Today we had opportunity to spend a little time in San Antonio, Texas.
And no stop in San Antonio would be complete without a visit to both The River Walk and The Alamo.
The San Antonio River Walk
Because it was getting close to lunch time, we decided that we would first head to the River Walk.
For those who aren’t familiar with the area, there are a several restaurants, shops and museums located one level below the street, right along the San Antonio river.
On either side of the river are pedestrian walkways that are connected by several bridges for easy access to get from side to side.
Although this is a beautiful area to dine and shop today, the River Walk wasn’t always a major tourist attraction. In fact, it was just the opposite.
The area that currently makes up the most visited section in San Antonio was once a very dangerous place to be. The river that ran right through the city would flood at a moments notice. In fact, the fast and furious flood waters cost many people their lives.
However, in 1929, there was a proposed plan to improve the aesthetics of the river. It took over 10 years to get the project funded and the redesign was completed as part of the Works Progress Administration.
Not only did they restructure the flow of the river, they made the area safe for pedestrians.
Shopping and Dining Along The San Antonio River
By the 1950’s restaurants and shops began to occupy the basements level of the buildings adjacent to the walkway. They opened their doors so that anyone that used the River Walk could dine and shop without ever having to go on the streets.
And due to the exploding popularity of the area, the first hotel opened on the Riverwalk in 1962.
Today not only is the San Antonio River Walk filled with tourists. It is also the location for various performances and festivals.
You can even take a guided River Boat tour. And if you are simply too worn out from walking, there is now a boat shuttle that will take you from one end of the River Walk to the other.
Remembering The Alamo
After we sat outside and ate lunch along the river, we decided to finish our walk by heading to the Alamo.
It only takes a few minutes to get from the San Antonio River Walk to the famous Alamo Mission building by foot.
And if you have never been there, your first impression might be shock you. The small structure sits right in the middle of downtown San Antonio and looks much smaller than what most people imagine.
However, this historic 300+ year old, Catholic mission building became one of the most iconic military posts in the country.
In an attempt to regain control of the Texas territory, on February 23, 1836, Mexico conducted an attack on the fort. There were forces numbering in the thousands as compared to the Alamo’s 200 defenders.
The battle lasted for 13 days before the Mexican forces finally overpowered the US troops. Although Texas regained control later that year, the San Antonio Alamo building became a symbol of resilience and independence.
Today, you can enter the buildings, take an audio tour, and if you are lucky, you might even see a live reenactment on the adjacent grounds.
There are many artifacts of the time periods available for viewing. And there are plenty of time line boards and written stories that will take you back in history as you walk through the Alamo.
Although there are many other things to see and do in San Antonio, these two attractions should surely be on the top of your list!
Happy Traveling – Jim and Mary
CURRENT TRIP STATUS TO DATE:
- Day 116 of 365
- States : 15/50
- National Parks / Monuments : 18
- Stayed In : San Marcos, TX
- Miles Driven : 106.7
- Total Trip Miles To Date : 13,069.4
- Total Gallons Used : 947.06
- Biking Miles : 0.0
- Biking Miles To Date : 152.8
- Hiking Miles : 3.1
- Hiking Miles To Date : 273.0
About Our Living Simple Tour
On September 9th, 2019, we set out in our NuCamp T@B 400 Teardrop Camper to travel to every state. You can check out all of our dates here : Dates for the States
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I was at the Alamo back in the early 90’s and was very disappointed. I felt it was pretty much a waste of time. I was really looking forward to it. As i child i loved the Alamo move with Fes Parker as Davy Crockett. The movie was really good.
I can see why you might be disappointed if you had been looking forward to it for so long as a child. I was back there as well in the 90’s and found this visit to be much better and more engaging. Definitely worth a visit if you are back in San Antonio again.
A little bit of Alamo trivia. The center top curved stone on the front wall of the chapel was not there at the time of the battle. It was added by a US Army type while in use by the Army.
Yes, we did read that the Army made some modifications when they took over. Much needed I am sure! Thanks for the bit of history.