Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
http://www.buckhornmuseum.com/ 318 E. Houston (78205) The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is proud to have been voted "2002 Best Attraction" by the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio. Discover more than 120 years of history.... Texas style . Marvel at two stories of the most exotic collections you've ever seen, from our unique horn collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas. See a two headed calf and a lamb with eight legs! Test your hand in our authentic shooting gallery and arcade. Don't miss the world's only Wax Museum of Texas History. And, don't forget to swing by the Buckhorn Curio Store, where you'll find extraordinary Texas collectibles and authentic Buckhorn souvenirs for the entire family. Located a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or later, Sunday - Thursday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or later, Friday and Saturday. Call for exact closing times. Admission: Adults $10.99; seniors(55+) $9.99; Children (ages 3-11) $7.99. Special rates for group of 10 or more, and discounts for Military with ID. 210-247-4000,
Fax: 210-247-4020. www.buckhornmuseum.com
2. San Antonio IMAX Theatre At Rivercenter
http://www.imax-sa.com/ 849 E. Commerce, Rivercenter Mall, Street Level, Crockett Street Entrance (78205) "Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. The immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places the viewer in the middle of the action. Other IMAX features showing, Journey into the world of IMAX 3-D images so real, you actually feel like you are inside the film. Hours: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., daily. Admission: adults $8.95; children (3-11) $5.50; senior (65+) $7.95; groups (15 or more) adults $7.75; children (3-11) $4.75. 210-247-4629 or 800-354-4629, Fax: 210-227-5432,
E-mail: [email protected]
www.imax-sa.com
3. River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
454 Soledad, River Ste. 2 (78205)
Paseo Del Rio in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful, historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the River Walk's three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs. See Rio San Antonio Cruises, listed alphabetically. 210-227-4262. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
4. King William Historic District
1032 South Alamo (78210)
25-block area near downtown on the South bank of the San Antonio River, was the most elegant residential area in the 1800's and is today a historic district and a fashionable neighborhood. 210-227-8786
5. La Villita
418 La Villita (78205)
A unique arts and crafts community with shops, working artists, restaurants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the city's history. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Closed Holidays. 210-207-8610, Fax: 210-207-4390
6. Market Square (El Mercado)
514 West Commerce (78207)
From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Mexican festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Guadalajara lamps, and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter. 210-207-8600 Fax: 210-207-4287
7. Botanical Garden And Lucile Halsell Conservatory
555 Funston Pl. (78209)
This 33-acre living museum, one can enjoy colorful seasonal floral displays, a serene native forest walk, exotic plant specimens from around the world, modernistic glass pyramids, and even an authentic log cabin. Highlights include the Old Fashioned Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, Garden for the Blind, Kumamoto En (an authentic Japanese Garden), and extensive native collections representing the Hill Country, East Texas and Southwest Texas. The futuristic Lucile Halsell Conservatory features plants from around the world displayed in the Exhibit Room, Desert Pavilion, Tropical Forest Room, Palm House and Fern Grotto. The Aquatic Garden Pool is the central feature of the Conservatory Courtyard. The historic Carriage House, your entry point to the Garden, also includes the gift shop and restaurant (kitchen closed Mondays). Garden is open every day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Years's Day. Admission: Adults $4; Children (3-13) $1; seniors $2; military/students $2. Group rates available. 210-207-3255 Fax: 210-207-3274 http://www.sabot.org/
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. The Alamo
http://www.thealamo.org/ 300 Alamo Plaza (78205) On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. Long Barracks Museum and Libraryare near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed December 24 and 25. Admission Free: donations accepted. For more information call 210-225-1391 ext. 34, fax 210-354-3602.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.thealamo.org
2. Casa Navarro State Historical Park
228 S. Laredo St. (78207) The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. The site of Navarro's furnished house, first residence, and store. Navarro's life illustrates Texas' rich Mexican history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Admission: adults $2; children (6-12) $1; children under 6 free. Adult group rate $1; school groups 50 cents per person. 210-226-4801
3. San Antonio Zoo And Aquarium
3903 N. St. Mary's (78212)
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 750 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres. Includes one of the largest bird collections in the world. A new interactive butterfly exhibit opened July, 2003. The Conservation Research Center exhibits abd educational programs throughout the year. The Zoo also offers boatrides. Open 365 days a year. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: adults $8; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $6; under 2 free. Group rates available. 210-734-7184 Fax: 210-734-7291
