San Antonio
River City
General Information
Other Name: Alamo City, District: Texas, State: South West, United States of America
Area: 412.1 sq mi
Languages Spoken: English
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: It is renown for its beautiful River Walk and for the Alamo, a national historic site and a shrine to Texan independence.
Best Time to Visit: October to November and April
International Access: -Description
San Antonio is the second-largest city in the state of Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States.It is renown for its beautiful River Walk and for the Alamo, a national historic site and a shrine to Texan independence.It is a popular tourist destination with many historic and cultural attractions and a wide selection of entertainments.The jewel of the city is the River Walk, which meanders through the downtown area. Lined with numerous shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as the Arneson River Theater, this attraction is transformed into an impressive festival of lights during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.The downtown area also features Cathedral of San Fernando, The Majestic Theatre, HemisFair Park (home of the Tower of the Americas and the Institute of Texan Cultures), La Villita, El Mercado, the Spanish Governor`s Palace.Location
San Antonio is located in south central Texas about 200 miles southwest of Houston and 150 miles north of the Mexican border.Climate
Temperate climate
the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas'' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna''s massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era.
Settled by wealthy German merchants in the late 1800s, San Antonio''s first suburb consists of 25 blocks of historic mansions set amid lovely landscaping.
This Spanish-Mediterranean mansion, located in the heart of well-to-do Alamo Heights, houses impressive artworks from 19th and 20th century America and Europe, in addition to one of the largest theater arts collections in the United States. Its grounds are as lovely as its collections, boasting fountains, streams, goldfish ponds and Japanese-style gardens. Recent touring exhibitions include works by Georgia O''Keefe, a collection of pop art and American Pictorial Photography etc.
Historical area that stretches nine miles and contains four important 18th-century missions.
The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flood problems, and Robert Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman''s brainchild has since become the essence of the city. The city''s most popular attraction, it is often crowded and filled with children, party goers, tourists and locals. In the heart of the River Walk is an area filled with restaurants, shops and nightclubs, punctuated by fountains and towering Cypress trees.
Situated along the San Antonio River and next to Brackenridge Park, this zoo is considered one of the finest in America, housing more than 3,500 animals representing more than 700 species. The recently renovated "big cat" exhibit draws big crowds, as does the bird collection, which is one of the largest in the United States.
Although construction did not begin until 1749, this cathedral was established in 1731 by the Canary/Spanish Islanders, who sought to build their own place of worship. It is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States. The famous Alamo defender James Bowie was married here and during the siege of the Alamo Santa Anna used it as an observation post. Notable historic figures Bowie, William Travis and Davy Crockett are buried here. The cathedral still draws huge crowds for Mass and always welcomes visitors.
The city''s largest theme park now boasts not only the shows and musical reviews that made it popular, but also dozens of rides and a water park.Each year the park adds new and faster rides, primarily in the roller coaster category. The water park expands exponentially each year, as well.
This wet theme park is a treat for anyone who loves animals, roller coasters and fabulous shows. Not only does Sea World have Shamu (the performing killer whale), it also has walk-through habitats where you can watch sea lions, sharks, fish, penguins and flamingos do what they would do in the wild.