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San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting and unique attractions in Texas. The historic River Walk winds almost three miles through the heart of San Antonio. One of San Antonio’s, and the United States’, most photographed attractions is The Alamo, and should not be missed by anyone visiting the city. The museum tells the story for The Alamo’s fall and displays interesting historical artifacts. For more history, La Villita (the Little Village) in the heart of San Antonio has been restored to look as it did when the Spanish built it in the 1700s. Of course, San Antonio has much more to offer than historical sites. Outside San Antonio sits the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, rated as the country’s best water park by the Travel Channel. Sea World San Antonio is loved by marine fans and offers shows, rides and a vast animal park. San Antonio’s mix of historical landmarks and exciting attractions makes it a great destination for travelers of all ages.
 River Walk | Paseo Del Rio
Downtown San Antonio TX 78205
A winding wonderland beneath the bridges and streets of downtown San Antonio, bordered with stone paths and lush tropical gardens of ferns, fan palms, nandina, cycads and papyrus, the 2.5-mile San Antonio Riverwalk is lined with first-class hotels and restaurants. Locals stroll its length during contemplative morning walks and jogs. Couples enjoy the umbrella-shaded sidewalk cafe tables in the evenings. And both the young and young at heart spend weekend nights whooping it up at the many lively nightspots as the hours reach the single digits. "If you miss the River Walk, you've missed San Antonio," a San Antonian advises.
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 The Alamo | El Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205
The Mission San Antonio de Valero (a.k.a. The Alamo) where Mexican General Santa Anna's army defeated David Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others on March 6, 1836, is the most famous spot in Texas. Its museum displays items from the Republic of Texas and documents the story of the Alamo's fall. Built in 1718 as the city's first mission, the chapel is one of the United States' most photographed facades.
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 Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
318 East Houston St., San Antonio TX 78205; Tel. 210.247.4000
The spirit of the Wild West lives on through the historic and eclectic Buckhorn Saloon. Having evolved past the days of bartering antlers for drinks, the saloon, built in 1881, is now home to a collection of more than 4,000 horns as well as wildlife exhibits, a wax museum, a shooting gallery and an arcade. This San Antonio attraction also boasts its own Curio Store, dubbed the "World's Oddest Store." (Shannon Ryan)
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Historic Gruene
This Texas town from the mid 1800s boasts that it has been "gently resisting change since 1872," and despite a few upmarket boutiques, that's pretty much true. The Gristmill steak house and the Gruene Hall saloon and dance hall are its major attractions. Take I-35 north from San Antonio to reach Gruene.
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 King William Historic District
1032 S. Alamo St., San Antonio TX; Tel. 210.227.8786
Settled by wealthy German merchants, San Antonio's first suburb makes up 25 blocks of picturesque mansions and gardens. The King William Association sponsors tours of private homes on the first Saturday of December. (Shannon Ryan)
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 La Villita/ Little Village
Between Presta and South Alamo streets on Nueva Street, San Antonio TX; Tel. 210.207.8610
In the center of downtown San Antonio sits the preserved and restored remnants of the original "Little Village" of San Antonio, La Villita. Built by the Spanish in the 1700s, the historic riverside settlement is now home to artisans, small shops, and restaurants. (Shannon Ryan)
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 Market Square | El Mercado
Santa Rosa and Commerce streets, San Antonio TX
El Mercado is the the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. The outdoor market sells all types of Mexican crafts, including pottery and ceramics, turquoise jewelry, leather goods and colorfully embroidered clothing. The plaza has restaurants, pastry shops, specialty shops and craft galleries.
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Mission San José
9101 Graf Road, San Antonio, TX 78214; 210.534.0749
Mission San José was the largest of the missions in the San Antonio area. After gaining a reputation as a major social and cultural center, it came to be called the "Queen of the Missions." The stone walls, bastions, granary and church at this San Antonio attraction were completed in 1782. (Shannon Ryan)
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San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory
555 Funston @ North New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio TX
Public garden highlighting Texas horticulture as well as plants from around the world. Operated by the San Antonio Botanical Society in cooperation with the city's Parks and Rec Department on 33 acres in the center of the city of San Antonio.
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
2202 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio TX 78210; Tel. 210.534.8833
This San Antonio park preserves four Spanish frontier missions dating back to the 18th century, including San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion Missions. (Shannon Ryan)
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 San Antonio Museum of Art | El Museo de Arts de San Antonio
200 West Jones Ave., San Antonio 78215; Tel.210.829.7262
Art from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Asian art, European and American paintings, decorative arts, contemporary art and an extensive Latin American collection are housed in the 1884 Lone Star Brewery near the heart of downtown San Antonio. (Shannon Ryan)
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 Spanish Governor's Palace
105 Plaza de Armas (Military Plaza), San Antonio TX
Once the home of the officials who ruled New Spain, now a major tourist attraction. It's small but National Geographic called it "the most beautiful building in San Antonio." The palace is filled with antiques and artifacts from the early 1700s and the patio and courtyard feature a beautiful, charming garden.
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Tower of the Americas
The 750-foot Tower of the Americas in HemisFair Park was built for the 1968 World's Fair. It boasts spectacular panoramic views, especially from the Tower Restaurant, where you can enjoy dining on prime rib while rotating atop one of the country's tallest free-standing structures. In downtown San Antonio, adjacent to the Convention Center.
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University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures
801 S. Bowie St., San Antonio TX 78205;Tel. 210.458.2300
An educational San Antonio center dedicated to the contributions of different ethnic groups in Texas and borne out of the 1968 World's Fair, the Institute of Texan Cultures includes exhibits featuring the cultural contributions of the more than 27 cultures that settled the state of Texas. (Shannon Ryan)
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Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio TX 78209; Tel. 210.357.1900
With interactive displays and hands-on wildlife exhibits, this San Antonio museum offers an education for all ages and includes nationally acclaimed traveling exhibits, Texas dinosaurs, an Egyptian mummy, and 8,000-year-old rock art. Traditional fiesta gowns are also on display. (Shannon Ryan)
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--Thanks to Petra Sherey
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