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The Alamo
300
Alamo Plaza (78205) On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most
famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836,
after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Annas army.
Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718
as the citys 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. Long Barracks Museum and Library are 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. 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.
For special events please call 210-225-1391 ext. 34. 210-225-1391
Fax: 210-229-1343. thealamo.org
e-mail: thealamo@thealamo.org
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
318
E. Houston (78205) 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. Cafe opens daily at 11 am. Weekday lunch specials
for $3.99. Open all year except Christmas and New Year's Day. Memorial
Day to Labor Day (call for schedule). Labor Day to Memorial Day
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission charged; Discounts for seniors and military
with ID. 210-247-4000 Fax: 210-247-4020 www.buckhornmuseum.com
Casa Navarro State Historical Park
228
S. Laredo St. (78207) The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871),
a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S.
The site of Navarros furnished house, first residence, and
store. Navarros life illustrates Texas rich Mexican
history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided.
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
San Antonio IMAX Theatre At Rivercenter
849
E. Commerce, Rivercenter Mall, Street Level, Crockett Street Entrance
(78205) "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,
10 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. IMAX recently opened
a second 3-D screen. Admission: adults $8.95; children (3-11) $4.75;
senior (65+) $7.95; groups (15 or more) adults $6.20; children (3-11)
$4.75. 210-247-4629 or 800-354-4629, Fax: 210-227-5432, www.imax-sa.com,
E-mail: info@imax-sa.com
La Villita
418
Villita (78205) 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. This beautifully landscaped
historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental
venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free
admision. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
210-207-8610 Fax: 210-207-4390 lavillita.com
Majestic Theater
224
E. Houston (78205) Named a State and National Historic Landmark.
One of the few remaining vintage, atmospheric vaudeville movie palaces.
Home to the San Antonio Symphony and the AT&T Broadway Series.
Individual concerts and events also showcased. 210-226-5700 210-226-3333
(tickets) 210-223-4343 (tours)
Market Square - El Mercado
514
W. Commerce (78207) 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. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer;
10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New
Years Day and Easter. 210-207-8600 Fax: 210-207-4287
Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley's Believe It Or
Not!
301
Alamo Plaza 78205. The Plaza Wax Museum features over 250 lifelike
wax figures from Hollywood, Horror, History and Religion. Also,
the children's Land of Make Believe and Freedom's Journey. Ripley's
Believe It or Not! exhibits over 500 one of a kind oddities and
artifacts collected by famous cartoonist Robert Ripley. Hours: Open
daily at 9 a.m. (ticket office closes one hour prior to closing
time). Extended summer hours, closed Christmas. Admission: Both
attractions: adults $14.45 + tax; children 4-12) $7.95 + tax; Group
rates available 210-224-9299 Fax: 210-224-1516 www.plazawaxmuseum.com
River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
454
Soledad, River Ste. 2 (78205) The 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. The river bubbles
to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate
Word and flows to downtown and beyond, threading its way through
the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets.
First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place
of refreshing waters." 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 Walks three miles past unique retail shops,
restaurants and nightclubs. See Yanaguana Cruises, listed alphabetically.
210-227-4262
San Antonio Botanical Garden, Lucile Halsell
Conservatory
555
Funston Pl. (78209) www.sabot.org
This 33-acre garden represents in miniature, the diverse Texas landscapefrom
Hill Country wildflowers to the formal rose gardens of East Texas.
A biblical and childrens 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. Closed Christmas and
New Years Day. Hours: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. daily Year Round.
Admission (includes the conservatory): adults $4; seniors $2; children
(3-13) $1; children under three are free. Tour rates available.
210/207-3255 Fax: 210/207-3274
San Antonio Zoological Gardens And Aquarium
3903
N. St. Marys st. (78212) (Brackenridge Park) Ranked as one
of the top zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 751
species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses
35 landscaped acres. Includes one of the largest bird collections
in the world and the only American zoo to exhibit the endangered
whooping crane. Seasonal shows and educational programs throughout
the year. The zoo also offers boat rides. Open daily. Hours: 9 a.m.-5
p.m.(winter hours) from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.(summer
hours), 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 www.sazoo-aq.org
Southwest School Of Art & Craft
300
Augusta (78205) Visitors can see free contemporary art exhibitions
and lectures by visiting artists and stroll the picturesque grounds
of the historic Ursuline Campus, once a girls school and convent.
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. Free admission.
