Right now you are sitting somewhere doing research on another city that you are most likely trying to visit. The city of San Antonio has caught your interest. But what do you know about it? What kind of history does the city have? Who are the people that live there? What are the most popular places to go to? Where should I go eat? lastly, what are their sports teams?
In San Antonio, you can find any hotel and book a room, but why would you want to? You can use AirBnb and not only rent a room for cheaper but meet new people along the way. Plus, if you plan to use AirBnb more often and would like to have an outstanding rating on your customer profile, then you should look into hiring a maid service. This will make future hosts pick you faster and easier.
History
San Antonio was originally a Coahuiltecan Indian Village. In 1691, Spanish explorers and missionaries happened upon a river on Saint Anthony’s Day, which they ended up naming it the San Antonio River. In 1718, San Antonio was established as a Spanish military post, which later became what we know as the Alamo. Later on in time, the city became a center for cattle ranchers and garnered a large number of European immigrants. More specifically from Germany and then Czechoslovakia.
It became the southern hub and supplier of the cattle trail drives. Emerging as an important wool market developed with the importation of merino sheep to the adjacent Hill Country. With the coming of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway in 1877, San Antonio, formerly without a transportation system, entered a new era of economic growth.
As the city expanded, San Antonio blissfully merged its past in with new modern pieces of each generation. Old Spanish walls remain standing next to modern glass towers. Rows of Victorian mansions can be seen with a combination of charm sought by millions of visitors. Today, close to twenty million visitors a year come to San Antonio to see its wonderful charm.
Demographics
- White: 80.08%
- Black or African American: 6.99%
- Other race: 6.67%
- Asian: 2.75%
- Two or more races: 2.74%
- Native American: 0.67%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.10%
Popular Places To Visit
A fantastic way to get to know San Antonio is by going down to the riverwalk. Connected by a bunch of walkways that zig and zag underneath bridges on both sides of the river, you will find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants connecting you to all the tourist hotspots. The Paseo del Rio (San Antonio River Walk) was created by a devastating flood that ended up taking the lives of 50 people.
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an actual safari that over 500 animals from over 40 different species call home. Unfortunately there are no elephants or predatory animals but there are zebras! All these animals share a 400 acre area of land lined with trees and hills. Bring your kids and show them how emus and ostrich’s will come right up to the window. You can drive through it over and over and get one free bag of food with your entrance fee.
You cannot come to San Antonio and not see The Alamo. The Alamo Roman Catholic Mission, which is now a museum, was founded in the 18th century and educates on the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
Bring your family and you will all learn how The Alamo progressed over the years. The tour guides are very well rounded about the complete history and are super passionate about teaching everyone who comes to learn. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop for some cool souvenirs.
Sports
The city is home to one professional sports team and that is the San Antonio Spurs NBA team. The Spurs have 5 championship titles and 6 conference titles. The most notable players from the Spurs organization (currently all retired): are Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. When you come to visit you will have to check out a game because they are definitely a team to watch.
Cuisine
Oh the food! What we wouldn’t do to get our hands on some fantastic San Antonio food. From mouth watering barbecue to spicy Mexican cuisine they know how to outdo everyone else. When deciding what to eat may be a little tricky but deciding where to eat should be a little easier.
Here are three restaurant recommendations we suggest you try out!
The Barbecue Station
The Barbecue Station is known to be the best barbecue in South Texas and their smoked chicken proves that. The chicken is cooked to perfection with mouth-watering BBQ flavor and sides that can include creamed corn, potato salad, green beans, cole slaw, pinto beans, or fries. Not to mention the smoked chicken meal is only $8.99, so it fits perfectly in the road trip budget. Located at 1610 NE Loop 410.
Henry’s Puffy Tacos
Puffy Tacos are San Antonio’s most famous dish. Incase you aren’t a texan, a puffy taco is different from a regular taco, in that the tortillas are fried to deliciousness. At Henry’s Puffy Tacos you can get shredded chicken, bean & cheese, carne guisada, spicy beef fajita, or spicy chicken fajita tacos. It’s a true Tex-Mex experience. Located at 6030 Bandera Road.
Dough Pizzeria
Dough Pizzeria is easily the most popular pizza in town and a must try when in the San Antonio area. The name says it all. The pizza consists of House made sausage, speck, Sopressata salami, pancetta, house made mozzarella, and tomato sauce. This delish dish was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, that’s how awesome it is.
The beautiful San Antonio Texas! The Alamo, Riverwalk, puffy tacos and more. From the moment you come step foot here you will instantly fall in love with the culture and surroundings. It will be hard for you to want to go home but it will be a lot easier for you to decide to come back.
