Tower of the Americas

View the wonderful city of San Antonio, Texas from 190 m (623 ft) in the air at the Tower of the Americas, the tallest observation tower in Texas. 

 

The tower provides guests with an award-winning dining experience at the very top of the tower offering both outstanding cuisine and exceptional service with a panoramic view of the city. On the ground level, guests can experience a thrilling 4D ride with options to view the skies over Texas or experience the Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

What to Know

Soaring 750 feet into the sky, the Tower of the Americas sits majestically in the heart of downtown San Antonio, offering visitors the ultimate bird's eye view of the city. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramic vista from the Tower's Chart House Restaurant, which revolves 360 degrees, or step out onto the Observation Deck for an unrivaled view. For a truly thrilling experience, don't miss the 4D Theater Ride. If you're looking for a memorable dining and entertainment experience, look no further than the Tower of the Americas, a must-visit landmark on the San Antonio Riverwalk!

 

Rising to greatness, the iconic Tower of the Americas was the masterpiece of the talented San Antonio architect, O'Neil Ford. Built as the theme structure (centerpiece) of HemisFair '68, the 1968 World's Fair, this tower was named through a contest held by the executive committee. Out of 68 submissions, a name was chosen that has now become synonymous with the structure itself.

 

Once the tallest observation tower in the United States, it held this title from 1968 until 1996 when the Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower was completed. Today, it stands tall as the tallest inhabitable structure in San Antonio and ranks 30th in Texas.

 

Nestled in the heart of the former HemisFair '68 grounds, the tower boasts an observation deck that can be reached by elevator for a small fee. At the pinnacle of the tower, a lounge and a revolving restaurant offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making it the perfect spot for a scenic dinner or a bird's eye view of the Alamo City!

 

Best Time to Visit

The Tower of Americas is a year-round attraction that opens daily, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The best time to visit the tower largely depends on your personal preferences and interests. For those who enjoy warm weather, the summer months of June through August are the perfect time to visit, when temperatures in San Antonio average around 90°F. If you prefer cooler weather, then visiting during the fall or winter months, from September to February, is ideal, with temperatures averaging around 70°F. During these months, the tower is also less crowded, providing a more relaxed and intimate experience. 

 

For those who want to catch a breathtaking view of the city, the tower is open until 10 p.m., making it an excellent spot to watch the sunset or to catch the lights of the city after dark. The Tower of Americas is an all-in-one attraction that offers breathtaking views, fine dining experiences, and cultural exhibits, making it a must-visit destination no matter what time of year you choose to visit!

 

How to Get There 

You can easily locate the Tower of the Americas at 739 E Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, Texas, by car or by using the city's public transportation system. But the best way to get to the tower is by booking a Best of San Antonio Tour from Austin Texas which will save you the hassle of navigating through the city to reach this tourist spot by picking you up directly from your hotel in downtown!

 

What's more? You'll have a skip-the-ticket-line entry to all the attractions covered in this tour such as the historic San Antonio Missions, the Alamo, and the scenic River Walk Cruises! So what are you waiting for? Book this tour today and enjoy a spectacular view of San Antonio from the top of this tower!

 

Highlights

Experience the Ultimate View in San Antonio - Visit the Tower of Americas! Built for the World's Fair in 1968, this 750-foot tower in the heart of HemisFair Plaza boasts breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck and an unforgettable 4D Theatre ride for the kids. Upgrade your experience by dining at the Chart House, a revolving fine-dining restaurant at the top of the tower.

 

After eating to your heart's content at the tower restaurant, stop by the gift shop at the base of the tower to buy yourself a souvenir from your trip! Don't miss out on HemisFair Park, filled with stunning grounds, waterfalls, fountains, a children's playground, historic buildings, and cultural attractions like the Institute of Texan Cultures and Children's Magik Theater. Book your visit today!

 

Features

Embark on a journey to the top of the Tower of the Americas for breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Before you climb atop the tower, make sure to take a picture in front of the local landmark backdrop at the base of the tower, which you can collect later on. This will be a unique addition to your album of memories from the highest-flying venue in Alamo City! 

 

From the "Flags Over Texas" Observation Deck, you can gaze out at the city for miles, or zoom in with the binoculars provided, and see the city's landmarks with clarity. This is an opportunity to learn the rich history of Texas through murals, audio presentations, and photographs. The Chart House Restaurant located on a level below the Observation Deck is known for its award-winning menu and panoramic views. While you savor a delicious meal, the world slowly revolves around you, providing a unique dining experience.

 

The tower also offers several 4D film experiences, including Skies Over Texas 4D Theater Ride, Rio, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. These thrilling adventures will take you across the Lone Star State and beyond, with 3D films and a seat that rocks and rolls. During the summer months, from June to October, the tower holds Party on the Plaza events every Friday night, featuring food, drinks, live music, and more. The tower is also available for private events, with two private dining rooms on the Observation Deck level, and catering services provided by the Chart House Restaurant.

 

For those in the downtown area searching for a new venue for their office happy hour, Bar 610 definitely saves the day with its discounted selection of cocktails, appetizers, and more! Having visited the tower, drop in the tower's gift shop at the base, where you'll find a range of souvenirs, Texas-themed merchandise, and an eclectic mix of cultural trinkets. All in all, visiting the tower is a great way to enjoy breathtaking views of San Antonio as well as get the chance to learn about the history of San Antonio, and experience a one-of-a-kind attraction!

 

History

On August 9, 1966, construction commenced on the tower with a budget of $5.2 million. An innovative approach was taken with the construction of the top house, which was assembled at ground level before being lifted to the top of the concrete shaft. However, disaster struck on October 30, 1967, when some of the cables used to hoist the house snapped, leaving it hanging at a precarious angle. The problem was eventually solved by using oil field pipes instead of cables. 

 

The tower was completed in around 18 months, just missing the deadline for the fair's opening ceremonies on April 6, 1968. Nevertheless, it was opened to the public on April 11, five days later. Despite its opening, the top house was still unfinished with construction materials and lumber scattered around. Regardless of all the complications and difficulties that arose in the tower's construction, this structure quickly became a top tourist attraction in San Antonio soaring 750 feet in the air!