3 Hours in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a city rooted deep in history. It is one of the most populous cities in Texas and it’s oldest municipality. It was founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718 and became the first chartered civil settlement in Texas in 1731.
Located 50 miles (80 kms.) from the city of San Marcos, San Antonio is less than an hour’s drive from the former. That’s how I winded up with a mini trip to San Antonio – from San Marcos, which is where my company’s factory is situated. We were a group of 5 visiting from India. After a morning tour and training at the factory, our colleague offered to drive and show us around San Antonio. We gladly accepted.
The Alamo
We had a pleasant drive to San Antonio. Our first stop was The Alamo – the most famous attraction in San Antonio and the basis of the city’s foundation. Originally named San Antonio de Valero, it served as home to Spanish missionaries and Indian converts for more than 70 years.
The Alamo is called “The Cradle of Texas Liberty”. This is because it served as a secure fortress during Texas’ war of independence from Mexico in 1836. The Texan soldiers resisted the 12-day siege before being overpowered; however the “Battle of The Alamo” became a symbol of resistance for the Texans and their fight for independence.
There is a 17 minute film depicting 300 years’ Alamo history which plays in the Long Barrack theater and the Alamo Arbor throughout the day. It is highly interesting a must watch for all! The main church is very beautiful, and signs of battle are preserved – bullets in the wall, the cannons etc. There is also an exhibition museum near the theater which includes memorabilia from the war and the overall history of the place. Discovering the history of the Alamo and being inside the church which served as a battle fortress is awe-inspiring.
Tip: Entrance is free but it requires a reservation. Head here for the timed tickets. We had visited on a weekday afternoon so we got a reservation at the site itself.
Tip: There are guided tours and experiences available; check them out here. We did not opt for these as we simply explored on our own and the film was quite informative.
Photography is not allowed inside but we took a few outside; also do not touch the walls or the exhibits and keep your phone on silent and refrain from using it.
The San Antonio River Walk
The other most famous attraction in San Antonio is the River Walk and that’s where we headed next. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Alamo to the Riverwalk.
The River Walk is basically a special pedestrian street flanking either side of the San Antonio River. The winding river loops back on itself. The two sides of the street are interconnected by bridges at various points. The streets are lined with a multitude of shops, restaurants, hotels etc.
Robert H. H. Hugman, a young architect, designed the concept of winding pathways and bridges flanking the river as a beautiful solution to harnessing the river running through downtown. It also managed heavy seasonal rains, saving both lives and dollars. Find more about the River Walk’s history here.
We took a walk along the river, sometimes crossing over from one side to the other. Strolling along the River Walk was an enjoyable experience; the vibe of the place is exuberant and buzzing with activity. We then sat down to an al-fresco lunch at a Mexican restaurant where I had yummy melt-in-the-mouth enchiladas. The food scene on the River Walk is diverse and one has so many dazzling options to choose from.
Boat Ride
After lunch, we took a boat ride on the river. With my stomach pleasantly full, a light breeze and the lazy bobbing motion of the boat on the water almost lulled me to sleep but our colleague was pointing out interesting hotel facades and reciting some facts about the place so I listened with attention.
Tip: I’m told there are events held there, floats on the river to celebrate occasions and a lot more. If you plan your visit to coincide with these, it all looks really amazing. Check out more here.
Short and Sweet
The short trip with some window shopping at Rivercenter where I was almost tempted to buy some sweets but refrained due to time lack. The short 3-hour trip had it all – history, fun, vibrant culture and delicious food! It’s a memory which brings a smile to my face.
This post was written as part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.