San Antonio Attractions

The Alamo Imax Theater is located at 849 E. Commerce St. in the Rivercenter Mall. It boasts two theaters, one six stories high and the other 50 feet high with 3-D capabilities. The Alamo Imax Theater shows "Alamo - The Price of Freedom" daily, nature films, and occasionally commercial films. The historical Alamo, located across the street from the theater, allows tourists to visit the attraction after learning about it in the movie. Admission prices are $8.95 for adults, $7.95 for seniors, and $5.50 for children ages 3 to 11. Contact the theater at (800) 354-4629 for recorded show schedules or at (210) 247-4629 to make a reservation.

ArtPace has been described by its founder, Linda Pace, as a "laboratory of dreams". It is one of the preeminent contemporary art centers in the world. ArtPace gives selected artists an opportunity to live, work, and showcase their art at the facility. Admission to the arts center, located at 445 N. Main St., is free. Contact ArtPace at (210) 212-4900 for additional information.

The Blue Star Arts Complex consists of historic warehouse buildings converted into varied art spaces. It is bordered by Probandt, Blue Star, and South Alamo streets. The Jump-Start Theater, Blue Star Art Space, San Angel Folk Art, Say Si, and Joan Grona Gallery are all part of the complex. Admission to the complex is free, but a $2 donation is suggested. Call the Blue Start Arts Complex at (210) 227-6960 for more information.

Brackenridge Park, located two miles north of downtown and adjacent from the San Antonio Zoo, is an ideal recreational spot. Its 343 acres comprise recreational facilities, pavilions, picnic benches, jogging trails, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and Brackenridge Golf Course. The San Antonio River flows alongside many of its paths, creating scenic routes for bikers, walkers, and horseback riders. Leashed pets are allowed in the park. The Japanese Tea Gardens feature beautiful flowers, gardens, waterfalls, and goldfish ponds.

Tourists can experience the best of San Antonio on a Gray Line bus tour. Gray Line offers The Alamo City Grand Tour (8.5 hours), the Alamo and Mission Trail tour (3.5 hours), and the San Antonio Sampler (3.5 hours). The ticket price for The Alamo City Grand Tour includes an Imax Pass, Buckhorn Saloon & Museum ticket, or River Walk cruise ticket. Call Gray Line at (800) 472-9546 for additional information. It is located at 217 Alamo Plaza.

Almost all tourists to San Antonio spend some time in HemisFair Park. It has both indoor and outdoor enticements. Outdoors, it has water gardens and the children-designed Downtown All Around Playground. Indoor attractions include the Institute of Texan Cultures and Tower of the Americas. Hemisfair Park is bordered by Alamo, Bowie, Market, and Durango streets.

Lone Star Trolley, located at 217 Alamo Plaza, offers narrated tours of downtown San Antonio. Its Hop On and Off program allows tourists to leave the trolley at any of its ten stops and re-board throughout the day. Those who choose to remain on the trolley round-trip should set aside approximately one hour. Call Lone Star Trolley Tours at (800) 472-9546 for more information about its rates and schedule.

San Antonio's Market Square is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Tourists can sample authentic Mexican foods or just enjoy the music, dancing, and festivities that enliven the marketplace. Mexican crafts, clothing, and jewelry are for sale at Market Square. Market Square is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter, and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter. Call (210) 207-8600 for more information.

The Natural Bridge Caverns are located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road off of Interstate 35 between San Antonio and New Braunfels. The caverns open at 9 a.m. everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days. Tourists can view the giant caverns filled with stalagmites, pan for gemstones at the Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Company, or spelunk on an Adventure Tour. The Adventure Tour, which ventures 230 feet below the Earth's surface, is physically demanding and has height and weight requirements. Call the Natural Bridge Caverns at (210) 651-6101 for information about rates for all tours and reservations for the Adventure Tour.

San Antonio's River Walk is world-renowned and Texas' top tourist attraction. The 2.5-mile stretch is considered a city park. It is maintained and operated by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. River Walk offers natural beauty, spaces for solitude, festivals, outstanding shops, high-class hotels, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. River Walk is integral to San Antonio, and a visit would not be complete without spending time there.

The 33-acre San Antonio Botanical Gardens comprise formal and display gardens, native plant areas, the Lucile Hasell Conservatory, and the Sullivan Carriage House. Educational events, programs, and classes for all ages are offered through the gardens. The San Antonio Botanical Gardens are located at 555 Funston, N. New Brawnfels Ave. Contact the gardens at (210) 207-3250 for rates and hours, or (210) 207-3276 to schedule a guided tour.

The San Antonio Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It has 3,500 animals of 750 species. It is recognized worldwide for its conservation programs with flamingo, white rhino, black rhino, snow leopard, whooping crane, and other species. The zoo even hosts special programs that allow visitors to witness how the animals act after the zoo is closed, or show tourists how zookeepers care for the animals. The San Antonio Zoo is located at 3903 N. St. Mary's St. Contact the zoo at (210) 734-7184 for information about rates, hours, and special programs.

