San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is one of those places whose story has become legend. We all learned in school the most famous battle cry in American history, “Remember the Alamo!” In 1836, 200 defenders holed up in a defunct Spanish mission in San Antonio, where over the course of 13 days they fought and died for Texas’ independence from the Mexican government.

So outnumbered that they never stood a chance, these defenders earned for Texas, if not independence, then at least a reputation for awesome courage in a nation that already called itself the home of the brave.

Today, the Alamo still stands, offering visitors a glimpse into a way of life that existed long before the 200 defenders earned the Spanish mission such a prominent place in American history books.

In the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, you’ll find a few other Spanish missions, beautifully and very carefully preserved by the National Park Service.

And not far from the Alamo itself is the River Walk, a 15-mile waterway extending through downtown San Antonio. Visitors to the River Walk have the option to walk or to float, taking either the footpath or a passing barge.

Worth Checking Out

• The Alamo
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• The River Walk