Things To Do and See in San Antonio Texas

 San Antonio is a very popular tourist destination hosting millions of visitors each year.  This is no surprise considering its rich history, beautiful landscapes and amazing food.  I visited San Antonio for the first time while on a visit to Austin, 80 miles north.  Since then I have been able to travel back on numerous occasions and each time I go I have discovered something I didn’t before. 
While I love San Antonio I just came across an interesting ranking.  Each year US News and World Reports ranks all sorts of different categories.  While I knew they ranked colleges I never knew they ranked travel destinations.  This year they ranked San Antonio as the # 2 city for family vacations, which isn’t surprising.  There are a ton of things for families to enjoy together regardless of your interests.

The Alamo is a must visit place. While it may be a tourist spot and trap anyone who loves history or Texas will enjoy seeing it. In the 1700’s five catholic missions were built by the Spanish Church. The most famous of these of course is the Alamo. It was finished being built and established in 1718. The famous battle of the Alamo occurred in 1836, that’s 118 years after it was built!

The first thing that I noticed and that most people remark on, is how small it is. It really is not very big and it is easy to see how easy it would be to capture it. Of course, what we see as the Alamo today is what was the chapel back than which is one of the few surviving parts of the fort. Sadly, 189 people died here defending it. The legend of these men is inspriational and a great example of courage. Legend has it that when it became apparent that help was not coming Colonel Travis drew a line on the ground and asked anyone willing to sacrifice their lives in defending the Alamo to step over it, all but one stepped to the other side of the line.

If you stay in downtown San Antonio this is very conveniently located close to the majority of activities, including the riverwalk.  There is usually a line to enter this although it is to get into the chapel.  I have been there when there has been a line and I have been over Memorial Day Weekend when there was a line but it wasn't too long of a wait.  Another thing that is interesting is that once inside the chapel you will see various flags representing the stages of where the men who died were from.  I found it interesting how many were actually from other countries such as Ireland, Germany and England.

 The Alamo isn't the only thing history lovers will want to see there are also numerous other places to visit but here are 2 other suggestions. 

1. The Spanish Governor’s Office-  This is a national historical landmark and was the original residence of the Captain of the Presidio.  The National Geographic Society calls it the most beautiful building in San Antonio.  It was purchased by the city in 1930 so that they were able to restore it.  Just in may they had a grand re-opening.
2. Tower of the America’s- When you drive into San Antonio you will definitely notice this building.  It looks very similar to the space needle.  It was built in honor of the 1968 world fair that was celebrating the 250th anniversary of the city.  Inside there is an observation tower, a restaurant, and the Skies Over Texas Ride which features some of the scenes you can see in Texas.

 Those who love basketball won’t be disappointed visiting here.  It is home to the San Antonio Spurs and the AT&T Center where the spurs have won 4 NBA Titles.  The Alamodome is also there and is where the Dallas Cowboys have training camp everywhere and where  the city hosts college football’s Alamo Bowl every year.  You can also visit the San Antonio sports hall of fame at the Alamodome. 

Some people will advise you to stay clear of the riverwalk and while it definitely is a tourist trap it is also worth seeing. You can stroll along the riverwalk, have a guided tour, buy expensive trinkets or eat. Sometimes it does get overcrowded and there is barely enough room to walk past people without feeling like you are going to fall into the water! But I think its just part of the experience.

The guided boat tour isn’t a necessity but it does give some interesting trivia and history like most tours do. My last trip to San Antonio we opted to do the tour which we had never done before. It was nice to understand a little more about it and some of the tidbits that I would have never known just by walking along. Also, if you want you can even eat on one of the boats.

It is just a short distance to the Alamo and a lot of the other attractions so it’s not off the beaten path or out of the way. There are many hotels located on or nearby. I recently stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot which has access to the riverwalk but it didn’t feel like it was too in the thick of things. While we had easy access to where you pick up the tour passes and there was a Texas Land and Cattle next door too. This is a great steakhouse if you are looking for a place to eat!

If you are traveling with kids be warned that they have lots of expensive little toys that they sell next to some of the lines that you will wait at for the boats. Also, you should visit during the day with kids since the nightlife can really pickup at night.

This is difficult to give suggestions about because there are plenty of amazing places to eat both near the riverwalk and all around San Antonio. Whether you are looking for Tex-Mex, BBQ, Southern Cooking or anything you will find it here. Here are just a few suggestions and sorry, I am definitely partial to the bbq here in Texas.

1. Texas Land and Cattle- This is a steak house and is one of my favorite places to eat in Texas. One is located right on the riverwalk.

2. Rudy's BBQ- Also, a favorite in Texas. There isn't one located right near the river but it has amazing brisket and bbq sauce. Don't let the fact that this place is connected to a gas station. Really, give it a try!  I actually had the sauce flown to California when I got married!

3. Alamo Cafe- I ate here for the first time at a wedding rehearsal dinner. It is now a place I have to stop at whenever I visit San Antonio. Their tortillas are amazing and taste a little bit like a pancake. The tortillas are thick and made right there where you can watch them being made.

4. County Line- This is also conveniently located on the riverwalk and features steaks and ribs. The ribs are huge portions and will satisfy anyones hunger. I think I'm a little partial to hill country bbq!

5. Cooper's BBQ- I mentioned this in my post about Enchanted Rock, a Texas State Park, which is about 90 miles from here and has beautiful hiking and camping in the hill country. So definitely go over to that hub and read more about Cooper's BBQ. However, they recently opened a location not too far from San Antonio in New Braunfels, TX. This has brisket that you get to pick right off the bbq. Whatever you do, don't miss this place.