History Adventures in the Alamo City
The Many Historical Legends of San Antonio
San Antonio is rich in history, with over 300 years. So many of our iconic locations have an even bigger story to tell. Though it may be difficult to visit every historical location in just one visit, we have included some of our historical and cultural heavy hitters in this itinerary for you.
Make yourself at home at the Historic Menger Hotel, rooted in the rich history of San Antonio. The Historic Menger Hotel reigns as the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. An elegant anchor just steps from the Alamo, this storied hotel has played host to generations of guests who delight in its architectural grandeur.
Begin your day by dining in at one of San Antonio’s iconic Tex-Mex restaurants, Mi Tierra. Tex-Mex classics like chili con carne, nachos, queso, refried beans, breakfast tacos and more are on the menu. Dine while being treated to the sounds of authentic mariachi music.
Then, experience Texas History at the Alamo, located in Alamo Plaza in the heart of Downtown. Offering visitors a story bigger than Texas, the Alamo boasts interactive exhibits, guided tours, and so much more.
Keep history alive by heading back to the Menger Bar to listen to one of the knowledgeable barkeepers tell a captivating story of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.
Next, stop at Rosario’s for lunch. Known for its incredible cuisine, be sure to try their delicious fish tacos, rated the “No.2 Taco You Must Eat Before You Die” by Texas Monthly.
Next, pay a visit to the “Queen of the Missions” Mission San José. This is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s. Spanish missions were not churches, but communities with the church the focus. Mission San Jose captures a transitional moment in history, frozen in time.
Round out your tour of San Antonio’s treasured history by visiting the rest of the San Antonio Missions that make up San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada each have remarkable histories and architecture that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
Head back to your hotel downtown and enjoy dinner at Paesano’s Riverwalk. The signature Shrimp Paesano paired with amazing River Walk views makes for an incredible night.
After dinner, stroll over to San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. While immersed in history and beauty, remember that once night falls on select evenings, the façade of the cathedral transforms with lights, music, and visual arts depicting the historical discovery, settlement, and development of San Antonio, our wonderful Lone Star State, and the United States through The SAGA | San Antonio.
@visitsanantonio San Antonio | The Saga is FREE and open to the public! It was also recenty updated! 📍Main Plaza 115 N. Main Ave #sanantoniotexas #thingstodosanantonio #sanantoniothingstodo #freethingstodoinsanantonio #sanantonio #sanantoniocheck #lightshow #lightshowwithmusic #cathedral #travel #travelbucketlist #traveltiktok #budgettravel ♬ Summer - Instrumental - Devinney