Shopping, Parks, Museums, and Favorite Things To Do in San Antonio

Institute of Texan Cultures

The Institute of Texan Cultures

The Institute of Texan Cultutres museum is home to more than 50,000 square feet of exhibits telling the story of how this amazing state came to be what it is today.

If you're planning a trip or vacation, consider that search for the perfect destination over!  San Antonio is a traveler's delight, from its rich cultural and historical roots to its cosmopolitan flair.

History of San Antonio

San Antonio is a unique cultural mix of the influences of original Native American tribes, Mexican and Spanish settlers, German immigrants and African Americans and the Deep South, so there is no shortage of culture or history here.  Visitors will not want to miss a tour of the legendary Alamo, the mission and fort where 189 defenders stood up against 4,000 Mexican invaders.  Also of note to history-lovers is Mission Trail, a chain of missions that tell the story of San Antonio's Spanish colonial roots.  Visit Fort Sam Houston, named after the first president of the Republic of Texas, to see some of the oldest Army buildings as well as a key military installation in the present day.

Parks in San Antonio

San Antonio is abundantly rich in parks as well, from its 194 city-owned parks to State and Historic Parks.  Visit any one of the city parks for a swim in the pool, to work out in the gym, or play a round of golf.  Or enjoy a retreat into nature at Guadalupe River State Park, Friedrich Wilderness Park or Honey Creek State Natural Area, all of which feature the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country.  Don't miss HemisFair Park, the site of the 1968 World's Fair where you can see a bird's-eye-view of the city from the 600 ft. Tower of the Americas, or learn about San Antonio's heritage at the Mexican Cultural Institute and the Institute of Texan Cultures.  With a wide range of activities and purposes, San Antonio's parks offer a vacation for both your mind and your body!

Amusement Parks in San Antonio

After you've enjoyed an adventure at one of San Antonio's parks, come to one of its amusement parks for adventures of another kind.  Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers rides and entertainment for the whole family — from screaming roller coasters and rushing water rides to family shows and attractions for the kids, this amusement park provides an unforgettable day.  Another park with high-speed adventure and fun in the sun is Splashdown, an 18-acre water park with 50 rides, slides and spills.  If you're craving even more water fun, head on over to meet Shamu at SeaWorld San Antonio. Here, visitors enjoy the combination of exciting rides and educational shows and exhibits, as well as the chance to touch and feed many animals from the sea!

Shopping & Dining in San Antonio

After making some memories in San Antonio, it's time to find a unique souvenir or a tasty meal.  For shopping and dining, be sure not to miss the famous San Antonio River Walk, where you'll find the best restaurants, shops, hotels and clubs the city has to offer.  This district lies on the San Antonio River, once used by Spanish explorers to supply water to the city's missions.  Now, this 2.5 mile stretch is explored by curious and fun-seeking visitors who want to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes of San Antonio.  Here you can also catch a River Cruise or take a horse-drawn carriage ride, tour Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, head over to Dave & Buster's for first-class food and games or watch a movie on the six-story IMAX Theater screen.

Spanish explorers and missionaries who came upon the San Antonio River in 1691 probably did not realize that their discovery would become one of the world's most popular destinations, and the site of so many historical and cultural landmarks.  But visitors to San Antonio will definitely be grateful to these explorers for discovering the city and putting it on the map as a sight to see!