REMEMBER THE ALAMO!
It’s hard not to repeat the phrase in your mind as you explore the San Antonio Alamo Museum, one of Texas’ most visited historic sites.
Home of the famous 1836 battle and to living history demonstrations, the 300-year-old former Spanish-mission-turned-fortress is open year-round and is free to visit.
But it was the stories and the names of the men who fought that doomed battle that really grab your heart. San Antonio is famous for many adventures besides the Alamo, but this summer will see the south Texas city gain even more attractions to enjoy.
THE RIVERWALK
You can spend an entire day exploring the green space and historic path of the San Antonio Riverwalk.
The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is a San Antonio treasure and the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. It was created after a deadly flood in 1921 took 50 lives. In 1929, San Antonio's Robert Hugman submitted plans for what would become the present 2.5-mile-long River Walk.
The River Walk winds below street level and is a picturesque and pleasant way to navigate the city. It can be explored by foot along the river’s walking path or on a river barge for a ride and guided tour.
The River Walk was once the home of the massive Pearl Brewing industrial complex. The old brewery itself has been transformed into the high-end boutique Hotel Emma, and the area hosts a thriving farmers’ market every Saturday.
Farther south along the River Walk is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions.
If you visit this summer, be sure to take a ride on the river with GO RIO, a new experience in water transportation. Colorful, new barges ride the river through downtown, while drivers provide narrated tours and point out unique San Antonio landmarks.
NEW AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY
LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio opened in April and is the city's newest attraction. The indoor LEGO playground is perfect for families with children ages 3 to 10 and includes two interactive LEGO rides, a 4D Cinema, MINILAND with dozens of San Antonio-area landmarks built completely out of LEGO bricks, a children's play area and more.
Slated to open this summer is the SEA LIFE San Antonio. The new aquarium has more than 5,000 marine and freshwater creatures and will include a 20-minute interactive, behind-the-scenes experience.
The Schlitterbahn Water Park is the No. 1 voted water park in the state of Texas and features slides, rides, pools and a lazy river, allowing for visitors of all ages to beat the Texas heat and have a splashing good time.
WHERE TO STAY
San Antonio has no shortage of hotels along the River Walk and beyond to choose from, including the historic 1909 Crockett Hotel or the historic 1859 Menger Hotel, both located right behind the Alamo.
But, if you’re in the mood to escape the bustle of the city and catch a touch of nature, the KOA San Antonio/Alamo Campground is located just 10 minutes from the historic downtown area. Named KOA’s 2015 Campground of the Year, this 40-acre gated park includes 300 RV sites, tent camping, more than 20 rustic cabins and five deluxe cabins to rent.
For more information about San Antonio, visit VisitSanAntonio.com.
EVENTS
July 6: The MarketPlace at Old Town
Check out the monthly outdoor farmers market and open streets festival in Old Town Helotes. Craft and art vendors and local artists set up to sell unique items while a farmers market includes local produce and baked goods. This historic district is worth a look.
July 12: 26th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival
The 26th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival hosts its summer concert series, which features an all-female lineup for the first time.
June 19–23: San Antonio Beer Week
San Antonio Beer Week kicks off at the Shuck Shack! Bring the kids to the outdoor play yard while you enjoy beer specials on the dog-friendly patio.
Through July 28: Fiesta 1969 Blast from the Past
Hosted by the Witte Museum, this special exhibit looks the history of Fiesta, San Antonio’s biggest party. From the Queen of Soul to El Rey Feo in 1969, Fiesta royal traditions began to evolve to reflect the atmosphere of the civil rights movement and embrace the beauty and diversity of San Antonio. Learn how Fiesta royalty in 1969 helped pave the way for Fiesta royal today.
Through July 30: Shrek The Musical
Shrek The Musical at The Woodlawn Theatre will bring out your inner ogre! This musical tells the hilarious story of Shrek, the beloved but sometimes misunderstood ogre, on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona.
