The Traveling American has visited more than sixty cities in the United States and Canada over the past thirty years. The task of naming the Top Ten large cities in these two countries was a difficult one. We defined large cities as those with a metropolitan population in excess of 300,000 residents and ended up selecting thirteen cities (there were a few ties). We believe these cities are the most memorable places for travelers to experience during a short visit.

OUR NUMBER 10 CITY IS SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS:

I have visited SanAntonio several times including an initial trip years ago when our children were young and in subsequent years for conferences and sightseeing. America's seventh largest city with 1.45 million diverse people is full of interesting history, exciting culture, good food, and other attractions that make it an excellent place to visit. Here are some activities to enjoy on a trip to San Antonio:

Explore the Alamo

History is never far from view in San Antonio as the legacy of the Alamo and the Texas War of Independence fill the air. After more than three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule and later domination by the Mexican government of President Santa Anna, longtime Tejanos residents and pioneer immigrants rebelled in 1835 seeking local control of the sparsely populated region. Labelled as traitors and pirates by the authorities, a Mexican army of several thousand men accompanied by cavalry and cannons converged on San Antonio where a large group of resisters gathered at the Alamo military fort and church. This motley crew included local farmers, supporters from all over the U.S. and well-known frontiersmen like Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie.

After days of bombardment, General Jose de Urrea’s troops broke through the walls of the compound, killed most of the two hundred defenders through fierce fighting, and executed the rest. The Mexicans then destroyed the interior structures of the fort and moved on. While a tactical victory, the massacre at the Alamo inspired Texans and their sympathizers in the U.S. to rally their forces. Under the leadership of Sam Houston, the Texans routed a large portion of the Mexican army at San Jacinto, captured Santa Anna, and then negotiated a disputed treaty acknowledging Texas’ self-rule in 1836. Texas later became the twenty-eighth state in 1845 when it was annexed by the United States which led to the Mexican War.

Today, much of the walled compound has been preserved as a living museum open to the public free of charge. In addition to the iconic façade of the Alamo church, visitors can see relics and learn the details of battle in the museum. Walking through the gardens and watching reenactments of elements of the battle provides a memorable experience for adults and older children.

Explore the River Walk and Enjoy Food Galore

The crown jewel of downtown San Antonio is the 15-mile-long River Walk which attracts more than eleven million visitors annually. The River Walk snakes its way through the central business district about twenty-five feet below the adjoining streets. The preservation and rerouting of the San Antonio River into a scenic entertainment district and city park was a visionary move by City authorities in the 1960's. Stairs lead down to walkways at locations on both sides of the water allowing for easy access.

One way to enjoy the River Walk is to take a brightly colored motorized barge along the water to take in the sites which include tree lined promenades and some small parks. Another is to hike along the river. But many people eat, drink, and shop their way by visiting one of the numerous restaurants, cafes and stores situated on the main part of the River Walk. Period lighting makes the River Walk a popular nightspot for locals and tourists of all ages. Tex Mex cuisine and fine dining can be found there along with about two dozen quality hotels. The Grand Hyatt, the Marriott River Walk, and the Hilton Palacio Del Rio offer rooms with reasonable rates in comparison to other cities and are popular with business guests and tourists.

Sample Other Historic and Cultural Sites

The diverse cultures and history of San Antonio can be sampled at many places. First, Spanish colonial architecture and traditions can be viewed at several Spanish missions found in the area such as the Mission Concepcion National Historic Park. These Spanish missions served a variety of purposes including providing a religious center and a place for trade, while also supporting the community’s social functions and defense. Second, the restored Governor's Palace and the San Fernando Cathedral in the downtown provide insights into the city’s Spanish past. Finally, the “many cultures that came to Texas and contributed to the state’s character, through music and dance, food, stories and traditions, religion, artisan skills, and ways of life” can be sampled at the Institute of Texan Culture.

Entertainment and Events

There are plenty of entertainment and recreation events going on in town on a regular basis. These include the Holiday River Parade every November featuring thirty decorated floats and Santa Claus, a Day of the Dead festival based on Mexican traditions, and numerous art festivals at places like the La Villita Historic Arts Village. Families will enjoy the uniquely situated Six Flags over Fiesta Texas, located in an old quarry, and the Sea World Park in the suburbs. In the city, there are attractions like the Legoland Discovery Center and the 579-foot-high Tower of the Americas. Sporting events, concerts, and shows held at the Alamodome, the historic Azteca Theatre and the Henry Gonzales Convention Center also attract spectators to large events and group activities.

Take a Side Trip

Travelers seeking to extend their visit should consider driving to the Hill Country nearby which has several spectacular resorts like La Cantera Resort and Spa as well as lots of local food delights such as Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q. Another option is to visit Austin which is only a 90-minute drive to the north.

Taken as a whole, San Antonio provides a comfortable location for newcomers and boasts enough activities to keep you interested in a three to five-day trip. San Antonio has warm weather with considerable sunshine throughout the year. But the heat and humidity from July to September can interfere with sightseeing as can the occasional rains and flooding in late spring and early fall. The best weather for enjoying the outdoors and the city is between October and December, and from March to May.