One of the most iconic landmarks in Texas, The Alamo served as the site for the most famous battle in the Texas War of Independence against Mexico. In 1836, Texas rebels took refuge in the former-mission-turned-fort as they fought for independence against Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Although the rebels, led by historic figures including Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, were defeated in the battle, the 1724 structure has become a symbol of Texas pride. The Alamo is open year-round and free to the public.
While The Alamo is San Antonio’s most renowned mission, the city has four other Catholic missions: Mission Concepcion, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose and Mission San Juan Capistrano. Take a stroll through the 800 acres of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, visiting each of the historic 18th-century structures. The missions are active parishes, open to the public for service.
Travel underground into Natural Bridge Caverns, home to 2 miles of massive and ancient limestone formations. For a family friendly excursion, book the Discovery Tour, an easy walking tour that takes you 180 feet beneath the earth’s surface. Adventure Tours requires more strenuous activity, as you rappel and climb 230 feet underground. Outside of the caverns, take the Canopy Challenge as you rock climb, zip line and make your way through a towering agility course.
Open year-round, San Antonio River Walk cuts through the heart of downtown. Pedestrians scurry along the walkways on each side of the San Antonio River, popping into the trendy hotels, bars, restaurants and shops that line the waterway. You can easily reach the other side on the ornate stone arch bridges that cross the river. Rio San Antonio Cruises River Tours provides boat rides down the narrow river.
The lavish Majestic Theatre, with its decorative Spanish Mediterranean decor, opened in 1929, showcasing movies and live musical performances. Today, you still can take in an array of performing arts events at the 2,264-seat theater, including touring Broadway musicals, major concerts and stand-up comedy shows. The theater also is home to the San Antonio Symphony.
Explore the world of fine art with an afternoon at McNay Art Museum. Home to approximately 20,000 pieces, the museum highlights medieval and renaissance art, 19th- through 21st-century European and American paintings, and Southwest-inspired prints and drawings, particularly artwork from New Mexico. The museum is housed inside museum founder and oil heiress Marion Koogler’s 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion.
Enjoy a host of big thrills at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, home to more than 35 rides, including water flumes and towering steel coasters. The theme park is open from early March through early January. From late April through early September, you can cool off at White Water Bay, an outdoor water park with tunnel, body and funnel slides, as well as a lazy river and wave pool. Admission to Fiesta Texas gives you access to the water park as well.
Roughly two hours from the Gulf of Mexico, SeaWorld San Antonio gives you the chance to see marine life while staying in the city. Head to Rocky Point Preserve to watch seals and sea lions at feeding time, get up close with tuxedoed birds at the Penguin Encounter, put on a wet suit and swim with beluga whales, or come face-to-face with feared predators at the 700,000-gallon shark reef. The park also has animal stage shows and thrill rides, including massive steel roller coasters.
