Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Antonio Airport, TX

DOWNTOWN. Construction began on this one-time mission in 1724. A quiet, shady landmark, it's smaller than most people...

DOWNTOWN. Construction began on this one-time mission in 1724. A quiet, shady landmark, it's smaller than most people imagine. It has become a memorial to the last stand of men like William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie in their fight against a much larger Mexican army. If you ask locals, they'll readily tell you just how important this place is to San Antonio, its history, and culture.

Hours: Sep - May Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm; Sun 10am-5:30pm Jun - Aug Mon-Thu 9am-5:30pm; Fri-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 10am-5:30pm

DOWNTOWN. Constructed in 1722, this adobe structure is now a national historic landmark. It didn't officially serve as a...

DOWNTOWN. Constructed in 1722, this adobe structure is now a national historic landmark. It didn't officially serve as a palace, but it was used as government offices during the 18th century and is a rare Texas example of an early Spanish aristocrat's home. The building has been restored and is now filled with period furnishings and artifacts. The simple structure is quite revealing in how the wealthy lived during these early days. The grounds include a lovely patio and courtyard, and the home's wooden doors are said to document Spanish American history via carved symbols.

Hours: Tue-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. In this small historical park sits the furnished homesite of Tejano hero Jose Antonio Navarro, who advocated...

DOWNTOWN. In this small historical park sits the furnished homesite of Tejano hero Jose Antonio Navarro, who advocated Texas's independence in the mid 19th century and who was San Antonio's mayor prior to that push. His restored home recreates the revolutionary period in Texas from 1810 to 1865. Important historical events are documented, and Casa Navarro interprets Texas's rich Mexican heritage using Navarro's life as a lens. Guided tours.

Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-4pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

KING WILLIAM DISTRICT. Within this lovely district, leading German merchants settled in the late 19th century. Today,...

KING WILLIAM DISTRICT. Within this lovely district, leading German merchants settled in the late 19th century. Today, its elegant Victorian mansions and tree-lined streets are a pleasure to behold. Madison, Guenther, and King William streets are particularly pretty for a stroll or drive. Stop in at the Guenther House or Steves Homestead, two historic homes that offer guided tours. The former features a small museum of mill memorabilia, a gift shop, and a restaurant serving fine German pastries and full breakfasts and lunches.

SAN ANTONIO. All of San Antonio's historic missions, with the exception of the Alamo, are included in this park, which...

SAN ANTONIO. All of San Antonio's historic missions, with the exception of the Alamo, are included in this park, which was established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The missions stand as a reminder of Spain's most successful attempt to extend its New World dominion northward from Mexico. All missions are active parish churches and possess individual beauty. A vistor center at Mission San Jose gives the history of the missions: San Jose, for example, has had its outer wall, Native American dwellings, granary, water mill, and workshops restored. Concepcion is known for its frescoes, and San Juan has a serene chapel. Espada, the southernmost, boasts an Arab-inspired aqueduct that was part of the famous acequia water management system.

Hours: Daily 9am-5pm

NEW BRAUNFELS. If you want to find the oldest dance hall in the Lone Star State, you'll have to make the trip back in...

NEW BRAUNFELS. If you want to find the oldest dance hall in the Lone Star State, you'll have to make the trip back in time to this tiny community right outside New Braunfels. Gruene Hall has been in continuous operation since 1878, and over the years folks like Lyle Lovett, George Strait, and Robert Earl Keen've played to packed houses. During the day, Gruene is a favorite of history buffs and antique hounds, who scour stores like Cactus Jacks and Black Swann for everything from old bottles and battered signs to European furniture and arrowheads. There're also a few places to cool your heels, most notably Janie's Table, known for their Hill Country-style 'que.