MARKET SQUARE - EL MERCADO

514 W. Commerce (78207). From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through 32 shops at El Mercado, - an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Market Square is also the scene of many Hispanic festivals where food and beverage booths spring up alongside the Victorian lamps and the strains of mariachi music blend with the excitement of Mexican dances, Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., summer; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., winter. Stores closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day and Easter. 210/207-8600.

LA VILLITA

418 Villita (78205). Is a unique arts and crafts with shops, working artists, resturants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) which houses a small collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the history. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events. Shops open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission: Free. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. For more information call 210/207-8610.

THE ALAMO

300 Alamo Plaza (78205). On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where all 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barrack is all that remains of the original fort. The Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the Chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narrations on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside the beautifully landscaped grounds. Hours: 9:00 am-5:30 pm, Monday through Saturday; 10:00 am-5:30 pm Sunday; closed December 24 and 25., Restricted hours March 6 open until 6:30 pm.in the Summer.Special events for groups include before and after hour tours. General Admission: Donations accepted. 210/225-1391.

Visit the Alamo web site, click here: thealamo.org

GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

325 South Salado (78207).
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center brings its artistic vision alive through six art disciplines: visual arts, media arts, theatre arts, literature, dance, and music. Over the last 18 years the Center's public programming, annual events, festivals, publications, and educational offerings have touched many lives. The sceduled events are guaranteed to instill Latino / a pride, increase your awareness and appreciation for Latino/ a heratige as well as provide excellent artistic entertainment - your presence will bring the performances to life! Call the Guadalupe Gift Shop directly for ticket information and sales at 210/271-0379.

IMAX THEATRE

849 East Commerce, Rivercenter Mall 3rd Level (78205) http://www.IMAX-sa.com
"Alamo - The Price of Freedom," is a 45 minute docudrama about the 13 day siege and fall of the Alamo and the 189 defenders who fought and died. The IMAX screen is six stories tall, ten times larger than a conventional movie screen. The huge screem and magnetic stereo sound system put viewers in the center of the action. Other IMAX features are also shown. Admission: 210/225-4629 or 1-800-354-IMAX.

(A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River.) In the late 1800's the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. Prominent German merchants originally settled the area. It was zoned as the state's first historic district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. The area includes the following attractions:

Guenther House
205 East Guenther (78204)
email: donna@guentherhouse.com
The House is located on a bend of river, at the foot of King William, one of the oldest historic districts in Texas. Carl Hilmer Guenther founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, Built this elegant home in1860. The restored house offers a museum where mill memorabilia is displayed. Of interest to collectors are the Dresden china anniversary plates made in Germany until WWII.

Museum and river store hours: 9 a.m., Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sunday. Resturant hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday -Saturday; a.m.- 2 p.m., Sunday. Free admission. 210/227-1061

Steves Homestead
509 King William Street (78204).
email: conservation@saconservation.org
Located in King William Historic District This Victorian French Second Empire design three-story home was built for Edward Steves in 1876.Furnished in a late 19th Style. The River House, a one-story brick structure housed the first natatorium or inside swimming pool in San Antonio. The Carriage House was built in 1875.The Two story frame and stone was used for storage The Servants Quarters was built around 1877.

The Steves Homestead has been maintained since 1954 as a historic house museum, open daily Hours: 10:00 am-4:15 pm. Admission: 210/225-5924.

A self guided walking tour brochure for the King William area is available from the San Antonio Conservation Society, 107 King William Street (78204). 210/224-6163.

MAJESTIC THEATER

230 E. Houston (78205). Name a State and National Historic Landmark. One of the few remaining vintage atmospheric vaudeville movie palaces. Home to the San Antonio Symphony and Majestic Broadway Series. Individual concerts and events also showcased.Information: 210/226-5700; Tickets: 210/226-3333.

PASEO DEL RIO (RIVER WALK)

315 East Commerce (78205). The Paseo del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush green foliage lines the banks of this peaceful jade-green historic river. Cobblestone walkways lead visitors to the river-level restaurants and shops. The river bubbles to the surface on the grounds of Incarnate Word College and flows to downtown, threading its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." Along the horseshoe shaped river bend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. River cruisers travel the River Walk’s three miles past unique retail shops, restaurants and nightclubs. See Yanaguana Cruises listed alphabetically.

