|
Things To Do
Sports & Outdoors
San Antonio is host to three family-friendly theme parks. Visitors will appreciate the water rides during the summer months, but the parks are generally open from March to late fall.
1. Families enjoy 20 landscaped acres of water park fun at Splashtown. Everyone from toddlers to adolescent thrill seekers will find excitement throughout the park. Splashtown is open May through September on the weekends, and daily throughout the summer. For more information, please call 210-227-1400; located at 3600 IH 35 North, San Antonio, TX 78219.
2. Paying homage to its Southwest heritage, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is made up of six themed areas, including Los Festivales, a Hispanic Village, Spassburg, a German town and the 1950s-inspired Rockville. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is open March through October on the weekends, and daily throughout the summer. For more information, call 210-697-5457; located at 17000 IH 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78257.
3. SeaWorld San Antonio features an abundance of thrill rides, shows, the Lost Lagoon and animal attractions. For the 2006 season, SeaWorld presents “Believe,” a new Shamu show, with synchronized performances set to music. SeaWorld is open March through November with varying operating hours and days. For more information, call 800-700-7786; located at 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251.
To properly get a sense of San Antonio, one must explore the surrounding area, filled with natural beauty and rolling hills.
1. A geological delight just east of San Antonio is the Natural Bridge Caverns, which contain more than 10,000 stalactites and stalagmites. One of the more challenging tours is the Watchtower Challenge, where guests climb and zip from the tallest and longest climbing tower and zip lines in the state. At the Natural Bridge Mining Company, you can pan for gems and minerals. For more information, call 210-651-6101; located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78266.
2. The Old Spanish Trail links the cities of Spanish conquest and settlement, from St. Augustine, Florida, to San Diego, California. The Old Spanish Trail enters San Antonio on Seguin Street along Interstate 35, goes through the city and out into the Hill Country. For more information, call 210-735-3503; 3400 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX.
3. The San Antonio Botanical Gardens sits just north of downtown and features 33 acres of lush, landscaped gardens. The garden center provides guided tours, a conservatory, native plants, a gift shop and café. An authentic Japanese garden and a rose garden are some of the beautiful gardens on display. For more information, call 210-207-3255; located at 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Arts Museums & Landmarks
Wander around downtown San Antonio for a big helping of Southwestern culture and history.
1. Playing a significant role in Texas’ journey toward independence from Mexico, the chapel and Long Barrack are all that remain of the renowned fort, the Alamo. Located in the center of downtown San Antonio, the mission is now a museum with relics from the era, including guns used by Davy Crockett. For more information, call 210-225-1391, ext. 34; located at 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205.
2. During the month of July, San Antonio’s art museums, galleries, neighborhoods and studios open their doors for Contemporary Art Month, focusing on regional art. For more information, call 210-222-2787; located at 427 North Main, Suite 8, San Antonio, TX 78205.
Dining
Thanks to the year round warm weather, food is most enjoyed al fresco, preferably overlooking the San Antonio River. A cocktail and some Tex-Mex are all you need to refuel after a day in the sun.
1. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the densely packed restaurants, bars, shops and hotels along the San Antonio Riverwalk, the pride of the city. Fountains and cypress trees line the three miles of the San Antonio River, which can be navigated by river taxis and charter boats. For more information, call 210-227-4262; located at 454 Soledad, River Suite 2, San Antonio, TX 78205. For information on River Boat Cruises or dinner cruises, call 210-244-5700 or 1-800-417-4139.
2. Jim Cullum’s Landing is a must for music lovers. Located in the Hyatt Regency on the River Walk, the popular nightspot features live jazz on the outdoor riverside patio. Grab a cocktail and enjoy jazz and swing music under the stars. For reservations, call 210-223-7266 or 210-771-7681 after 3 p.m. Central Standard Time; located at 123 Losoya, San Antonio, TX 78205.
3. Be swept away by the beauty of Paloma Blanca, a Mexican restaurant teeming with lush vegetation, brick fountains, vine- and flower-covered trellises and hacienda-inspired dining areas. Rich décor includes deep red leather sofas, lanterns, open-air dining rooms and a large fireplace. For reservations, call 210-822-6151; located at 5800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Shopping
San Antonio offers a broad spectrum of shopping excursions, from high-end boutiques to authentic Mexican marketplaces, where guests can barter with the vendors on their wares.
1. Shopping can feel like a vacation at The Shops at La Cantera, an open-air marketplace surrounded by palm trees, fountains and smooth stone sidewalks. Over 150 fashionable shops, along with anchor stores such as Neiman Marcus make up the new shopping mall. For more information, call 210-582-6255; located at 15900 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256.
2. Mill around La Villita, an artsy historic district in downtown San Antonio, filled with glassblowers, mercantiles, jewelers, art galleries and working artists among cafes, boutiques and a post office. For more information, call 210-207-8611; located at 418 Villita #900, San Antonio, TX 78205.
3. Bargain hunting awaits at Market Square, an area reminiscent of an authentic Mexican marketplace. Along with 32 shops featuring leather goods, pottery and apparel, Market Square also serves as a venue for mariachi music, dancing and Hispanic festivals. Admission is complimentary. For more information, call 210-207-8600; located at 514 West Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78207.
Gay Pride Events and Gay Parades in San Antonio
Neighborhoods
1. Hill Country
The area northwest of San Antonio is referred to as Texas Hill Country, a beautifully 14,000 square mile area in the center of the state. Bluebonnets dot the hills, while cedar and oak trees are found on many of the open fields. Over five million people visit the Hill Country each year. The San Antonio International Airport is located outside of Castle Hills, approximately ten miles north of downtown San Antonio.
2. Downtown
Downtown is teeming with nightclubs, side cafes, festive shops and hotels. Located in the center of downtown is the Alamo, where all that remains of the renowned fort is a chapel and Long Barrack.
3. Riverwalk
The Riverwalk that snakes through the city connects all downtown San Antonio. Pedestrian-friendly bridges help visitors navigate the area.
4. Alamo Heights
Trendy restaurants and boutiques can be found in the historic neighborhood of Alamo Heights. Homes date back to the 1890s in this district. The Botanical Gardens, McNay Art Museum and Paloma Blanca all call Alamo Heights home.
5. Northwest/Medical Center
This area is growing at a steady pace, filled with strip shopping centers, restaurants, offices and residences. A fun nightspot in this area is Joe’s Volcano.
6. King William/Southtown
Urban professionals and visionary entrepreneurs have cleaned up the 25-block are just south of downtown. The district features refurbished homes, trendy businesses and Market Square.
| |
|
