 San Antonio |
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San Antonio
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Tex-Mex food, mariachis, and the River Walk showcase Texas at its best. San Antonio boasts five of the state’s top 10 attractions, including the Alamo. Tour this legendary site, where a small band of rebels sacrificed their lives in a desperate battle to free Texas from Mexican rule. The extensive art collections at the San Antonio Museum of Art in the 1884 Lone Star Brewery building and at the McNay Art Museum, one of the state’s oldest modern art museums, display an array of treasures. Fun choices for families abound too, among them the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, the San Antonio Children’s Museum, the Witte Museum, Fiesta Texas, and SeaWorld San Antonio.
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ATTRACTIONS
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Brackenridge Park
3700 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78209
210-207-3000
http://www.sanantonioparkandrec.gov
| One of the city’s most beloved parks, this 443-acre refuge in the heart of the city offers a full day of family fun. It follows the northern bends of the San Antonio River, creating many alcoves perfect for picnics. There are also trails for quiet walks and a stunning playground. The park is adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo and Japanese Tea Garden, which features a year-round garden, walkways, a waterfall, and koi ponds. Park open daily sunrise to sunset. Admission: Free. |
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Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and The Texas Rangers Museum
318 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
210-247-4000
http://www.buckhornmuseum.com
| Since 1881 this saloon has been known as a gathering place for good conversation, great food, and spectacular wildlife exhibits. Today, the saloon houses a cafe, gift shop, shooting gallery, and two museums. Call or visit website for hours, fees, group rates, and tours. |
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Fort Sam Houston
1212 Stanley Road San Antonio, TX 78234
210-221-1198
http://www.fshtx.army.mil
| The U.S. Army has maintained a presence in the Alamo City since 1845. During that time, the installation has performed five distinct and important roles: that of a headquarters, logistical base, mobilization and training site, garrison and provider of medical support. |
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HemisFair Park
600 HemisFair Plazaway San Antonio, TX 78205
210-207-7819
http://www.sanantonio.gov/hemisfairpark
| Here at the site of the 1968 World’s Fair you’ll find the Tower of the Americas, the Magik Children’s Theater, the Instituto de Mexico, the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), the Institute of Texan Cultures (see separate listings), the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Lila Cockrell Theater for the Performing Arts, and the Judge John H. Wood Jr. Federal Courthouse. Open Mon.–Fri. 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call or visit website for fees. |
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IMAX Theatre Rivercenter
849 E. Commerce St., Ste. 285 San Antonio, TX 78205
210-247-4629
http://www.imax-sa.com
| This is not just your ordinary theater. At the IMAX, movies are dramatically projected onto a giant screen with a state-of-the-art sound system. The 45-minute docudrama Alamo: The Price of Freedom runs daily as well as action-adventure short films and popular, full-length features. Open daily 8:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Call or visit website for showtimes, fees, and group rates. |
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Institute of Texan Cultures
801 E. Durango Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78205
210-458--2300
http://www.texancultures.com
| Exhibits, artifacts, and historical photographs trace the contributions of the amazingly varied cultural and ethnic groups that had a part in developing Texas. The museum has 65,000 square feet of displays and exhibitions that tell stories of Texans, plus a library focused on cultural and ethnic history. From Spanish and German families to Dutch dairy farmers, Jewish settlers, and Japanese rice farmers—the institute hosts the Texas Folklife Festival each June. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group tours. |
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Instituto de Mexico
600 HemisFair Park San Antonio, TX 78205
210-227-0123
http://www.saculturamexico.org
| Funded by the Mexican government—this institute is one of San Antonio’s most popular attractions with excellent exhibitions of Mexican history and culture. Call or visit website for hours, schedule, and group tours. Admission: Free. |
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King William Historic District
King William Association
1032 S. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78210
210-227-8786
http://www.kingwilliamassociation.org
| This 25-block area off St. Mary’s and Durango Streets still retains the charm of the late-19th-century neighborhood established by prominent German merchants. The Steves Homestead, at 509 King William St., is one of the finest Victorian house museums in the Southwest. Open daily 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free self-guided tours. Call or visit website for Steves Homestead hours and fees. |
