Introducing San Antonio
‘Remember the Alamo’ three million tourists a year cry as they stampede ol’ San Antone’s central mission, site of the infamous battle/massacre. Crowds come for the history and to party along the tree-shaded Riverwalk, which has more cafés and clubs than a dog has fleas. The visitor volume is daunting (as is the commercial crap that’s developed around the Alamo – Davy Crockett’s wild amusement ride?) But the lively Tex-Mex culture (about 60% of the 1.3 million residents have Hispanic heritage) is worth experiencing. Sure, see the Alamo and the Riverwalk, but explore beyond. Drink an aguas frescas (fruit-infused water) at the mercado (marketplace) and then hear country music at an old country store Willie Nelson helped establish – here you can fiesta one day and rodeo the next.
San Antonio de Bexar was the territory’s largest Spanish settlement when it became the seat of Tejas state government in an independent Mexico. With US statehood came a large influx of German immigrants. The city’s growth in the 20th century is due in large part to local military bases – and your tourist dollars.
Last updated: Sep 22, 2008
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Holy water receptacle at church, Mission San Antonio de Padua, near King City.
- Witold Skrypczak
- Lonely Planet photographer
