Attractions

ALAMODOME - 160,000 square foot building provides facilities for basketball, football, concerts, and other events. It is the only domed stadium in North America with two permanent ice rinks. It's home for the Alamo Bowl, college football, and home games of the San Antonio Spurs. Tours daily at 10 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. (No tours if event is scheduled.) From I-37, take Durango & Alamodome exit. Tour fee.
ALAMO FARMS WINERY AND VINEYARD - Small, boutique style winery with grape varieties selected following extensive research. Tours visit all aspect of wine production, including unusual underground wine cellar. Open from first weekend in March through the third weekend in December. Open, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Vineyard tours at 2 and 3 p.m. Winery Tours, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.. Tour fee. About 25 miles southeast of the Alamo; From Loop 1604, take F.M. 3432 east 3.3 miles south 1.3 miles on Wood Valley and Live Oak to Shady Grove, then east to winery. 210-947-3331.
BOTANICAL GARDENS - 33 acres of formal gardens, pools, fountains, and natural areas; Native Texas Area, South Center Periscope, Endangered Species Project, Formal Gardens, Biblical Garden, Garden for the Blind, Japanese Garden, and Children's Garden. (All walkways accommodate handicapped.) Also featured are several Texas houses, reconstructed on the site to help illustrate and interpret the regional theme of the Native Texas Area.

Included is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a 90,000 square foot complex of below-ground greenhouses that use the earth's insulation to limit plant exposure to the elements. Only the pyramidal glass roofs are visible from above ground. Sixteen feet below ground several different ecosystems surround a courtyard and a pool.

Gardens are open Tuesday - Sunday, and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 555 Funston (just north of Fort Sam Houston.) Admission.

BRACKENRIDGE PARK - Includes rustic stone bridges and winding walks, gleaming pools, and Japanese Tea Garden. On occasion the Sunken Gardens Theater presents entertainment. Also an aerial skyride and the Brackenridge Eagle, one-fifth scale model of diesel train. Innumerable picnic spots; bridle paths. Adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo.
BUCKHORN HALL OF HORNS - Formerly downtown, the vintage Buckhorn Saloon developed one of he world's finest collections of animal horns. Today the old saloon's famous horn and mounted animal collection is displayed at the Lone Star Brewery along with comparable Hall of Fins, Hall of Feathers, a collection devoted to famous marksman Ad Topperwein, and a superb aggregation of antique and custom firearms. Hall of Texas History wax museum recalls Texas history events from Cabeza de Vaca to Teddy Roosevelt. Also preserved is house in which O. Henry lived while he published "The Rolling Stone" newspaper in San Antonio. Open daily at the brewery, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 600 Lone Star Boulevard. Admission is charged.
CARVER CULTURAL CENTER - Center traces its historic roots back some 85 years. Facility is both a gallery for contemporary art exhibits and a theater for performing artists. 226 North Hackberry. 210-225-6516.
COWBOY MUSEUM AND GALLERY - Full-size re-creation of an 1870s false-front trail town built from salvaged materials includes Bella Union Saloon, general store, jail, and cavalry fort. Exhibits recall days of cowboys and Indians, gunfights, trail drivers, cattle barons, and gunfights. Western art gallery. Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 209 Alamo Plaza. Admission is charged.
FIESTA TEXAS - 200 acre theme park highlights Texas culture and music in four themed areas: Los Festivals, a nonstop fiesta atmosphere featuring the strong roots of San Antonio's Mexican and Spanish heritage with two theaters and restaurant; Crackaxle Canyon recalls days of 1920's boom town, including narrow gauge railroad and train station, two theaters, rapid-river ride, a world-class wooden roller coaster, and restaurants featuring traditional Texas style barbecue; Spassburg ("Spass" means "fun"), reflects German influences in Texas Hill Country with Sangefest Halle, restaurant and music hall, early 1900's style carousel, train station, and children's rides; Rockville salutes nostalgic days of Texas in the 1950s from high school gym to corner malt shop. Park, set in a limestone quarry surrounded by 100 foot cliffs, also features 13 rides, including a giant log flume with a 100 foot diagonal drop. In addition to daily shows, special musical events throughout season. For information, call 1-800--IS FIESTA. Open daily summer, weekends spring and fall. Closed December to February. Special holiday programs and hours late November and December. Off Loop 1604 and I-10.
FRIEDRICH WILDERNESS PARK - Operated by the city of San Antonio as a nature preserve. Provides nesting habitat for black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. Five miles of hiking trails. Open Wed. through Sun. from 8I a.m. to 5 p.m. Located I-10 West to Camp Bullis exit; west on frontage road to park. Donations accepted.
GENERAL COS HOUSE - Outstanding example of early San Antonio dwelling in La Villita. Was the scene of signing on December 9, 12835 of Articles of Capitulation by Gen. Perfecto de Cos after Texans had captured San Antonio from Mexican forces. Interior not available for public viewing.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER - Dedicated to the development, preservation, and promotion of Mexican - American arts. Six programs include dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, and visual arts. Home of annual Tejano Conjunto Music Festival and the Cine-Festival Film Festival. 1300 Guadalupe Street. 210-271-3151.
HALL OF TEXAS HISTORY AND WAX MUSEUM - Collection of life-size dioramas depicting epic moments in the state's colorful history - from the coming of first Spanish missionaries in the early 1700s, through the turmoil of frontier violence, revolution, years as an independent republic, and union with the United States. Open daily at the Lone Star Brewery, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 600 Lone Star Boulevard. Admission is charged.
HEMISFAIR PARK - Site of 1968 Texas World's Fair, now a focal point of downtown entertainment and recreation. The 750 foot Tower of the Americas offers two sky-high dining levels plus an observation deck with panoramic view of the city; open daily; admission. Location of Institute of Texan Cultures and Mexican Cultural Institute. A water garden, around Tower of the America, features calm water flowing into rushing waterfalls. Walkways, wading pools, and observation decks.
HERTZ BERG CIRCUS MUSEUM - Vividly depicts, for "big top" fans of all ages, evolution of "the greatest show on earth." Festive oil paintings, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb 's carriage, antics of a mechanical Viennese clown! It's all in miniature, but would win P.T. Barnum's unqualified approval. Open daily except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also holidays and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June through Labor Day. 210 West Market Street.
INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES - Here's history not concerned with dry events, but with the people who accomplished them - people who created the robust kaleidoscope that is Texas today. Twenty-six ethnic and cultural groups featured in a rich variety of exhibits - where they came from and what they did, their food and clothing, their music and festivals. Don't miss the multi-media show four times daily in the Institute's central dome.Adults, 13-64, $4

JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO STATE HISTORIC SITE - Three limestone structures, circa 1850 - the home, office, and separate kitchen of Navarro, prominent Mexican-Texan patriot who was among signers of Texas Declaration of independence. Restored by Teas Parks and Wildlife Dept.; authentic period furnishings, personal memorabilia. Open Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wed. through Thurs. from 1 to 4 p.m. 228 South Laredo Street. Admission.
KING WILLIAM DISTRICT - Area settle by prominent German merchants in the late 19th Century, designated state's first Historic District. Virtually all homes and mansions have been or are being restored. The Sgteves Homestead, preserving elegant furnishings in Victorian mansion of 1870s, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 509 Kin William Street. Admission is charged.

The Guenther House was built by Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, in 1860. Restored by the company as a museum, restaurant, and retail store. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 20 East Guenther St. Telephone 210-227-1061.

LA VILLITA - (The Little Village) Restored Mexican village captures charm of the past amid narrow streets, shaded patios, and authentic adobe houses with small restaurants, arts, and craft shops. Beside the river in heart of downtown, a romantic setting for city fiestas and cultural events. Bounded by S. Alamo and Nueva Streets.

Ameson River Theater in the open air presents Latin-flavored and other performances several times weekly during much of the year.

McNAY ART MUSEUM - Works of artists who charted course of 20th Century painting. Once occupied by Marion Koogler McNay, patroness of modern art, museum houses post-Impressionistic paintings of Cezanne, Gauguin (one a self-portrait), Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh. Winslow Homer and John Marin number among Americans, but the international collection also includes works of Diego Rivera and El Greco. Two galleries devoted to Indian arts and crafts from New Mexico. Open Tues. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. from noon to 5 p.m. 6000 N. New Braunfels Street.
MAJESTIC THEATER - Opened in 1929; closed in 1974; reopened in 1989 as a performing arts center, the Majestic is said to be one of the finest "atmospheric" theaters ever built. Completely restored, and entered on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater combines Baroque, Spanish, Mission and other motifs from Greek and Roman traditions to create a fantasy environment. For performance schedules call 210-226-3333. 212 East Houston Street.
EL MERCADO - Like a typical market from the interior of Mexico; local handicrafts and imports including wrought iron, pottery, wood carvings, leather and straw goods, and colorful stalls featuring farm-fresh produce. Santa Rosa and Commerce Street.
MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE - Exhibits of contemporary Mexican artists. Open Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat. , Sun. from noon to 6 p.m. HemisFair Park.
PEAR APPLE COUNTY FAIR - Family fun center with a turn-of-the century ambiance, like old-fashioned county fairs. Indoor activities include a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and 24,000 square foot game area with more than 160 games; outside two miniature golf courses, half-mile go-kart track. No admission; all games priced individually. Many attractions wheelchair accessible. Open daily. Located at 5820 N.W. Loop 410 (between Bandera and Ingram Roads). 210-521-9500.
PIONEER HALL - The Trail Drivers" collection of artifacts recalls the days of the great trail drives between 186 and 1895 when more than 10 million cattle were driven north out of Texas; saddles, branding irons, spurs. "Pioneer Room" reflects the lifestyle of early Texas settles. "Rangers" collection honors those early lawmen. Outdoor sculptures depict a Texas Ranger (by Richard Cook) and a trail driver (by Gutzon Borghum). Open from May through August from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. to Apr. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3805 Broadway. Admission is charged.
PLAZA THEATER OF WAX - More than 200 wax figures in several theme settings. The Texas History section emphasizes the heroes of the Alamo; the Theater of Honors features the Frankenstein monster, Count Dracula, the Wolfman and a dozen more in a participatory environment; the ;movie section's lifelike figures are drawn from such polar films as "Ben Hur,"