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La Villita Historic District
418 Villita, Ste. 903 San Antonio, TX 78205
210-207-8614
http://www.lavillita.com
| La Villita (Spanish for “little town”) is a good name for this area, which was one of San Antonio’s earliest communities. Today the charming adobe homes are used as gift shops, artisans’ studios, and restaurants, as well as the site of the Night in Old San Antonio event each April. Shops open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Area open daily until 11 p.m. Admission: Free. Call or visit website for special events. |
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Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
301 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205
210-224-9299
http://www.sanantonio.ripleys.com
| This Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum is currently the largest in the United States Three stories of exhibits attest to Robert Ripley’s fascination with the weird and the wonderful. Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works museum features interesting icons of history and film, including the Theater of Horrors, and thrills and chills for all who enter. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group tours. |
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Majestic Theatre and Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
208 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
210-226-5700
http://www.majesticempire.com
| A Texas and national historic landmark, this beautifully restored theater is home to the San Antonio Symphony and Broadway in San Antonio, seating more than 2,300. Clouds are projected onto the high ceiling of the Majestic, giving a magical feel to the ornate Mediterranean-style room. Individual concerts and events are showcased at both theaters. Call or visit website for schedule, fees, and guided tours. |
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Market Square (El Mercado)
514 W. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78207
210-207-8600
http://www.marketsquaresa.com
| In this historic two-block downtown area of shops and restaurants, El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the United States, is crammed full of imported goods from south of the border. Farmers Market Plaza offers cultural, artistic, and ethnic merchandise from Texas and Mexico. Call or visit website for hours and events. Admission: Free. |
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McNay Art Museum
6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209
210-824-5368
http://www.mcnayart.org
| Philanthropist Marion Koogler McNay’s elegant Spanish-style home and landscaped grounds now house a fine collection of European and American art, including a rare book collection and works by Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Rodin, Matisse, and Chagall. Call or visit website for hours and group tours and fees. |
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Mission Concepción
807 Mission Rd. San Antonio, TX 78210
210-932-1001
http://www.nps.gov/saan
| San Antonio’s five Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Admission: Free. Guided tours available, group tours by reservation. |
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Mission San Francisco de la Espada
10040 Espada Rd. San Antonio, TX 78214
210-932-1001
http://www.nps.gov/saan
| San Antonio’s five Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Admission: Free. Guided tours available, group tours by reservation. |
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Mission San José
6701 San José Dr. San Antonio, TX 78214
210-932-1001
http://www.nps.gov/saan
| San Antonio’s five Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Admission: Free. Guided tours available, group tours by reservation. |
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
9101 Graf Rd. San Antonio, TX 78214
210-932-1001
http://www.nps.gov/saan
| San Antonio’s five Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Admission: Free. Guided tours available, group tours by reservation. |
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Morgan's Wonderland
5223 David Edwards Dr. San Antonio, TX 78233
210-495-5888
http://www.morganswonderland.com
| Morgan’s Wonderland is the World’s First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their family members, caregivers, friends and the entire community. This 25-acre park is a unique oasis, that through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn and share life changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment. Call or visit website for hours and fees. |
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Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266
210-651-6101
http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
| Discover incredible underground chambers filled with spectacular formations on a family-friendly guided tour along paved, lighted walkways. Natural Bridge Caverns is Texas’s largest and one of the premier show caves in the world. Open daily. Call or visit website for hours, fees, tours, and group rates. Reservations required for Adventure Tours. |
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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266
830-438-7400
http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com
