As part of the ‘Around Town‘ series, I’ve talked about several exciting places to visit in San Antonio. You can head on down to the River Walk for some margaritas and shopping, enjoy a relaxing walk among the beauty of the Japanese Tea Garden or take in the whole city from atop the Tower of the Americas. But, there’s one place in San Antonio so iconic that there have been movies dedicated to telling its story – The Alamo.
History
The Alamo, founded in 1718, was the first of several missions to be set up along the San Antonio River. However, in 1836 this particular mission landed a special place in history when a small group of Texans managed to defend its walls for 13 days before succumbing to General Santa Anna. Today, the Alamo and its defenders, which included Jim Bowie, David Crocket and William B. Travis, serve as a reminder of courage and sacrifice in the pursuit of liberty.
Visiting
Set in the heart of downtown and surrounded by modern day buildings, the Alamo is a wonderful juxtaposition of past and present day San Antonio. Within its walls, you can get your history geek on by exploring exhibits about the Texas Revolution and Texas history free of charge. But, if organized fun is more your style, you can also enjoy an audio tour for $7 or opt for an actual tour guide (prices vary).
While only a portion of the mission remains today, its strong history (and free price tag) make this spot a must-see for anyone visiting San Antonio. Best of all, the River Walk is only a few steps away!
