Amerindians lived so quietly on the banks of the river where San Antonio was later to be built that they called the places "refreshing waters". And it was the day of St. Anthony's Day (Padua) in 1691 - the 13th of June - that the Spanish explorers disembarked at the site, which renamed the river after the saint's name. The city of San Antonio in Texas was founded only a few years later, in 1718, by Father Antonio Olivares (this is a good thing), quickly establishing a large colony that gradually became the second largest city in Texas.
In the footsteps of Davy Crockett: Visit the Alamo He was a trapper, but also a soldier and politician: Davy Crockett. He played an important role during the Texan Revolution in Mexico in 1836, participating in the defence of Alamo, a mission that became a fortress in wartime. He is said to have perished during the siege of Alamo, and since then has retained an image of a loyal American pioneer. One of the main attractions of San Antonio remains to visit the Alamo, nowadays a museum with about 2 million tourists every year and contains historical treasures related to the Texan Revolution. History that can be read in the 4 other Spanish missions of the city located in the San Antonio
Missions National Historic Park
The mission of San Antonio: paying tribute to the past San_antonio_missionRegistered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park brings together 4 of the 5 (Alamo Mission being the last one) Spanish missions of the city, a vestige of the Spanish occupation of the site since the 17th century. Mission Concepcion, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, Mission San José and Mission San Juan Capistrano which are now linked to the river San Antonio by 24 kilometers of footpaths for pedestrians and cyclists, with also the possibility of paddle on the river.
San Antonio, Texas's Little Venice One of the San Antonians' favourite activities: wandering around the city centre because the San Antonio Riverwalk (or locally known as "Paseo del Rio") is actually a network of sidewalks that line the San Antonio River. There are bars, restaurants, shops, and it's mostly entirely pedestrian since the cars pass a few meters above. River Walk in San Antonio Texas This maze of canals earned San Antonio its nickname "Little Venice of Texas", and has (almost) nothing to envy its European cousin, because all these pavements connect monuments of the city between them.
You can then take advantage of your little stroll to join the San Antonio Museum of Art, HemisFair Park, the artistic village La Villita, the Arneson River Theater. San Antonio fun version Six Flags Fiesta Texas Big American amusement park Six Flags (called Six Flags Over Texas at the time) was born in Arlington, before developing in Mexico, Canada and several American states, including San Antonio. The must-have Six Flags Fiesta Texas? Scream, or a huge installation on which we climb, we are released, we go up and down again, of 20 floors. And we're screaming all the way.
SeaWorld San Antonio If it's a little too much excitement, head to SeaWorld San Antonio, both aquarium and water park. There were aquatic roller coaster, arcade games, carousels, a swift river to cross in buoys, a 4D movie, and various shows with animals, including the Shamu killer killer whale - a name given to all killer killer killer whales of the SeaWorld group and a registered trademark after the female SeaWorld San Diego whale phenomenon from 1965 to his death in 71. And for lovers of tradition, the Kiddie Park San Antonio is for you: it's the oldest amusement park in the United States, established in Texas since 1925.
San Antonio culture version
The Art Museum of San Antonio Holder of the largest collection of Asian art in the south of the United States, the San Antonio Art Museum focuses on the art of the American continent, with pre-Columbian and Latin American art collections. There are also some European works of art and antique art collections on display in the former Lone Star Brewery building, in the heart of a growing neighbourhood. The Institute of Texan Cultures As we know, Texas has seen sovereign nations march by: France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and finally the United States.
The result today is a melting pot of cultures and traditions that coexist on Texas land. We are talking about 1 Texas but several Texans, and the Institute of Texan Cultures goes back to the history of each of its cultures and their impact on the history of the state. The Witte MuseumVery little history for you? Not a problem, the Witte Museum is dedicated to the sciences, natural history and flora and fauna of Texas (and a bit of its history...). You will then be able to stop in front of dinosaur skeletons, murals found in cellars and all kinds of scientific experiments. Ideal for young people, but also for adults with regularly organized events such as cocktails or dinners.
San Antonio natural version
Caving enthusiasts are advised: The Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest caves and commercial caverns in Texas. Today, you can do everything: from speleology, a simple stalactite walk, a treetop or zip line tour, get lost in a labyrinth... In short, you can spend a whole day - or even more if you can't find the exit, from the labyrinth like caves.San Antonio Zoo and AquariumOf course, if you are really a nature lover, we recommend that you go for a walk in the forest, but if you don't have the time or the right shoes, then head towards the Zoo and the San Antonio Aquarium, which is home to more than 56 hectares of 8,500 animals of 779 different species. Special mention if you like butterflies, because the zoo has a beautiful space dedicated to them.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fill up with chlorophyll at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which gathers plants, flowers, shrubs and trees from all over the world. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory is particularly interesting, with 6 different greenhouses protecting carnivorous plants, succulent plants, aquatic plants, tropical fruit trees, etc. in a building designed by the famous architect Emilio Ambasz and winner of numerous prizes.Good to knowAre you around in April? Don't miss Fiesta San Antonio, the city's annual spring carnival.
