The
most-visited city in the state, San Antonio in many ways embodies the
quintessential Texas spirit that outsiders seek but never seem to find in
Austin, Dallas, and Houston. There's also a flourishing arts scene, a
sizable if somewhat inconspicuous gay community, and plenty of
sophisticated restaurants and elegant hotels. Granted, this generally
conservative city has no shortage of schmaltzy family attractions, raucous
theme parks, touristy dance halls, and rowdy bars and chain restaurants.
But with its rich history and engaging cultural attractions, San Antonio
makes for a delightful long-weekend getaway.
The city's downtown has been carefully protected by a zealous spirit of
historic preservation. At the turn of the century, concerned local
citizens fought developers bent on converting the Alamo into a hotel.
Similar efforts led to the restoration of the city's other iconic
landmark, the San Antonio River, with its enchanting River Walk.
Only a fraction of the original Spanish Colonial mission known popularly
as the Alamo stands today: the small chapel whose facade has come to
symbolize the pride and independence of Texas, and one of the living
quarters. The buildings are set within a tranquil walled plaza of lawns
and gardens. It's one of five missions built along the San Antonio River
during the 18th century. The other four, which are south of downtown
within 6 miles of one another, have been preserved and are open to the
public. Stop by the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park for
details.
Steps from the Alamo you'll find the fabled River Walk, a network of
cobbled and flagstone paths hugging the San Antonio River some 15 feet
below street level. The branches of cypress and willow trees droop over
the walk. During the day it makes for a peaceful stroll, and river taxis
offer tours that provide an excellent sense of the architecture and
greenery.
At the far northeastern edge of downtown, about a 15-minute walk from the
Alamo, you'll find the San Antonio Museum of Art, which inhabits the
former Lone Star brewery and is famous for its Asian works and arguably
the nation's premier collection of Latin American art. A few blocks south
of downtown, HemisFair Park contains the remnants of the 1968 World's Fair
attractions, including the 750-foot Tower of the Americas and several
museums. Be sure to check out La Villita, a nearby complex of more than
two dozen arts and crafts shops. Continue south to reach the King William
Historic District, where many of San Antonio's early German immigrants
settled and built elaborate Victorian mansions. It's adjacent to the more
modest but increasingly hip Southtown area, which buzzes with funky shops,
galleries, and restaurants.
If you have time to explore farther afield, consider checking out some of
the notable attractions outside of downtown, such as the San Antonio
Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the San Antonio Zoological
Gardens and Aquarium, and the McNay Art Museum. And on the city's true
outskirts, there's fun to be had at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Seaworld of
Texas, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Continue to page
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The Hunk