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! - More than 500 exhibits let visitors explore eight major theme galleries containing unique artifacts and oddities fro original collection of Robert Ripley. See scale miniature of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth with more than 1,000 hand-carved pieces. Is open daily except Christmas and New Year's, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter; till 10 p.m. in summer. Across from the Alamo at 301 Alamo Plaza.
RIVER WALK - One level below the busy streets of downtown, the Paseo del Rio is San Antonio's premier visitor experience! Meanders several miles through midtown beneath giant cypress trees and palms, accented by tropical foliage and flowering shrubs. Edged by popular hotels, art and gift shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and cabarets. Riverboat taxis; half-hour scenic riverboat cruises (fee) . Access from Alamo Plaza, Rivercenter Mall, and city streets including South Alamo, South Broadway, Presa, Nararro, St. Mary's, Market, Commerce and Crockett.
SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART - Six-building complex of renovated historic (1883 brewery. Opened in 1981 to house art of the Americas; pre-Columbian, American Indian, Spanish Colonial, 18th and 20th Century American paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, and decorative arts. Works by Hans Hofmann, William Merrit Chase, Ernest Lawson. Open Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tues 9 p.m.), Sun. noon to 6 p.m. located at 200 West Jones Avenue off Broadway. Admission except free Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m.
SAN ANTONIO ZOO - An oasis inhabited by more than 3,000 animals of over 700 different species; the third largest animal collection in North America. It is a sanctuary for various endangered species like the whopping crane, snow leopard, and the white rhino. Shaded by towering oak, pecan, and cypress trees, there are natural habitats with rocky cliffs and moats. An Australian walkabout offers face-to-face viewing of koalas, kangaroos, and other animals from Down-Under. Africa's Rift Valley exhibit displays an array of African wildlife, and a $3 million children's zoo features a tropical boat tour of animal and plant exhibits from around the world. Live animal exhibitions from eagles to seals, and elephant and camel rides are scheduled most days in summer. Two aquarium display sharks, moray eels, reef fish, assorted marine specimens. Wheelchair access, restaurant. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( till 6:30 April to November.) Near downtown at 3903 N. St. Mary's at Brackenridge Park. Admission.
SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL - Because of Catholic influence in San Antonio, the cathedral and city have shared long history since its foundation laid in 1738 by Canary Island colonists who had been given land and title in New Spain (San Antonio) by King Phillip V of Spain. San Fernando faced series of disasters from 1828 -1868; fire in 1828; dome shattered, wall pockmarked from artillery bombardment, 1835; General Santa Anna raised flag of "no quarter," in 1836, during siege of Alamo; roof collapsed n 1858; and fire damage again at the end of the Civil War. In 1926 San Antonio raised to an archdiocese, making cathedral home for bishop. After undergoing renovation, was rededicated in 1977. Site of historic papal visit in 1987. Between West Market and West Commerce Streets downtown.
SEA WORLD OF TEXAS - Even in the heart of Texas Hill Country, lumbering walruses, playful otters, lovable dolphins, and giant killer whales find Texas as homey as the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans at Sea World's $140 million dollar park. Five performing stadiums for marine animal shows. The undisputed star is Shamu, the killer whale whose intelligence, grace, and beauty have won the hearts of millions. In addition to marine animals, there is a 125 acre lake for the graceful water-skiers show; playground for children; aquarium s displaying sharks, rays, sawfish, and hundreds of vibrantly hued fish; colorful waterfowl, including bright pink flamingos, competing for color with the park's floral beauty. The Texas Splashdown flume ride twists 1/2 mile through water rapids, dropping five stories at one point. Rio Loco, Spanish for crazy river, aptly describes this wet and wild ride down a long raging stream. "Shamu's happy Harbor," features sand sculpting, face painting, and other entertaining activities for children. "Lost Lagoon" features a 5 acre adventure with surf, sand, and fun. "Tropical Aviary" is a spacious, walk-through area with colorful birds that roam in a lush, free-flight environment. "Alligator Habitat" lets guests come "eye to eye' with nature's menacing-looking reptiles in a naturalistic setting. Open weekends spring and fall; daily during summer. For schedule and information call 1-800-527-4757. At Ray Ellison Drive and Westover Hills Blvd. off Texas 151, 15 miles N.W. of downtown. Admission.
SHOOTING STAR RANCH - Experience cowboy country! A full afternoon and evening of Old West entertainment featuring Indian dances, cowboy story telling and poetry, wagon rides, and chuck wagon super. Open daily June through Labor Day. Gates open at 3 p.m. Reservations needed.

