Historic San Antonio

Our Local Expert Says:

Take the 40-minute, 2.5-mile river barge cruise to hear the full history of the Riverwalk and downtown San Antonio. It's worth every penny.

Description:

The River Walk is a must-see for any traveler to San Antonio. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flooding problems, and a 27-year-old UT architecture graduate named Robert H. Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. Stairways down to the River Walk can be found on street level throughout downtown. Walk down anywhere you like, and wander and explore the great shops, galleries, restaurants and sights. To get the full story on the history of the River Walk, take the Rio San Antonio river barge cruise for a 45-minute narrated tour. It is well worth the price. For the romantically inclined, there are also dining cruises for two. It's a sight you don't see just anywhere: a couple eating at a finely appointed candle-lit table on a small, flat boat floating down the river. Service is great because the waiter is never more than a few feet away.

Description:

Casa Rio was the first restaurant on the River Walk and is still a must if you have never eaten riverside. With colorful décor, inside and outside seating, and a prime location for people-watching, this restaurant is a favorite among both tourists and locals. Add potent, thirst-quenching margaritas, waitresses bustling about in Mexican sundresses, and Mexican favorites such as enchiladas and tamales, and you have the makings of the classic Tex-Mex dining experience. Because no reservations are taken and this is a hot spot, you may want to arrive a little early to avoid long lines.

Description:

This bar pours more than 40 varieties of wine available by the glass, including more than five varieties of champagne. If none of those suit you, partake of any one of the numerous brandies or liqueurs, or enjoy a premium mixed drink from the fully stocked bar. Beautiful but small, Zinc has almost an elitist, yet friendly, feel; it is as if you have discovered the clique and have been welcomed. The crowds are small, even though it is just one block off the beaten path from River Walk.

Description:

When you think of San Antonio, you don't necessarily think of an Irish pub, now do you? Well, think again. Durty Nelly's, located on the River Walk on the river level of the Hilton hotel, is a rollicking good time. Pull up a chair, order a beer (or two, or ten) and sing along with the pianist. A versatile guy, the pianist takes requests and can play just about anything. Probably the most fun thing to do is munch on the peanuts and toss the shells on the floor. Yes, it is allowed!

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel is also connected to the Rivercenter Mall so it is very convenient for shopping.

Description:

This historic hotel is located on Alamo Plaza, literally next door to the famed Alamo. Built in 1859, it's one of the oldest buildings in the city and is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. Two American presidents became enamored with the hotel: Former President Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders enjoyed hanging out at the Menger Bar, and President Bill Clinton developed a penchant for the hotel's proprietary mango ice cream during his visits to the city. As with most of the city's oldest buildings, this hotel is reportedly haunted by as many as 32 different, friendly spectres.

Our Local Expert Says:

Breakfast is served all day (7am-3pm) but lunch starts at 11am, 10am on Sunday. The Sunday brunch here is fabulous. Try the pancakes or biscuits made from Pioneer flour from the local mill.

Description:

The Guenther House makes its home in an elegant historic mansion on the property of Pioneer Flour Mills in the historic King William area on an undeveloped part of the San Antonio River. From its not-so-humble beginnings as the home of Carl Hilmer Guenther in 1860, it has been restored into one of the more unique dining experiences in the city. The breakfast menu (served all day) offers Southern Sweet Cream Waffles and breakfast tacos, among other items. At lunch, choose from such entries as Champagne Chicken Enchiladas and Pioneer Taco Salad.

Description:

Located just south of the downtown area, the King William Historic District is a residential area that was settled by German immigrants in the 1860s and named for Kaiser Wilhelm, King of Prussia during the 1870s. Many of the immigrants were talented stonemasons, and their handiwork is still visible on many of the homes. The early residents of the houses were major players in San Antonio's business community, including lumberyard owners, architects, doctors and other professionals. Visitors flock to the area to admire the large, impressive houses and walk along the pecan- and cypress-shaded streets. The district has evolved into a hip and artsy area, boasting bed and breakfasts, art galleries and quaint cafes.

Description:

Mission San Jose, located at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, was founded in 1720 by Father Antonio Margil de Jesus. If you only have time to visit one of the San Antonio Missions, the "Queen of the Missions" is the one to see. It is the largest of the five missions and the most fully restored. The mission was a church-focused community, where Spanish missionaries and their Native American converts lived during the 1700s and 1800s. In its heyday, in the late 1700s, 350 Native Americans lived on the property and tended crops and livestock. The site's bounty made it the subject of frequent attacks by Apaches and Comanches. While they succeeded in stealing livestock, which was kept outside the compound, the raiders could not get past the formidable defenses of the mission itself. Free ranger-guided tours last 45 to 60 minutes and are available periodically throughout the day. The mission remains an active church, and visitors are permitted to attend the Sunday mass.

Description:

Located in the heart of Southtown, Rosario's is packed every night. It can pack in even more now that they are in a larger (but just as lively) location just a block from where the restaurant used to be. Sip on a perfectly crafted frozen Margarita as you enjoy enchiladas, carne guisada, pork tips and so much more. Do not miss Rosario's on Friday nights, when it offers entertainment by some of the best bands in South Texas. Get there early to snag a table and enjoy dinner, then prepare to dance yourself silly.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Alamo is in the center of downtown San Antonio, so don't miss it. Be sure to attend one of the oral presentations given in the courtyard during the day. The storytelling will give you a good idea of what happened at this famous site.

