The Alamo Alamo Plaza 210-225-1391 Admission: free. Originally a Franciscan mission called Mission San António de Valero, this was the first of five missions established in the area starting in 1718. It was fortified and renamed by the Mexicans. The Alamo stands as a monument to the 189 volunteers who fought to the death there in 1836 against an army of 4000 Mexican troops. Texas was at that time a part of Mexico, and the goal of the 189 volunteers was to break free of Mexican rule. "Remember the Alamo" was the battle cry several weeks later when a motley crew of Texas volunteers surprised the Mexican army outside Houston and defeated them. Today , the historic chapel and barracks contain the guns and other paraphernalia used by William Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and other Texas heroes. Outside in the peaceful courtyard, a history wall recounts the history of the Alamo before and after its days as a fortress.

Texas Adventure Alamo Special Effects Theater 307 Alamo Plaza Winter: 10 -7 Summer hours: 10.-8 . Admission charged. Group rates available for 10 or more. 210-227-8224 An action-packed multi-media production portraying the movement toward Texas Independence with the Alamo drama as its centerpiece. Utilizing an array of state of the art special effects, the "Encountarium F/X Theatre" format surrounds viewers with an environment that simulates the touch and feel of being present as history is made. (Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired). In addition to the theatre, there is a retail store and a light food and beverage service both inside and outdoors at the Losoya Court Cafe.

IMAX Theatre In the River Center Mall This state of the art theater presents Alamo, The Price of Freedom a 45-minute docudrama. The story begins with the arrival of William B. Travis on Feb. 3, 1836, in San Antonio, and tells story of the 189 defenders who chose to die for freedom from Mexican rule. IMAX surround sound and the huge (six story) screen make the battle of the Alamo very realistic. (Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired).

San Antonio Missions National Park Established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century, the four Spanish colonial missions that now comprise this national park stand as reminders of Spain's evangelical outreach northward from Mexico. All of the missions are active parish churches which in addition to religious services offer exhibits, lectures, talks and cultural demonstrations.

(1) Missión San José 6539 San José Dr. 210-932-1001 One of the largest and most successful missions in the southwest, it has a visitor center that details the history of the missions. San José's outer wall, Native American dwellings, granary, water mill, and workshops have been restored and can be viewed by visitors.

(2) Missión Concepción 807 Mission Rd. 210-534-1540 This mission dates back to 1731. It is one of the best preserved in Texas and the oldest unrestored stone church in the country. It is built of porous limestone which is found in quarries in the area. It is known for its remarkable 18th century frescoes.

(3) Mission San Juan 9102 Graf 210-532-3914 A self sufficient community was centered around this mission, which was also established in 1731. Goods produced by local Indian artisans and farmers and not needed by residents were traded. The mission church is notable for its Romanesque arches. It has a serene chapel for meditation.

(4) Mission Espada 10040 Espada Rd. 210-627-2021 Admission: free The southernmost Spanish colonial mission has a 120 foot long Arab-inspired aqueduct. This was part of the missions' famous acequia water management system that carried water over Piedras Creek for over 250 years. Nearby farms still use water from this system.

Texas Star Trail 210-224-6163 This interesting family activity involves taking a 2.6-mile walking tour in which 80 historic sites are identified by blue disks inlaid in the sidewalks. A map and brochure(available from the San Antonio Conservation Society, 107 King William St.) give details about each marked site.

Yanaguana Cruises The river's floating transportation system, provides a novel method of sightseeing in downtown San Antonio. Groups can also dine aboard open air, candlelit cruisers as they wind their way along the scenic waterway. River taxis deliver visitors to Rivercenter, a dazzling three-level glass shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

River Walk Amidst the daily hubbub of the busy metropolitan downtown, sequestered 20 feet below street level, lies one of San Antonio's jewels. Best known as River Walk, but also as Paseo del Rio, this leading tourist attraction comprises about 3 miles of stone pathways lining both banks of the San Antonio River as it flows through downtown. In some places the walk is peaceful and quiet; in others it is an energetic mix of European style cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, gleaming high rise hotels, boutiques, and strolling mariachi bands, all of which can also be seen from river taxis and charter boats. The River Walk stretches for approximately two-and-a-half miles from the Municipal Auditorium and Conference Center on the north end to the King William Historic District on the south.

