Things to Do Outdoors are not Limited to Parks in San Antonio

SeaWorld - San Antonio

Beluga

Come face to face with a variety of interesting marine life such as this Beluga.  ©2006 Busch Entertainment Corporation.  All rights reserved.

There are a number of outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy in San Antonio. Whether it's spending the day at SeaWorld, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

SeaWorld

• Visit SeaWorld and see all of the animals that call it their home. You'll see seals, sea lions, sharks, eels, flamingos and more. SeaWorld doesn't only have animals-there are thrill-rides and shows, not to mention a water park. Backstage tours are available and you can learn how the animals are taken care of and trained. You'll even be able to touch live stingrays and sharks. Stop by the shows park and you'll be able to see the world-famous Shamu.

The Alamo

• Take a walk around the Alamo. Built in 1718, the Alamo was San Antonio's first mission. In 1836, 189 defenders fell trying to save the Alamo from Mexican General Santa Anna. The only original parts of the Alamo still standing are the Chapel and the Long Barracks. The museum offers narration of the Alamo's fall. The Alamo Grand City Tour will not only take you to the Alamo, but you'll go around San Antonio and see all of the famous sights. You'll also be treated to an IMAX Pass, a Buckhorn Saloon and Museum ticket, or a River Walk Cruise ticket to be used at your convenience during your stay in San Antonio.

Other Missions at Mission Trail

The Alamo is not the only historical mission in San Antonio. The area is rich with history and you can visit:

• Mission Conception. This 1731 church was home to many festivals during the time that the friars tried to demonstrate Christian values to the Native Americans.
• Mission San Jose. This mission was the model of all other Texas missions. Here you will find the convento area and a stairway to the belfry. There is now an amphitheatre and visitors center.
• You will find these missions, as well as Mission Labores, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission San Francisco de la Espada & Espada Aqueduct along the Mission Trail.
• Nothing gives you a view of the outdoors quite like a ride in a hot air balloon. Journey's Hot Air Balloon Rides is a full service hot air balloon company. Journey's flights last an average of one hour and come with a complimentary champagne brunch.

Golf in San Antonio

• And for the golfers, San Antonio is quickly becoming a popular place for the sport. There are a number of courses in the area, including municipal courses, military courses, golf academies, private courses and driving range and practice facilities. Try the Palmer Course at La Cantera. Designed by Arnold Palmer, it's one of the hottest spots in the area.

Parks and the Riverwalk

• Why not take a visit to Hemisfair Park? The park offers landscapes and water features that cannot be rivaled. There is a playground located near the Alamo Street entrance for children to play at.
• The River Walk is one of the cities most famed attractions. Cobblestone walkways will lead you to the river-level shopping and dining venues. Visitors will see the river flowing through the city on the level below the city streets. You can take one of the river cruisers along three miles of retail shops, boutiques, restaurants and clubs.
• Brackenridge Park is home to the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, and Brackenridge Golf Course. While here, visit the endangered whooping cranes - just some of the animals that make this zoo the home to the third largest animal collection in North America. Then visit the Japanese Tea Gardens where you can follow the winding pebble walkways and see the beautiful gardens and serene reflecting pools.