San Antonio, Texas

River Walk

One level below the downtown streets, the popular Paseo del Rio (River Walk) is edged by hotels, art and gift shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and live music. Half-hour scenic riverboat cruises (fee)

Missions of San Antonio

In addition to the Alamo, which is managed by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, four other San Antonio missions form the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They were established by Franciscan friars in the early 18th century. A map for the "Mission Trail" driving route (

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Established 1731, favorite of many students of Spanish period in Texas, and popular with photographers. The little church building, restored several times, is still in use. Ruins of walls that once surrounded the mission compound; foundations of a granary;

Visitor Information Center

Spanish Governor's Palace

In 1772, San Antonio became seat of Spanish government in Texas, headquartered at 10-room Spanish Governor's Palace on Military Plaza. It was to this adobe-walled structure that Moses Austin came in 1820