San Antonio is a city located in south-central Texas. It is known for its culture, history, and nature, and is absolutely worth visiting.
Within this article we will delve into more detail about the city of San Antonio. We will also share the best things to do in the city, along with some fun facts which you may not know.
Where is San Antonio, Texas?
San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas, and is located to the west of Houston, southwest of Dallas, and just north of the Mexican border.
How many people live in San Antonio?
San Antonio is the second-most populous city in Texas, with over 1.508 million residents according to the 2019 United States Census Bureau.
What time zone is San Antonio in?
San Antonio is in the Central Standard Time Zone.
How big is San Antonio?
San Antonio is 1,307 km² (504.6 mi²).
Why is the city named San Antonio?
San Antonio got its name on the 13th June 1691. This is the day that a Spanish expedition came to the river called Rio San Antonio, along with it being the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua.
What is the weather like in San Antonio?
Summers in San Antonio are usually hot and humid. The hottest month of the year is August, with an average high of 95°F (35°C) and low of 75.2°F (24°C).
The winters in San Antonio are cold and short. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 42.8°F (6°C) and high of 64.4°F (18°C).
The best time to visit San Antonio is mid May to late September.
What professional sports teams are in San Antonio?
San Antonio is home to one major league professional sports team. This is the San Antonio Spurs (National Basketball Association). The city is also home to other minor league professional sports teams in baseball, basketball, and soccer.
What airports are in San Antonio?
San Antonio only has one airport that visitors can fly in and out of: San Antonio International Airport (SAT). On average, there are 260 departures and arrivals at SAT per day, with airlines covering 53 destinations.
There is also the Stinson Municipal Airport, but this only provides corporate and private travel.
What is there to do in San Antonio, Texas?
There are plenty of things to do in San Antonio. From underground caverns to Japanese tea gardens, this city really does have it all!
San Antonio Riverwalk
The historic ‘Paseo del Rio’ is one of the top attractions in San Antonio. It is the perfect place to go for a stroll, visit a cafe or restaurant, and spend time with friends and family.
Natural Bridge Caverns
The largest underground attraction in Texas is located in San Antonio, and allows guests to explore large chambers and formations. Above ground, you can view the rocks, minerals, and rough-cut gems, along with going on the Twisted Trails Zip Rails adventure course.
The Alamo
The Alamo was established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero. Since then, this small area has become a crossroads of history and a heritage to explore people around the world. You can visit the church and Long Barrack museum, the battlefield, and participate in living history demonstrations.
Japanese Tea Gardens
The Japanese tea gardens are built on what was initially a rock quarry. Now, you can explore the beauty of the garden, learn more about Japanese tea culture, and sip a foamy matcha as you watch the fish play in the water and the birds sing overhead.
Mission San Jose
This Spanish frontier mission was originally founded in 1720, and is the largest of the five San Antonio missions. It is best known for its beautiful rose window, and on Sundays, this historic site offers a mariachi mass.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
The San Antonio botanical garden houses a massive range of plants from both Texas and around the world, which are spread out over 33 acres.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio zoo is home to 8,500 animals over 56 acres, meaning that there’s plenty to see! Two of the first cage-less American exhibits opened here in 1929, and their bird collection is one of the world’s largest.
Witte Museum
This is the place where nature, science, and culture meet. You can visit their many galleries and meet dinosaurs, chili queens, cattle kings, and theater performers.
SeaWorld
The San Antonio SeaWorld is one of the world’s largest marine life parks, with shows, rides, and exhibits spanning across 416 acres. Experience up-close animal interactions and create a day to remember on the Great White coaster.
San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral
The San Fernando de Bexar cathedral was built in 1873, replacing the original church which was founded more than one hundred years earlier.
Mission Trail
This is a pedestrian route which begins at the Alamo, and runs nine miles across the San Antonio River. It passes four other historical missions and is a great way to see the city.
Tower of the Americas
This 750-foot tower is the tallest occupiable structure in San Antonio. It has unbeatable panoramic views of the city, and if you have ever wanted to eat at a revolving restaurant then now’s your chance!
What are some fun facts about San Antonio?
San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas.
America’s second oldest park is based in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Zoo is the third largest in the United States.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II visited San Antonio. There, he held a mass where more than 350,000 people showed up.
The Alamo is the most visited attraction in the whole of Texas.
The oldest church in Texas is in San Antonio.
Shaquille O’Neal began playing basketball in San Antonio.
The San Antonio Lanier High School currently holds the world record for the most tamales ever made
San Antonio has a ten-day festival to honor the memory of the Alamo and San Jacinto battles.
San Antonio has the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico.
