Things to do in South Central Texas
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The Alamo
The folks who valiantly fought for Texas' independence from Mexico would never have imagined the Alamo as it is today, surrounded by tacky tourist attractions and having its picture taken every 17 seconds or so by people exclaiming how much smaller it looks in real life. But it's more than just a photo op. Go on in and find out why the story of the Alamo can rouse a Texan's sense of state pride like few other things. You might notice some of the visitors getting downright dewy-eyed at the description of how a few hundred revolutionaries died defending the fort against thousands of Mexican troops.
reviewed
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Zilker Park
- Austin, USA
- Activities › Park
Barton Springs forms the centerpiece of this 351-acre park, which has trails, a nature center and botanical gardens. Rent kayaks at Zilker Park Boat Rentalsand paddle from the park out onto Lady Bird Lake.
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Book People Inc
Grab a coffee and browse the shelves of this lively independent bookstore across the street from Waterloo Records.
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy Fiesta Texas. This popular theme park has plenty of rides that you must be 'this tall' to ride, for grown-ups to lose their lunch over. There are more than 25 kids' rides for the vertically challenged, as well as swimming pools and water rides over in the White Water Bay area (open May to September). The setting – against a limestone quarry that looks similar to the Arizona desert – is dramatic, and there's plenty of music and shows. Parking is $15.
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Green
Vegetarians all around the city must've breathed a sigh of contentment when this cafe opened up. It's the only place in town (at least at the time of research) that's 100% vegetarian, and it's 100% kosher to boot.
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IMAX Theater
The Bob Bullock Texas State History museum also houses Austin’s first IMAX theater.
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Jim Cullum's Landing
Jazz at the Landing is not just a San Antonio tradition; it's also a syndicated show on NPR (National Public Radio). Reservations recommended.
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Alamo
The folks who valiantly fought for Texas' independence from Mexico would never be able to imagine the Alamo as it is today, sitting at the heart of San Antonio, surrounded by tacky tourist attractions and having its picture taken every 17 seconds or so.
But the Alamo is more than just a photo op. Go on in and find out why the story of the Alamo can rouse a Texan's sense of state pride like few other things. For many, it's not so much a tourist attraction as a pilgrimage, and you might notice some of the visitors getting downright dewy-eyed at the description of how a few hundred revolutionaries died defending the fort against thousands of Mexican troops.
The main chapel…
reviewed
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Alamo Ghost Hunt
This more affordable ghost tour leaves on foot from the north wall of Ripley's Believe It or Not. Don't expect anything too serious; the jokes themselves can be kind of scary.
reviewed
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Alamo Plaza Attractions
Time to throw the kids a bone? After touring historical sites all day, you can reward them with a visit to this teen-friendly trio: Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records Museum and Tomb Rider 3D. One admission gets you into the haunted house, museum of oddities and theme-park-style ride, or you can pay a reduced admission if you only have time for one or two. It's a little cheesy, and definitely touristy, but a good antidote to slogging around the missions all day.
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Arneson River Theater
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Blue Star Brewing Company
See those great big brewing tanks behind the bar? That's your craft beer being made. The peo-ple-watching, the relaxed vibe and the location inside the Blue Star Arts complex all invite you to linger.
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Brackenridge Park
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Canyon Springs Golf Club
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Cedar Creek
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Chart House
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Dick's Last Resort
Sure, this hopping chain restaurant is touristy, but, well, so is the Riverwalk. The main reason to give in to Dick's is the purposefully and comically obnoxious service. (Let's just say its name is no coincidence.)
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Guadalupe Theatre
You never know what to expect at this community arts center, whether it's a poetry reading, dance recital, contemporary drama or ballet folklorico performance, but it's always worth the trip.
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HemisFair Park
Like Seattle's Space Needle that came six years before it, San Antonio's 750ft Tower of the Americas is a skyline-defining landmark left over from a World's Fair. From the 579ft observation deck you'll mostly see the tops of buildings – no mountains or ocean like in Seattle – but the sheer height alone might earn a few 'ooohs' and 'aaahs.' Your admission also includes Skies over Texas, a 3-D film with special effects presenting the history of Texas.
These things always seem to have a revolving restaurant at the top, and this one's no exception. If you want the view to last all through dinner (or if you want to skip the admission price and the film) make a reservation…
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Market Square
A little bit of Mexico in downtown San Antonio, Market Square is a fair approximation of a trip south of the border, with Mexican food, mariachi bands, and store after store filled with Mexican wares. Buy a Tecate beer or a pineapple agua fresca and remember: this is Mexico (kind of) so be prepared to bargain. A big chunk of the square is taken up by El Mercado, the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Wander the booths and stock up on Mexican doodads such as paper flowers, colorful pottery, maracas, papel picado (perforated paper), onyx figurines and the Virgin Mary in every conceivable medium. Although the market has historical roots – it goes back to the…
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Menger Bar
More than 100 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders from this bar that, incidentally, was a replica of the House of Lords Pub in London. To complete the image, picture a mounted moose head, scant lighting and lots of wood. There probably won't be a local in sight, but the history alone makes it a worthwhile stop.
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Olmos Basin
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Pegasus
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Quarry Golf Club
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Rosario's
This restaurant has live music Friday and Saturday night. On Friday you'll find the small dancefloor packed with salsa, cumbia and merengue dancers, and Saturday it's all about jazz. There's no cover charge, and the bar stays open until 1:30am.
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