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San Antonio
In the course of its colorful history, ownership of San Antonio has been claimed by six different governments. Thus, the city is said to have been "under 6 flags." Rule by France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America has shaped San Antonio, as each culture has left its mark. Art, architecture, and history intermingle everywhere in this robust southwestern city. With nearly 300 years as a cultural crossroads the city has a colorful past and takes every opportunity to celebrate it! San Antonio is well known as a party going city. Fiestas and festivals abound.
Downtown San Antonio retains an Old World feeling as narrow streets, plazas,
and Spanish architecture blend with modern skyscrapers. The city has always
been a crossroads and a meeting place. Sounds and flavors of Native America, Old Mexico, Germany, the Wild West, African-America and the Deep South mingle and merge. Close to seven million visitors delight each year in the discovery of San Antonio's charms.
San Antonio lies on the edge of the Texas Hill country, considered by many to be the most scenic area in the state. Its rolling terrain is dotted with dark green cedars and oaks gradually giving way to prickly pear and cactus. Clear rivers run beneath limestone cliffs and canyons, and spectacular views span the endless blue of the Texas sky.
San Antonio is a Mecca for history buffs. In 1718, Spanish Friar Antonio Olivares established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo). A customary accompanying presidio (fort), was added in the same year. This site became permanently etched in the annals of history in 1836 as "The Alamo", where 189 volunteer freedom fighters died after holding the old mission against some 4,000 Mexican troops for 13 days. The cry "Remember the Alamo" became the rallying point of the Texan revolution against Mexico. Located in the heart of downtown, today The Alamo still stands, dwarfed by twentieth century buildings, as a shrine and museum.
The Riverwalk is a 2.5 mile (21 block) tree lined promenade where luxury hotels, specialty shops, and European-style cafés line the banks of the San Antonio River . Below street level, the walk is reached by steps from various spots along the main roads and crossed by humpbacked stone bridges. Cobbled paths, lined with tropical plants and shaded by pine, cypress, oak and willow, wind beside the jade-green water, with much of the city's eating and entertainment concentrated along the way. You can catch a river taxi at various points, or just stroll along and watch.
Start your San Antonio SearchSan Antonio Hotels
Westin La Cantera
from $279 per night
Spectacular views of Texas Hill Country....more
Drury Inn & Suites
from $94 per night
Located at Commerce and St. Mary's....more
Hilton San Antonio Airport
from $109 per night
Convenient to all major attractions....more
Hyatt Regency
from $179 per night
Just a block from the Alamo....more
La Mansion del Rio
from $139 per night
Old World Charm and traditions mingle....more
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
from $116 per night
Newly built 4-story hotel....more
Texas is the only major coastal state in America that doesn't receive federal tax dollars for beach renourishment projects. Not only do Texas beaches provide great vacation opportunities, they are an important part of the environment and the first line of defense against the ravages of hurricanes and coastal storms. Each time you book a trip, or visit an advertiser, you're generating funds to rebuild Texas beaches. So, book a great deal and help rebuild great Texas beaches!
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