The AlamoThe Alamo has assumed mythological significance in
American culture. Davy Crocket and his small party held out for 13
days against a 2,500-strong Mexican army before finally being
overrun and executed. The Alamo is now described as the cradle of
Texan liberty and for years after the siege Texans would cry
"Remember the Alamo" during battle. The actual Alamo building is
smaller than most visitors expect, and its gravitas slightly
undermined by tacky amusement park rides and souvenir shops. That
doesn't daunt millions of annual visitors who make a pilgrimage
here, often without really knowing why.RiverwalkThe centre of San Antonio's shopping and dining
district, the Riverwalk winds its way for 3 miles (5km) along the
banks of the San Antonio River. Visitors can explore the
Rivercenter Mall along the way and take a stroll around La Villita
Historic District. An equally good way to enjoy the lush
landscaping and scenic variety of the Riverwalk is take a narrated
cruise or dinner cruise with one of the many river boats. The
cobbled walkways are a full level below the city's streets lending
the Riverwalk a secluded, peaceful atmosphere, and cooling
atmosphere during the summer heat.Six Flags Fiesta TexasThe city's biggest theme park keeps raising the bar
with the recently added water rides to enhance its theme park
rides, roller coasters and musical shows. Avoid eating a large meal
before embarking on the Superman Krypton Roller Coaster, looping
Boomerang coaster, or the Scream, which entails 20-story free fall.
The park has won Amusement Today's award for The Best Theme Park
Shows in the Country for 10 years in a row. Xcelleration, a
BMW-themed skills show is guaranteed to impress the
teenagers.Buckhorn Saloon and MuseumReanimating the spirit of the wild west, the Buckhorn
saloon contains over 8,000 wildlife exhibits, wax effigies, horns
and other western memorabilia. There is also a shooting gallery, an
arcade and a wonderfully eclectic shop, dubbed the "World's Oddest
Store". The Buckhorn has been open for over 120 years and has rich
and ribald history populated by cowboys, baddies, card sharks and
plenty of cattle. The original brass foot rail still lines the
bar.Spanish Governor's PalaceDescribed by National Graphic as the most beautiful
building in San Antonio, the diminutive palace once served as the
headquarters for the Spanish rulers of this region. The lovely
building is filled with treasures and historical relics from the
18th century ad the patio flows onto a relaxing garden that is
perfect for contemplating the glory of times past. On the last
Sunday of every month a living history group visits in period
costume and shares information and reenactments with
visitors.Tower of the AmericasHemisphere Park was built for the 1968 World's Fair
and the soaring Tower of the Americas' was its centerpiece.
Visitors can take a 500ft elevator ride to the observation level
and revolving restaurant to enjoy astounding views of the city
below. From base to top, the tower is 750 feet high, taller than
the Washington Monument and Seattle's Space Needle, and ranks as
the United States' second tallest freestanding
structure.Texas Hill CountryThe rolling, rugged hills that begin on the northern
outskirts of San Antonio are known as the Texas Hill Country. The
region is known for its natural beauty, carpets of flowers in
spring, and abundant woodlands. Key attractions include Enchanted
Rock, an enormous granite dome located 15 miles (24 km) from
Fredericksburg, the town of Blanco, famous for its Lavender, and
the water sports of San Marco. The New York Times declared this
region "the No. 1 vacation spot in the nation" and its many
attractions have been responsible for making Texas second only to
Florida as a retirement destination.
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