San Antonio - Riverwalk, the Alamo, Missions, rv camping

San Antonio

San Antonio is known for the Alamo which is visited by more than 2.5 million people a year. The Alamo is an old mission where a modest sized band of Texans held out for thirteen days against the Centralist army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The death of the Alamo Defenders symbolizes courage and sacrifice for the cause of liberty even though the Alamo fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836. Admission to the Alamo is free and visitors can walk through the beautiful Alamo Gardens. The Alamo is only a short distance from the popular River Walk in downtown San Antonio.

Jason and Kelly at the Alamo.

The Alamo walkway leading to downtown San Antonio street.

The Alamo gardens.

The most visited attraction in the State of Texas is the Alamo and secondly is Riverwalk. San Antonio's Riverwalk is the key element to the city's character. Every January the river is drained for cleaning and maintenance which provides the opportunity to hold the annual Riverwalk Mud Festival. This festival is celebrated for three days and crowns it's own Queen and King. It is free to the public and includes the favorite Mud Pie Ball, Mud Art Contest, arts and crafts show, parade, and more. San Antonio real estate is really hot.

The Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Boat tour at Riverwalk.

Riverwalk picture from under bridge.

The chain of missions was established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The missions are reminders of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion northward from Mexico. The missions in San Antonio were the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America. The missions were the precursor for the spiritual conversion of New Spain's native inhabitants. Contrasted with the military might of the presidio, or the often self-serving policies of civil government, the missions acted as a tempering frontier influence, offering the Indians a less traumatic transition into European culture. The mission trail covers the Alamo, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. Follow the brown colored mission signs along the quiet drive from one to the other.

Mission San Jose.

Mission Concepcion.

Mission Capistrano.

Graffiti on cactus at Mission Capistrano.

Rivercenter Mall on Commerce Street is only five blocks away from the Alamo. You can also get to the mall by river barge. There are over 125 shops, a few restaurants, a comedy club, and a movie theater that includes an IMAX film.

Jason's thoughts - I thought this was the most outstanding outdoor dining experience in the country, right up there with San Francisco. If you want quaint tree-lined waterfront streets and cafes to yourself, don't go on the weekend.
Kelly's thoughts - Riverwalk is beautiful. Some areas are quiet and some full of people, so you can pick for whatever mood you are in. I enjoyed seeing the other missions more than visiting the Alamo. The Alamo was so crowded and noisy, whereas the other missions are away from the downtown crowds and you can really relax and enjoy the grounds. The restaurants on Riverwalk are mostly the typical chain restaurants, boring. We asked a local and ate at a delicious Greek restaurant called Demo's which is two miles north of downtown.

Visit Albuquerque New Mexico for more information.

Home     Contact Us    Copyright © 2006-2009 MyTravelMag