A rich tapestry of Southwestern U.S. history, culture, and attractions, San Antonio was founded in 1718 and named after Saint Anthony of Padua. As one of the oldest towns in Texas, San Antonio is also home to the famous Alamo, the landmark that played a crucial (and tragic) role in the Texas Revolution. The San Antonio Missions are recognized as the only UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Texas, and the historic Market Square hosts the largest Mexican market in the United States. With a modern population of over 1.4 million, San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest overall in the U.S. The region is a veritable melting pot of Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and various European cultures, which means that visitors have no shortage of things to do and see. Travel with Gray Line Worldwide and experience San Antonio your way!
Tour Expert, Gray Line San Antonio
The beating heart of San Antonio, the San Antonio River Walk (known locally as Paseo del Rio) is a celebrated urban park and cultural hub. Conceived by architect Robert H.H. Hugman, the River Walk’s construction started in 1939 and was funded by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. Situated next to the Arneson River Theatre, the River Walk provides easy access to the 1941-completed theater, which is unique for having a portion of its stage separated from the audience by the river. Four of the eight major bridges along the River Walk are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and over 10 million visitors flock to its walkway each year, which makes it one of the most visited attractions in San Antonio.
Originally Mission San Antonio de Valero, the fort known as the Alamo was founded in 1718 by Spanish missionaries. Repurposed into a fortress by Spanish soldiers in the early 1800s, the Alamo was secularized and seized by Texan revolutionaries in 1835. The infamous Battle of the Alamo took place from February 23 to March 6 of 1836. Alamo defenders included James Bowie, William Travis, and Davy Crockett, who all lost their lives as a result of the ensuing battle. Today, the site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts 2.5 million visitors a year, which makes it one of the most visited historical sites in the United States. Don’t miss stopping at the Wall of History, an art installation that narrates the story of the Alamo and its impact on Texas and American identity.
With origins dating back to the 1820s, Market Square has been an integral part of San Antonio’s community for nearly two centuries. It is the largest Mexican market in the United States and features a mix of shops and dining options that celebrate Mexican culture. Encompassing three blocks, the market showcases over 100 shops and eateries and allows visitors to purchase handcrafted items from local artisans. The section of the market known as “El Mercado” encompasses 32 specialty shops while well-known eateries – Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia and La Margarita Restaurant among others – attract hundreds of diners wanting to sample some authentic cuisine. Depending on the time of year, Market Square hosts several festivals and events, including Dia de los Muertos and Fiesta San Antonio.
Starting in 1718, the settlements now known as “the San Antonio missions” began to be established as part of Spain’s colonial strategy to spread Christianity and establish villages within the American Southwest. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009, the missions are strategically located alongside the San Antonio River and include five settlements in total. The missions served dual religious and military purposes, particularly as white American settlers and Indigenous nations began threatening Spain and later Mexico’s rule in the region. Along with the Alamo, the missions include San Jose (known as “Queen of the Missions” as it was one of the largest), Concepcion (the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States), Espada (features the best-preserved section of the irrigation system used for farming), and San Juan Capistrano (known for providing surplus food via agriculture).
As one of the largest commercial cavern systems in the state, Natural Bridge Caverns was discovered in 1960 by four students from St. Mary’s University during a spelunking trip. The name “Natural Bridge” comes from the 60-foot limestone bridge that spans the entrance area, which was formed when a sinkhole collapsed below it. The caverns are composed primarily of limestone formed during the Cretaceous period around 66 to 145 million years ago. The deepest levels of the cave reach about 180 feet below the surface, which makes it equivalent to a 180-story building. Guided tours of the cave are available with different sections highlighted accordingly. Visitors can observe the massive stalactites and stalagmites up close and identify flowstones and unique speleothems.
Dating back to the 1790s, the King William Historic District was originally part of farmland belonging to the Mission San Antonio de Valero (also known as the Alamo). The district became a hub for German immigrants in the 1840s, who infused the region with their cultural influence and built many of the area’s homes. The main street – King William – was named in honor of King Wilhelm I of Prussia in the late 19th century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the King William district experienced preservation efforts in the 1950s as a result of many of the area’s original inhabitants leaving after World War II. Today, the district is home to several historic buildings, beautiful urban parks, and annual events, including the King William Fair. Stroll along the distinctive wide streets of the neighborhood and admire famous households, like the Edward Steves Homestead and Villa Finale.
Founded in 1926, the Witte Museum was inspired by the collection of natural history treasures and named after Alfred G. Witte, a businessman who bequeathed $65,000 for the museum’s construction in memory of his parents. Ellen Schulz Quillin – a school teacher and botanist – was the first director of the museum and paved the way for it becoming a renowned institution home to dinosaur fossils, Texas wildlife, and ancient artifacts. In fact, the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery is a popular highlight of the museum and features significant dinosaur replicas, including one of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The H-E-B Science Treehouse offers interactive exhibits for children, and on-site historic buildings like the original limestone home of early San Antonio banker John Twohig are available for exploration.
Located within Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden was originally a limestone quarry operational in the 19th century and provided building materials for San Antonio. Between 1917 and 1919, the area was transformed into a garden under the guidance of Parks Commissioner Ray Lambert, who utilized prison labor for its construction. Known as the “Chinese Tea Garden” during World War II due to anti-Japanese sentiment, the park was renamed the “Japanese Tea Garden” in 1984. From 1926 to 1942, Japanese-American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu operated the “Bamboo Room,” which served tea and lunches to visitors until he was evicted as part of the same anti-Japanese discrimination that fueled internment camps throughout the American west. Today, the garden incorporates a blend of native South Texas plants with a 60-foot waterfall, koi ponds, and stone bridges.
Spanning over 200 acres and featuring about 50 rides, Six Flags Fiesta Texas was built on a former rock quarry, which significantly impacts the park’s geography, ride design, and attraction placement. Popular roller coasters include the Iron Rattler, Batman: The Ride (featuring the world’s first S&S 4D Free Spin), Superman Krypton Coaster (known for its height and 360-degree vertical loop), and Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster (a single rail coaster with an intense drop). Family-friendly rides include Pirates of the Deep Sea and Bugs’ White Water Rapids. During warmer months, the park’s water attractions receive lots of visitors, and White Water Bay water park is included in the park admission. For daredevils, the Bahama Blaster is recognized as the world’s steepest water slide, which offers thrills for adults and children alike.
About an hour’s drive away from San Antonio proper, the Texas Hill Country is home to over 70 wineries, and the American Viticultural Area (AVA) spans over 9 million acres. As the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., Texas sees about one million gallons of wine flow through its economy annually. The first vineyard in North America was established in Texas by Spanish missionaries in 1662. During the 1970s, the Texas wine industry began flourishing and grew from 30 wineries in 1980 to over 273 in recent years. Take advantage of the Texas Hill Country Wineries (THCW)’s passport events that allow visitors to engage in wine tasting at multiple venues. Festivals like the Hill Country Wine Lovers Celebration occur throughout the year, which offer great opportunities for showcasing local wines and culinary offerings.
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Booking this tour was extremely easy -- thank you ! ! I am looking forward to going on the tour next month.
Our day in the Texas Hill Country and LBJ's boyhood home, etc. was a fun day. Lola, our driver, picked us up at our hotel and she was very friendly. We got to see and do numerous things and Lola was very informative. It was a pleasant and relaxing day. We were disappointed to lea...
Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Experience (departing San Antonio)
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