SeaWorld San Antonio, situated on 250 acres, is the largest marine theme park in the world. It is actually four parks rolled into one. SeaWorld San Antonio houses a show park, rides and slides park, water park, and animals park. SeaWorld, located at the intersection of Ellison Drive and Westover Hills Boulevard, charges $39.99 for adults, $29.99 for children ages 3 to 9, and nothing for children 2 and under. Call SeaWorld San Antonio at (210) 523-3611 for additional information.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200-acre amusement park ideal for families. Thrill-seekers can go on rides like the Superman Krypton Coaster, the Southwest's only floorless coaster that whips and loops at 70 miles per hour. The park also has water rides, and amusements specifically for young children. The park hosts live concerts for those not inclined to ride roller coasters. Contact Six Flags Fiesta Texas at (800) 473-4378 for information about admission rates and hours.

Get soaked at Splashtown, San Antonio's family water park. The 8-acre park has rides for all ages, including a kid's version of its Siesta Del Rio (Lazy River). Splashtown also hosts concerts and special events. Splashtown is located at 3600 North IH-35. Call (210) 227-1400 for more information about its rates and seasonal hours.

To get the most outstanding view of San Antonio, visit the Tower of the Americas. The 750-foot tower offers an unparalleled panorama of the city. The tower, originally built for HemisFair in 1968, resides at 600 HemisFair Park. A revolving restaurant, located at the top of the tower, offers breathtaking vistas for diners. Admission to the tower costs $3 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for children ages 4 to11, and nothing for children ages 3 and under. Contact the Tower of the Americas at (210) 207-8616 for additional information.

Those looking to experience River Walk from the water should take a boat cruise. Yanaguana Cruises offers 35-minute, narrated tours of the San Antonio River. Call the reservation center at (800) 417-4139 to make reservations and get information about hours. Cruises cost $5.25 for adults, $3.65 for senior citizens, Bexar County residents, and active-duty military, and $1 for children ages 1 to 5.

Approximately 2.5 million people per year visit the Alamo to remember the courageous battle for Texas' liberty. People like James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis defended their freedom at this 4.2-acre site. The Alamo, located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This free attraction is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Contact the Alamo at (210) 225-1391 for more information.

Jose Antonio Navarro, born in 1795, is a Texas hero who lived during the state's most turbulent times. He was a champion for Mexican Americans, an influential elected leader in Texas government, and much loved by the people of San Antonio. Casa Navarro State Historical Park, located at 228 S. Laredo St., was Navarro's residence. The structure, built in 1848, features adobe architecture, exhibits, and period furnishings. Casa Navarro State Historical Park, which can be reached at (210) 226-4801, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission rates are $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6.

Fort Sam Houston, a military facility and National Historic Landmark, is used by the U.S. Army Medical Command and the Fifth U.S. Army. Guests can visit the Quadrangle, the oldest building in Fort Sam Houston, through a self-guided walking tour. The Fort Sam Houston Museum and the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum, open to the public, explore the fort's history and uses. Admission to Fort Sam Houston is free, but donations are accepted. Contact the Quadrangle at (210) 221-1232, the Fort Sam Houston Museum at (210) 221-1886, and the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at (210) 221-6358 for information about each attraction's variable hours.

Wealthy German settlers flocked to San Antonio's King William Street after Texas became a state. Today, the settlers' large Victorian mansions comprise the King William Historic District. Visitors enjoy viewing the area even though few houses are open to the public. Tourists can pick up a walking tour map at the San Antonio Conservation Society, which is located at 107 King William St. Call the society at (210) 224-6163.

La Villita is Spanish for "little town." The district, filled with unique shops and historic buildings, comprises one square block. It resembles a Spanish/Mexican village with its brick-and-tile streets and historic adobe structures. Fine art, jewelry, pottery, and clothing are just a few items guests can buy while visiting. Admission to the district, bordered by Durango, Navarro, and Alamo streets, is free.

The Majestic Theatre, a National Historic Landmark, is located at 224 E. Houston St. It was built at a time when theatres resembled palaces. The Majestic, restored in 1989, features a night sky dome and gold leaf detailing. The San Antonio Symphony Orchestra plays at the Majestic Theatre. Call the theatre for additional information at (210) 226-5700, or call the box office at (210) 226-3333 for tickets. Reservations for theatre tours must be made in advance by calling the Las Casa Foundation at (210) 223-4343.

Spanish priests built five missions in San Antonio during the 1700s to Christianize the native population. Four of these missions are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park: Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, and Mission Concepcion. The missions are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and tours are available. Admission to the 819-acre San Antonio Missions National Historic Park is free, but donations are accepted. The park's visitor center is located at 6701 San Jose Dr. Call the center at (210) 932-1001 for additional information.