4. Fort Sam Houston Museum/National Historic Landmark
1210 Stanley Rd., Bldg. 123 Fort Sam Houston,TX 78234-5002.
Exhibits trace the history of the post and the U.S. Army in San Antonio from 1845 to the present. Known as one of the most historic sites in Texas with more than 900 historic buildings. Structures include the homes of Quadrangle Pershing, Eisenhower, MacArthur and the Gift Chapel. Museum displays includes uniforms, arms, equipment and photographs. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday. Free admission. 210-221-1886 Fax: 210-221-1311
1. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
http://www.buckhornmuseum.com/ 318 E. Houston (78205) The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is proud to have been voted "2002 Best Attraction" by the Downtown Alliance/San Antonio. Discover more than 120 years of history.... Texas style . Marvel at two stories of the most exotic collections you've ever seen, from our unique horn collection, to cowboy memorabilia and fish from the Seven Seas. See a two headed calf and a lamb with eight legs! Test your hand in our authentic shooting gallery and arcade. Don't miss the world's only Wax Museum of Texas History. And, don't forget to swing by the Buckhorn Curio Store, where you'll find extraordinary Texas collectibles and authentic Buckhorn souvenirs for the entire family. Located a short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet from the River Walk. Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or later, Sunday - Thursday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or later, Friday and Saturday. Call for exact closing times. Admission: Adults $10.99; seniors(55+) $9.99; Children (ages 3-11) $7.99. Special rates for group of 10 or more, and discounts for Military with ID. 210-247-4000,
Fax: 210-247-4020. www.buckhornmuseum.com
2. San Antonio IMAX Theatre At Rivercenter
http://www.imax-sa.com/ 849 E. Commerce, Rivercenter Mall, Street Level, Crockett Street Entrance (78205) "Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. The immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places the viewer in the middle of the action. Other IMAX features showing, Journey into the world of IMAX 3-D images so real, you actually feel like you are inside the film. Hours: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., daily. Admission: adults $8.95; children (3-11) $5.50; senior (65+) $7.95; groups (15 or more) adults $7.75; children (3-11) $4.75. 210-247-4629 or 800-354-4629, Fax: 210-227-5432,
E-mail: [email protected]
www.imax-sa.com
3. River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
454 Soledad, River Ste. 2 (78205)
Paseo Del Rio in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful, historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of the University of the Incarnate Word and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the River Walk's three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs. See Rio San Antonio Cruises, listed alphabetically. 210-227-4262. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
4. King William Historic District
1032 South Alamo (78210)
25-block area near downtown on the South bank of the San Antonio River, was the most elegant residential area in the 1800's and is today a historic district and a fashionable neighborhood. 210-227-8786
5. La Villita
418 La Villita (78205)
A unique arts and crafts community with shops, working artists, restaurants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the city's history. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Closed Holidays. 210-207-8610, Fax: 210-207-4390
6. Market Square (El Mercado)
514 West Commerce (78207)
From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Mexican festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Guadalajara lamps, and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter. 210-207-8600 Fax: 210-207-4287
7. Botanical Garden And Lucile Halsell Conservatory
555 Funston Pl. (78209)
This 33-acre living museum, one can enjoy colorful seasonal floral displays, a serene native forest walk, exotic plant specimens from around the world, modernistic glass pyramids, and even an authentic log cabin. Highlights include the Old Fashioned Perennial Garden, Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, Garden for the Blind, Kumamoto En (an authentic Japanese Garden), and extensive native collections representing the Hill Country, East Texas and Southwest Texas. The futuristic Lucile Halsell Conservatory features plants from around the world displayed in the Exhibit Room, Desert Pavilion, Tropical Forest Room, Palm House and Fern Grotto. The Aquatic Garden Pool is the central feature of the Conservatory Courtyard. The historic Carriage House, your entry point to the Garden, also includes the gift shop and restaurant (kitchen closed Mondays). Garden is open every day from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Years's Day. Admission: Adults $4; Children (3-13) $1; seniors $2; military/students $2. Group rates available. 210-207-3255 Fax: 210-207-3274 http://www.sabot.org/
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. The Alamo
http://www.thealamo.org/ 300 Alamo Plaza (78205) On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. Long Barracks Museum and Libraryare near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed December 24 and 25. Admission Free: donations accepted. For more information call 210-225-1391 ext. 34, fax 210-354-3602.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.thealamo.org
2. Casa Navarro State Historical Park
228 S. Laredo St. (78207) The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. The site of Navarro's furnished house, first residence, and store. Navarro's life illustrates Texas' rich Mexican history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Admission: adults $2; children (6-12) $1; children under 6 free. Adult group rate $1; school groups 50 cents per person. 210-226-4801
3. San Antonio Zoo And Aquarium
3903 N. St. Mary's (78212)
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,500 animals of 750 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres. Includes one of the largest bird collections in the world. A new interactive butterfly exhibit opened July, 2003. The Conservation Research Center exhibits abd educational programs throughout the year. The Zoo also offers boatrides. Open 365 days a year. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: adults $8; seniors (62+) and children (3-11) $6; under 2 free. Group rates available. 210-734-7184 Fax: 210-734-7291
4. Fort Sam Houston Museum/National Historic Landmark
1210 Stanley Rd., Bldg. 123 Fort Sam Houston,TX 78234-5002.
Exhibits trace the history of the post and the U.S. Army in San Antonio from 1845 to the present. Known as one of the most historic sites in Texas with more than 900 historic buildings. Structures include the homes of Quadrangle Pershing, Eisenhower, MacArthur and the Gift Chapel. Museum displays includes uniforms, arms, equipment and photographs. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday. Free admission. 210-221-1886 Fax: 210-221-1311
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