San Antonio is the third largest city in the state. and the seventh largest in the United States. San Antonio is the seat of Bexar County (pronounced "bear"). The metropolitan statistical area consists of Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Wilson counties. San Antonio is in South Central Texas, approximately 140 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico and 150 miles northeast of the city of Laredo on the Mexican border
One of America's oldest cities, San Antonio was colonized by the Spanish empire in the early 1700s. Rich layers of this and other cultures give the city its distinction.
One of Texas' most famous cities is the City of San Antonio. Tourism thrives in San Antonio and has become one of the city's leading industries. The famed RiverWalk (Paseo Del Rio) takes visitors along 3 miles of cool shady pathways lined with unique retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. During the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the RiverWalk undergoes a stunning transformation, becoming an impressive festival of lights. San Antonio's most famous attraction is also Texas' top tourist draw: The Alamo. Located on beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of the city, the attraction includes a museum containing relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and narration chronicling the fall of the Alamo. The city has a multitude of other notable attractions as well.
More than 2.5 million people a year visit the 4.2 acre complex known world wide as "The Alamo." Most come to see the old mission where as mall band of Texans held out for thirteen the Centralist army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Although the Alamo fell in the early morning hours of March 6, 1836, the death of the Alamo Defenders has come to symbolize courage and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty. The memories of James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis are as powerful today as when the Texan Army under Sam Houston shouted "Remember the Alamo!" as it routed Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. The Alamo has been managed by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas since 1905. Located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo represents nearly 300 years of history. Three buildings - the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum - house exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas History.
The city has an extensive urban park system - 11,000 acres and 68 miles of trails. The Hill Country, which starts on San Antonio's doorstep, is one of the country's premiere outdoor adventure areas.
San Antonio's extensive park system is one of the largest in the U.S. Stroll the Japanese Tea Garden, ride a miniature train, or take in exotic animals at the San Antonio Zoo. Dwarf yourself in front of the Tower of the Americas at HemisFair Park.
San Antonio is a shopper's paradise. With miles upon miles of outlets, malls, galleries, unique shops and Mexican markets, it's easy to find great gifts or the perfect fit.
San Antonio is a city on the cusp of two worlds. To the south, a metropolitan skyline. To the north, the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. So whether you crave the life of the city or the ambiance of the countryside, San Antonio awaits. In San Antonio, visitors can enjoy the best of city and country. All the cosmopolitan pleasures of a major metropolis are here.The city is perched at the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country so the fun of exploring the countryside and its small towns just a short drive away. Here you don’t have to choose city or country, because you can have both.
San Antonio military bases are an important part of the city and a fascinating way to spend time on your vacation. From Fort Sam Houston, the birthplace of military aviation, to Lackland Air Force Base, one of four Air Force training centers nationwide, to historical exhibits at Hangar 9 in the Brooks-City Air Force Base, San Antonio military bases offer visitors the opportunity to explore the past, present and future of the American military and the city of San Antonio.
Golf really started to boom in San Antonio in the early 1990s. Today San Antonio has over 40 golf courses and practice greens. Plus, two Tournament Players Club courses are online for 2010.
The city is one of less than a half-dozen in the U.S. cities to host both a PGA tour event and the 50-and-older Champions Tour AT&T championship.
When the stars come out over the South Texas Plains, it's time to head to the nightclubs and dance halls. Two-step to a country-western band or sway to a Tejano group. Maybe you are looking for traditional jazz or a sing-along at an Irish pub or piano bar. Whatever you're in the mood for, San Antonio offers a wide range of entertainment options when the sun goes down.
San Antonio is home to a vast array of attractions and events to enthrall the kiddies as well as mom and dad. From the San Antonio Children’s Museum to the Plaza Wax Museum, from SeaWorld to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, this family-friendly city just oozes with energy and excitement. So bring the entire family and discover what makes this Southwestern hotspot the perfect family vacation destination.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $106,200
Demographics
Population in July 2007: 1,328,984. San Antonio covers 407.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 809 feet above sea level.
Area codes: 830, 210
Climate
San Antonio, TX climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cool during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 50's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 94.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 38.60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 24 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at San Antonio is 32.92 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.72 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
approximately 140 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico and 150 miles northeast of the city of Laredo on the Mexican border