San Antonio Car Rental

San Antonio; defining culture and creativity, Texas style

The biggest, historic Texan site not to be missed is the Alamo. Yes, THE Alamo (right). Of course, this is the most visited tourist attraction in Texas and something you can’t leave the city without seeing. Famous for the Battle of the Alamo, where rebel Texans fought against the Mexicans and won their independence during the Texas Revolution.

Now fully restored, the Alamo is an educational museum and shop, listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The historic trail doesn’t end there, with plenty more in this town. San Antonio is a culturally enriched city, littered with art galleries and museums, historic sites and buildings that detail ancestral colonization and the vast array of cultures and traditions of San Antonio citizens.

Things to do

Local culture is celebrated in areas like La Villita and El Mercado, shopping areas where you can sort amongst original art and craft pieces such as jewelry and handmade dolls and clothing etc. La Villita is a bit more leisurely and crafty with glass blowing, while El Mercado is a thriving shopping square with traditional Mexican farmers markets and even some playing mariachis.

While we’re discussing casual strolls, a major attraction (next to the Alamo) is The River Walk (both right), or if you want to sound like a local the ‘Paseo Del Rio’. This horse shoe river bed is peppered with lots of quaint little cafes and shops for you to wander around in before you hop in a boat and cruise along the river in style. It’s a gorgeous afternoon, whether you walk it or sail it, and at night the river lights up and you can find an excellent meal with an even better atmosphere on the cobblestones.

Another relaxing and pretty afternoon can be found at the Brackenridge Park grounds. This is the largest park in the city and is jam packed with things to do and amuse. Kids can play while the oldies picnic on the grass. The Japanese Tea Garden will take you to far off lands, a game of golf can take the edge off those tourist traps, or you can go mad at the San Antonio Zoo, held on the park grounds.

If going crazy is your thing, SeaWorld in San Antonio has the title of being the world's largest marine life adventure park. 250 acres of grounds and four separate parks make up this mammoth frenzy of education and adventure. What more do you need to know?

Unwind from the craziness of San Antonio tourism and join in on a spot of golf. The Canyon Springs Golf Club offers a great design layout so that you don’t ever have to see parallel holes. Makes a quiet morning away from the hustle and bustle.

Things to see

Finally, San Antonio is a key historic city in Texas, full of culture and tradition and unique creativity that comes from both of those things. So you can’t leave without seeing some of the local and historically defined San Antonio art museums.

The first contemporary modern art museum established in Texas is here, the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum. On lavish grounds you can find this 24 room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, refurbished to house some of the city’s most elaborate pieces and even globally renowned artists. Entrance is free, though a donation is welcomed.

But if Picasso and Cézanne go over your head, there is also this quirkier and more contemporary version of an art gallery that is fast becoming a must see for those with more eclectic tastes. The Toilet Seat Art Museum is run by ex- plumber, Barney Smith, from his very own backyard garage, showcasing hundreds of toilet seats he has painted and exhibited since his retirement. Be warned, this is no high brow affair, just good old bizarre fun (‘bizarre’ had to do, since the word ‘clean’ is questionable).

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By Leah Bradicich

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