1. Authentic Culture Itinerary
Discover the authentic culture of San Antonio, from its contemporary art galleries to its old-world open
markets. The city is a mix of flavors and cultures, influenced by colonial Spain, Native Americans,
Germany, Mexico, the Old West and the Deep South. Experience the fusion during your visit.
Day 1
Step back in time to the days of colonial Spain with a visit to the 18th-century missions that spread European
culture and converted the native people to Christianity— forever changing the face of the Southwest.
Originally built as a mission in 1724—the Alamo is most well known for its 1836 battle where 189 Texas defend-
ers held the mission against over 4,000 Mexican soldiers for 13 days during the Texas Revolution.
Mission San José was established in 1720 and became known as the “Queen of the Missions.” Its grand design
of stone walls, bastions, granary and magnificent church was completed
in 1782.
Arguably the most beautiful mission, Concepción looks much like it did
almost three centuries ago. Native American residents built much of the mission which fostered a sense of
community and trained them as artisans.
Mission San Juan’s fertile farmlands allowed it to be self-sustainable, while its surplus helped supply the
region with produce. The chapel and bell tower are still in use.
Mission Espada contains the best-preserved segment of the acequia (irrigation system) that was used to
bring water to the fields.
Day 2
Forget about splurging on an around-the-world ticket. Feast on Spanish tapas as mariachi music serenades you; join the gemutlichkeit while hoist-
ing a stein of pilsner; dance the Greek syrtaki or an Irish jig—all in San Antonio. Here are some great stops for circumnavigating the world in the
Alamo City.
Main Plaza is the heart of the original town laid out for San Antonio. Everything official and important happened around this square, from the
announcement of a new Spanish king to civic fiestas. Nearby, experience the romance of Old Spain at the Spanish Governor’s Palace, Texas’ only
surviving aristocratic Spanish home.
La Villita, “the little village,” was originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Ala-
mo. It has been reincarnated into a historic arts village where shops, cafes and galleries are
housed in beautifully restored residences.
The Historic King William District was settled in the early 19th-century by German immigrants
who built Victorian mansions along a slow bend in the San Antonio River. Today the neighbor-
hood offers bed and breakfasts, art galleries and restaurants.
Treat yourself to lunch, shopping and gallery hopping along the river at The Southwest School of
Art and Craft, originally a 19th-century French convent for Ursuline nuns.
Catch a show at the 1920s-era Majestic Theatre where Spanish, Baroque and Mediterranean ar-
chitecture bring to life a mystical village. Its greatest feature can be found in the stars above as the
vaulted sky, or ceiling, mirrors a sprawling Texas evening.
Day 3
San Antonio is known for its art scene, from the fusion of Latin cultures in Southtown to First Friday gallery walks at Blue Star to a nationally-
acclaimed line-up of museums.
Artpace is a contemporary art foundation with a residency and exhibition program that features local, national and international art. The Blue
Star Arts Complex is a mixed use development where historic warehouse buildings were transformed into galleries, retail and performance spaces,
artist work spaces, design offices and loft apartments.
Combining art, history, cultural education and live performance—the Smithsonian-affiliated Museo
Alameda tells the story of Latinos in America and has access to the Smithsonian’s collections, exhibi-
tions and educational programming.
The San Antonio Museum of Art reclaimed the historic Lone Star Brewery (built in 1884), turning it
into one of the most impressive art museums in Texas. Its permanent collection spans the continents
with European and American paintings, Asian art and antiquities from Greek and Roman eras.
Known as the first museum of modern art in Texas, the McNay Art Museum resides in a 1920’s Span-
ish Colonial Revival-style mansion, showcasing works from artist such as Cézanne, Picasso and Van
Gogh. Recently the McNay added the Stieren Center for Exhibitions with a glass paneled ceiling, al-
lowing exhibitions to be viewed in natural light—a feat rare for museums.
© 2008 By THE SAN ANTONIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

2. Map of Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Downtown
San Antonio
Museum of Art
Southwest School
of Art & Craft McNay Art
Museum
ArtPace
Majestic & Empire
eatres
Museo
Alameda
Main Plaza
Downtown
La Villita
King William
Historic District
MissionTrail
Mission Trail
Blue Star
Art Complex