A Unique Bed & Breakfast In the Heart of San Antonio's Historic District
San Antonio Attractions
We are pleased to provide you information about some of the many attractions our city has to offer, and a list of our favorites is below; click on any of the items to learn more about it. You will also find links to web sites for these attractions. You can return to this page simply by closing the new window when you have finished. (Other web sites are always changing, so if you find any links that no longer work please let us know.)
You might want to start with San Antonio's "crown jewel," the
Of course, the Paseo del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful jade-green, historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of Incarnate Word College and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. It was first called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped
river bend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the River Walks three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas. Here, 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. The Long Barracks Museum and Library is 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. 300 Alamo Plaza (78205) Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed December 24 and 25. Restricted hours March 6. Special events for groups include before and after hours tours—rates are $10 per person after 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. $15 per person 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 210/225-1391
"Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo and the 189 defenders who fought and died. The IMAX screen is six stories tall, ten times larger than a conventional movie screen. The huge screen and magnetic stereo sound system put viewers in the center of the action. Other IMAX features are also shown, and there are also special IMAX 3-D movies shown. 849 E. Commerce, Rivercenter Mall, Street Level, Crocket Street Entrance (78205) Admission: adults $7.50; children (3-11) $4.75; senior (65+) $6.75; groups (15 or more) adults $6.20; children (3-11) $4.25. 210/247-4629 or 800/354-4629. Fax: 210/227-5432
The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century is a reminder of one of Spain’s most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. Representing both church and state, these missions were charged with converting the local Native Americans, collectively called Coahuiltecans, into devout Catholics and productive members of Spanish society. More than just churches on the Spanish Colonial frontier, the missions also served as vocational and educational centers, economic enterprises involved in agricultural and ranching endeavors and regional trade. They were the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America and formed the foundation for what is today the thriving city of San Antonio. The park contains the historically and architecturally significant structures of Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada. Other important cultural resources included are the historic Espada Dam and Aqueduct, acequia (irrigation) systems and the Rancho de las Cabras. Park Headquarters: 2202 Roosevelt Ave. (78210) Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Admission: Free. The visitor center is located next to Mission San Jose and contains a theater showing a 20-minute depiction of early life at the mission, a museum and book shop. 210/534-8833 or 210/932-1001 Fax: 210/534-1106.
La Villita is 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 of this area. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. 418 Villita (78205) Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: Free. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. 210/207-8610 Fax: 210/207-4390
For a taste of the Old West and wildlife exhibits from all over the world visit this classic 1881 saloon and museum. The museum is a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 yards from the River Walk. Stroll through 33,000 square feet of artifacts from Texas history and world record wildlife exhibits with African, Asian, Alaskan, and North American themes - over 520 different species in all including fish from the Seven Seas. Visit the arcade and Buckhorn Curio Store. 318 E. Houston (78205) Open all year except Christmas and New Year's Day. Memorial Day to Labor Day a.m. - 6 p.m. or later (Call for exact closing time). Labor Day to Memorial Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: adults $7.99; children (3-11) $5.50; Discounts for seniors and military ID. 210/247-4000 Fax: 210/247-4020
Sunset Station is a destination for world-class entertainment, delicious
food and unique shopping all set in the historic backdrop of a turn of the
century train station. Originally constructed in 1902, the revitalized
entertainment destination showcases San Antonio's rich
cultural diversity. This diversity is reflected in the wide array of specialty
restaurants and entertainment choices, ranging from traditional Mexican
cuisine to Ruth's Chris sizzlin' steaks, to Texas toe-tapping country
music and the latest in the Latin craze music scene.
