When I take a family vacation I want a little bit of everything - some fun, some thrills, some culture, some good food, a learning experience. San Antonio has it all! If this will be your first San Antonio vacation, you almost definitely need to plan it downtown. The downtown area is the key part of San Antonio's tourist draw, with excitement through the day and well into the night. A walk along San Antonio's famous Paseo del Rio is enough to send any tourist into a state of relaxation. This river walk winds through some of the downtown's most exciting areas.

The Alamo
San Antonio...it's the home of the Alamo...and so much more. One of the most interesting things to know is that The Alamo is in the middle of downtown San Antonio. The 18th-century mission church where Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and 188 others waged their last stand against the Mexican army for Texas independence has become a state symbol. The most famous historical site in Texas, the mission has been restored to its original condition and offers tours, relics of the past, and a gift shop with memorabilia for history enthusiasts. Before you tour the Alamo, take in the IMAX movie, "The Price of Freedom" it is a 45-minute docudrama about the 13-day siege and fall of the Alamo. Watch the battle unfold, where 189 defenders who fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. The immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places the viewer in the middle of the action. It will tell the tale to your children, and stir your soul. After you've seen the Alamo and visited the souvenir shop (pick up some bluebonnet seeds) check out the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the Plaza Wax Museum. Then take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

River Walk
San Antonio's River Walk is just down the way from the Alamo. You descend, via stairs, to find yourself in another world - 3 beautiful miles of shops, restaurants, clubs and artists. Along the horseshoe shaped riverbend, the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. Take a boat ride and get the historical tour of the City as you look up at the buildings you pass. Come at Christmas time and it's all lit with Christmas-tree lights. So relaxing and beautiful and very romantic.

Theme Parks
Are you looking for exciting rides? How about water slides? Maybe a few animal shows? Well, look no further! SeaWorld San Antonio has everything you are looking for and more! This 250-acre park has something fun and entertaining for every member of the family. Featuring more than 25 amazing shows, thrilling rides, animal attractions, great shopping, and delicious food, this is the world's largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace. Six flags Fiesta Texas located just 15 minutes from downtown and the famous River Walk. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a theme and water park that reflects the heritage and culture of its Southwest roots. The park occupies approximately 200 acres and features numerous adult and children's rides. Shows, thrilling rides and skill games are built around themes celebrating Texas and the Southwest.

Whatever you're looking for in a family vacation, San Antonio has it all and more! Thrilling rides, education encounters with marine life, shopping, dining and relaxation. Home to excellent San Antonio Hotels and accommodations, you'll find that the atmosphere of San Antonio makes for the perfect vacation - endless shopping, interesting historic sites and a comfortable home away from home.

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