Discover San Antonio: A Blend of History and Modernity
Remember the Alamo? You’re not alone. Nearly every visitor to San Antonio includes a stop at this historic battleground, the most-visited place in Texas. However, while the proudly historic 300-year-old city celebrates its tri-centennial, San Antonio is rapidly changing, experiencing population growth and urban renewal at an unprecedented pace.
For every historic plaque and UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as San Antonio’s five missions—the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America—there’s a new art gallery, museum, or hotel popping up. Moreover, for every classic Tex-Mex café, there’s a bold culinary concept from local James Beard-honored chefs. Consequently, for every abandoned brewery, there’s a thriving new arts and entertainment district waiting to be explored.
Most of these new attractions have easy access to the heart of the city—the San Antonio River and the newly expanded River Walk, now 15 miles long. Here are some of the must-see highlights:
Seeing the Light at San Fernando Cathedral
Steps from the River Walk in Main Plaza lies the Gothic-revival San Fernando Cathedral, founded in 1731. This cathedral attracts 5,000 worshippers at weekend masses, making it Texas’ oldest continuously functioning religious community. Since June 2017, however, an entirely different crowd gathers to enjoy a modern sound-and-light show projected onto the church’s façade.
Using stirring music, ‘San Antonio: The Saga’ paints an artistic view of San Antonio’s history through the vivid, animated drawings of French artist Xavier De Richemont. This free, 24-minute show starts at 9pm, 9:30pm, and 10pm most Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Get a Glimpse of San Art-tonio
San Antonio features a surprisingly vibrant contemporary art scene thanks to the late Linda Pace, daughter of Pace Foods founders. Her artistic vision led to the establishment of Artpace, an artist residency and educational program for young talents. In 2005, she expanded with the Linda Pace Foundation’s contemporary art center by building STUDIO and CHRISpark, an art garden dedicated to her late son.
With the construction of Ruby City, designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, Pace’s dream of housing her collection of 800 artworks is coming to fruition. The striking red landmark is set to open in late 2018 to coincide with San Antonio’s 300th birthday, offering free admission.
A State-of-the-Art Look at the Past
Following a $100 million investment, the 90-year-old Witte Museum has transformed into one of the country’s best regional natural history museums. Visitors are greeted by a life-sized Quetzalcoatlus, the museum’s mascot, while animated pterosaurs soar overhead.
The focus is on Texas’ natural and cultural history, with new permanent exhibitions delving into the ancient world of dinosaurs, the arrival of prehistoric people, and the age of cowboys. From T-Rex skeletons to interactive labs, the Witte’s immersive experiences invite guests to return time and again.
Family-Friendly at the Old Fairgrounds
Hemisfair Plaza, the downtown home of the 1968 World’s Fair, is undergoing a transformation into a family-friendly green space. This revitalized area is located near the iconic Tower of the Americas, which features a restaurant and observation deck.
Recent restorations, including an artistic garden named Yanaguana Garden, offer splash pads and climbing structures that encourage play and exploration. Visitors can enjoy sweet treats from local vendors and unwind with coffee and live music in this vibrant space, open daily from 7am to midnight.
Bank on New Parts of the River Walk
Families, couples, and business travelers converge at the downtown River Walk to stroll, dine, and shop along the picturesque banks of the San Antonio River. While the central stretch can resemble a bustling outdoor mall, several hidden gems offer memorable experiences, including quality meals and classic cocktails at renowned establishments.
Few visitors realize that the River Walk has expanded to 15 miles, offering opportunities for biking, kayaking, or enjoying narrated river cruises provided by local chefs. The Mission Reach extension leads guests to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, enhancing the cultural experience of exploring this historic city.
The Garden That Keeps on Growing
The 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Gardens is ever-evolving, with recent expansions that include a Family Adventure Garden, showcasing 15 themed areas for hands-on play and discovery. As part of its initiative to become one of the best regional botanical gardens, the garden has opened new areas, including a Culinary Garden where visitors can enjoy open-air classes and scavenger hunts for fresh ingredients.
Quaint New District Has Luster
The Pearl Brewery district has become one of San Antonio’s most exciting neighborhoods. This unique area features a planned community with stylish loft apartments, green spaces for events, and boutique shops. Notable dining options include chef Steve McHugh’s Cured and other local eateries that contribute to the area’s vibrant culinary scene.
Updates Make the Alamo Experience Unforgettable
The Alamo, the legendary 18th-century mission and pivotal site of the 1836 Texas Revolution, has embraced modernization. This historic landmark serves as an Official Texas State Shrine, with ongoing expansions aiming to enhance the visitor experience.
The latest addition includes seven bronze sculptures donated by musician Phil Collins, bringing new life to the storied site. An augmented-reality app also enhances the visitor experience, allowing users to step back in time to explore the Alamo as it appeared in 1836. Guided audio tours and free admission to the Alamo Church and grounds ensure an enriching visit.
