Visiting San Antonio is fun- it’s one of the undiscovered travel destinations. That’s not to say that people don’t visit San Antonio, but if people knew how fantastic it was there would be even more visitors. In future years, more and more international visitors will likely discover the joys of San Antonio.

Once a sleepy town, San Antonio has come a long way. It is the home to several military U.S. Army posts and United States Air Force bases.Many of the soldiers and airmen stationed here have chosen gracious San Antonio as their place of retirement. The lifestyle is so easy and friendly.

Traveling to San Antonio is not difficult. Drive in via the highway, or arrive at the San Antonio airport. Cars are easily rented at the airport.

Once you have your bearings, it’s time to start exploring the town.

What can you do in San Antonio?

Well, first and foremost, you must eat! Mexican food in San Antonio totally rocks. Drive up to any cafe, and you will probably be delighted. I would recommend Chicken Fajitas or Beef Fajitas. These dishes cost a bit more because of all the meat, but wow, are they good.

Visiting The Alamo is an important stop. This is a part of Texas history, and of American history, so take a tour. In addition, don’t forget to have a photograph taken in front. (I should stress that you should pack your home electronics carefully before leaving home, so that things like MP3s, DVD players, and digital cameras are not forgotten.)

The Riverwalk is a fine place to book your hotel, or to simply explore during the day. Hotel rates with a river view can be quite pricey, but if you want that memorable experience, then why not save up and spend your money on a r0verview room. Don’t miss the retail shops, large and small.  You’ll find shopping  to be fantastic and you can find some incredible things at delightful prices.

Military museums at places like Fort Sam Houston are quite interesting, and something that most tourists miss. Entering military bases can require some registration as an anti-terrorism measure, so be patient as you go through that process, and be thankful that such measures are in place to protect you.

San Antonio has tourist-friendly weather all of the year. Summers can be humid and hot, so if you prefer milder temperatures, consider visiting in the winter. Whenever you go to visit San Antonio, I am sure you will enjoy your trip.

It was colonized by Spain in the early 1700’s and since then Native Americans, Old Mexico and the deep South have mixed and blended to make for an interesting city.

Start your visit to San Antonio with a little history…. the Alamo.  It’s undoubtedly the number one tourist attraction in all the state of Texas.  It was  built in the 18th century as one of San Antonio’s five Spanish colonial missions.  Later it gained fame as the site of an epic 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution.

That’s when Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie fought and died in the Alamo.  When you first see it, you’ll think it’s smaller than you expected…. and it is!  That’s because it was built as a mission and not as a fort.  Admission is free, though you will have to pay for parking at a downtown lot.  It’s right in the heart of town, near the River Walk.

If you want to see more of the five missions beyond the Alamo, see San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.  It will take you to the other four missions.  You can travel from mission to mission on the eight mile Missions Bike and Hike Trail.

There is a map of downtown San Antonio posted every few blocks on the sidewalks making it easy to explore the Alamo and the River Walk.

The River Walk or Paseo del Rio is also downtown.  Twenty feet below the hustle and bustle of downtown streets, the River Walk follows the San Antonio River’s gentle bends.  Along it you will find restaurants, hotels, museums and historic sites.  You can walk along the banks, or you can take a cruise on the river which goes on for a couple of miles while a tour guide gives you fun filled facts.

One place you’ll find along the banks of the river is the historic district of La Villita.  It was originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo.  In 1835 the Mexican Army surrendered and gave Texas its independence at La Villita.  The next year was when the Battle of the Alamo was fought to try and win Texas back.  More recently the historic buildings have have been turned into restaurants and also galleries and shops for arts and crafts.

Historic Market Square is near downtown.  Also known as the Mexican Market or El Mercado, it’s the largest Mexican market in the state.  It pulsates with friendly people and bold colors.  Stroll beneath the “papel picado” (Mexican tissue paper streamers).  Buy beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry…. handmade necklaces and earrings, belts and buckles from Mexico are here.  Find Mexican candies and even buy a pinata to put them in.  If you just want to soak it in, relax by the fountain and enjoy the sounds of mariachis.

With deep Latino roots, you will get some great Tex-Mex food here.  You’ll also find some great San Antonio Texas barbecue, but their culinary repertoire is large and diverse, so don’t worry about going hungry.  Just bring good walking shoes and an appetite for history and fun.