DK Travel : San Antonio and Austin

A colorful history, as well as a dazzling array of world-class attractions and lively festivals, make San Antonio one of the most popular destinations in Texas. It is also frequently listed as one of the top ten places to visit in the United States. The city’s rich cultural mix of early Spanish mission beginnings, German settlement, cowboy heritage, and strong ties to Mexico has created a warm and progressive city. It also boasts four of the most visited attractions in the state, including the River Walk, the Alamo, Missions National Historical Park, and SeaWorld. Plenty of sunshine also makes San Antonio a year-round favorite with all visitors.

Do not miss the beautiful courtyard with the Renoir sculpture, accessible from inside The McNay Art Museum.

1. River Walk (El Paseo del Rio)

The vibrant and bustling tree-shaded pathway along the San Antonio River is lined with outdoor cafés, popular nightspots, and many of the city’s best hotels (see River Walk (El Paseo del Rio) ).
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2. The Alamo

One of the most visited historic sites in America, the Alamo stands as a symbol of heroic Texan struggle for independence. The Chapel and Long Barrack are all that remain today (see The Alamo ).
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3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Four remarkable missions offer a fascinating glimpse into the confluence of Spanish and Native cultures in the 1700s. It offers an opportunity to explore old courtyards and serene churches (see San Antonio Missions National Historical Park ).
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4. The McNay Art Museum

An exquisite Spanish Colonial mansion houses a comprehensive collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and prints by notable artists such as Rodin, Cézanne, Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse, O’Keeffe, and Hopper (see The McNay Art Museum ).
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5. San Fernando Cathedral

The oldest cathedral in the United States, where Mexican General Santa Anna flew the red flag, signaling “no mercy,” sits in the center of the city (see San Fernando Cathedral ).
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6. La Villita National Historic District

This charming historic village of delightful boutiques, craft shops, galleries, and restaurants is located above the south bank of the River Walk (see La Villita National Historic District ).
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7. King William Historic District

One of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in Texas is lined with opulent mansions built by merchants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The elegant Steves Homestead is now a museum (see King William Historic District ).
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8. SeaWorld San Antonio

The world’s largest marine-life adventure park presents amazing shows teeming with leaping killer whales, playful dolphins, and penguins. There is also an adventure and water park (see SeaWorld San Antonio ).
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9. San Antonio Botanical Garden & Lucile Halsell Conservatory

The multiple glass towers at the fabulous conservatory house a spectrum of flora and fauna, and year-round profusion of flowering plants (see San Antonio Botanical Garden & Lucile Halsell Conservatory ).
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10. Brackenridge Park

San Antonio’s idyllic urban park along the San Antonio River is home to some of the city’s top attractions. The San Antonio Zoo is one of the best in the country and the museums are fascinating. A miniature railroad runs through the park (see Brackenridge Park ).
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