The Alamo
Alamo Plaza
210-225-1391
Admission: free.
Originally a Franciscan mission called Mission San António de Valero, this was the first of five missions established in the area starting in 1718. It was fortified and renamed by the Mexicans. The Alamo stands as a monument to the 189 volunteers who fought to the death there in 1836 against an army of 4000 Mexican troops. Texas was at that time a part of Mexico, and the goal of the 189 volunteers was to break free of Mexican rule. "Remember the Alamo" was the battle cry several weeks later when a motley crew of Texas volunteers surprised the Mexican army outside Houston and defeated them.
Today , the historic chapel and barracks contain the guns and other paraphernalia used by William Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and other Texas heroes. Outside in the peaceful courtyard, a history wall recounts the history of the Alamo before and after its days as a fortress.

 

Texas Adventure
Alamo Special Effects Theater
307 Alamo Plaza
Winter: 10 -7 Summer hours: 10.-8 .
Admission charged.
Group rates available for 10 or more.
210-227-8224
An action-packed multi-media production portraying the movement toward Texas Independence with the Alamo drama as its centerpiece. Utilizing an array of state of the art special effects, the "Encountarium F/X Theatre" format surrounds viewers with an environment that simulates the touch and feel of being present as history is made. (Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired). In addition to the theatre, there is a retail store and a light food and beverage service both inside and outdoors at the Losoya Court Cafe.

 

IMAX Theatre
In the River Center Mall
This state of the art theater presents Alamo, The Price of Freedom a 45-minute docudrama. The story begins with the arrival of William B. Travis on Feb. 3, 1836, in San Antonio, and tells story of the 189 defenders who chose to die for freedom from Mexican rule. IMAX surround sound and the huge (six story) screen make the battle of the Alamo very realistic. (Small children may be frightened by the vivid scenes of battle and the loud sounds of guns being fired).

 

San Antonio Missions National Park
Established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century, the four Spanish colonial missions that now comprise this national park stand as reminders of Spain's evangelical outreach northward from Mexico. All of the missions are active parish churches which in addition to religious services offer exhibits, lectures, talks and cultural demonstrations.

(1) Missión San José
6539 San José Dr.
210-932-1001
One of the largest and most successful missions in the southwest, it has a visitor center that details the history of the missions. San José's outer wall, Native American dwellings, granary, water mill, and workshops have been restored and can be viewed by visitors.