Attractions

The Alamo is at once more and less than we expected. Neither grandiose nor dramatic, the humbly sized mission and beautiful surrounding gardens are surprisingly intimate. Once the battleground of such American icons as William B. Travis, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie against the fierce and ultimately victorious forces of Mexican General Santa Ana, the Alamo has become a Texas icon, symbolizing freedom and bravery. In 2000, curators discovered some frescoes in the sacristy, previously closed to the public, which you can now enter. The colorful flowers, fruits and other images – probably painted by Indians in the 18th century – are surprisingly vibrant.

What began as a Works Progress Administration Landscaping and flood prevention project in the 1940s has gone on to give San Antonio its most defining feature – the world-famous Riverwalk. Once an area of seedy character and somewhat ill repute, the Riverwalk became a star at the 1968 World’s Fair and inaugurated an urban renaissance that continues today. The Riverwalk is now home to luxury hotels, fashionable shops focusing mostly on Texan and Mexican crafts and hundreds of fine restaurants. Walk as much as you like, then take a tour on one of the river barges – the drivers can teach you a lot. 

This cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. From its founding on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain, this church retains the love of the San Antonians. Recently renovated, the stations of the Cross and the Altar, along with much of the art work, are extraordinary. Some remaining of the Heroes of the Alamo have been entombed in one of the chapels.

This 25-block district was San Antonio’s most fashionable neighborhood in the 19th century; today, it’s home to a wonderful array of galleries, boutiques, and cafes, housed in beautifully restored riverside residences.

A national historic landmark that once served as the state capitol, this building is the only existing example in Texas of an early Spanish aristocrat’s home. Built in 1722 and dedicated in 1749, it is nearly 100 years older than the Alamo. The palace is filled with period furnishings, and the grounds include a lovely patio, well, and courtyard. Self guided tours.

This contemporary art space features the work of local talent, with occasional shows by national and international artists.

This contemporary art space features the work of local talent, with occasional shows by national and international artists.

Thanks to a bluff that protects it from the river, the “little town” became a favored settling point for citizens who had been overcome by floods. Today, the adobe buildings house 27 art galleries, shops featuring local and imported handcrafts, and restaurants.  Once a year, La Villita hosts the week-long event that is San Antonio’s answer to Mardi Gras – NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio), a fund-raiser that underwrites much of the conservation efforts in San Antonio. Free admission.

Exhibit floor features permanent exhibits that explore Texas’ heritage and cultural diversity. Visit the Back 40 for a living history experience about the life of early Texans. Guided tours are available.

Retired from being an active brewery in the 1990s, Pearl is committed to sustainability.  It began with the preservation of the historical brewery buildings and has grown immensely over the years, now hosting a variety of environmentally friendly practices and containing LEED certified buildings. Office, living, and eating spaces abound, but the shopping is extraordinary too. Each Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., they hold the Pearl Farmer’s Market with fresh produce, meats, honey, cheeses, handmade body care, and breads from all over Texas.

Built with a section of the Riverwalk running through it, this is one extraordinary mall. With all the fashion and souvenir shopping one could ever want, you can also get your hair done, catch a chair massage, dine at Morton’s, and end up at the Comedy Club for the evening. Don’t forget to go to a showing of the 45-minute movie The Alamo in the IMAX – it really enhances your visit to the Alamo itself. Rivercenter is right at our backside – literally just steps away from the Vista.

From the hotel, you can take a short walk down S. Alamo to encounter the gates of Hemisfair Park. Hemisfair Park offers lovely fountains, reconstructed historic homes, terrific wooden playgrounds, the never-crowded, yet exquisite museum of the Instituto de Mexico, the children’s Magik Theater, the Institute of Texan Cultures, and of course the defining feature of the San Antonio sky line, the Tower of the Americas.

This needle-shaped structure has an observation deck, plus a bar and revolving restaurant. Go up right at sunset for breath taking views and a cocktail (ride free).

Newly renovated and boasting the state’s largest ballroom venue (a staggering 54,000 square feet!), this convention facility hosts well over 300 events annually.

262 Losoya Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA