Attractions
Since the wedding is on Memorial Day Weekend, there will be so many fun events going on in San Antonio!!! This will be a great vacation opportunity for everyone!!! (Click on "View Website" to visit the official sites and to learn more about each attaction). This is where the fun begins!
The Riverwalk
This is one of the COOLEST places in San Antonio! It's pretty much the US version of Venice!!!
Open Hours: 24 hours daily. Businesses maintain their own hours.
When you think of San Antonio, two things automatically come to mind: the Alamo and the River Walk. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had serious flood problems, and Robert Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into an asset rather than a hindrance. Hugman's brainchild has since become the essence of the city. The city's most popular attraction, it is often crowded and filled with children, partygoers, tourists and locals. In the heart of the River Walk is an area filled with restaurants, shops and nightclubs, punctuated by fountains and towering Cypress trees. There is no guardrail, so be careful (although the river is shallow enough that you can stand in it). If you don't like rowdiness or crowds, it is best to stay away during events and festivals. The River Walk is particularly crazy during Fiesta.
Remember the Alamo?
Wonderful historic site! You'll DEFINITELY want to check this one out before you leave...especially the BASEMENT (lol).
Open Hours: 9am-5:30pm Mon-Sat; 10am-5:30pm Sun
Originally the Mission San Antonio del Valero, the Alamo is by far the most famous historical site in Texas, playing a significant role in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico. Under the command of Col. William Travis, 189 Texan soldiers bravely defended this fort for 13 days before finally succumbing to Santa Anna's massive Mexican army in early 1836. The chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the fort. Saved from civilian apathy by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the mission is now a museum containing relics from the era. Texans take the Alamo very seriously. Silence, or at least a hushed tone of voice, is insisted upon both in the chapel and on the grounds. Narrated tours are available. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
Sea World San Antonio
Schedule varies by season. Call for information
SeaWorld San Antonio offers a show park, a rides park, a water park and the world’s largest marine life adventure park – all in one. Guests experience pure fun with shows like “Believe” featuring Shamu and companion killer whales, “Viva!” featuring beautiful beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins and “The Cannery Row Caper” with funny sea lions Clyde and Seamore. “Pirates 4-D” comes to life with 3-D projection, surround-sound technology and interactive 4-D effects that emanate from the seats, walls and screen. The Lost Lagoon water park, a tropical five-acre section of SeaWorld, offers a huge wave pool, body and tube slides, a family raft ride, a water play area for kids, “Splash Attack,” a three-story, interactive funhouse and Castaway Cruisin’, a 3.5 acre floating attraction. Kids can also play and splash at Shamu’s Happy Harbor. For those who crave action two popular spots for cooling off in the park are the Texas Splashdown flume ride and the Rio Loco river rapids ride. Visitors also enjoy the “Steel Eel” hypercoaster and “The Great White” inverted coaster. “Journey to Atlantis”, a new family ride that combines a roller coaster and water ride is scheduled to open mid-May 2007. Guests can visit the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales; feed and touch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cove and feed Seals and Sea Lions at the Seal and Sea Lion Community Pool. Popular spots include Sharks/The Coral Reef exhibit and the Penguin Encounter.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Open Hours: Vary by season; call for information. Mid-May-Mid-August: 10am-9pm daily
It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The city's largest theme park now boasts not only the shows and musical reviews that made it popular, but also dozens of rides and a water park. Prepare for everything when you visit here. Each year the park adds new and faster rides, primarily in the roller coaster category. The water park expands exponentially each year, as well. In addition, the musical shows always manage to upstage what had been done previously. Definitely an all-day trip, Fiesta Texas is a fun, but expensive, adventure. Admission varies depending on the season. A one-day pass averages USD40 for adults, USD30 for children
San Antonio Zoo
Open Hours: 9am-6pm daily; Labor Day-Memorial Day: 9am-5pm daily
Situated along the San Antonio River and next to Brackenridge Park, this zoo is considered one of the finest in America, housing more than 3,500 animals representing more than 700 species. The recently renovated "big cat" exhibit draws big crowds, as does the bird collection, which is one of the largest in the United States. Allow time for wandering around; even though there is plenty of directional signage, the exhibits are a confusing maze. The zoo offers educational programs weekly and is available for private events. Call for more information. Admission: USD8 adults; USD6 children ages 3-11 and seniors age 62 and older. Children ages two and younger are admitted free.
McNay Art Museum
Open Hours: 10a-4p Tu, W and F, 10a-9p Th, 10a-5p Sa, noon-5p Su
This Spanish-Mediterranean mansion, located in the heart of well-to-do Alamo Heights, houses impressive artworks from 19th and 20th century America and Europe, in addition to one of the largest theater arts collections in the United States. Its grounds are as lovely as its collections, boasting fountains, streams, goldfish ponds and Japanese-style gardens. Recent touring exhibitions include works by Georgia O'Keefe, a collection of pop art, and American Pictorial Photography. The auditorium and portions of the museum are available for private functions. Admission is free except during select exhibitions and special events.
San Fernando Cathedral
Open Hours: 6am-6pm daily
Although construction did not begin until 1749, this cathedral was established in 1731 by the Canary/Spanish Islanders, who sought to build their own place of worship. It is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States. The famous Alamo defender James Bowie was married here, and during the siege of the Alamo Santa Anna used it as an observation post. Notable historic figures Bowie, William Travis and Davy Crockett are buried here. The cathedral still draws huge crowds for Mass and always welcomes visitors. Services take place at 6:15am and 12:05pm Monday-Friday; at 8am (Spanish) and 5:30pm (Bilingual) on Saturday; and at 6am, 8am, 10am, noon (Spanish), 2pm and 5pm (Bilingual) on Sunday.
The Tower of the Americas
Open Hours: 9am-10pm Sun-Thu; 9am-11pm Fri-Sat
What a sight to behold: glass-walled elevators ascend more than 500 feet to the observation deck, providing a panoramic view of the city. Standing a total 750 feet tall, the tower was constructed for HemisFair, the 1968 World's Fair, and symbolizes the progress made by the peoples of the Western Hemisphere.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! / Plaza Theatre Of Wax
Open Hours: M-Th 9:30a-8p; Fr-Sa 9a-10p; Su 9a-8p
Located directly across from the Alamo, this museum displays shocking wax mannequins so similar to the heroes, celebrities and fictional characters they represent that it's almost creepy. You'll see Jim Carrey, Charlton Heston, Frankenstein, Dracula and many more. You'll feel like you got your money's worth in this odd two-for-one museum. With Ripley's Believe It or Not!, you'll find yourself saying, "I didn't know that," "Ooo, gross!" and "Holy cow!" The weird items should be safe for kids, but if you have a squeamish little one, don't go into the cellar. Admission is $13.95 for adults and $6.95 for children.
Visit the San Antonio website: http://www.plazawaxmuseum.com
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Open Hours9am-5pm daily
33 acres of lush foliage and colorful blooms beg to be appreciated. A wonderful attraction often overlooked by visitors, the garden is exquisite year round, with something always in bloom. A conservatory, formal gardens, "old-fashioned" gardens and native plant areas provide a variety of interest. This is definitely a must-see for both botany experts and garden-variety folks. If you're visiting in the spring, don't forget your antihistamines. The garden center features a luncheon cafe, a gift shop, guided tours, and adults' and children's classes, and is also available for private parties. Admission: USD6 Adults; USD3 Children ages 3-13; and USD4 for senior citizens, military personnel and students. Children ages two and younger are admitted for free.
San Antonio Slideshow
Check out some of these cool pictures, and see all of the fun things to do in San Antonio! Just click the link to the website, and the slideshow will automatically begin after a few seconds! Enjoy the pictures, but please come see it for yourself!!!
