Things To Do
The Alamo
The Battle of the Alamo during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico lasted thirteen days, from February 23, 1836-March 6, 1836. In December of 1835, a group of Texan volunteer soldiers had occupied the Alamo, a former Franciscan mission located near the present-day city of San Antonio. On February 23, a Mexican force numbering in the thousands and led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna began a siege of the fort. Though vastly outnumbered, the Alamo’s 200 defenders–commanded by James Bowie and William Travis and including the famed frontiersman Davy Crockett—held out for 13 days before the Mexican forces finally overpowered them. For Texans, the Battle of the Alamo became an enduring symbol of their resistance to oppression and their struggle for independence, which they won later that year. The battle cry of “remember the Alamo” later became popular during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.
The Historic Pearl
The site owned and operated by the Pearl Brewing Company was originally known as both the J. B. Behloradsky Brewery and the City Brewery. The City Brewery was purchased by an investment group in 1883, composed of local businessmen and moguls involved with the Lone Star Brewing Company. Together they formed the San Antonio Brewing Company (1883–1888). The brewery closed in 2001 but now the area is home to an array of restaurants, shops, a farmer's market and more.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Park Headquarter's is located 4 miles south of downtown San Antonio. The four mission sites lay as a chain south of downtown. Mission Concepción is 3 miles, Mission San José and the park visitor center is 6 miles south, Mission San Juan is 3 miles south of San José, and Mission Espada lays another mile beyond. Written directions and GPS addresses can be found at the link below.
Japanese Tea Garden
Originally a rock quarry, part of the tea garden came from a donation by George W. Brackenridge and another section from Emma Koehler. In 1915 Ray Lambert, city parks commissioner, thought it would make a nice location for a lily pond. Ultimately, it grew to become a tea garden. The latest renovations began in 2007 and cost about $1.6 million, compared with the $7,000 Lambert originally spent to open the park. It is a Registered Texas Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Go Rio River Boat Tours San Antonio
With a fleet of eco-friendly electric river boats in vibrant colors inspired by Mexican folk art, GO RIO offers an unforgettable experience of the San Antonio River Walk that reflects the sights, wonders and culture of a unique American city. Guests can take narrated or specialty river cruises, chartered excursions or catch a ride on our GO RIO river shuttle from downtown to the Museum Reach to experience the Soul of San Antonio.
San Antonio | The Saga
This unique video art projection by international artist Xavier de Richemont depicts the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio, our wonderful Lone Star State, and United States history. The Saga projection covers 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration projected onto the majestic façade of San Fernando Cathedral- the oldest cathedral in the United States. Through the 24-minute journey, it has become a destination for residents, South Texans, national, and international visitors.