The San Fernando Cathedral, located at 115 Main Plaza, hosts approximately 5,000 people at its weekend masses. Even Pope John Paul II made a visit to this cathedral. The original structure was completed in 1749, and it remains part of the cathedral that stands today. Special events such as symphonies, concerts, and television specials are held regularly at the cathedral. Admission to San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest parish church in Texas, is free. Call (210) 227-1297 for additional information.

The Southwest School of Art and Craft is a historic site and an art school, located at 300 Augusta Ave. Its Ursuline Campus was once a girl's school and convent. Today, visitors to the Southwest School of Art and Craft can view contemporary art, listen to lectures, or walk the beautiful campus. Guided tours are available. Call the school at (210) 224-1848 for additional information.

The Spanish Governor's Palace, located at 105 Military Plaza, was built in 1749 and housed Spanish governors. The palace's period furnishings illustrate Spanish aristocratic life in the 18th century. The National Geographic Society deemed it “the most beautiful building in San Antonio.” Admission to the Spanish Governor's Palace is $1.50 for adults, $.75 for children ages 7 to 13, and free for children under 7. Call (210) 224-0601 for information about its hours.

The Buckhorn Saloon began trading shots of whiskey for deer antlers in 1881. Over 100 years later, the establishment has amassed 1,200 trophy mounts of 520 species. Many record-holding animals are included in the collection, such as a moose with a 1.7-meter wide rack. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum has expanded to include a fins exhibit (fish), feathers display (birds), and a wax museum. The museum, located at 318 E. Houston St., can be reached at (210) 247-4000 for information about rates and hours.

The Edward Steves Homestead Museum, a Victorian mansion built in 1876, is located at 509 King William St. It is one of the only historic houses open to the public within the King William Historic District. Guests to the museum receive a 30- to 45-minute guided tour of its history and ornate furnishings. Admission to the home costs $5 for adults and nothing for children under 12. Contact the Steves Homestead at (210) 225-5924 for more information about its hours.

The Institute of Texan Cultures, located at 801 S. Bowie St., is a multicultural education center. The institute's focus is Texas' history and diverse culture. It celebrates these two priorities through programs, publications, and 50,000 square feet of exhibits. The Institute attracts tourists and students. Contact the Institute of Texan Cultures at (210) 458-2300 for more information about rates and hours.

The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum, located at 6000 N. New Braunfels, houses a collection of 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. Remarkable works by Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse hang within the museum. The Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum is also notable for its Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. Admission to the museum is free, except during special events. Contact the museum at (210) 824-5368 for more information.

The Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley's Believe It or Not are both housed at 301 Alamo Plaza. The Plaza Wax Museum has the second-largest wax figure collection in the world. Its wax figures include movie stars, historical figures, and famous fictional characters. Ripley's Believe It or Not showcases oddities from around the world. Contact the museum at (210) 224-WAXX (9299) for information about rates and hours.

San Antonio Children's Museum, located at 305 E. Houston St., houses over 80 hands-on exhibits. Its three floors feature interactive exhibits such as the Hill Country Bubble Ranch, where children can enclose themselves in a giant bubble. At virtual Good Cents Bank, children can open an account and use a real ATM machine. Admission to the museum is $5 per person. Contact the museum at (210) 212-4453 for more information about its variable hours.

The San Antonio Museum of Art, located at 200 W. Jones Ave., is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery. Displayed within the building's 104,000-square-feet are Greek and Roman antiques, Asian art, Latin American and Folk art, and American paintings. The museum is particularly notable for its Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art. The museum also offers poetry readings, concerts, storytelling, dance performances, lectures, family days, and art workshops. Contact the museum at (210) 978-8100 for information about its rates and hours.

The Witte Museum features travel, history, and science exhibits. It also hosts family events, a live gallery theater, and overnight camp-ins for children. Popular attractions within the museum are an Egyptian exhibit and mummy and the H-E-B Science Treehouse. Admission to the museum is $5.95 for adults, $4.95 for seniors, $3.95 for children ages 4 to 11, and free for members and children ages 3 and under. The Witte Museum, located at 3801 Broadway, can be reached at (210) 357-1900 for information about its hours.

Visitors can race their cars at the Alamo Dragway. It hosts street racing every Sunday. Admission costs $5 for crews and spectators, $10 for cars and drivers. Gates open at 5 p.m., and lanes close at 10 p.m. Alamo Dragway, located at 15030 Watson Road, also features special events. Call the attraction at (210) 628-1371 for additional information.

The Spurs, San Antonio's NBA basketball team, are loved by the city. The team plays in the newly constructed SBC Center. The SBC Center, located at One SBC Center, can be reached at (210) 444-5000. To order season's tickets to watch the Spurs call (210) 444-5050. Call (210) 225-TEAM (8326) to purchase individual tickets. Ticket prices range from $10 to $69.

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, a two-week event in February, takes place at the SBC Center. The rodeo features over 1,000 competitors and culminates in a live concert. Proceeds from the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo go to Bexar County and Texas youth through scholarships, grants, and endowments. To order tickets, call (210) 225-5851. For additional information call (210) 225-0612, or contact the SBC Center at (210) 444-5000.