Attractions - San Antonio

San Antonio, occupying 368.6 square miles, is the seat of Bexar County (pronounced "bear"). The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Wilson Counties. San Antonio is in South Central Texas, approximately 140 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico and 150 miles northeast of the city of Laredo on the Mexican border.

San Antonio captures the spirit of Texas. Now the eighth largest city in the United States, the city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress. The city has always been a crossroads and a meeting place. Sounds and flavors of Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, African-Americans and the Deep South mingle and merge. Close to twenty million visitors a year delight in the discovery of San Antonio's charms.

History 101 - The Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 225-1391 x34 • Fax: (210) 354-3602

On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed December 24 and 25. Admission Free: donations accepted. Call for more information.

Aztec on the River

201 E. Commerce Street, Suite 300 • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 227-3930 • Fax: (210) 271-7077

The Aztec On The River™ is the RiverWalk’s newest, most exciting attraction. This historic 1926 movie palace has been meticulously restored, complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. Modern enhancements have been added to create an incredible experience: a FREE multi-million dollar special effects show in the Grand Lobby every 90 minutes, a giant screen theatre with incredible surround-sound, plus unique shopping and dining. Open daily - call for showtimes. Group, senior and military discounts available. On the RiverWalk at the corner of E. Commerce and N. St. Mary’s Streets

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

318 E. Houston St • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 247-4000 • Fax: (210) 247-4020

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is proud to have been voted "2002 Best Attraction" by the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio. Discover more than 120 years of history.... Texas style. Marvel at two stories of the most exotic collections you've ever seen, from our unique horn collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas. See a two headed calf and a lamb with eight legs! Test your hand in our authentic shooting gallery and arcade. Don't miss the world's only Wax Museum of Texas History. And, don't forget to swing by the Buckhorn Curio Store, where you'll find extraordinary Texas collectibles and authentic Buckhorn souvenirs for the entire family. Located a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or later, Sunday - Thursday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or later, Friday and Saturday. Call for exact closing times. Admission: Adults $10.99; seniors(55+) $9.99; Children (ages 3-11) $7.99. Special rates for group of 10 or more, and discounts for Military with ID.

Enchanted Springs Ranch

242 Hwy 46 West • Boerne • TX 78006
Phone: (830) 249-8222 • Fax: (830) 249-1131 • Toll Free: 800-640-5917

An authentic old west town right out of the 1800’s used for western films, commercials, and special events. Adults $10, Kids $5. Fee includes a tour of the old west town plus a tractor wagon ride through a working ranch of Texas longhorns, horses, buffalo and lots of exotic animals. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. Call for more information.

Fiesta Farm

8497 FM 1560 N • San Antonio • TX 78254
Phone: (210) 316-3166

Fiesta Farm is a fantastic new play farm with pony rides, hay ride, petting zoos, a large sandbox and bubble machine. Open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for $6 per person. Available for School Field Trips with lots of hands-on education. Open year round with a large warm barn and lots of shade. (Other hours available by appointment).

Guenther House

205 E. Guenther • San Antonio • TX 78204
Phone: (210) 227-1061 • Fax: (210) 351-6372

Located on a bend of the the San Antonio River at foot of King William is one od the oldest historic districts in Texas. Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, built this elegant home in 1860. The restored house offers a museum featuring mill memorabilia. Of interest to collectors are the Dresden China anniversary plates made in Germany until WWII. Museum and River Mill store hours: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Sunday. Restaurant hours: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily. Free admission.

Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, and Davy Crockett's Tall Tales Ride

329 Alamo Plaza • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 226-2828 • Fax: (210) 226-7462

San Antonio's newest attractions are all three in one location directly across from the Alamo! The Guinness World Records Museum is a state of the art, interactive experience that brings the world famous book to life. Explore 16 themed galleries spread over 10,000 sq. feet featuring exhibits, artifacts, videos, and games all showcasing exciting world records. Ripley's Haunted Adventure is a multi -million dollar special effect haunted house. Climb aboard the three story ride that empties you into a mixture of live actors, special effects, elaborate sets, and animatronics. Guaranteed to bring terror to even the heartiest of souls. Davy Crockett's Tall Tales Ride is a fantatstic theme park style ride through the life and times of Davy Crockett, according to Davy himself. Enjoy a narrated journey through colorful sets, loveable animatronic characters, and an array of special and visual effects. All three attractions are open daily except for Christmas Day.

IMAX Theatre Rivercenter

849 E Commerce, #285 • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 247-4614 • Fax: (210) 227-5432 • Toll Free: (800) 354-4629

"Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. Other IMAX features, including IMAX 3D, also show. The giant IMAX screen, large film frames and incredible sound system create The IMAX Experience®. Your movie-going experience is so real that yo feel like you are immersed in the film and in IMAX 3D you will want to reach out and touch the images floating toward you. Shows daily from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Admission: adults $9.25; children (3-11) $6.24; senior (65+) and youth (12-17) $8.33. The prices do not include tax. Advance reservations and assigned seating are available.

