San Antonio History Tour

San Antonio’s old-Spanish flavor, multicultural heritage and numerous parks and plazas make it one of America’s more picturesque cities. Modern skyscrapers coexist harmoniously with 18th-century restorations. Since most of downtown was built before 1930, the architectural mix is as varied as periods and materials allowed. 

San Antonio Featured Attractions

The Alamo downtown near the river, was established in 1718 by Father Antonio Olivares as a Spanish outpost called the Mission San Antonio de Valero. In 1803 Spanish cavalry from Alamo de Parras, Mexico, moved into the mission, and it was renamed Mission del Alamo del Parras. Mexican dictator general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army of 4,000 headed toward San Antonio to launch an attack on the Alamo. The Alamo garrison totaled less than 200 men. The siege began on Feb. 23, 1836 and in the ensuing 13 days the Texans, committed to the freedom of Texas, held their ground until the pre-dawn hours of March 6 when Santa Anna’s troops stormed the north wall. The patriots valiantly fought, but by 6:30 a.m. the battle was over – all 189 Texans had been killed. The Alamo remains a symbol of Texas’ pride and independent spirit.

La Villita is a restoration of San Antonio’s earliest residential settlement, which sprang up around Mission San Antonio de Valero. Buildings along the shaded cobblestone walkways house shops where crafts are demonstrated. The area is often the scene of social and community events.

Paseo del Rio (Riverwalk) is an example of successful urban-renewal project. Once lined with ramshackle houses, the river now is a prime attraction a few steps below the business district. The Riverwalk provides a pleasant stroll during the day, when craft shops and galleries are open and sidewalk terraces teem with diners. The tree-lined footpaths, romantically lighted at night, follow landscaped riverbanks bordered by nightspots, restaurants and handicraft shops...

Sea World of Texas This 250-acre marine-life park features exhibits and shows that are designed to inform as well as entertain. More than 25 exhibits, attractions and shows are offered. Killer whales, featuring Shamu and Grandbaby Shamu, perform in Shamu Stadium. Sea lions, otters and walruses cavort with their human trainers in “The Pirates of Pinniped”. The “Symphony of the Sea” features graceful beluga whales and dolphins. “Sharks and the Coral Reef” brings visitors face to face with tropical fish, hammerhead sharks and eels. Other highlights include a penguin habitat featuring more than 200 polar birds, a feed-and-touch dolphin pool, a flamingo habitat and a seal and sea lion community. The park’s thrill rides include Rio Loco, a river ride that whisks passengers under a waterfall, and the Texas Splashdown, a half-mile flume ride. Lost Lagoon is a 5-acre waterpark featuring a tropical-theme wave pool, waterslides, a walk-through aviary with exotic birds and an alligator habitat.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200-acre musical, theme and water park in a former rock quarry that has 100-foot cliff walls. There are a number of thematic areas. Los Festivales is a Hispanic village with a continuous fiesta; the village of Spassburg is German, complete with oompah bands. Crackaxle Canyon, an old-time town of the Texas West, celebrates the 4th of July every day.

Fiesta Bay Boardwalk and 1950’s Rockville are thematic as well. The Ol’ Waterin’ Hole and Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole feature water slides, cannons and toboggans.
Rides include The Joker’s Revenge, a backward roller coaster and interactive funhouse; The Wagon Wheel, a ride that spins and lifts; the Road Runner Express, a fast-paced ride in an Acme rocket; and The Rattler – reputed to be the world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster. Also featured are a high-tech laser game, a virtual ride simulator, a log flume, a free-fall and hang-gliding ride, a steam train and an old-fashioned carousel.

The Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Davy Crockett’s Tall tales Ride San Antonio’s newest attractions are located across from the Alamo! The museum has 16 themed galleries featuring exhibits, artifacts, videos, and games. The Haunted Adventure is a three-story ride through special effects, live actors, animatronics and elaborate sets.

Davy Crockett’s Tall Tales Ride is a park-style ride through the life and times of Davy Crockett. It is a narrated journey told by Davy himself through animatronic characters, colorful sets, and special visual effects.

Tower of the Americas a concrete spire rising 750 feet, symbolizes the desire for achievement. Glass fronted elevators speed passengers up the outside of the tower to an observation deck and revolving restaurant for views of the city and 100 miles of south Texas hill country.

Enjoy Your San Antonio History Tour