All About San Antonio

History and romance flood this Texas city called "America's Venice." In fact, flooding from the river that runs through town is the reason for one of its most popular attractions today.

River Walk Delights San Antonio Visitors

The city's famous River Walk, with ambiance on the water and the banks, was originally a flood control project. It was a more innovative alternative to the suggestion of city leaders to pave over the river. Overhanging cypress trees. Mosaic-tiled bridges and crosswalks. Shops and restaurants. Enjoy them from a barge ride, or take a dinner cruise. There's something to delight everyone visting the River Walk that flows through the city for one and one-half miles. The buildings facing the river are actually San Antonio Restaurant

the back sides of buildings; but many have created clever facades. In December, it is lined with thousands of candles and there are boating carolers.

San Antonio sits at the edge of Texas' scenic hill and ranch country. Today it is a military town and a tourist attraction; but it has managed to retain much its Mexican heritage and early charm.

San Antonio’s Origins

Mission San Juan Capistrano stands at the site of the original Indian village which Spanish explorers encountered in 1691. They named the river for St. Anthony, the saint whose feast they were celebrating that day. They built five missions near the river; the first, in 1718, was the Alamo. The seat of the Spanish Government in Texas by 1772, the Spanish Governor's Palace on Military Plaza is still there.

San Antonio Remembers the Alamo

Then came war. Texans rebelled against Santa Anna. 188 settlers barricaded San Antonio River Walk Boat

themselves in the Alamo mission, but they lost the battle. Soon thereafter, Sam Houston led 800 Texans to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, near Houston, with a shout of "Remember the Alamo!"

Still remembered, the Alamo is the most popular sightseeing area of San Antonio. Originally a church, today there is only a feeling of the historic battle that took place there. The original mission covered more ground than today's Alamo Plaza; all that is left--the building with the familiar arched facade--is the mission's chapel. No photography is permitted inside.

Carriage rides and bus tours both depart from the Alamo to take you to other historic spots. Or you can walk to most of them.

Other Historic Areas of San Antonio

The original Spanish setlement is the La Villita Historic District. It San Antonio River Walk Restaurant

has been restored and now is home to shops and artists. You can also visit Fort Sam Houston; the San Fernando Cathedral (oldest cathedral sanctuary in the U.S.); take a tour of the other four missions near the river; or go to Navarro State Historical Park. This compound was once the residence of Jose Navarro, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. In the yard, you can see demonstrations of adobe making.

After your step back into the early days of San Antonio, you won't want to miss the city's other popular attractions . . . beautiful, unique parks, fun theme parks, museums and renowned Tex-Mex cuisine.