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| San Antonio Travel Article |
| Founded in 1691 by Spanish missionaries, San Antonio retains a relaxed, organic flavor, thanks to a winning combination of small town warmth and respect for diversity and history. A remarkable blend of cultures and the traditional Deep South make San Antonio unlike any other city. Travelers visiting San Antonio are sure to be charmed by the small-town friendliness of this lovely, unforgettable destination. |
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| San Antonio Travel Article |
Published On: August 11, 2009 |
Did you Know?
- San Antonio has been rated as the most affordable city in America, for both those who live here and those who visit.
- San Antonio’s El Mercado shopping district is the largest market outside o Mexico.
- On average, there is about a 50% chance of sunshine during the winter and a greater than 70% chance in the summer months.
- San Antonio's Randolph Air Field was the site where the movie "Wings" was filmed back in 1927. It eventually became the first film to ever win an Academy Award.
Location:
 San Antonio is the second largest city in the state of Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States. Located in the northern part of South Texas and the American Southwest, San Antonio is the epicenter of Tejano culture and Texas tourism. Famous for Spanish missions, the Alamo, the River Walk, the Tower of the Americas and host to SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks, the city is visited by approximately 26 million tourists per year. The beautiful city of San Antonio is located at the axis of three different geological terrains: Hill Country, South Texas Plains and Prairie and Lakes. With fine art museums, historical missions, amusement parks and great dining options, this city has something to suit every traveler.
Topography: According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2000, the city had a total area of 412.07 square miles. San Antonio sits on the Balcones Escarpment, which is made up of many organic features, including normal faults, grabens and horsts.
Climate: Commonly known as "The place where the sunshine spends the winter," San Antonio has a modified subtropical climate. It is located on the edge of the Gulf Coastal Plains. Because of this, the weather is generally good throughout the year. The summer is generally hot. Below freezing temperatures during the winter occur for around 20 days each year.
More on Weather in San Antonio
Demography
- Population:
- San Antonio was the fourth fastest growing city in the nation from 2000-2006 and the fifth fastest growing city from 2007 to 2008.Its metropolitan area has a population of 2,031,445, based on the 2008 U.S. Census bureau estimates.
- Languages:
- Currency:
- United States Dollar(USD), $
Things to See & Do
- Sports:
- AT & T Center : The AT&T Center is an indoor arena located in San Antonio. It was completed in 2002 as the SBC Center at a cost of $175 million. The arena is home to the NBA San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL, in the winter and spring months, the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA in the summer, and the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo held in February.
- Wolff Stadium : It's vintage stadium, which opened on April 18, 1994 and has a capacity of about 9,500 spectators. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball team and the AA affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
 - Museums:
- Blue Star Contemporary Art Center : A part of the Blue Star Arts Complex, the museum is a contemporary art center that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process.
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum : Located close to the Alamo, it’s a collection of five different museums, Horns, Fins, Feathers & The Hall of Texas History Wax Museum. These showcase the different species of flora and fauna, along with the rich history and culture of the region.
- Institute of Texan Cultures : The admission to the museum is free. The museum features Texan history, brought to life by docent-interpreters and the cultures of over 20 national/ethnic groups of people who have made Texas their home.
- San Antonio Museum of Art : The museum has four floors of fabulous permanent collections, from Antiquities to Asian to Contemporary Art, as well as changing exhibits.
- Must See:
- Fiesta : Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas.
- Sea World : A marine life theme park, which is home to the world-famous Shamu the killer whale. There are also thrill rides, a small water park, as well as sharks, an aquarium, penguins, seals and sea lions.
- River Walk : Numerous restaurants, shops and hotels line the River Walk, on both sides of the most popular and developed downtown loop, which winds its way below the streets by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south and St. Mary's to the west. An ideal hang out place for travelers.
- The Alamo : The Alamo is considered to be hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty. It is a former mission, which was also the site of the Battle of the Alamo.
- North Star Mall : San Antonio’s internationally acclaimed shopping destination center boasts over 200 specialty stores and restaurants. Adjacent to the San Antonio International Airport, North Star is conveniently situated in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to check the cowboy boots when visiting North Star Mall.
Getting Around
- By Air:
- You can book flights to San Antonio flying into the San Antonio International Airport, located in north central San Antonio, approximately eight miles from downtown.
- Most major airlines service this airport, as this the major airport in the area.
- By Train:
- Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, provides service to San Antonio at San Antonio Amtrak Station, operating its Texas Eagle daily, between San Antonio and Chicago's Union Station.
- Amtrak also operates its Sunset Limited, three times a week in each direction through San Antonio between Los Angeles and Orlando, Florida.
- By Bus :
- San Antonio's bus system is known as the VIA Metropolitan Transit. It also runs the downtown streetcar service for a small fare.
- There are 4 different types of routes: Express, Skip, Frequent and Metro.
- By Car : Renting a car in San Antonio is another great way to get around and explore more of the city.
Some car rental companies servicing San Antonio include, but are not limited to:
- Alamo Rent A Car
- Budget Rent A Car
- Dollar Rent A Car
- E-Z Rent-A-Car
With a rich and diverse history, paired with a variety of attractions that include galleries, museums and theme parks, San Antonio is a unique blend of modern and a respectfully cherished history. The shopping, nightlife and fine dining opportunities make San Antonio an ideal holiday jaunt for travelers.
Source: www.wikipedia.com |
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