Named a State and National Historic Landmark, the Majestic is one of the few remaining vintage, atmospheric vaudeville movie palaces. It is home to the San Antonio Symphony and the AT&T Broadway Series. 224 E. Houston (78205) Individual concerts and events also showcased. 210/226-5700 210/226-3333 (tickets) 210/223-4343 (tours)
Winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools highlight this lush garden. 3800 North St. Mary's St. (78212). (At the northwestern edge of Brackenridge Park) Free Admission. Hours: 8 a.m. to dark. 210/821-3120
Texas Adventure is an action-packed multi-media show portraying Texas Independence with the Alamo drama as its centerpiece. Utilizing an array of state-of-the-art special effects found only in a few theme parks, the "Encountarium F/X Theatre" format surrounds visitors with an environment that recreates the touch and feel of being present as history was made. This themed attraction offers a complete experience including the theatre, a retail store and a light food and beverage service both inside and outdoors in The Cactus Cantina. Two private reception rooms overlooking the Alamo are available for catered private parties. The 16,000 sq. ft. facility may be rented for larger groups and events. 307 Alamo Plaza (78205) Open daily Hours 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission: adults $7.50; children (3-11) $4.50. Group rates available for 10 or more. 210/227-8224 or (group reservations) 210/247-4620 Fax: 210/227-5432
The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators ascend over 500 ft 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. 600 HemisFair Park (78205) Hours: Observation Deck, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday –Saturday. Elevator fees: adults $3; children (4-11) $1; seniors (55+) $2. children under 4 free. Fees subject to change. Visit the Tower of America’s restaurant serving lunch and dinner. (210) 223-3101. Parking for restaurant is available off Bowie Street, east of the park. 210/207-8615 Fax: 210/207-4390
Created by combat artist Austin Deuel, "Hill 811 S" depicts a marine holding a wounded comrade while looking skyward for an evacuation helicopter. It is located at Veterans Memorial Plaza, and dedicated to all veterans. 100 Veterans Memorial Plaza
The park encompasses the homesite of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. It is the site of Navarro’s furnished house, first residence, and store. Navarro’s life illustrates Texas’ rich Mexican history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided. 228 S. Laredo St. (78207) Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Admission: adults $2; children (6-12) $1; children under 6 free. Adult group rate $1; school groups 50 cents per person. 210/226-4801
Labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society and a national historic landmark , it once housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. Over the entrance is the original keystone which contains the carved, double-headed eagle of the Hapsburg coat-of-arms and the inscription in Spanish, "finished in 1749." Distinguishing features include period furnishings and a cobblestone patio with fountain and foliage. 105 Plaza De Armas (78205) Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission: adults $1.50 children (7-13) $ .75 cents. 210/224-0601 Fax: 210/207-7946
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. 514 W. Commerce (78207) Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter. 210/207-8600 Fax: 210/207-4287
The King William Historic District is a 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River. In the late 1800s, 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 many historic homes and buildings, including:
Guenther House (www.guentherhouse.com) 205 E. Guenther. Museum and River Mill store hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday. Restaurant hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday. Admission: Free. 210/227-1061 or 800/235-8186 Fax: 210/351-6372
Steves Homestead Museum (
www.saconservation.org) Open daily. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Admission: $3 per person; children under 12 free. 210/227-9160 Fax: 210/224-6168
This 33-acre garden represents, in miniature, the diverse Texas landscape—from Hill Country wild flowers to the formal rose gardens of East Texas. A biblical and children’s garden and a fragrance garden are featured. Enter through the Carriage House to visit the gift shop and have lunch in the tea room (kitchen closed on Monday). The Conservatory, a $6.5 million complex with 90,000 sq. ft. of climatically controlled structures includes an exhibition hall, tropical house, desert house, palm house, fern room and an orangery. Visitors enter at ground level and follow a tunnel 16 ft. below the surface where architecture separates different environments within a series of tent-like pavilions surrounding a large inner courtyard and pond. 555 Funston Pl. (78209) Closed Christmas and New Year’s. Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily March – October. Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, Nov-Feb. Admission (includes the conservatory): adults $4; seniors $ 2; children (3-13) $1; children under 3 free. Tour rates available. 210/207-3255 Fax: 210/207-3274
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation, the San Antonio Zoo exhibits over 3,500 animals of 751 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres. It includes one of the largest bird collections in the world and is the only American zoo to exhibit the endangered whooping crane, part of an exhibit devoted to the species. The Conservation Research Center exhibits the unique naked mole rat. Seasonal shows and educational programs are held throughout the year. The zoo also offers boat rides. 3903 N. St. Mary’s (78212) (Brackenridge Park) Open daily. 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 $7; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $5; children 2 and under free. Group rates available. 210/734-7183 Fax: 210/734-7291
Visitors can see free contemporary art exhibitions, listen to lectures by visiting artists and stroll the picturesque grounds of the historic Ursuline Campus, once a girls’ school and convent. 300 Augusta (78205) Guided tours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. by appointment), a sales gallery and a weekday lunch restaurant are available. Exhibition hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday. Admission: Free. 210/224-1848 Fax: 210/224-9337
The vision of internationally renowned architect Jean-Paul Viguier, the Center features an innovative multi-layered glass ceiling and roof that captures the South Texas light and then filters and adjusts it based on the works in each exhibition. We invite you to experience some of the most magnificent works of the 20th Century, in one of the most spectacular creations of the 21st.
6000 North New Braunfels (78209)
The San Antonio Museum of Art educates by collecting, presenting, and preserving the significant artistic achievements of the world's cultures from ancient times to the present. Celebrating its Silver Anniversary in 2006, the museum campus has grown to 15 acres, and there are exceptionally important permanent collections of Western Antiquities, Asian Art, Latin American Art, and contemporary American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts---each curated by specialists with strong international reputations. The secondary collections include excellent representations of Oceanic Art, Islamic Art, Irish Silver, Wedgewood Ceramics, European paintings, Photography, and more.
200 West Jones Avenue (78215) |
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Ron and Prudence Ruckman
stay@ruckmanhaus.com |
