One of Texas’ top cities for tourists keeps adding to its list of lures.
By Pam Windsor
April 2016
San Antonio is considered by many to be the most favored travel destination in the great big state of Texas. The city proudly showcases its past, even as it moves forward to its future. Approximately 30 million people arrive every year to explore the Alamo, stroll along the famed River Walk, shop at the largest Mexican market north of the border, dine in this fast-growing food mecca, and see a host of other attractions.
For most who come here, the Alamo is usually the first stop. This former Spanish mission remains a source of pride for Texans for the critical role it played in the state’s fight for independence from Mexico. The Alamo is smaller than one might expect and sits right downtown in Alamo Plaza. Admission is free.
Moving through these hallowed walls brings to life the story of how 189 brave men fought to their deaths against thousands of soldiers led by the ruler of Mexico himself, Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The names of the men who led the heroic fight at the Alamo strike a familiar chord: James Bowie, known for the Bowie knife; David Crockett, later called “Davy” Crockett in the 1950s song and TV show; and William Barret Travis, a noted young lawyer from South Carolina. They, along with the rest of the Alamo defenders, held off the Mexican army for 13 days until, in the end, they all died after an attack in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836.
“We can try to imagine ourselves as the Alamo defenders,” noted tour guide Wade Dillon, “waking up out of a deep sleep, throwing on our wool coats, loading our flintlock rifles, which took one minute to load for each shot, and running in every direction, trying to figure out where this attack is coming from.”
The defenders were outmanned and outgunned, and although they fought with courage and determination, it was all over in less than 90 minutes. The only survivor (other than women and children who hid in the church sanctuary) was a slave belonging to Travis, who would later recount what happened during the battle.
The attack spurred fellow Texans to rout the Mexicans mightily six weeks later in the Battle of San Jacinto. The Mexican army was resting in a camp along the San Jacinto River at 4:30 in the afternoon when Sam Houston, leading 900 men, charged across the field screaming, “Remember the Alamo!” The Texans defeated the Mexican army in just 18 minutes, and the Republic of Texas was born.
The Alamo is one of five missions built in the 1700s by Catholic missionaries of the Franciscan order who came from Spain. The other four missions, still in their original locations along the San Antonio River, collectively form San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Just this past year (July 2015), all five missions were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other such U.S. sites include the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone National Park.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park consists of missions San Jose, Concepcion, San Juan, and Espada, and they still function as Catholic parishes, with regular services in English and Spanish. All are open for tours.
After the Alamo, San Antonio’s second-most famous attraction remains the River Walk, which winds through downtown and takes visitors along the San Antonio River under cypress trees; over flagstone paths; and past restaurants, shops, and historic attractions. Thanks to a $384 million expansion completed in 2013, the River Walk now stretches 15 miles and connects the Spanish missions to the south with the museums to the north. It’s a big and beautiful boost to tourism.
A definitely “touristy” but fun thing to do is to visit the city’s historic Market Square, which offers a taste and feel of Mexico on every level. This is the largest Mexican market in the United States and features restaurants, specialty shops, street vendors, artists, and musicians, all offering authentic treats and wares.
Food gets heaps of attention in San Antonio. Some of it is by way of the fast-growing culinary scene, with award-winning chefs featuring specialty dishes at a host of new restaurants. Authentic Mexican restaurants, or the more familiar Tex-Mex dishes, provide delights as well. The latter cuisine often involves melted cheese, beans, beef, and chili evolved from traditional Spanish and Mexican recipes with added American ingredients. Mexican restaurants La Fogata and Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia are landmarks in San Antonio. Mi Tierra is open 24 hours, offering its full menu around the clock.
The Pearl complex is another trendy spot for foodies. A brewery used to occupy the space, which now has world-class restaurants and boasts a campus of the Culinary Institute of America. Besides delicious choices for dining, visitors can check out shops and a weekly farmers market.
Attractions galore. San Antonio has families’ interests in focus, with Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusement park, the San Antonio Zoo, and The DoSeum interactive children’s museum. The city’s long list of attractions also includes the Briscoe Western Art Museum, which opened in 2013. It houses three floors of artwork, sculptures, photography, and other works by renowned Western artists.
“People coming to San Antonio expect to see something from the West and about the West when they’re in the West,” noted museum director Tom Livesay. So, Texas history meets art here. The artifacts include Santa Anna’s sword, a saddle belonging to Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, and a replica of an old Wells Fargo & Company Western Mail stagecoach.
Many stagecoaches were built to hold nine people, with two riding in the front. One drove and the other carried a shotgun for protection. This is where the term “riding shotgun” originated.
This place is so Western, the stairs are covered with bison hide!
Light show. One of the most visual outdoor attractions in San Antonio happens after the sun goes down. Year-round, four nights a week, people gather around the San Fernando Cathedral for a free, captivating show called “San Antonio — The Saga.” For 24 minutes, lights, music, and video art tell the history of this city. The colorful story is projected against the façade of the church. It’s a definite must-see. Show times are Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.
Other attractions that you may wish to investigate while you’re in town include the Institute of Texan Cultures; the Spanish Governor’s Palace; the San Antonio Museum of Art; the Edward Steves Homestead; La Villita Historic Arts Village; the King William Historic District; the Witte Museum; and Brackenridge Park. Plus, San Antonio has yet more beautiful, historical missions that don’t happen to be among the UNESCO sites mentioned above.
San Antonio offers so much that many tourists make definite plans to come back. That’s helped along by the warmth of its residents, who seem to find great enjoyment in sharing their city’s history and culture with curious visitors.
Further Info
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
203 S. St. Marys St., Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78205
(800) 447-3372
(210) 207-6700
Pick up brochures and sight-seeing suggestions at the Official Visitor Information Center, across from the Alamo at 317 Alamo Plaza.