Institute of Texan Cultures

801 S. Bowie • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 458-2330 • Fax: (210) 458-2208

Celebrate the cultures of Texas at San Antonio’s cultural experience museum! UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures features interactive exhibits, multicultural family programs, fun activities for children, and colorful special events. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras, and don'’t be afraid to touch - many of our exhibits feature hands-on elements! Immerse yourself inside our 360° Dome Theater, boasting the technology of 22 screens and 38 projectors and featuring Faces and Places of Texas, a multimedia experience showcasing Texans and special events from around the state. Step into the lives of early Texans on the Institute's outdoor exploration area, the Back 40, and see how early Texans lived at our Living Texas demonstration areas. Learn the stories of multinational Texans firsthand from our character performers! Guided tours are available for groups. The museum’s retail store offers a broad selection of unique Texas gifts, publications, and international gift items. The museum is a short walk from the Alamo and the River Walk through HemisFair Park.

King William Historic District

1032 S. Alamo • San Antonio • TX 78210
Phone: (210) 227-8786 • Fax: (210) 227-8030

A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River. In the late 1800's the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. Prominent German merchants originally settled the area. It was zoned as the state's first historic district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. The area includes the following attractions.

La Villita

418 Villita #900 • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 207-8611 • Fax: (210) 207-4390

A unique arts and crafts community with shops, working artists, restaurants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the history. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Closed holidays.

Market Square - El Mercado

514 W. Commerce • San Antonio • TX 78207
Phone: (210) 207-8600 • Fax: (210) 207-4287

From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Guadalajara lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter.

McNay Art Museum

6000 N New Braunfels • San Antonio • TX 78209
Phone: (210) 805-1761 • Fax: (210) 805-1760

Mediterranean mansion with patio, gardens and an impressive collection of post-impressionist paintings. Number of guests: 112 seated Brown Gallery; 32 Sculpture Gallery; 400 reception using interior garden.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., ; Thursday 10a.m.-9p.m.; Saturday 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sunday 12 noon-5p.m.

Mission Concepción

807 Mission Rd. at Felisa St. • San Antonio • TX 78210
Phone: (210) 534-1540

This handsome church looks essentially as it did 200 years ago. From 1731, religious festivals were held as friars strove to replace traditional Native American ritual by the demonstration of Christian ideals. Remnants of wall and ceiling paintings in the surviving rooms of the mission’s convento have been conserved. Wayside exhibits lead visitors around the grounds and through the various rooms. The site also features a visitor contact station and a sales area.

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

10040 Espada Rd. • San Antonio • TX 78214
Phone: (210) 627-2021

Founded in 1720 by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesús, San José became the largest and best known of the Texas Missions and was viewed as the model among Texas missions. After early setbacks, 300 inhabitants were sustained by the vast fields and herds of livestock. A visitor in 1777 referred to the structure as the "Queen of the Missions." The carvings on the church are notable features. The famous "Rose Window" is considered one of the finest pieces of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the country. Other features are the convento area and the stairway to the belfry and choir loft - each of the 25 risers was hand-hewn from a single live-oak log and constructed without nails or pegs. Also featured is a granary with flying buttresses, a gristmill, restored defensive walls, and quarters.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

9101 Graf Rd. • San Antonio • TX 78214
Phone: (210) 534-0749

Established along the banks of the San Antonio River in 1731 after relocation from East Texas. With a rich farm and pasture lands it became a regional supplier of agricultural produce, which helped support the missions, local settlements and presidio garrisons. The chapel, with its open bell tower is still in use. A more elaborate church was never completed. The site includes a self-guided nature trail.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road • Natural Bridge Caverns • TX 78266
Phone: (830) 438-7400 • Fax: (830) 438-3494

Have you ever dreamed of going on an African Safari? Well ... Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is your dream come true, only Texas Style. With hundreds of animals from all over the world roaming freely in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Animals are enticed to come up for nose to nose encounters with the complimentary feed given upon entrance. The Petting Zoo and Walk-a-Bout areas are included in admission and everyone is invited to travel through the Ranch as many times as they would like during their visit. Admission is $14.50 for adults, $7.00 for children (3-11 years) and $13.00 for seniors (65+). Texas' most visited safari park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended summer hours of 9 am to 6:30 pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day).

Old Spanish Trail

3400 Fredericksburg Rd. • San Antonio • TX
Phone: (210) 735-3503

During the 1920s San Antonio's Gunter Hotel was the headquarters for the building of the southern U.S. transcontinental Auto Highway commemorated by the 0-Mile Stone on City Hall lawn. From St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California, the Old Spanish Trail links cities of Spanish conquest and settlement. The OST enters San Antonio on Seguin St. along I-35, proceeds south on New Braunfels Ave. to Houston St., west on Houston to Flores St., north along Flores and out Fredericksburg Rd., I-10 and Boerne Stage Rd. into the hill country. A decorative stone bench recognizing the OST is located at 3400 Fredericksburg Rd.

Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley's Believe It or Not

301 Alamo Plaza • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 224-9299 • Fax: (210) 224-1516

The Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Two premiere attractions located in the heart of downtown - just across the street from historic Alamo Plaza., the RiverCenter Mall and the famous River Walk. Our Plaza Wax Museum features a collection of wax figures displayed within themed sections of Hollywood, Children's land of Make Believe, Freedom's Journey (contains a 66-foot wall mural dedicated to our country's history), Horror (optional section), History, Religion (this section contains The Passion of Christ - the Last Supper, Cruxification and Resurrection and much more!) Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Allows you to discover one-of-a-kind oddities, curiosities and illusions gathered from all over the world by Robert Ripley. There are over 500 exhibits - one of the largest in the world!

River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)

110 Broadway, Suite 440 • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 227-4262 • Fax: (210) 212-7602

Paseo Del Rio in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful, historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the River Walk’s three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs. See Rio San Antonio Cruises, listed alphabetically.

San Antonio Botanical Garden, Lucile Halsell Conservatory

555 Funston • San Antonio • TX 78209
Phone: (210) 207-3255 • Fax: (210) 207-3274

This 33-acre living museum, one can enjoy colorful seasonal floral displays, a serene native forest walk, exotic plant specimens from around the world, modernistic glass pyramids, and even an authentic log cabin. Highlights include the Old Fashioned Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, Garden for the Blind, Kuamoto En (an authentic Japanese Garden), and extensive native collections representing the hill Country, East Texas and Southwest Texas. The futuristic Lucile Halsell Conservatory features plants from around the world displayed in the Exhibit Room, Desert Pavilion, Tropical Forest Room, Palm House and Fern Grotto. The Aquatic Garden Pool is the central feature of the Conservatory Courtyard. The historic Carriage House, your entry point to the Garden, also includes the gift shop and restaurant (kitchen closed Mondays). Garden is open every day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Years's Day. Admission: Adults $6.00; Children (3-13 yrs) $3.00; Seniors (55 yrs and up) $4.00; Student/Military (with ID card) $4.00. Tour rates available.

San Antonio Museum of Art

200 W Jones • San Antonio • TX 75215
Phone: (210) 978-8100 • Fax: (210) 978-8101

A castle-like building housing a collection ranging from ancient art to Mexican folk art. Original home of Lone Star Brewing Company. Elegant setting for indoor/outdoor themes. Number of guests: 60, indoors; 1,000 outdoors.

San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium

3903 N. St. Mary's St. • San Antonio • TX 78212
Phone: (210) 734-7184 • Fax: (210) 734-7291

Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 750 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres. Includes one of the largest bird collections in the world. The Zoo has a magnificent mini-zoo designed specifically for children under 5, Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot. Open 365 days a year. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: adults $9; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $7; military $8; under 2 free. Group rates available.

Southwest School of Art & Craft

300 Augusta • San Antonio • TX 78205-1296
Phone: (210) 224-1848 • Fax: (210) 224-9337

Visitors can see free contemporary art exhibitions and lectures by visiting artists, and scroll the picturesque grounds of the historic Ursuline Campus, once a girls's school and convent. Guided tours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. by appointment), a sales gallery and a weekday lunch restaurant are available. Exhibition hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday- Saturday; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. Visitors Center Museum open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday. Sales Gallery open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Free

Sunset Station

1174 E Commerce • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 222-9481 • Fax: (210) 223-6194

Sunset Station, nestled in the historic St. Paul district, offers you a unique experience in downtown San Antonio. Visit our venue to

enjoy dining at Aldaco’s fine Mexican Cuisine or Ruth’s Chris Steak House or experience a self paced walking tour to marvel at the turn of the century architecture; or catch a concert of a nationally recognized touring act which range from blues to country to alternative to rock. Free evening shuttle service is available, just ask your concierge or we are also a stop on the yellow trolley line. Planning a meeting or bringing a convention to San Antonio? Sunset Station blends the romance of the Hispanic culture with the charm of South Texas to be your prime destination in downtown San Antonio to create your own historic event. Please call or visit the website for more information on our banquet space, catering, or concert series.

Tower of the Americas

600 HemisFair Park • San Antonio • TX 78205
Phone: (210) 223-3101

The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators ascend over 500 feet to the restaurant and observation level. It was the theme structure for HemisFair in 1968, and symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of civilizations in the Western Hemisphere.

Information for the San Antonio page was collected from the San Antonio CVB - please go to their site for more info.