In San Antonio, you'll find a historic and cosmopolitan southwestern city of diverse cultures - Native American, African-American, Tejano (Americans of Mexican descent) and German, to name just a few. Centuries ago when the Payaya Indians lived along the San Antonio River, they called the area Yanaguana, meaning "clear waters."
Whether you're into the arts or history, or you're looking for more rollicking entertainment, San Antonio is the place to be. Remember to bring your camera and your walking shoes.
Where do you start? At The Alamo, of course. This attraction is arguably the most famous Texan historical site. Formerly known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, it's been called the Alamo since 1836, when the famous skirmish took place. The battle was a brutal one-189 defenders held the old mission against 4,000 Mexican army troops for more than 13 days. All 189 defenders perished. Following their defeat, "Remember the Alamo" became the rallying cry for the Texan revolution against Mexico.
Today, exploring the Alamo is a humbling experience. Here James Bowie, David Crockett and their fellow comrades fought day and night to defend the mission before Mexican troops stormed the grounds. The site is meticulously preserved, though the chapel and Long Barracks are the only structures from the original fort complex that remain. When you wander among the ruins, you'll feel reverence for the brave men who fought here-and you'll take home memories of the Alamo.
Now that you're an expert on the Alamo, how about visiting some of the other missions in the area? San Antonio boasts one of the largest concentrations of Spanish colonial missions in the United States, all dating from the early 1700s. Four sites form San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and are still active parishes in the Archdiocese of San Antonio (please be respectful of worshippers). The missions were more than mere houses of worship-entire communities thrived inside their walls. Begin your exploration at the Visitors Center, where you can pick up a driving map of the Mission Trail, which connects each site. The trail leads south from the Alamo on a 9-mile route lined with beautiful flowers and mesquite trees.
From the Visitors Center, head next door to the stunning Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, the "Queen of Missions." Established in 1720, this attraction-the only complete mission fort in the chain-is still an impressive complex with restored defensive walls, living quarters, a gristmill, a buttressed granary and the magnificent church. The famous Rose Window on the south side of the mission's sacristy is the epitome of Spanish colonial ornamentation.
The next site is Mission Concepción, best known for its frescoes. The handsome, un-restored church looks much as it did 2 centuries ago. Remarkably, the facade's coloration has survived, although it is a little washed out. These outdoor frescoes blend vibrant Moorish designs and Native American images. Inside, marvel at the conserved wall paintings located in the convento. If these colorful works of art were any indication, this mission was certainly a lively place.
Follow the trail to Mission San Juan Capistrano, with its simple arches, ringing bell tower, tranquil chapel and wild environs. In 1731, San Juan was moved from an earlier location in east Texas. Although this site doesn't have the majesty of the other missions (a larger church was never built), the untamed setting provides a serene atmosphere. A self-guiding nature trail winds through the forest to the banks of the old river channel, where you can sit on a bench and enjoy the peace of nature.
The last stop on the Mission Trail is the Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Like its neighbor, this site also possesses an ancient, isolated feel; however, the beautifully maintained church is very much an integral part of the community. The amazing Arab-inspired aqueduct still works. Dating from 1740, the Espada Aqueduct and Dam-the best-preserved segment of the missions' irrigation system, or acequias-is about a mile north of the mission.
At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, you can literally stop to smell the roses. The region's sub-tropical climate is perfect for cultivating a wide variety of plants, and this 33-acre attraction will delight any nature lover. Native Texas plants grow in three distinct landscapes-there's even an aquatic garden and floral scents and textures for the visually impaired. Capping off the formal gardens is a spectacular glass conservatory housing palm trees, orchids, bromeliads and rare tropical specimens.
If you prefer paintings to plants, head to The McNay Art Museum, where you can marvel at Matisse, peer at Picasso, gaze at Van Gogh, seek out Cézanne and ruminate over Rousseau. Housed in a Mediterranean-style mansion, this attraction features a wide-ranging collection: post-Impressionist and modern paintings, medieval art and Native American objects.