| This drive-through safari, stretching across 400 acres of ranchland, includes a petting zoo, a visitors center, a driving tour, and a collection of animals such as endangered white rhinos, giraffes, and lemurs. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group tours. |
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Paseo del Rio (River Walk)
Downtown San Antonio
Accessible via numerous bridges and entry points, including Commerce and Losoya Sts. San Antonio, TX
210-227-4262
http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
| The River Walk stretches north along the San Antonio River and connects to the San Antonio Museum of Art, culminating at the 125-year-old Pearl Brewery, a vibrant urban village. Shops, restaurants, and galleries line the banks as well as public art installations by local, national, and international artists. Call or visit website for hours and fees. |
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San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209
210-207-3250
http://www.sabot.org
| A variety of plants from every region of the state are represented in this spectacular 33-acre complex. In addition to the formal garden, highlights include an herb collection, a Japanese garden, and a designated area designed specifically for the blind. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Call or visit website for fees, group rates, and guided tours. 12345 |
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San Antonio Children’s Museum
305 E. Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78205
210-212-4453
http://www.sakids.org
| The San Antonio Children’s Museum provides engaging hands-on experiences where Kids Play to Learn and Adults Learn to Play! The museum offers interactive exhibits, including the H-E-B Kids’ Market, a bubble ranch, and a PowerBall Hall, as well as weekly science and arts activities for children ages 10 and under. Call or visit website for hours and fees. |
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San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
2202 Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, TX 78210 (Business office)
210-932-1001
http://www.nps.gov/saan/
San Antonio’s five Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Admission: Free. Call or visit website for guided and group tours.
Mission Concepción, 807 Mission Rd., San Antonio, 78210
Mission San Francisco de la Espada, 10040 Espada Rd., San Antonio, 78214
Mission San José and Missions Visitors Center, 6701 San José Dr., San Antonio, 78214
Mission San Juan Capistrano, 9101 Graf Rd., San Antonio, 78214 |
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San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Ave. San Antonio, TX 78215
210-978-8100
http://www.samuseum.org
| SAMA is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery along the new Museum Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk. The collection contains more than 25,000 works of art representing over 5,000 years of history and several cultures from around the world. Call or visit website for hours, fees, group rates, and tours. |
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San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212
210-734-7184
http://www.sazoo-aq.org
| At this zoo, 3,500 animals live in beautifully designed naturalistic habitats. Butterflies! Caterpillar Flight School, an interactive exhibit in a garden setting, surrounds visitors with hundreds of butterflies. The zoo’s 36 acres also include the Friedrich Aquarium. Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., guests can remain until 6 p.m. Call or visit website for fees and group rates. |
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SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld Dr. San Antonio, TX 78251
800-700-7786
http://www.seaworld.com/sanantonio
| Home to killer whale Shamu, dolphins, belugas, sea lions, sharks, otters, penguins, and others, the park stages major shows, including “Believe,” which features Shamu and other killer whales. Check out the coral reef aquarium and dolphin touch pool, the Lost Lagoon water park, and roller coaster rides such as the Great White, the Steel Eel, and the Shamu Express. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group rates. |
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 I-10 W. San Antonio, TX 78257
210-697-5050
http://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas
| Hop from concert to rollercoaster at this huge park known for its spectacular shows and rides. Shows include: classic country, musicals, and multicultural fiestas. Kiddie rides and Warner Bros. cartoon characters make this a true amusement park for families. Call or visit website for hours, fees, schedule, and group rates. |
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Southwest School of Art and Craft
300 Augusta St. San Antonio, TX 78205
210-224-1848
http://www.swschool.org
| One of only a few community-based art schools in the nation, the Southwest School of Art and Craft is on the picturesque grounds of the historic Ursuline campus, once a convent and academy. Classes are offered in subjects such as ceramics, metals, painting, illustration, and more. You’ll also find an art gallery, a visitors center, a museum, and a restaurant named Copper Kitchen. Call or visit website for hours and tours. Admission: Free. |
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Spanish Governor’s Palace
105 Plaza de Armas San Antonio, TX 78205
210-224-0601
