It's time to start planning a trip to
San Antonio. This family friendly city has many nicknames, such as
S.A., River City, San Antone, Alamo City, Military City USA, and Countdown City. Geographically, the city is nestled in the American Southwest, and has a transitional humid subtropical climate. Hispanic or Latino origin make up more than 60% of the city's population. From Spanish colonial missions to Marriage Island to the River Walk to the Alamo, San Antonio is brimming with many
fascinating places to explore.
Image by Zereshk via Wikimedia CommonsHistory of San Antonio
Payaya Indians were the early inhabitants that resided near the San Antonio River Valley and named the region "
Yanaguana", meaning "refreshing waters. In 1691, Spanish Catholic explorers and missionaries arrived and the region and the River Valley was named San Antonio, in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast is celebrated on June 13. In 1718, the military community was established. During the 1700s and the early 1800s, San Antonio became the largest Spanish settlement in Texas. The Mexican-American War broke out in 1845, which devastated San Antonio. Post Civil War and following Reconstruction Era, the city was gradually reconstructed along with transportation development.
Important Locations in San Antonio
The City of San Antonio encompasses a staggering number of notable historical landmarks, museums, and significant offices. The Alamo and the Paseo del Rio, or River Walk are San Antonio's most popular tourist attractions. You can take a walking tour from the town's center, which will let you explore numerous other attractions, such as La Villita, the "little town;" museums; galleries; El Mercado area and Market Square with its Farmers Market.
The Alamo: The Alamo Mission or simply the Alamo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Antonio, Texas. It was here, the Battle of the Alamo broke out in 1836. Currently, the Alamo serves as a museum.
The River Walk: The River Walk is a stretch of winding waterway and walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River. The immaculately landscaped cobblestone paths and bridges are set 20 feet beneath the street level.
The Tower of the Americas:The Tower of the Americasis the tallest building in San Antonio. It is an observation tower cum restaurant, standing tall at 750-foot.
Marriage Island: Located in Downtown,
Marriage Island is a little paradise islet exclusively used as a wedding venue. The islet is nestled in the middle of the the San Antonio River on the San Antonio River Walk.
SeaWorld San Antonio: This is an entertainment load oceanarium, marine mammal park and animal theme park. Owned by the SeaWorld Entertainment. this is the largest marine life theme park in the world.
Click Here to know more.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: A ginormous theme park owned by Six Flags. It offers world-class rides, live musical productions. A special mention is the Rattler - the world's fastest, tallest, and steepest wooden roller coaster.
Find our more about this spot here.
San Fernando Cathedral: If you fancy to trace the remains of Alamo heroes, visit the
San Fernando Cathedral. It is believed that the remains are harbored in a marble coffin on display.
The Majestic Performing Arts Center: This magnificent place is home to the reputed San Antonio Symphony with its repertory level that extents from pops to classical.
To know more, Click Here.
Discover the Best Tourist Spots in San Antonio!
People and Culture of San Antonio
San Antonio is a dwelling for many racial composition of
White, Black, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and other races. The city has an estimated population of over
1,327,407. The city lets the public embrace its culture through vibrant festivals that reflect a beautiful blend of its Anglo-Hispanic heritage. The economy of San Antonio is mainly driven by military, government
civil service, health care, financial services, tourism sectors, and
oil and gas.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of San Antonio
San Antonio is in the Central Standard Time Zone (UTC-6). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Central Daylight Time - CDT(UTC−5).
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours
Daylight saving time: GMT/UTC - 5 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Time zone abbreviation: CDT
Phone Codes of San Antonio
Area code(s): 210 (majority), 830 (portions)
Best Time to Visit San Antonio
Plan a vacation to San Antonio between November through April. During this time of the year, the weather is quite comfortable and also the best time to enjoy lower hotel rates.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in San Antonio:-
Alamo Bowl-
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
