The Alamo and Riverwalk get all the attention for being San Antonio's "must do's", but there are plenty of other things as well. San Antonio abounds with history and modern culture, owing much to it's large Hispanic community. San Antonio is easy to get around using VIA (The cities 99 bus route system, and numerous cabs which run all night.) We have listed two good guided tours to begin with.
HemisFair Park - This park commemorates the 250th year celebration of the founding of San Antonio. It has playgrounds, water gardens, the Mexican cultural institute (See above), the institute of Texan Cultures and the tower of the Americas for a 750 Ft. view of the city with a revolving restaurant and cocktail lounge. Free admission.
200 S. Alamo
210-207-8572
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La Villita National Historic District - Translated as, the Little Village. This Spanish designed area resembles a Hispanic village, and dates back to the 1700's. Here you will find a plethora of restaurants, craft shops, boutiques and plenty of old Hispanic flavor. Free admission.
Between Presta and S. Alamo Sts. On Nueva
210-207-8610
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Lone Star Trolley - This tour gives a good narrated taste of downtown, Market Square, Southtown, and the King William Historic District. It circles through the city and you can exit and enter the trolley all day long when ever you want to investigate something. Wheelchair accessible. Tickets: $7.50 adults, $4 children 4-12.
301 Alamo Plaza
210-224-9299
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McFarlain Tennis Center - Lighted tennis courts. $1.50 per hour.
1503 San Pedro Ave
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Mexican Cultural Institute - Many things of Mexican interest including artifacts, film, art, conferences, performances and workshops. Free admission. 600 HemisFair Plaza Way 210 227-0123 A four theme park, Mexican fiesta, country and western,German village, and rock and roll. Rollercoasters, a lot of food, Ferris wheels, a water park and much more. 200 acres of entertainment. Expensive for a family (plan to spend at least $100).
17000 1-10 at loop 1604
210-697-5050
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Ripley' Believe it or Not Wax Theatre and Museum - The collection of lifelike wax figures are uncanny and even spooky (Theatre of Horrors). There are many strange collections from Mr. Ripley himself. Admission Charged.
301 Alamo Plaza
210-224-9299
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San Antonio Missions National Historic Park - The city derives it's name from a mission which was operated in the 1700's by Franciscan monks. There are four mission which still function today: Concepcion (1731), San Jose (1720), San Juan Capistrano (1731), and San Francisco (1730's) are open to the public daily, donations accepted.
2202 Roosevelt Ave
210-229-5701
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San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium - This park, which has been around since 1914, has one of the largest viewings of animals in the country, with over 700 types of animals. Admission charged.
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The River Walk - El Paseo del Rio, in Spanish, was begun in 1930's. Much of the work was done by civilian workers in return for social assistance. This is a huge (over two miles) stretch of river front fun. Crowded with shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes, this is a place that you could easily spend a whole day and not get bored. The architects and landscapers have really outdone themselves with lots of cobblestone and flora. Located near The King William Area along the San Antonio River.
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San Antonio Museum of Art - Housed in the turn of the century Lone Star Brewery buildings. The sweeping, light, open and modern inside stands in unmistakable opposition to the outside, which look like an old brick palace. Many ancient and modern collections. Admission charged.
200 W. Jones St.
210-978-8100
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King William Historic District - This area was named by German merchants after the Prussian Kaiser, Wilhelm. The area shows opulent displays of wealth from the heyday in the 1700's through the architecture. Two houses are open for tours, the Guenther House and the Steves Homestead.
107 King William St.
210-224-6163
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The Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) - Right in the middle of San Antonio sits Texas' most famous landmark. The mission is a stark contrast to the city skyline. Most notably, this building was a American Indian burial ground and Spanish Mission. Later the building had been taken over by the Spanish army and eventually abandoned. It stayed this way until the Texas cavalry and infantry pioneers held the Mexican army of Santa Anna at bay for thirteen days. Among the pioneers who were killed here were Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Sam Houston used this massacre to rally his troops together to eventually drive the Mexican Army out. There are artifacts, history plaques, a library and gift shop. Free admission.
300 Alamo Plaza
210-225-1391
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Yanaguana River Cruises - Flat bottom river barges which give narrated tours. The barges cruise 2 miles up the river and back giving a thorough history of the river and city. Tours last about 40 minutes. Tickets: $4 5-64, $3 seniors, $1 kids under 5.
Holiday Inn Riverwalk
210-244-5700
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San Antonio Botanical Gardens - 38 acres of all types of fauna. There are species indigenous to Texas as well as tropical and exotic breeds. You could easily spend hours touring these spectacular gardens. There is a gift shop and restaurant on the premises.
555 Funston
210-821-5115
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The Alamodome - Take the one hour tour or catch a game if one is playing. This dome sports the worlds largest consolidatable seating system which actually retracts into the walls to make more room. Admission charged for tour and during games.
100 Montana Ave
210-207-3652
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The Alamo and Riverwalk get all the attention for being San Antonio's "must do's", but there are plenty of other things as well. San Antonio abounds with history and modern culture, owing much to it's large Hispanic community. San Antonio is easy to get around using VIA (The cities 99 bus route system, and numerous cabs which run all night.) We have listed two good guided tours to begin with. 
