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| Quality of Life in San Antonio |
Also located in the heart of the city is the Alamo, 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. The Long Barracks Museum and Library is located near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers a narration on the fall of the Alamo. It’s a memorial that’s very much alive and remembered among the many who visit it to remember the sacrifices made.
Continuing the historic theme, here are additional sites nearby worth exploring.
La Villita Historical Arts Village was the city’s original neighborhood and today is home to many interesting shops such as art galleries, craft shops, jewelry shops and clothing stores as well as several restaurants. The charming spot blends the best of yesterday with today.
San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. It is a special place that occupies a unique position in this city and for the many visitors who come by the thousands every year.
Visiting Market Square in the center of the city is like being in Mexico, where you’ll be surrounded by public markets. Offering a wide range of treasures from Mexico and South America.
Called the “most beautiful building in San Antonio” by the National Geographic Society, the Spanish Governor’s Palace is a National Historic Landmark. Built in the first half of the 18th-century, it was originally intended to protect the nearby San Antonio de Valero Mission (the Alamo) and the growing colony. It is considered the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house in Texas.
Outside the city’s center, other family-friendly stops can include a visit to the San Antonio Zoo, considered one of the best in the nation. Or as a real cool spot to visit when the weather turns warm, is Natural Bridge Caverns, a beautiful and historical cavern system that offers an experience that is high energy, educational, fun and family oriented. Other favorites on everyone’s list include Sea World, San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Splashtown San Antonio and Schlitterbahn in nearby New Braunfels.
Spectator Sports
Basketball rules here as it’s the home of the San Antonio Spurs, winner of four NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007). Devoted fans follow their favorite players from October through April. There’s also the sister team, the San Antonio Silver Stars.
The minor league baseball team, the San Antonio Missions, are the Double-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Their regular season runs from April through September.
Major college football comes to life each year in San Antonio during the Valero Alamobowl at the Alamodome. Colorful and cultural San Antonio is the perfect backdrop as teams from the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences head to the Alamo City for a college football showdown.
For hockey lovers, the Rampage Hockey team offers high-speed action in a cool setting. The team is a member of the American Hockey League, which plays from October through April.
Do you love to watch auto racing? San Antonio’s facilities will not disappoint and can be enjoyed year-round. There is the San Antonio Raceway and Thunderhill Raceway to thrill the crows.
Horseracing can be enjoyed at Retama Park every day of the year except Christmas. General admission is $2.50, making it an affordable and fun way to spend an afternoon.
Recreational Fun
Thanks to the city’s moderate year-round temperature and its ideal location – in the beautiful Hill Country with lakes, rivers and scenic spots, residents enjoy a wide range of activities.
There are more than 200 city-owned parks in San Antonio that offer a wide variety of activities, including youth sports, swimming, rugby, volleyball, golf, softball, baseketball and tennis. Check out all the city has to offer by visiting www.ci.sat.tx.us/sapar or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (201) 207-3000.
Among the most notable San Antonio parks include:
Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre showplace for the San Antonio River, which originates from artesian springs.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens, an escape to 33 acres of tranquility. The Botanical Gardens include a striking glass pyramid conservatory, formal gardens, old-fashioned garden and native areas.
Friedrich Wilderness Park is a 232-acre hilly and heavily forested wilderness park 5.5 miles of hiking trails, including the region’s most improved handicapped trail. The park has an abundance of diversified flora and fauna and is a great spot for birdwatchers.
— Caving
Have you ever wanted to visit caves? You’re in luck as the region is dotted with a few good ones to explore. They include:
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest Texas show cave and one of the most impressive because of its size and beauty. You’ll see totem poles, fried eggs and massive formations. Nearby is a drive-through safari park called the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch where you can feed animals from the comfort of your.
Continuing the historic theme, here are additional sites nearby worth exploring.
La Villita Historical Arts Village was the city’s original neighborhood and today is home to many interesting shops such as art galleries, craft shops, jewelry shops and clothing stores as well as several restaurants. The charming spot blends the best of yesterday with today.
San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. It is a special place that occupies a unique position in this city and for the many visitors who come by the thousands every year.
Visiting Market Square in the center of the city is like being in Mexico, where you’ll be surrounded by public markets. Offering a wide range of treasures from Mexico and South America.
Called the “most beautiful building in San Antonio” by the National Geographic Society, the Spanish Governor’s Palace is a National Historic Landmark. Built in the first half of the 18th-century, it was originally intended to protect the nearby San Antonio de Valero Mission (the Alamo) and the growing colony. It is considered the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house in Texas.
Outside the city’s center, other family-friendly stops can include a visit to the San Antonio Zoo, considered one of the best in the nation. Or as a real cool spot to visit when the weather turns warm, is Natural Bridge Caverns, a beautiful and historical cavern system that offers an experience that is high energy, educational, fun and family oriented. Other favorites on everyone’s list include Sea World, San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Splashtown San Antonio and Schlitterbahn in nearby New Braunfels.
Spectator Sports
Basketball rules here as it’s the home of the San Antonio Spurs, winner of four NBA titles (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007). Devoted fans follow their favorite players from October through April. There’s also the sister team, the San Antonio Silver Stars.
The minor league baseball team, the San Antonio Missions, are the Double-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Their regular season runs from April through September.
Major college football comes to life each year in San Antonio during the Valero Alamobowl at the Alamodome. Colorful and cultural San Antonio is the perfect backdrop as teams from the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences head to the Alamo City for a college football showdown.
For hockey lovers, the Rampage Hockey team offers high-speed action in a cool setting. The team is a member of the American Hockey League, which plays from October through April.
Do you love to watch auto racing? San Antonio’s facilities will not disappoint and can be enjoyed year-round. There is the San Antonio Raceway and Thunderhill Raceway to thrill the crows.
Horseracing can be enjoyed at Retama Park every day of the year except Christmas. General admission is $2.50, making it an affordable and fun way to spend an afternoon.
Recreational Fun
Thanks to the city’s moderate year-round temperature and its ideal location – in the beautiful Hill Country with lakes, rivers and scenic spots, residents enjoy a wide range of activities.
There are more than 200 city-owned parks in San Antonio that offer a wide variety of activities, including youth sports, swimming, rugby, volleyball, golf, softball, baseketball and tennis. Check out all the city has to offer by visiting www.ci.sat.tx.us/sapar or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (201) 207-3000.
Among the most notable San Antonio parks include:
Brackenridge Park, a 343-acre showplace for the San Antonio River, which originates from artesian springs.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens, an escape to 33 acres of tranquility. The Botanical Gardens include a striking glass pyramid conservatory, formal gardens, old-fashioned garden and native areas.
Friedrich Wilderness Park is a 232-acre hilly and heavily forested wilderness park 5.5 miles of hiking trails, including the region’s most improved handicapped trail. The park has an abundance of diversified flora and fauna and is a great spot for birdwatchers.
— Caving
Have you ever wanted to visit caves? You’re in luck as the region is dotted with a few good ones to explore. They include:
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest Texas show cave and one of the most impressive because of its size and beauty. You’ll see totem poles, fried eggs and massive formations. Nearby is a drive-through safari park called the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch where you can feed animals from the comfort of your.
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With three military installations in San Antonio, you’ll ...
