San Antonio Information

If you are planning a vacation to San Antonio, you will discover that there is so much to see and do that it is difficult to figure out where to begin. With the bustling downtown area graced by the majestic San Antonio River, you will find that many of the city's top historic landmarks and cultural sites are located along its lovely banks. One of the best ways to take in the full splendor of the region is to hop on a water taxi or trolley and let the rippling waters be your guide. Here are a number of must-see attractions that you should be sure to include on your fun-filled adventures.

Not that you can miss it, but in the very heart of downtown San Antonio is the famous two-and-half-mile Riverwalk, forming the lifeblood of city life. With lush gardens, cobblestones walkways, fine restaurants, live music venues, quaint shops and galleries, the sometimes crashing other times tranquil waters chart the path between Alamo Plaza and the scattered 18th Century Spanish Missions. Shaded by towering cypresses and bordered by exquisitely landscaped gardens, a narrated cruise is highly recommended for getting to know the area's many sites and diverse neighborhoods. For more information and daily schedules, contact Yanaguana Cruises, Inc.

For 24-hour food and fun, Market Square is a top destination. Styled after an authentic Mexican village, this famous district, known as ''El Mercado,'' houses 32 different shops. In addition, there are 80 specialty stores in Farmers' Market Plaza. This is also the site of numerous Latin festivals, which are regularly listed in the San Antonio News-Express calendar, available in print and online. While you're there, be sure to pay at least one visit to the ever-popular, 24-hour Mi Tierra Cafe, offering fabulous authentic Mexican pastries and sweets along with homestyle Mexican cooking. This spot becomes packed with an after-hours crowd once the bars and clubs close, where a well-stocked bar, snacks and strolling Mariachis create the perfect ending for an exciting night out.

san antonio area info

For an authentic snapshot of 18th Century Spanish culture and some of the area's best antiquing and galleries, make your way over to La Villita. Two centuries ago, this district formed the original residential settlement of Spanish and Mexican missionaries. Through considerable private and public efforts, it has been carefully preserved and restored to maintain its original character. Now a bohemian community home to many of the area's local artists, you'll find a large selection of unique shops that feature authentic arts and crafts along with lively restaurants and bars that offer a true taste of old San Antonio.

Lastly, the Tower of the Americas, located in downtown San Antonio in Hemisphere Park, is a fabulous way to see the sights of the city and surrounding countryside all in one fell swoop. This 750 foot tall building, constructed in honor of the 1968 Hemisfair, features glass-walled elevators that transport visitors over 500 feet above ground level to one of the finest eateries in all the city. Open for lunch and dinner, this somewhat pricey but highly-rated restaurant is well worth the beans. For those traveling on a budget, don't be discouraged. You can skip the grub and visit the public observation deck to catch the awesome bird's eye view.