The Alamo: The Alamo, commonly referred to as the "cradle of Texas liberty" was built in 1744 as a chapel and is all that remains of Mission San Antonio de Valero. It is most famous for the Battle of the Alamo, starting on February 24, 1836, when 189 volunteers died for Texas independence against the Mexican army led by Mexico's self-proclaimed dictator, Santa Anna. Among those who died: William Travis, Davy Crocket and Jim Bowie. - Alamo Plaza. - Open Monday - Saturday 9AM - 5:30PM and Sunday 10AM - 5:30PM.
Six Flags - Fiesta Texas: 200-acre theme park highlights Texas culture and music in four themed areas: Los Festivales celebrates San Antonio's Mexican and Spanish heritage with two theaters and a restaurant; Crackaxle Canyon recalls the days of a 1920s boom town, including a narrow gauge railroad and train station, two theaters, rapid-river ride, wooden roller coaster and traditonal Texas-style barbecue; Spassburg ("Spass" means "fun") reflects German influences in Texas Hill Country with a restaurant and music hall, early 1900s-style carousel, train station, and children's rides; and Rockville salutes Texas of the 1950s from a high school gym to a corner malt shop. The park also features 13 rides, including a giant log flume with 100-foot diagonal drop, daily shows and special musical events. - Loop 1604 and I-10; -IS FIESTA.
Mission San Jose: Established in 1720, this mission became the most beautiful, most prosperous and best fortified of all the Texas missions. It is also the biggest of all the missions and is most known for its Mariachi Mass held every Sunday at noon.
Mission San Francisco de la Espada: Established in 1731, this mission is a favorite of many students of the Spanish period in Texas and popular with photographers. The little church building, restored several times, is still in use. Espada Road south.
River Walk: One level below the busy streets of downtown, the Paseo del Rio or River Walk meanders several miles beneath giant cypress trees and palms, accented by tropical foliage and flowering shrubs. This people-watching paradise of sidewalk cafes, shops, galleries, hotels and clubs is pure charm and romance. Alamo Plaza and Rivercenter Mall.
San Antonio Zoo: With more than 3,000 animals of over 700 different species, this zoo boasts the third largest animal collection in North America. It is a sanctuary for endangered species like the whooping crane, snow leopard and white rhino. Other exhibits include an Australian walkabout offering close-up views of koalas and kangaroos, African wildlife, children's zoo with a tropical boat tour of animal and plant exhibits, elephant and camel rides in summer and two aquariums. 3903 North St. Mary's at Brackenridge Park.
Sea World?? of Texas: Lumbering walruses, playful otters, loveable dolphins and giant killer whales find Texas as homey as the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. There are five performing stadiums for marine animal shows featuring Shamu, the killer whale. The Texas Splashdown flume ride twists through rapids, dropping five stories. "Rio Loco", Spanish for crazy river, aptly describes this wet and wild ride. "Shamu's Happy Harbor," features sand sculpting, face painting, and other entertaining activities for children. "Lost Lagoon" features a five-acre adventure with surf, sand and fun. The "Alligator Habitat" lets visitors come "eye to eye" with these menacing looking reptiles. - Ray Ellison Drive and Westover Hills Boulevard; -527-4757.
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