Cruise Tour Rides: Ticket outlets exist on the river or you can call the Yanaguana Reservation Line at 210-244-5700 or 1-800-417-4139 for certain time reservations and any further information on cruiser services. Fares: Please call for rates.

Charters: Please call for rates. Dining Cruises/Party Boats: Contact any restaurant, caterer, or hotel along the River Walk to arrange for breakfast, lunch, and dinner cruises, or call Yanaguana Cruises.210-244-5700.

San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium

3903 North St. Mary's Street (78212) (Brackenbridge)
www.sazoo-aq.org
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,000 animals of 700 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 25 landscaped acres. Includes on of the largest bird collections in the world and the American zoo to exhibit the endangered whooping crane. Rare endangered crocodilians are featured in the wetlands exhibit. Go hog wild at the warthog exhibit featuring a trio of interesting African mammals. Throughout the year. The children’s zoo offers boat rides. - $1. Open all year at 9 am. Extended summer hours begin May 14; admission ales end at 6:30 pm; grounds close at 8 pm through Labor Day. Regular admission: 210/734-7183.

TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

600 Hemisfair Park (78205) The Tower, 750 Feet tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators ascend over 500 feet to the restaurant and observation level. It was the theme structure for Hemisfair in 1968 and symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of civilizations in the western Hemisphere.Hour:

observation Deck, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.Visit the Tower of America’s restaurant serving lunch and dinner. 210/233-3101. Parking for restaurant is available off Bowie Street, east of the park 210/207-8615.

TEXAS ADVENTURE 

307 Alamo Plaza (78205) www.tx_adventure.com. An action packed multi-media show portraying the story of Texas independence with the Alamo drama as its centerpiece. Utilizing an array of state-of-the-art special effects found only in a few theme parks, the proprietary "Encountarium F/X Theatre" format surrounds visistors with an environment that recreates the touch and feel of being present as history was made. This themed attraction format offers a complete experience including the theatre, a retail store and a light food and beverage service both inside and outdoors in our Losoya Court Cafe. Two private reception rooms overlooking the Alamo are available for catered private parties. The entire 16,000 square foot facility may be rented for larger groups and events. Winter Hours: 10:00 am-7:00 pm; Summer hours: 10:00 am -8:00 p.m. Admission: Please call for rates. Group rate for 10 or more. For information call 210/227-0388.

SPANISH GOVERNOR'S PALACE

105 Plaza De Armas (78205). Labeled "the most beautiful building in San Antonio" by the National Geographic Society, and a national historic landmark. It once housed the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. Over the entrance is the original keystone on which contains the carved double-headed eagle of the Hapsburg coat-of-arms and the inscription in Spanish, "finished in 1749". Distinguishing features include the period furnishings and a cobblestone patio with fountain and foliage. Hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Saturday; 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday. Admission: Please call for rates. Group rates available 210/224-0601.

MISSION TRAILS

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is composed of four Spanish Colonial Missions that date back to the 18th Century.  Be sure to stop in first at the Visitors Center at Mission San Jose to get a fascinating introduction to the colorful history of these rare and stately treasures.

NAVARRO HOUSE

This tiny antique dwelling is the home of José Antonio Navarro, a leader during the Texas Revolution and an early San Antonio Mayor.  Documents and exhibits capture the life and times of this patriot.

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM

Discover the most excitement since the longhorn ruled the range.  Enjoy live entertainment daily in the Buckhorn Saloon.   Stop in and you might catch a professional card cheat who will dazzle you with his    old west card act.  Or maybe you'll see a fantastic trick roping demonstration reminiscent of wild west shows of days gone by.  Kids and adults   both will love these wonderful entertainers along with many authentic acts such as cowboy poets and gunfighters all performing in the authentic surroundings of the Buckhorn Saloon.   Then mosey around the museum where you will find over 3,300 artifacts and 520 different species.  Highlights include the world-famous  78 point Whitetail, a 1,056-pound Black Marlin and  The Hall of  Texas History Wax Museum.  The museum is open daily at 10:00 a.m.  Closing times vary.   Admission charged and group rates are available.

318 East Houston Call (210) 247-4000