Covered Gate Ranch is adjacent to the Shooting Star and is an actual working cattle and horse ranch. Tour of stables and working areas. (Since it is a working ranch, tour activities vary daily.) Rodeo with riding, roping, and team competitions at 5:15 p.m. Open Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. Admission. Take I-10 West to Loop 1604; west six miles to F.M. 1560; right one mile to gate. 210-695-2553.

SOUTH TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER - Organized in 1947 by San Antonio Medial Foundation to create a world-class medical center for patient care, education, and research. Today, the 700 acre complex includes Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Humana Hospital-San Antonio, Humana Women's and Children's Hospital, Southwest Neuropsychiatric Institute, Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital, St. Luke's Lutheran Hospital, Villa Rosa Hospital. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital. Take I-10 west to Wurzbach Road; south on Wurzbach Road to complex.
SOUTHWEST CRAFT CENTER - Housed in restored 1851 Ursuline Academy, city's only remaining example of French Provincial architecture. Craft Center established alternative art school at site in 1971. The compound houses the Emily Edwards Gallery featuring seven exhibitions annually; the Copper Kitchen restaurant serving lunch weekdays; and the Ursuline Sales Gallery Restaurant open Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Galleries open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Telephone 210-224-1848. Located at 300 Augusta Street.
SPANISH GOVERNOR'S PALACE - In 1772 San Antonio became sea of Spanish government in Texas, headquartered at 10 room Spanish Governor's Palace on Military Plaza. It was to this adobe-walled structure that Moses Austin came in 1820 for permission to bring a colony of U.S. citizens in Spanish Texas. Many commandants of Presidio de Bexar and Spanish governors lived and ruled here. Building is typical of colonial Spain with carved doors, low-beamed ceilings, grape arbor and mosaic-tiled patio. Open Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camaron Street at Military Plaza. Admission is charged.
SPLASHTOWN - San Antonio - 15 acre water recreation ;park feature water slides, the world's largest surf tech pool, a sandy beach, a restful river, and children's activities. Open April to Sept . I-35 at Coliseum Road. Admission. Telephone 210-227-1100.
STREETCARS - Utilizing rubber-tired replicas of antique cars, four routes of VIA San Antonio Streetcars reach historic districts and other sites of visitor interest. Route maps available at hotels and Visitor Information Center. Small Fare.
TEXAS TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM - Features antique pedicabs, horse-drawn and gas-;powered vehicles, three model railroads, and other railroad memorabilia. Static display of business, Pullman, and steam locomotive. Train rides Sun. 1 to 3 p.m. Open Thurs. Sat., Sun., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 11731 Wetmore Road. Group tours for train ride require advance notice. 210-490-3554.
THE TEXAS STAR TRAIL - Historical 2.6 mile walking tour designated by blue disks in sidewalks, with 80 historic sites and landmarks identified. Begins and ends at the Alamo. Free brochures and maps from Visitor Information Center.
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL - Depicts a scene from the Battle for Hill 881 South - a radio man calling for help for a wounded comrade. At corner of East Martin and Jefferson Streets in front of Municipal Auditorium.
WITTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND SCIENCE - Extensive exhibits covering natural history and natural science of Texas dioramas of Texas flora and wildlife. Rebuilt on grounds are four early Texas houses and furnished log cabin. Slide ;presentation about San Antonio's history and contemporary scene. Open Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tues from 9 p.m.) Sun. noon to 5 p.m. located at 3801 Broadway. Admission, except free Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m.
YTURRI-EDUMNDS HISTORIC SITE - One of few adobe buildings remaining in city , home built built c. 1850, is ;part of complex that includes historic mill (sometimes used for corn-grinding demonstrations), Oge Carriage house from King William District, and 1855 Postert House. Open Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., noon to 4 p.m. 257 Yellowstone at Mission Trail.

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