonio and Fiesta Navideña. For weekend outings, check out La Villita’s events calendar for updated listings on food, music and art events.
Visit like a local. Visit Pearl. Once a city brewery – at one time the largest in Texas! – Pearl’s legacy lives on as a popular mixed-use space along the River Walk, just north of downtown. The 22-acre site is bursting with local eateries, unique boutiques, green space and splash pads (both dog and kid friendly) and free farmers markets on weekend mornings. It’s also home to The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, and the illustrious Hotel Emma. With so much to do, see, and experience, make Pearl a priority on your itinerary.
Explore the Westside for adventures rich in culture. With public art around every corner, experience the art-filled neighborhood on your own by foot, bike or car. Or, take a guided tour of all the murals in the area with San Anto Cultural Arts. At the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, don’t miss the world’s largest Virgin Mary Mosaic (Veladora).
Eastpoint is the soul of the city. For diversity in cultures, languages, food and fun, explore the Eastside of town for adventures in some of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods. Visit Sunset Station, recently renovated to honor the architectural legacy of the historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot terminal. And, don’t miss St. Paul Square – located on East Commerce St. – for delicious dining options and live entertainment in historic buildings. It’s walking distance from the Alamodome and just minutes away from the Alamo and the River Walk.
Hemisfair is more than just a park. It’s a place where San Antonio meets. Play throughout Yanaguana Gardens’ inviting playscapes, lush lawns and splash pads. A few steps away, gather for local coffee offerings at Commonwealth, Napoletana style pizza at Dough, a San Antonio twist on American classics at Con Safos or paletas (fruit popsicles) at Paleteria San Antonio. Catch a literature-based children’s show at The Magik Theatre. Take a photo with the friendly Berlin Bear from the 1968 World’s Fair. Then visit the Wings of Mexico sculpture at the base of the Tower of the Americas. Come downtown. Come explore. And come play.
Things here are naturally amazing. Visit the Natural Bridge Caverns for a Discovery Tour and outdoor adventures like mining for gems, fossils and treasures. Take to the skies for the Canopy Challenge, or walk your way through a 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor maze. In the summer months, don’t miss the Bracken Bat Flight at Bracken Cave in San Antonio to view the largest bat colony in the world take flight into South Texas’ beautiful evening skies.
We are Military City USA. We take pride in celebrating our active service men and women. And we honor our veterans. Visit any of our military bases – Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Randolph, and Camp Bullis – and you’ll feel that pride. Or, visit the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at Fort Sam Houston. It covers seven acres of ground and visually tells the story of the 200-plus year history of the U S Army Medical Department, in war and peace, from 1775 to present day.
Get outdoors. Get active. Get south of downtown to the Mission Reach. Enjoy the sights of woodland ecosystem plants and a lively aquatic habitat by foot, kayak, bike or paddleboard. Then, explore four of the five UNESCO World Heritage Site San Antonio Missions: Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Espada, Mission San José, and Mission Concepción. For a mix of immersive history and outdoor fun, find yourself at the Mission Reach.
Don’t let traffic hinder your travel adventures. Get around town with ease using the VIA VIVA city buses and routes. Jump on a rental scooter to wheel through downtown. Or, rent a B Cycle along the river to explore the Mission Reach, Southtown and Pearl. Once you’re near the water, board the Go Rio barge for a unique river ride and tour. Then take a horse drawn carriage through Alamo Plaza. The options are endless. Let’s get moving.
Tucked away among some of San Antonio’s most popular attractions –San Antonio Zoo, The Witte Museum and Brackenridge Park – the Japanese Tea Garden offers a quiet escape perfect for a family picnic, morning walk or special event. Don’t miss the waterfall and lily ponds on the lower level of the garden, which can best be seen from the Pavilion. Then grab lunch at the Jingu House Café.
Immerse yourself in culture, colors and lively music at historic Mission San José’s Mariachi Mass. Let the mission’s history inspire you and let the mariachi music move you every Sunday at noon mass.
Johnny loves Vivian. And we have the bench to prove it. While stationed at Brooks Air Force Base, Johnny Cash met Vivian Liberto, and he declared his love to her by carving “Johnny loves Vivian” on a bench along the San Antonio River. Soon after, they wed in San Antonio and Cash wrote “I Walk the Line” as a tribute to his new wife. Today, the bench is housed at the B. Naylor Morton Research and Collections Center at The Witte Museum.
We’re a long way from Hollywood, but don’t miss a photo opportunity at our famous film spots from your favorite flicks. Practice your pageant wave in front of the Arneson River Theatre from Miss Congeniality. Or grab your partner and pose for a photo on the River Walk’s “Selena Bridge” in front of the cypress trees that shade the Omni La Mansion Del Rio. Kids will recognize the Central Library as the backdrop from Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams. And Wings fans won’t want to miss a visit to our bases – think Fort Sam Houston, Brooks and Kelly fields – for a snapshot of backdrops used in the famous film.
Art is everywhere in San Antonio. Even hanging from the ceilings. Don’t forget to look up at the San Antonio Central Library’s atrium to enjoy the colorful hanging glass sculpture – Fiesta Tower – commissioned by internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The San Antonio Museum of Art also has a Chihuly piece on display – Persian Ceiling – so be sure to gaze upward during your trip.
Deep in the heart of San Antonio, at Main Plaza, the San Fernando Cathedral marks the city center. The cathedral’s origins date back to 1731 when settlers arrived in San Antonio. But this landmark isn’t sleepy. It’s alive with celebrations and free art shows like The Saga, a projection lightshow of color, music and historical images on the cathedral’s façade. Come experience history in full color.
Tee off at the oldest 18-hole public golf course in Texas, Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Located just north of downtown, the course is the original home of The First Texas Open and is the new site of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. What’s old is new again at Brackenridge. Come play a round and see what we mean.
Everyone’s a kid at heart. And kids know how to have fun. Find your fun at one of San Antonio’s most treasured landmarks, Kiddie Park. Founded in 1925, Kiddie Park is the oldest children’s amusement park in the country with classic rides like ferris wheels and carousels that keep families coming back for more.
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