http://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org
| The palace was originally built in 1722 to protect Mission San Antonio de Valero, today known as the Alamo. The restored building was the seat of government when San Antonio was the capital of the Spanish province of Texas. Visitors can see it exactly as it was when the captain of the presidio lived there, right down to 1700s furnishings and the legendary front doors. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group rates. |
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Texas Pioneers, Old Trail Drivers, and Former Texas Rangers Museum
3805 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
210-822-9011
http://www.visitsanantonio.com
| The focus of this museum is the trail drivers and pioneers who fueled Texas’s growing cattle industry and helped build the state into what it is today. Visitors can see displays of pioneer life, along with saddles, branding irons, and guns. Call for hours, fees, group rates, and tours. 1235 |
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The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio San Antonio, TX 78205
210-225-1391
http://www.thealamo.org
| This small stone compound is a well-known site, representing 300 years of Texas history. In 1836, an outnumbered band of Texians was besieged by thousands of Mexican troops for nearly two weeks before Mexican general Santa Anna stormed the mission. An estimated 189 men lost their lives at the Alamo without knowing that Texas had declared its independence a few days earlier. The Alamo is both historic and beautiful, a famous architectural landmark. Come stroll through the gardens and the grounds of the Alamo to envision life and battle in Texas from centuries past. Call or visit website for hours. Admission: Free (donations accepted). |
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Witte Museum
3801 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
210-357-1900
http://www.wittemuseum.org
| At the city’s premier museum of South Texas history, culture, and natural science you’ll find traveling exhibits as well as live theater performances. At the four-level H-E-B Science Treehouse you’ll find interactive exhibits, including the H-E-Buddy SkyCycle, cave drawings, and dinosaur skeletons. Call or visit website for hours, fees, and group rates. |
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GOLF
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Fort Sam Houston Golf Course
1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209
210-222-9386
http://www.fortsamhoustonmwr.com
| Military golf course open to the public. 36 holes. |
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RANCHES
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Don Strange Ranch
103 Waring Welfare Rd., Boerne 78006 San Antonio, TX
210-434-2331
http://www.donstrange.com
| Type: Special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 10,000. |
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Enchanted Springs Ranch
242 TX Hwy. 46 W., Boerne, 78006 San Antonio, TX
830-249-8222
http://www.enchantedspringsranch.com
| Type: Working, special-events, entertainment, and wild animal park. Accommodates 2,000. |
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Knibbe Ranch
10006 Spring Branch Rd., Spring Branch, 78070 San Antonio, TX
830-885-7773
http://www.knibberanch.com
| Working, cattle, corporate special-events ranch. Accommodates 300–4,000 (no small groups). |
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La Mota Ranch
TX Hwy. 16 S., Hebbronville San Antonio, TX 78361
210-415-7290
http://www.lamotaranch.com
| Nature, cattle, and heritage ranch. |
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Rio Cibolo Ranch
1101 Ulrich Rd., Marion, 78124 San Antonio, TX
830-914-3325
http://www.riociboloranch.com
| Special-events and entertainment ranch. Accommodates 5,000. |
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SHOPPING
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SPORTS
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San Antonio Missions Baseball
Nelson W. Wolff Stadium
HWY 90 and Callaghan Rd San Antonio, TX 78227
210-249-4800
http://www.samissions.com
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TECHNOLOGY & AGRICULTURAL TOURS
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7A Ranch
545 Private Rd. 4420, Hondo San Antonio, TX 78861
830-741-8501
http://www.7aranch.com
| Focus: Natural organic free-range cattle ranch. |
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Goodwill Industries
406 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78207-3102
210-924-8581
http://www.goodwillsa.org
Focus: Programs available for the disabled. Contact: Marisela Guillin. Accommodates: 15 (reservations
preferred). |
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San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind
2305 Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, TX 78210
210-533-5195
http://www.salighthouse.org
| Focus: Industrial plant and rehabilitation center for the sight-impaired with computers that have Braille output. Accommodates approximately 30. |
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Toyota Motor Manufacturing Visitor and Education Center
17340 Applewhite Rd. San Antonio, TX 78264
210-263-4002
http://www.toyotatexas.com
| Focus: Auto manufacturing. Accommodates 40. Guests must be at least age 6 or older. |
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