210-224-1848 Fax: 210-224-9337 www.swschool.org
Spanish Governor's Palace
105
Plaza De Armas (78205) 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. 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
Sunset Station
1174
E. Commerce (78205). Sunset Station is a destination for world-class
entertainment, delicious food and night life all set in the historic
backdrop of a turn-of-the-century train station. Originally constructed
in 1902. Revitalized entertainment destination, Sunset Station showcases
San Antonio's rich cultural diversity which 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. 210-222-9481 Fax: 210-223-6194 www.sunset-station.com
Texas Adventure - Alamo Special Effects
Theater
307
Alamo Plaza (78205); 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-square-feet
facility may be rented for larger groups and events. 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, Fax:
210-227-9855. www.texas-adventure.com,
E-mail: info@texas-adventure.com
Tower Of The Americas
600
HemisFair Park (78205) The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic
view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators
ascend over 500 feet 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. 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
four free. Fees subject to change. Visit the Tower of Americas 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
Vietnam War Memorial
Created
by combat artist Austin Deuel, "Hill 811 S" depicts a
marine holding a wounded comrade while looking skyward for an evacuation
helicopter. Located at Veterans Memorial Plaza, and dedicated to
all veterans.
Mission Trails -
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Park
Headquarters: 2202 Roosevelt Ave. (78210) www.nps.gov/saan
The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in
the 18th century are reminders of one of Spains 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 Concepción, San José,
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. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Free admission. 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
Mission Concepción
807 Mission Rd. at Felisa St. (78210) This handsome 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. Remnants of wall
and ceiling paintings in the surviving rooms of the missions
convento have been conserved. Wayside exhibits lead visitors around
the grounds and through the various rooms. The site also features
a visitor contact station and a sales area. 210-534-1540
Mission San José
6701 San Jose Dr. (78214) Founded in 1720 by Fray Antonio Margil
de Jesús, San José became the largest and best known
of the Texas Missions and was viewed as the model among Texas missions.
After early setbacks, 300 inhabitants were sustained by the vast
fields and herds of livestock. A visitor in 1777 referred to the
structure as the "Queen of the Missions." The carvings
on the church are notable features. The famous "Rose Window"
is considered one of the finest pieces of Spanish Colonial ornamentation
in the country. Other features are the convento area and the stairway
to the belfry and choir loft - each of the 25 risers was hand-hewn
from a single live-oak log and constructed without nails or pegs.
Also featured is a granary with flying buttresses, a gristmill,
restored defensive walls, and quarters. 210-932-1001
Mission San Juan
9101 Graf Rd. (78214) Established along the banks of the San Antonio
River in 1731 after relocation from East Texas. With a rich farm
and pasture lands it became a regional supplier of agricultural
produce, which helped support the missions, local settlements and
presidio garrisons. The chapel, with its open bell tower is still
in use. A more elaborate church was never completed. The site includes
a self-guided nature trail. 210-534-0749
Mission Espada
10040 Espada Rd. (78214) 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.
Espada appears as remote today as it did in the mid 1700s. It boasts
the best preserved segments of the historic acequias (the irrigation
system designed to provide water for crops) part of which includes
the still working Espada dam and aqueduct. In 1995, the ranch that
once supported Mission Espada, Rancho de las Cabras near Floresville,
became part of the National Historical Park and is currently open
on a limited basis. 210-627-2021
Japanese Tea Garden
3800 North St. Mary's St. (78212). (At the northwestern edge of
Brackenridge Park) Winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall
and tranquil pools highlight this lush garden. Free admission. Hours:
8 a.m.-dark. 210-821-3120
King William Historic Area
A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio
River. In the late 1800's 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 the following attractions.
Note - RESTRICTED ACCESS: Motorcoaches/buses may obtain a Historic
District Destination Point Permit to drop off and pick-up passengers
(using the most direct route from the city designed arterial) for
the Steves Homestead by contacting the City of San Antonio Transportation
Dept. at 210-207-7378 or 210-207-7379.
Guenther House
205 E. Guenther (78204) Located on a bend of the river, one of
the oldest historic districts in Texas. Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder
of Pioneer Flour Mills, built this elegant home in 1860. The restored
house includes a museum where mill memorabilia is displayed. Of
interest to collectors are the Dresden china anniversary plates
made in Germany until WWII. 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.
Free admision. 210-227-1061 or 800-235-8186 Fax: 210-351-6372
Steves Homestead Museum
509 King William (78204) This Victorian French Second Empire design,
three-story home was built for Edward Steves in 1876 and furnished
in a late 19th-century style. The River House, a one-story brick
structure, housed the first natatorium, or inside swimming pool,
in San Antonio. The Carriage House was built in 1875. This two-story
frame and stone building was used for storage. The servants quarters
were built around 1877. The Steves Homestead has been maintained
since 1954 as a historic house museum. 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
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