HemisFair Park 22 S. Alamo 210-207-8615 Admission charged. This former 1968 World's Fair site southeast of River Walk is home to the 750-ft Tower Of The Americas. The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Glass-walled elevators ascend over 500 feet to the restaurant and observation level. It was the theme structure for HemisFair in 1968 and was designed to symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. Observation Deck, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday -Saturday. Parking for restaurant is available off Bowie Street, east of the park.

Institute Of Texan Cultures HemisFair Plaza 210-458-2300 Admission charged.  This is an interactive museum which allows visitors to walk through a recreated sharecropper's house and also to observe and listen to an animated, recorded conversation that might have taken place between a Spanish governor and a Comanche chief in the 1790's.

La Villita (Little Village) South Alamo and Nueva Streets 210-207-8610 Admission Free This 250 Year Old Spanish settlement and site of the city's original settlement was reconstructed during the 1930's to preserve the unique buildings. The area has three patios where various functions and festivals are held. The adobe houses currently are occupied by working artists who produce art work and craft items for sale and display.

McNay Art Museum 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-824-5368 cost: donation requested. This 1920s mansion on the outskirts of the city has handsome tile floors and a Moorish-style courtyard. Gothic, medieval, late 19th and 20th century American and European paintings, sculpture, graphic arts, rare books, and exhibits are all featured. The impressive collection includes works by Gauguin, Picasso, and Manet, and there is a theater arts library.

Menger Hotel 204 Alamo Plaza 210-223-4361 or 800-345-9285. According to legend, William Menger's hotel was occupied at various times following its opening in 1859 by Robert E. Lee, Theodore Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan. The mahogany bar is where Teddy Roosevelt supposedly recruited his Rough Riders.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens 555 Funston Pl. 210-207-3250 Admission charged. Among these 33 acres of formal gardens are meadows of wildflowers, a Japanese garden, herb gardens, a xeriscape, rose gardens, native Texas vegetation surrounding a lake and model dwellings of the 1800's. There is also a "touch and smell" garden specially designed for the visually impaired.

San Antonio Museum Of Art 200 W. Jones Ave, 210-978-8100 Admission charged. Housed in the castle - like former Lone Star Beer brewery, this museum is noted for its unique collections of pre-Columbian, Native American, and Spanish colonial folk art. There is also a section for Ancient Art, with Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. On the grounds are a sculpture garden and rest areas. . A new $11 million wing houses the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art. It contains major Latin works dating back 3000 year.

Brackenridge Park 2800 block of North Broadway; 2 miles north of the Alamo 210-736-9534 This lushly landscaped park has 340 acres of picnic grounds, playgrounds, athletic fields, and a golf course. It also has a miniature railroad, a carousel with antique horses, a cable car sky ride and paddle boats. Some of the attractions charge a small fee. Stroll across rustic stone bridges and up winding walks around gleaming pools, and through an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. The Sunken Gardens Theater regularly presents entertainment. Following are additional facets of the park:

(1) San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 210-734-7183 Admission charged. Daily 9-5 Summer 9-8 The zoo is inhabited by more than 3,000 animals representing 750 species and is one of the top zoos in North America. It is a sanctuary for various endangered species like the whooping crane, snow leopard, and white rhino. Natural habitats have been created and there are special sections for Australian and African animals. Most of the animals reside in outdoor habitats. In addition, there is a children's zoo with a boat ride.

(2) Witte Museum of History and Science 3801 Broadway 210-357-1900 Admission is charged. The museum features extensive hands on exhibits covering history, science and the humanities. Also displayed are exhibits of the natural history and natural science of Texas and dioramas of Texas flora and wildlife. These are brought to life through instructions on how to decipher ancient rock art, by the recreation of a walk through a thorny Texas landscape and the opportunity to meet some dinosaurs that once roamed the State. On the museum grounds are four early Texas houses and a furnished log cabin. A four-level "science tree house" filled with interactive exhibits lets children lift themselves with pulleys and ropes, play music with laser beams, and launch tennis balls 30 feet in the air.

(3) Pioneer Memorial Hall 3801 Broadway 210-822-9011 This museum houses collections of Texas trail drivers, pioneers and the Texas Rangers. Among the exhibits are saddles, guns, tools, furniture, etc.

