What San Antonio is Known For

San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas and is known for being the 7th largest city in America! It is also home to many famous attractions like the Tower of the Americas, Riverwalk, and Alamo, among many others.

It is also known for its delicious cuisine and as the birthplace of some of our favorite celebrities! Follow along as we show you what San Antonio is known for.

San Antonio’s History

Considered to be the Mecca for American history buffs, San Antonio is well known for its rich Native American history through to the Texas Revolution. The city is known for being the most fought-over city in North America, being the battleground for the Battle of the Alamo.

There are many exciting places where you can learn about the city’s rich history such as the Alamo, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Antonio - the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. Named as a site for Education, Science, and Culture by the United Nations in 2015.

Attractions San Antonio is Known for

The River Walk

Discover the magic of San Antonio alongside the famous Riverwalk, the world-renowned 15-mile urban waterway - a treasure and the largest urban ecosystem in the nation.

Known as the number one attraction in the city, this is a must-see for anyone visiting The River City, this area is 20 feet below street level and 15 miles long, surrounded by stunning architecture, serenaded with mariachi bands - providing endless entertainment for locals and tourists.

This is also a great place to escape the Texas heat as it’s beautifully shaded by trees and a constant breeze from the river. It is also a great place for those seeking entertainment and shopping. 

Tripshepherd Guide Tip: Get connected with the city’s culture, history, architecture, and timeless charm on GO RIO’s 35-40 minute cruise in a colorful and quiet barge to explore the city’s enchanting history.

The Alamo

Experience 300 years of Texas history at The Alamo, best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

This global cultural icon grants visitors the opportunity to walk among legends, get up close and personal with a 16-pounder cannon, and take a stroll through lush gardens shaded by beautiful oak trees offering a wide array of plants, memorials, seating, and more!

Tower of the Americas

Take in the most breathtaking views of the city during the day or illuminated at night at Tower of the Americas - the tallest structure in Texas and third-tallest in the Western Hemisphere.

Constructed in 1968 by San Antonio architect O’Neil Ford as the theme structure of the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ‘68 - the structure stands a whopping 750 feet (229m) in downtown San Antonio.

Now, visitors can marvel at the view on the Observation Deck, dine at their award-winning Chart House restaurant, and even enjoy a 4D thrill ride!

Marvel at the views while feasting on outstanding cuisine after touring the city with our Ultimate San Antonio Tour & Lunch at Tower of the Americas and San Antonio Night Highlights & Dinner at Tower of Americas

San Antonio Missions

Explore where the city’s rich history meets national parks with one (or more) of San Antonio’s five missions. At Mission San Jose, Concepcion, San Juan Capistrano, Espada, and San Antonio de Valero, visitors can hear the stories of the people who came to the Spanish missions to live in the 1700s.

Along with the Alamo, it was named the very first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science, and Culture (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. Learn more about Mission San Jose on our Best of San Antonio Tour

San Antonio Zoo

Get up close to some of your favorite animals like hippos, and rhinos at the San Antonio Zoo - the third largest zoo in the United States.

The Hixon Bird House, funded by Colonel Frederick C. Hixon, opened in 1966, lets visitors experience a simulated tropical rain forest with free-flying birds—one of the world’s largest.

Historic Market Square

Witness where the culture of San Antonio comes alive at the Historic Market Square - the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Here you can enjoy the sights and flavors of Mexico and explore over 100 locally-owned businesses.

San Fernando Cathedral

Founded in 1731 the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest, a continuously functioning religious community in Texas. Located in the center of San Antonio it offers the thousands of visitors that come every year a special place in a unique position in the city.

Foods San Antonio is Known for

With over 100 delicious restaurants located in San Antonio, Texas - there certainly is no shortage of places to eat while exploring the enchanting River City and these are some of the foods the city is known for and a must-try for tourists!

Puffy Taco

Often referenced as something between a funnel cake and tostada, puffy tacos are a friendly snack invented by San Antonio brothers - Henry and Ray Lopez.

This snack is typically filled with carnitas or fried avocados and usually makes quite the mess as a true puffy taco is so greasy it almost falls apart - talk about melting in your mouth!

Chili con Carne

Typically thought of as an authentic Mexican dish, chili con carne is actually American, made only in a select few places in Mexico. This dish is a meat-based stew with finely chopped beef, hot chiles, seasoning, and water.

However, the ingredients are often the subject of endless debates revolving around whether or not tomatoes and beans belong in real chili, purists would think not.

People in San Antonio are Known for

Many famous people and politicians have been born in San Antonio, here are some most notable actors/actresses: American actress, comedian, singer, and writer Carol Burnett is known for her groundbreaking comedy variety show The Carol Brunett Show.

Hollywood’s illustrious leading lady and jewel of cinema’s golden age, actress Joan Crawford. Jared Padalecki is well-known for portraying Sam Winchester in the hit series Supernatural and Dean Forester on Gilmore Girls. Fast and Furious’s lead lady and screenwriter Michelle Rodriguez

Selena Quintanilla

Despite not being born in the city Selena spent a lot of time in San Antonio before her tragic death in 1995. Visitors can see many sites that pay homage to the late Queen of Tejano including the Selena Forever exhibit at the McNay Art Museum and the Selena Mural on Hildebrand Avenue among many other locations.