TRAVEL San
Antonio Serenade
History and modernity meet in this vibrant South Texas city. ::
BY BECCA BLOND I
can spend hours wandering San Antonio’s enchanting River Walk, soaking up the city’s vibrant and serene
energy. A 15-mile-long network of
walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River sits just below street level and is a tranquil escape from the big city hustle. As boats gently glide by, you’ll
pass landscaped gardens, colorful sidewalk cafes, and arched stone footbridges. The further away you get from
the downtown area, the fewer people you pass, allowing for more solitary exploration. The River Walk is just one of San
Antonio’s many attractions. This South Texas city at the edge of Texas Hill Country also features an array of historic landmarks, including the Alamo, exceptional restaurants, and hotels for all budgets. Beautifully melding history and
modernity, San Antonio is one of my favorite Texas vacation destinations.
WHAT TO DO If you plan to explore multiple paid attractions, purchasing the San Antonio CityPASS ($59) makes sense. It offers admission into four out of eight possible attractions. These include The Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, Go Rio River Cruises, and the Alamo Exhibit Hall and Collections Building.
76 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | AUGUST 2024 River Walk THE ALAMO
Established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, the Alamo became a military garrison and played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution. Today, you can explore the Alamo’s
grounds and significant structures. Admission to the Alamo Church, the surrounding grounds, and the Wall of History exhibit is free, providing insight into the mission’s history and its significance during the Texas Revolution. For a more in-depth experience,
purchase tickets for guided tours and access to the Alamo Exhibit Hall and Collections Building. Featured are a wide array of artifacts, including weapons and personal items from the battle, along with interactive displays that narrate the events of the 1836 siege. Exhibits are meticulously curated to offer a comprehensive and engaging understanding of the Alamo’s historical significance.
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is like stepping back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes four beautifully preserved
missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. Each tells a story of the early Spanish Colonial era and the cultural blending that shaped the region.
RIVER WALK BOAT TOURS One of the best ways to experience the River Walk is by taking a boat tour with Go Rio Cruises. These 35-minute narrated tours
provide a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks and history as you glide along the river. Cruises leave every 15 minutes from the ticket booths at 706 River Walk, the Shops at Rivercenter, and Aztec Theatre. Boats also depart from these locations. The company also runs two-
hour dinner cruises with various participating local restaurants.
THE WITTE MUSEUM To dive deeper into Texas history, science, and culture, visit The Witte Museum. The McLean Family Texas Wild
Gallery is one of its biggest draws, showcasing the state’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife through interactive displays and life-size dioramas. The Naylor Family
Go Rio Cruises
RIVER WALK/F11PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK / THE ALAMO/SEAN PAVONE/SHUTTERSTOCK / ALL OTHERS ©
VISITSANANTONIO.COM
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