(4) Japanese Tea Gardens Free Admission. Hours: 8: am-dark. 210-821-3120 3800 North St. Mary's St. At the northwestern edge of Brackenridge Park Winding pebble walkways, stone bridges, a waterfall and tranquil pools highlight this lush garden.

Sea World Of Texas 10500 Sea World Dr. 210-523-3611 Admission charged. Closed Nov.-Feb. Sprawled across 250 acres of manicured gardens northwest of the city, this is the world's largest marine life park offering more than 25 shows in a 4500 seat stadium. The 300,000 gallon coral reef aquarium features many species of sharks and thousands of Indo-Pacific fish. The shows feature sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, and penguins, among others. There are water rides and a children's play area. For the more adventurous, there are high speed roller coasters, including the Steel Eel hypercoaster and The Great White inverted coaster. A water park features rides such as the Rio Loco.

The Spanish Governor's Palace 105 Military Plaza (Plaza de Armas) 210-224-0601 Mon.-Sat. 9-5 Admission charged. 45 minute tour This was the residence and the seat of government when San Antonio was the capital of the Spanish Province of Texas from the mid 1700's to the early 1800's. It has carved doors, low beamed ceilings an interior patio with a fountain and several rooms furnished in period furniture. Tours are offered daily of this National Historic Landmark.

Market Square 515 West Commerce Street 210-207-8600 The largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, this colorful village within a city is busy from dawn until late at night. It includes a farmers' market, Mexican restaurants, a bakery, art galleries, boutiques, and El Mercado, a market with vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs from Latin America. Festivals are often held here.

Military Bases Complex San Antonio has five military installations - a reminder that the city was founded as a garrisoned fort. A visitor's pass is normally required except for Fort Sam Houston, an open post. Since some of these bases are restricted, it is best to call in advance.

Brooks Air Force Base Southeast Military Drive at the junction of I-37 (7 miles southeast of downtown). Brooks is headquarters of the Human Systems Center. Tours 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday -Friday. Free admission. 210-536-3234.

Hangar 9/Edward H. White Museum Brooks Air Force Base 8:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday Individuals will be added to scheduled tours Free admission. For reservations call 210-536-2203 or 531-9767. Hangar 9 is the oldest aircraft hangar in the Air Force. It houses the Museum of Flight Medicine, which contains exhibits concerning the history of the base, the development of manned flight and the evolution of aerospace medicine and the Flight Nursing Annex which is dedicated to the history of flight nurses

Fort Sam Houston Grayson Street and New Braunfels Avenue 10-4 Wednesday - Sunday 210-221-1886 Quadrangle Gift shop Friday-Tuesday 8 -4. 210-226-1216. This fort was established in 1876 and was the site of the first military airplane flight. Today, it is Fifth Army Headquarters and home of Brooke Army Medical Center. Fort Sam's Quadrangle dates from 1876. The Apache Indian Chief Geronimo was once held prisoner within its walls. Today this historic landmark stands in the center of a park-like setting where animals roam the grounds among people at work and visitors from around the world.

Fort Sam Houston Museum/National Historic Landmark Building 123, Fort Sam Houston. Museum open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday-Sunday, closed Monday, Tuesday and Federal holidays. Free admission 210-221-1886 Exhibits trace U.S. Army history in San Antonio area from 1845 to the present. Historic 500 acre fort includes the Quadrangle, built in 1876.

U.S. Army Medical Department Museum Located at the corner of Harry Wurzbach and Stanley Road, Fort Sam Houston. Museum hours 10 -4 Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday, and Federal Holidays. Free admission. 210-221-6358 The museum collection consists of Army medical equipment (including captured medical equipment from Germany, Japan, Russia, China and Vietnam), uniforms, artwork, photographs, and scale models. The museum is also assembling a collection of restored and replicated ambulance vehicles. The museum has a significant collection of American prisoner of war memorabilia.

Lackland Air Force Base 12 miles southwest of downtown off U.S. 90 at SW Military Dr. exit Lackland is a basic military training center for all Air Force recruits nationwide.

Air Force History and Traditions Museum Tuesday-Saturday 8 -4:45 closed on Sundays, Mondays Tours of 15 or more by appointment