SAN ANTONIO

Overview of
San Antonio

As the second-largest city in Texas, San Antonio is a bustling city with a small-town heart. There’s a little something for everyone – whether it’s restaurants, day-trips, shopping, or entertainment. San Antonio is surrounded by a host of small towns and suburbs but offers great neighborhoods in the city itself.

The history of the land now known as the state of Texas has a long and bloody past, beginning in the 1500s. It was not until 1718 that it was founded by Spanish explorers as a catholic mission – Mission San Antonio de Valero – named after St. Anthony of Padua.

Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836. San Antonio began growing immediately – and continues its growth to this day.

Boundaries &

Geography

San Antonio is bordered by Texas Hill Country to the north. It is not far from the city of Austin, the Texas-Mexico border, and the gulf coast.

Interstate 10 and Interstate 35 intersect in San Antonio. Not only is it convenient for people to travel in and out of the city, but these major highways make San Antonio an ideal location for manufacturers and other business sectors that rely on the country’s roadways for distribution.

Things To Do

Around San Antonio

In the city of San Antonio, you can find amazing sights, sounds, and experiences. But don’t discount the opportunity to spend time outdoors in the Texas Hill Country, especially in the springtime when the wildflowers are spectacular. A 20-minute drive will put you in the hills – great for hiking, picnics, and more!

Austin – the capital of Texas – is 90 minutes from San Antonio. Corpus Christi and the gulf coast beaches are about a 2-hour drive, Houston is 3 hours away, and the Dallas/Fort-Worth metroplex is about a 4-hour journey.

If you are new to San Antonio, you should consider a visit to the top of the Tower of the Americas – the iconic tower built in the 1960s as the theme structure for the World’s Fair Hemifair.

Family Fun

Visit the Alamo
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Museums Including the Do-seum

Outdoors & More

Swimming, Fishing, Canoeing

Running, Biking, Picnicking

Hiking, Camping

Festivals

The annual Masked Christmas
Renaissance Festival

Featuring COVID-19 Safety Measure

Nightlife

Lots of venues for excitement, relaxation, & entertainment – including the Bad Wolf Ghost Tour

San Antonio
Fun Facts

FACT 1: The largest Mexican market located outside of Mexico lies in the heart of San Antonio. From the earliest days of San Antonio’s history El Mercado has grown as a testament to our proud heritage and ties to Mexican tradition.

FACT 2:  San Antonio is one of two U.S. cities that UNESCO has designated a Creative City of Gastronomy. Prepare to be amazed!

Dining &

Shopping

San Antonio has a lot to offer – from family diners to chain restaurants, from quaint, local shops to large shopping malls with all of the big brands.

When it comes to dining, San Antonio is a motherlode of homestyle meals from all over the world. We are also home to the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio, so you might find traditional favorites with an innovative twist.

Popular Eateries

Drive-thru Chicken Wings & Daquiris
Traditional Mexican & Tex-Mex
Down-home Southern Cooking

The Essentials

Everything You Need
Here in San Antonio
National Brands
Neighborhood Stores
Farmers’ Markets
Pharmacies & Auto Parts

Local Shops

Historic Market Square –
El Mercado Mexican Market
La Villita Historic Arts Village

Shopping Centers

So Much Shopping…
so little time!

The map is overstuffed with options:

San Antonio
Schools

San Antionio is served by the San Antonio Independent School District which operates the following public high schools:

• Advanced Learning Academy (PK-12) *
• Brackenridge
• Burbank
• CAST Med (9-10)
• CAST Tech
• Edison
• Fox Tech
• Highlands
• Sam Houston
• Jefferson
• Lanier
• Phoenix Middle College (11-12)
• St. Philip’s ECHS
• Travis ECHS
• Young Men’s Leadership Academy (4-9)*
• Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-12)*

There are also several private preparatory and faith-based schools in the area – too numerous to list. We recommend an internet search to get started.