San Antonio

The city of San Antonio, Texas, is so heavily Hispanic that you could almost have drifted across the Mexican border already. In fact, had you come here a few hundred years ago, you would have been the other side of the border, and with this hefty heritage comes plenty to see, and ample, endless streams of tourists. Here you can rodeo, fiesta and explore the enchanting old Mexican buildings, all without ever leaving American soil. Of course, it wouldn’t be San Antonio without The Alamo, best known for the Texans 19th century stand against the Mexicans, which famously eventually failed, but remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice and liberty to many Americans. The building itself dates back nearly three hundred years; it’s rustic walls forever crammed with tourists, but poignant nonetheless. Now set in downtown San Antonio, you can play Davy Crockett, explore the history in depth in the neighboring museum and party on the nearby riverfront, where there are countless restaurants. You can take your pick – explore the deadly serious side, join in San Antonio’s party culture, or blend the two at will. The Shrine and the Long Barrack Museum both having telling stories of Texan history, while the chance to sample Mexican staples like fruit-infused waters along the street sides show you that even now, Antonio’s far from typically American. Away from that particular period of history, San Antonio has a few other special sites, too. The city-center botanical gardens are a big draw for anyone with green fingers, while you’ll find plenty of Alamo themed attractions, one of the country’s biggest zoos and an ample modern art scene to be explored, too. Vineyards, art and craft centers and the chance to become a cowboy for the day are all within an easy day trip, too. San Antonio will probably always be known for one thing above all others, and its valiant history is blended with an enjoyably varied culture and ample chances to do things that are probably entirely new. What more could you ask for?.