Description:

Originally the Mission San Antonio del Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Texans take the Alamo very seriously. Silence, or at least a hushed tone of voice, is insisted upon both in the chapel and on the grounds. Narrated tours are available. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Description:

La Villita means "Little Village" and it is the original home of the first settlers of San Antonio. Today, people visit La Villita for its quaint cobblestone paths, art galleries, and history. It is located on the south bank of the San Antonio River and hosts many outdoor festivals and events with live music and dancing, especially in the springtime. Don't miss a weekend dance performance of Ballet Folklorico at The Arneson River Theater, an amphitheater in La Villita, with the stage located across the San Antonio River. The Little Church, built in 1879, features a gorgeous stained-glass cross along the back wall. It's now an active non-denominational church that is also available for weddings and other events.

Description:

A little treasure of the Historic Arts Village is located upstairs, along with many other offices in Building No.9, at La Villita. The place is sponsored by the City of San Antonio and the La Villita Tenants Association. You'll find all you ever wanted to know about La Villita at the information center here. There are various gift items on display and if you find something attractive go ahead and purchase it. What's more, there is also a post office in the same place.

Description:

Established on March 2, 1879, this church forms an integral part of the history of La Villita. No particular denomination met here consistently, but it continues to exist, and is the favorite local wedding venue. The church also supports and hosts the Starving Artist Art Gallery's annual show.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take the 40-minute, 2.5-mile river barge cruise to hear the full history of the Riverwalk and downtown San Antonio. It's worth every penny.

Description:

The River Walk is a must-see for any traveler to San Antonio. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flooding problems, and a 27-year-old UT architecture graduate named Robert H. Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. Stairways down to the River Walk can be found on street level throughout downtown. Walk down anywhere you like, and wander and explore the great shops, galleries, restaurants and sights. To get the full story on the history of the River Walk, take the Rio San Antonio river barge cruise for a 45-minute narrated tour. It is well worth the price. For the romantically inclined, there are also dining cruises for two. It's a sight you don't see just anywhere: a couple eating at a finely appointed candle-lit table on a small, flat boat floating down the river. Service is great because the waiter is never more than a few feet away.

Description:

Bruce Auden's award-winning Biga on the Banks is located in a spectacular setting in downtown San Antonio's modern International Center. Overlooking a romantic tree-canopied bend in the river, the historic and the new find common ground in Biga's dynamic re-emergence with ultra contemporary cuisine propelling San Antonio's recent ascent to a new level of River Walk dining. Gourmet Magazine named Biga one of the five best restaurants in Texas. Fine dining has never meant "fussy" to Chef Auden. Biga's ambiance is casual and relaxed - San Antonio style. Auden's celebrated culinary background, coupled with creative and energetic design, has marked Biga on the Banks as one of Texas' truly outstanding restaurants.

Description:

Combine two full-service bars with two talented dueling pianists and you have a recipe for wild, raucous fun. Howl at the Moon is a high-energy sing-along bar that gets louder and more fun as the night wears on. There is definitely a proportional relationship between alcohol and singing: the more alcohol you consume, the more you sing, and usually louder and further off-key, too. Oddly, that is what makes this place a great choice when you are out with a crowd.

Description:

Craving a chocolate martini? Belly up to the bar at the River Walk's nod to retro chic. Single-barrel bourbon, single-malt scotch, and a wide selection of beer and wines fill out the drink menu, but James Bond's preferred poison is always the top seller. Nightly live jazz adds to the pizzazz. The big cigars are the catch (or draw) here. This place was so popular it spurred a national chain.

Our Local Expert Says:

This hotel is also connected to the Rivercenter Mall so it is very convenient for shopping.

Description:

This historic hotel is located on Alamo Plaza, literally next door to the famed Alamo. Built in 1859, it's one of the oldest buildings in the city and is the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. Two American presidents became enamored with the hotel: Former President Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders enjoyed hanging out at the Menger Bar, and President Bill Clinton developed a penchant for the hotel's proprietary mango ice cream during his visits to the city. As with most of the city's oldest buildings, this hotel is reportedly haunted by as many as 32 different, friendly spectres.

Description:

Located in Market Square, this San Antonio oldie-but-goodie has been a favorite of both locals and tourists since 1946. The Mexican specialties such as Chile Rellenos, Huevos Rancheros and the huge combination platters are excellent, and the atmosphere truly takes you south of the border. Nowhere else will you be serenaded by mariachis while enjoying chorizo and eggs or an eight-ounce rib eye. But be sure to have a tip ready for the entertainers; they want to enjoy a meal later as well. Finally, do not miss the panaderia (bakery) for fresh breakfast pastries, Mexican breads and sweet rolls.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great place to come for souvenirs, but also to see a slice of everyday life in a culturally vibrant city.

Description:

A vibrant cultural and business center since the 1820s, Market Square is the scene of festivals and outdoor events year-round. Market Square is at its best in April, during the city-wide Fiesta celebration. The rest of the year visitors will find great Mexican restaurants, traditional Mexican handicrafts and an indoor shopping center where you are sure to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip. Museo Alameda, which is affiliated with The Smithsonian, features exhibits of work by Latino artists. The square is located just west of the city center and walking distance from most downtown hotels.

Our Local Expert Says:

No matter what your faith is, visiting the San Fernando Cathedral is a beautiful and moving experience.

Description:

The San Fernando Cathedral was founded in 1731 and is the oldest active cathedral in Texas. Fifteen families from the Canary Islands were the church's first members. They were a part of King Phillip's efforts to colonize the area and claim it for Spain before the French could gain a foothold in the region. Considered one of the most historically significant churches in the U.S., it has been visited by a number of dignitaries throughout its long history, including President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1966 and Pope John Paul II in 1987. Located midway between the city center and the Market Square, the cathedral welcomes up to 5,000 people for weekend masses.

Description:

Home of Texas' best eatin' for over 50 years, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q offers only the choicest of meats, all cooked to perfection over a fire of 100% Texas Hill Country Live Oak in a brick pit. Each of the dishes is served to you with our promise of Total Customer Satisfaction.