< Around Town

Top 10Beyond Downtown San Antonio

The San Antonio river originates from dozens of springs located in and near Brackenridge Park four miles (six km) north of the Alamo. For over 11,000 years people have visited and lived in this area, drawn by the river’s fresh water. The Spanish built their missions to the south of the Alamo, diverting water from the river to their fields. The Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston was built northeast of downtown in 1876, and this army base has grown exponentially over the years. In the 1890s, the area that now includes Brackenridge Park, the Witte Museum, and San Antonio Botanical Garden, began to develop into one of the city’s finest neighborhoods. Broadway is a major street here, lined by fine restaurants and shops.




1San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

By the 1750s, hundreds of Native American converts lived and worked in the Spanish missions. Each was a complete agricultural community with irrigation systems and extensive land holdings. Today, the National Park Service presents different aspects of mission life here, making a visit to each mission unique (For further details see San Antonio Missions National Historical Park).

2SeaWorld San Antonio

TopTen

A ride at SeaWorld San Antonio

Located 16 miles (26 km) northwest of downtown, the world’s largest marine-life park offers rides, non-stop entertainment, and educational opportunities. The killer whale show, One Ocean, is a must-see, and Aquatica, an 18-acre waterpark, provides a mix of thrilling slides, wading pools, and animal encounters (For further details see SeaWorld San Antonio).

3San Antonio Zoo

Over 750 species from five continents thrive in one of the nation’s foremost zoos. Set within the dramatic limestone cliffs and outcroppings of an old quarry, the landscaping varies from desert-like regions to wetlands along the San Antonio River. The Africa Live! exhibit takes advantage of this setting, presenting a spectrum of African animals by habitat, from river-bound hippos to animals of the dry savannah (For further details see San Antonio Zoo).

4Fort Sam Houston

TopTen

Clock tower, Fort Sam Houston

The birthplace of military aviation, this active military installation is also the headquarters of the Fifth Army, and home to both the Army Medical Command and the Brookes Army Medical Center. Generals John J. “Blackjack” Pershing and Dwight Eisenhower served here. The famous Native American, Geronimo, was imprisoned in the Quadrangle in 1886. The US Army Medical Department Museum, is situated here and features an impressive medical collection.

  • Fort Sam Houston Museum
  • 210 221 1886
  • open 10am–4pm Wed–Sun
  • Quadrangle
  • open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri
  • US Army Medical Dept Museum
  • 210 221 6277
  • open 10am–4pm Tue–Sat

5The McNay Art Museum

This superb museum features paintings and sculpture by artists such as O’Keeffe and Rivera. The collection of prints and drawings includes works by artists such as Goya, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Martin. The Theatre Arts Collection takes a unique look at theater through an extensive collection of costume design and stage art (For further details see The McNay Art Museum).

Fort Sam Houston

The US Army leased quarters in San Antonio until 1876, when the Quadrangle was built. By 1882 the army had selected the city for a garrison, and in 1890 the post was renamed for General Sam Houston (For further details see Fort Sam Houston). Military aviation began here in 1910, and after World War II the fort became the Army’s main medical training facility, and today is the world’s largest medical training facility.

6San Antonio Botanical Garden

A short distance northeast of downtown, flora and fauna from around the world fill every corner of this stunning paradise. The Lucile Halsell Conservatory houses radically different collections, including an Alpine terrain of edelweiss and lewisias, and the Exhibition Room with orchids and bromeliads (For further details see San Antonio Botanical Garden & Lucile Halsell Conservatory).

7Witte Museum

This excellent museum has many special exhibits. The South Texas Heritage Center showcases saddles, spurs, and firearms used by the early settlers, Texas Wild features the ecology of Texas, and Ancient Texans presents the life of Natives along the Pecos River over 4,000 years ago. Popular with children is the H-E-B Body Adventure, with its wellness and action activities; H-E-Buddy Skycycle and the Move It! action game are two of the health-awareness exhibits. The World of Water provides hands-on get-wet activities featuring the San Antonio River.

  • 3801 Broadway
  • 210 357 1900
  • Open 10am–5pm Mon & Wed–Sat; 10am–8pm Tue, noon–5pm Sun
  • Adm
  • www.wittemuseum.org

8Six Flags Fiesta Texas

This 200-acre theme park nestled within an old quarry adds thrilling new rides every year. The Superman Krypton Coaster rockets through 4,000 ft (1,220 m) of twists, spirals, and turns as the giant coaster reaches speeds of 70 mph (110 kph). Big Bender is wild and wet, combining plummeting dips, twisting tunnels, and a five-story drop.

  • 17000 I-10 W at Loop 1604
  • 210 697 5050
  • Open late May–mid-Aug 10:30am daily; Mar–May & mid-Aug–Oct: Sat & Sun only; closed Nov–Feb
  • Adm
  • www.sixflags.com

9Splashtown

This 20-acre waterpark offers more than 50 attractions for all age groups as well as the area’s largest wave pool. The rides vary from white-knuckled tube rides to lazy river spills. The seven-story Lone Star Luge leaves you screaming down the length of two football fields. There are also Sunday concerts and Dive-In Movies on Friday evenings.

