San Antonio's southwestern flair comes from its mix of Hispanic heritage, Native American culture, and Texan history. Smack in the heart of the city is the best known tourist attraction in the state—the Alamo. At this mission, 189 patriots—Davey Crockett among them—fought for Texas' independence, holding the site for 13 days until being defeated by Mexican General Santa Anna and his 4,000 men. Before visiting, get kids excited about the history by watching Alamo...the Price of Freedom at the IMAX Theatre Rivercenter. With such perspective on the site, it'll be easier to look past San Antonio's modern buildings encroaching on the Alamo from all sides.
The River Walk, is San Antonio's heartbeat. Tree-lined cobblestone walkways lined with restaurants and shops stretch for two-and-a-half miles along a narrow slice of the San Antonio River. It's a great place for strolling or taking a boat ride on the river, especially at night when the lively walk twinkles with lights and music fills the air.
The river also winds through the 343-acre of this park that is a city oasis that's home to the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum. At the zoo's African Plains exhibit, see giraffes, cranes, zebras, and ostriches; at Lory Landing, feed rainbow-colored lorikeets nectar; and at the Tiny Tot Nature Spot, preschoolers can plant seeds, uncover worms, and dig for carrots to feed to the guinea pigs. The Witte Museum is dedicated to Texas history, natural science, and anthropology. Travel Tips include dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, and the H-E-B Science Treehouse, four levels of gizmos and hands-on activities that explain aspects of sound, electricity, and weather.
targeted to ages two through ten, kids can get the feel of piloting and landing an airplane while communicating with the control tower, and then put on a hard hat to drive equipment at a construction site. The San Antonio Museum of Art showcases a wide range of exhibits: Browse through ancient Greek vases and sculptures, tribal masks and carvings from Pacific cultures, and intriguing contemporary canvases in the Latin American Art Center.
where buyers and sellers have bargained for centuries. Flow in and out of the street-front shops and cafes, and visit El Mercado, an indoor Mexican market where kids can spend their allowance on piñatas and parents can find colorful pottery and unique turquoise jewelry. In La Villita, San Antonio's first neighborhood settled by Spanish soldiers, nearly 30 art galleries, craft shops, and cafes line the streets.
located in HemisFair Park, site of the 1968 World's Fair. Don't miss the spectacular city view from the observation deck.