Ancient, Asian and Latin American masterpieces are the focal point of the San Antonio Museum of Art, another attraction. Interestingly, this museum is located in the castle-like former headquarters of the Lone Star Brewery, but you won't find beer here. You will find a gallery of Greek and Roman sculptures and an impressive Asian section. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Arts contains Mexican folk, modern, pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art.
If natural history is your thing, spend an afternoon at Brackenridge Park's Witte Museum. This attraction embraces a hands-on exploration of ecologically diverse Texas. Indoors, there are dioramas and mummies galore. Outside, you'll walk through log cabins and discover a butterfly and hummingbird museum. Be sure to visit the H-E-B Science Treehouse, which offers four levels of exploration. Testing contraptions and lasers, observing underwater habitats and predicting the weather are just a few of the activities available.
The flags of six countries have flow over Texas: France, Spain, Mexico, Texas Republic, Confederate States of America and the United States. The UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures explores these countries' influences as well as the 25-plus ethnic groups that settled in the Lone Star State. Don't miss the multimedia show highlighting Texas' many faces. Investigate the puppet theater, chuck wagon and textile areas. Talk with costumed interpreters who will tell you what it was like to work on a Texas cattle drive or sew clothes for an entire family. You can touch many of the artifacts on display, which makes this attraction a literal hands-on delight.
Speaking of six flags, how about a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas? This amusement park has it all: a water park, musical shows, roller coasters, trains and more. You'll find a ride to suit every mood; you'll shake, rattle and roll, then bounce, laugh, jiggle, glide and jump. And one thing's for sure-you won't forget to smile at this attraction.
For a good scare, Ripley's Haunted Adventure is the ticket. Walk through the pitch dark and encounter sinister ghosts and ghouls, creepy witches and a nightmarish maze from which visitors must escape. Located across the street from the Alamo, this high-tech attraction packs an adrenaline punch with its live actors and state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects. You might not want to brave this one alone.
Northwest of the city in rugged hill country-and, yes, those really are hills in mostly-flat Texas-you can go spelunking at Natural Bridge Caverns. The massive underground chambers of this attraction contain thousands of formations: stalagmites and stalactites and cool rocks by the ton. Be sure to wear some rubber-soled shoes; the lighted caves are slippery and steep. After spending some time underground, experience a wildlife adventure among the trees (and hills) at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Riding in your vehicle, you beckon animals to your window with complimentary feed. At this attraction a number of exotic, native and endangered species may amble up for a treat. It's as if you're on a safari in the wilds of, er, Texas.
More animals await at the San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre area on both sides of the San Antonio River. This world-renowned zoo features outdoor "habitat cages" for many of its residents-an abandoned quarry's limestone cliffs provide natural enclosures for more than 3,000 birds, fish, mammals and other fauna. This attraction has a children's petting area, a reptile house and an aquarium.
Animal lovers, you're not done yet - another must-visit is SeaWorld San Antonio, one of the largest marine life parks in the world. Here are mischievous otters, sunning walruses, friendly dolphins, whiskered sea lions and jumping whales. And there are rides at this attraction, too-three roller coasters, one of which is inverted (it might be a good idea to postpone the hot dog before embarking on this one). In keeping with the water theme, there's also a log flume and a river rapids adventure bound to cool you off in the Texas heat. Shamu the whale, Seaworld's star, performs daily.
Bookend your visit with another famous military site, Fort Sam Houston. Named for the first president of the Republic of Texas, it still serves as headquarters for the U.S. Army Medical Command and the Fifth U.S. Army. The fort is steeped in history: Apache warrior Geronimo was held here en route to Florida imprisonment. Stroll the quadrangle, where there are memorials to servicemen and women and the former homes of the Eisenhowers (Mamie and Ike) and Gen. John Joseph Pershing. The fort's museum highlights the history of the post, and the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum has an extensive collection of Army medical equipment.