  • 210 227 1400
  • Open mid-Apr–mid-Sep: Sat & Sun; late May–mid-Aug: daily, open at 11am; closing times vary
  • Adm

10Sunset Station

Built in 1902, and housed in the former Southern Pacific Depot, this complex has indoor and outdoor music venues and restaurants. The station’s fabulous 19th-century architecture includes a huge rose window, wooden dance floor, and grand staircase. The surrounding area was a thriving African-American community in the first half of the 1900s, and famous entertainers including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong have performed here. During World War II, the depot was a hub for military personnel.


A Drive to the Sights Along Broadway

Morning

Start your day at the San Antonio Zoo at 9am when the animals are active, and before the crowds arrive. After about two hours, leave the zoo and get on to N St. Mary’s. Turn left on E Mulberry to Broadway and turn left again. Turn right on Funston and turn left into the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and stunning conservatory for an hour or two, and then have a relaxed lunch at the fabulous Anne Marie’s Carriage House Bistro.

After Lunch

Turn right out of the parking lot and drive to Broadway and turn right. Drive north on Broadway to the Witte Museum, turn left and park. Take an hour to see the H-E-B Body Adventure and the interesting exhibits here. Next door is the Texas Rangers Memorial. Continue heading north along Broadway and branch off to the right at Austin Hwy, then turn left on to New Braunfels and immediately turn right into the parking lot of the McNay Art Museum. Enjoy the museum exhibits, relax in the courtyard, and see the sculpture in the grounds. Return to Broadway and continue north to E Basse and turn left, driving past the popular Quarry Golf Club. Turn right into the Alamo Quarry Market to browse and shop. Canyon Café serves Southwest-style food and is a great place for a snack or dinner.

< Around Town

Top 10Places to Shop

1Bussey’s Flea Market

This sprawling flea market has about 500 vendors selling antiques, crafts, jewelry, and local produce. Open Saturday and Sunday.

  • 18738 I-35 N, New Braunfels
  • 210 651 6830

2Alamo Quarry Market

Housed in a former quarry, these trendy stores include a Whole Foods Market and the fabulous Lucchese Boot Company for Western wear.

  • 255 E Basse Rd
  • 210 824 8885

3Artisans Alley

An array of locally-owned shops and boutiques offers fine jewelry, clothing, art, and home decor items. Some shops offer craft-making classes.

  • 210 494 3226

4The Shops at La Cantera

This upscale open-air mall offers 150 stores in a village-like setting. Major retailers include Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Dillard’s.

  • 15900 La Cantera Pkwy
  • 210 582 6255

5North Star Mall

This high-fashion mall offers shoppers about 200 specialty stores under one roof.

  • 7400 San Pedro
  • 210 342 2325

6Crossroads of San Antonio

This indoor mall has a movie theater and 50 value-priced stores, including Super Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Stein Mart, and Hobby Lobby.

  • 4522 Fredericksburg Rd
  • 210 735 9137

7The Rim

This vast retail center boasts over 100 stores, including Bass Pro Shop, Best Buy, and Old Navy.

  • La Cantera Pkwy and I-10
  • 210 641 1777

8Pearl Brewery

A historic brewery on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Pearl houses restaurants, shops, and a Farmers Market.

  • 200 E Grayson
  • 210 212 7260

9San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center

Look for leading stores such as Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center or Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store at these two giant factory outlet malls in San Marcos.

10Sheplers Western Wear

The best place for Western wear, from boots and hats to housewares.

  • 6201 NW Loop 410
  • 210 681 8230

< Around Town

Top 10Places to Eat

1Fleming’s

The gnocchi and risotto are very popular dishes at this top-rated Italian restaurant, which also offers an impressive Italian wine list.

  • 255 East Basse Road Suite 200
  • 210 824 9463
  • $55–80

2Joseph’s Storehouse

This delightful eatery serves fresh food and bakery items, made from whole-grain and natural ingredients (For further details see Joseph’s Storehouse & Bakery).

3Demo’s

The souvlaki and spanakopita are highly recommended. There is dancing on the first Saturday of the month when a Greek band plays.

  • 2501 N St. Mary’s St
  • 210 732 7777
  • $20–40

4Bolo’s Rotisserie Grille

One of San Antonio’s finest, Bolo’s serves acclaimed Hill Country cuisine with international touches. Offers over 20 fine wines by the glass.

  • 9821 Colonnade Blvd
  • 210 691 8888
  • $55–80

5Fire Bowl Café

Fresh soups, salads, savory noodle bowls, and stir-fry entrées are the big draw here.

  • 255 E Basse Rd, Alamo Quarry Market
  • 210 829 0887
  • $20–40

6Canyon Café

Housed in an attractively remodeled old quarry building, this café serves creative salads and fusion Tex-Mex entrées. Try the popular blackened fish tacos.

  • 255 East Basse Road, Alamo Quarry Shopping Center
  • 210 821 3738
  • $40–55

7Tre Trattoria

Popular restaurant featuring contemporary Tuscan-inspired Italian cuisine served family-style, with generous portions.

  • 4003 Broadway
  • 210 805 0333
  • Closed Sun
  • $40–55

8Cappy’s

A casual, upscale restaurant in a 1930s brick building, serving modern American cuisine.

  • 5011 Broadway
  • 210 828 9669
  • $40–55

9Roaring Fork

Chic Southwestern cuisine from the wood-fired rotisserie, grill, or wood oven.

  • 1806 N Loop 1604
  • 210 479 9700
  • $40–55

10Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Excellent entrées of grilled beef, chicken, and lamb, accompanied by an exceptional salad bar.

  • 18318 Sonterra Place
  • 210 564 9400
  • $55–80