San Antonio
San Antonio is the country's ninth largest city and one of the country's largest tourist attractions. San Antonio is known for its laid back, Tex-Mex culture, and this site will give you all the information that your need to plan your San Antonio vacation.
It is the eighth largest city in the United States, and the third largest city in Texas.The city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while blending in cosmopolitan progress. It is one of the nation’s largest military centers.
The city has been a crossroads and a meeting place. Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, African-Americans and the Deep South have merged.
San Antonio is the industrial, financial, and commercial center of a large agricultural area. Its manufactures include: apparel, textiles, processed foods, computerized mapping equipment, aircraft parts, air conditioners, and beer. It is also a leading livestock center and one of the largest produce exchange markets.
Tourism is also and important industry to San Antonio. In the late 20th century San Antonio was one of the fastest growing U.S cities.
Native Americans first lived along the San Antonio River, calling the area "Yanaguana," which means "clear waters." A band of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon the river in 1691, and because it was the feast day of St. Anthony, they named the river "San Antonio."
The actual founding of the city came in 1718 by Father Antonio Olivares, when he established Mission San Antonio de Valero. Other missions were oponed along the river, San José (1719), Concepción (1731), San Francisco de la Espada (1731), and San Juan Capistrano (1731). These missions were charged with converting the local Native Americans, into Catholics and productive members of Spanish society. The missions also served as vocational and educational centers, economic enterprises involved in agricultural and ranching endeavors and regional trade.
San Antonio was the most important Texas settlement in Spanish and Mexican days. It was the scene of the Mexican attack on the Alamo in 1836. Later a group of Comanche were killed and in 1842, San Antonio was taken and held briefly by Mexicans.
After the Civil War and the coming of the first railroad in 1877, San Antonio prospered as a major shipping point of cattle.
The city has been an important military center since World War II.
Alamo
The most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna’s army. It was established in 1718 as the city’s first mission.
Casa Navarro State Historical Park
The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S.
Enchanted Springs Ranch
An authentic old west town right out of the 1800’s used for western films, commercials, and special events.
Institute of Texan Cultures
Features interactive exhibits, multicultural family programs, and special events.
Guenther House
Is one of the oldest historic districts in Texas. Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, built this elegant home in 1860.
Tower of the Americas
The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area.
Spanish Governor’s Palace
A national historic landmark, labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio", it housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas.
La Villita
One of the original settlements was comprised of Spanish soldiers and their families.
Mission Concepción
This 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.
Mission San Francisco de la Espada
In 1731, after their retreat from East Texas, the founders of San Francisco de los Tejas moved the mission to the San Antonio River and renamed it San Francisco de la Espada.
McNay Art Museum
Mediterranean mansion with patio, gardens and a collection of post-impressionist paintings.
Market Square
Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market.
King William Historic Area
A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. German merchants originally settled the area.
River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
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. 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 of unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
San Antonio Zoological Garden and Aquarium
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 750 species The Zoo has mini-zoo designed specifically for children under 5.
Catedral of San Fernando
It is notable as the oldest catedral in the United States.
San Antonio Museum of Art
A castle-like building housing a collection ranging from ancient art to Mexican folk art.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain’s most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico.
San Antonio has generally a temperate climate. That is why visitors love San Antonio. Although in the summer it can get extremely hot and humid, temperatures can reach above 90 degrees and above during summers. So it’s better not to go on summer season.
The best time to visit San Antonio is in the months before and after winter. Temperatures at that time are mild, around 50 degrees.
During fall and spring, you will encounter rain, specially in September and May.
George W. Bush U.S. president;
Oliver North military officer and government official;
Henry G. Cisneros secretary of HUD;
Joan Crawford actress;
Cody Carlson football player;
Ann Harding actress;
Carol Burnett comedienne;
Jesse James Leija boxer;
Suzy Parker model and catres
Cito Gaston baseball manager;
Emilio Navaira Tejano music singer;
Kyle Rote football player;
Paula Prentiss actress;
David R. Scott astronaut;
Patsy Torres Tejano music singer;
Edward H. White astronaut.
2000 census population (rank) : 1,144,646 (9); % change: 22.3; Male: 553,245 (48.3%); Female: 591,401 (51.7%); White: 774,708 (67.7%); Black: 78,120 (6.8%); American Indian and Alaska Native: 9,584 (0.8%); Asian: 17,934 (1.6%); Other race: 221,362 (19.3%); Two or more races: 41,871 (3.7%); Hispanic/Latino: 671,394 (58.7%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 71.5%; 65 and over: 10.4%; Median age: 31.7.
2004 population estimate (rank) : 1,236,249
Land area: 408 sq mi;
Alt. : 700 ft.
Avg. daily temp. : Jan., 49.3° F; July, 85.0° F
Fiesta: Is an naual 10 day city festval held in April to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo Battle. Over 100 events take place to celebrate de independece of Texas from Mexico.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Is a 16 day event, established since 1950. There are 20 rodeo performances and musical entertainment.
The Passion Play: Held at the Catedral of San Fernando, protrays the story of Jesus Christ crucifixión every Good Friday.
Cinco de Mayo: Celebration held in commemoration of Mexico’s independence from France in 1862.
Texas Folklife Festival: It is a tour day cultural festival held in June. More than 40 of Texas’ethnic group gathered to showcase their culture.
Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony: Presented by the Paseo del Rio Association and the city of San Antonio the day alter Thanksgiving. Over 122,000 lights iluminate the River Walk for the holiday celebration.
Fiesta de las Luminarias: Takes place on the River Walk. Where is lined with 7,000 luminarias to light Mary and Joseph’s path. The procesión is a mexican- american tradition.
Friedrich Wilderness Park: Is 600-acre home for rare birds, terrestrial orchids, steep hills and deep canyons. It known for bird watching., Friedrich is a nesting site for two listed endangered species of birds: the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Eisenhower Park:. This 320-acre park contains excellent examples of Texas Hill Country landscapes, including wooded dry creek beds and rocky canyons.
Medina River Natural Area: A 364-acre Natural Areas park on the site of the old proposed Applewhite Reservoir. It has been enhanced with 2.5 miles of trails with interpretive features representing El Camino Real wagon trail.
River Walk/Downtown: The heart of the city's tourism business is along the River Walk and in the downtown area. Full with hotels, attractions, restaurants and bars, a visitor could spend his entire trip in one area of town.
King William/Southtown: Once primarily residential and neglected, the area has seen a resurgence of interest. Professionals are refurbishing them, entrepreneurs are openning new businesses.
Alamo Heights: One of the original suburbs of San Antonio. Alamo Heights is its own city, and harbors some of the city's finest dining establishments and shopping. opportunities. A large portion of the city's wealth resides in this neighborhood.
Monte Vista/Olmos Park: Home to some of the most exquisite mansions in the city.