Spectacular San Antonio

In our armchair travels we have arrived in the US state of Texas. The state is the second largest state by both area and population. Texas shares its borders with the states of Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south and southwest, and has a coastline with the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.

We begin our tour in the city of San Antonio located in south-central Texas. It is a city with a rich colonial heritage.

The San Antonio River Walk is the centerpiece of the city where you can walk along stone walkways and dine at restaurants lined up along the San Antonio River which flows through the center of the city. This is a particularly beautiful area with graceful bridges, large trees along the banks and birds flying by.

You can also enjoy viewing the River Walk on a guided tour gliding by on a barge or taking a dinner cruise.

The Alamo is one of the most important historical sites in the US. It was part of the mission station that was established in 1718, the church was built by Franciscans in 1744. One of the most famous battles in US history took place here in 1836 the Battle of the Alamo. The battle was fought against a Mexican army of 3,000. All of the defenders were killed among them the legendary figures Davy Crockett and James Bowie.

After the Alamo became the cradle of Texas independence and the phrase “Remember the Alamo!” became a battle cry. Today it is a National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail

The San Antonio Missions were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. It was the first such designation in Texas. The five missions, including the famous Alamo (Mission Valero) were built in the early 1700s. They were established by the Franciscan Order in an attempt by the Spanish to colonize and evangelize the region.

Mission San Juan

The missions have become one of the city’s greatest tourist attractions. Besides the famous Alamo there are Mission San Jose, Mission Concepsion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

Mission San Jose

The Mission Trail connects them all. You can choose to drive between the mission or go cycling. You can opt to try the city’s bike share program. The Mission Hike and Bike Trail runs along the river and is both scenic and informative.

San Fernando Cathedral & San Antonio|The Saga

The Roman Catholic San Fernando Cathedral is famous for being the burial site of the heroes of the Alamo. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in the US and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The walls of the original church were built by settlers from the Canary Islands and completed in 1750. They now form the cathedral’s sanctuary.

The cathedral is on the Main Plaza. At night it becomes the stage for one of San Antonio’s most visually compelling attractions – San Antonio- The Saga. It is offered free of charge every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. This video art installation is the creation of Xavier de Richemont. The 24-minute video along with choreographed music and narration is projected on the side of the San Fernando Cathedral. A 7,000 square-foot projection highlights the history and progression of San Antonio.

The Pearl is the historic district of San Antonio. Here you’ll find lovely restored buildings, unique shops, and great restaurants. On weekends it is home to a farmers market with many vendors set up on a pedestrian-only street selling fresh produce, baked goods, sauces and all kinds of specialties.

The Pearl is also home to a Culinary Institute of America campus, which is one of only threes such campuses in the US. You’ll also find its signature restaurant Nao Latin Gastro Bar, here.

Market Square is the place to find unusual items and souvenirs, This is a three-block strip of shops and restaurants that is known as the largest Mexican market in the US.

Take a look at Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia offering lunch and dinner or a special treat from the bakery. This has been a San Antonio institution since 1941 and covers an entire block. It is open 24 hours serving Mexican food. The restaurant is decorated with Christmas lights and fiesta flags.

The Japanese Tea Garden was a former rock quarry and now has been transformed into a garden with exotic plants, Koi ponds, waterfalls, and a beautiful stone Pavilion, There are walkways to enjoy. The Jingu House on-site restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining space.

Visit the town of New Braunfels, 40 minutes from San Antonio, This is the charming historic area that offers country music performances with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Among the highlights are the Gruene Historic District with an Old Grist Mill that has been converted into a riverside restaurant and the famous Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in the US.

During the summertime the most popular thing to do is tubing down the Guadalupe River.

The San Antonio Museum of Art features Greek and Roman antiquities as well as Asian, European, American, and Latin American works of art.

The McNay Art Museum has a large collection of modern art, including contemporary Indian art. The museum makes its home in a large Spanish Colonial Revival House.

San Antonio Zoo is home to 3,500 animals, representing 750 species. There are interactive exhibits such as Africa Live! You can enjoy Real Wild Farm and the Parrots Nest where you can fee the birds nectar from a cup. A fun train takes everyone on a journey around the zoo. The Zootenial Plaza offers a great restaurant and a carousel.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an exciting drive thru safari with 500 animals. There are zebras and wildebeests and big birds like emu and ostrich. You can drive through as often as you wish along with one free bag of food with your entrance fee.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is for you if you crave adventure and excitement. This is a combination theme and water park, There are many thrill rides to enjoy and the water parks is a great way to cool off on a hot day. The roller coasters are exciting like the 105 foot high Goliath.

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/san-antonio-us-tx-sa.htm
https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-san-antonio-tx/

Google images safe search