Texas Travel Guide >> San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas

In the 1600s, Native Americans settled along the Yanaguana. One hundred years later, Spanish explorers discovered a river on the feast day St. Anthony and renamed it "San Antonio." Today, the River Walk winds its ways through downtown in Texas' most popular leisure destination. Its path leads to restaurants, hotels, shopping, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. River barges transport visitors and offer candlelit dinner cruises.

San Antonio's signature landmark, the Alamo, was originally a Spanish mission, but it's better known as the site of a fierce battle for independence between Mexican forces and Texans. Today, Texas' most visited historic site is surrounded by accommodations reflecting the best the 21st century has to offer.

San Antonio is also a home fine art. Among San Antonio's impressive museums are the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art whose new Lenore and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing makes it the largest center for Asian art in the Southwestern US.

Take time to shop the new 1.3 million-sq.ft. Shops at La Cantera. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Foley's plus 150 specialty stores, world-class restaurants, and more, there's no time to waste! And for the kids there's Texas-sized fun at Sea World San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Cal 800-ALAMO-07 or visit www.SanAntonioVisit.com. (Map of San Antonio, Texas)