Texas Travel

3 Historical Sites to Visit in San Antonio

By Laura Byrom 2.8.14

They don’t call it the Alamo City for nothing. San Antonio may be best known for the Alamo, but it’s also home to many other historical treasures. Next time you’re in town, check out these three historical places in San Antonio:

Majestic Theatre

Take a musical step back in time at the Majestic Theatre, San Antonio’s oldest and the first fully air-conditioned theater in the state of Texas. Designed by John Eberson in 1929, this downtown landmark features ornate Mediterranean-style architecture and seats 2,264 people. Following extensive renovations, the theater reopened in 1989 and became home to the San Antonio Symphony and Broadway in San Antonio series. Interested in catching a show?  Check out a list of upcoming shows and events here.

Menger Hotel

Are you afraid of the dark?  Test your wits by staying overnight at this historic hotel that is rumored to be haunted by several resident ghosts. Established in 1859, the Menger Hotel houses more than 300 guest rooms and suites, many of which overlook the Alamo. Notable guests include Babe Ruth, Mae West, and Oscar Wilde. Legend has it that Teddy Roosevelt even used the hotel bar to recruit volunteers for his famous Rough Riders cavalry brigade before the Spanish-American War.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Explore the Old Spanish Missions built along the San Antonio River during the 18th century: Mission Concepcion, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The park’s visitor center is located in Mission San José along with a museum and bookstore. Free guided tours are offered by the National Park Service but many visitors opt to download the park map and hike the trails on their own. Fun fact: all four missions still function as active Catholic parishes and hold regular services.

And if you happen to have extra time, go for a stroll along the Riverwalk and Remember the Alamo!