- All
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.
Alamo
Distance 2 min
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.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Distance 1 min
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.
San Fernando Cathedral
Distance 10 min
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.
King William Historic District
Distance 20 min
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.
Spanish Governors Palace
Distance 13 min
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.
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Distance 27 min
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.
La Villita
Distance 7 min
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.
Institute of Texan Culture
Distance 18 min
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.
Pearl Brewery
Distance 5 min
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.
Rivercenter Mall
Distance 6 min
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.
Hemisfair Park
Distance 7 min
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).
Tower of the Americas
Distance 12 min
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.
Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center
Distance 3 min
Alamo

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.
San Antonio Riverwalk

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.
San Fernando Cathedral

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.
King William Historic District

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.
Spanish Governors Palace

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.
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center

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.
La Villita

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.
Institute of Texan Culture

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.
Pearl Brewery

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.
Rivercenter Mall

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.
Hemisfair Park

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.
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).
Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center

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.
The Riverwalk Vista Inn

262 Losoya Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA