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Looking for a vacation full of culture, guaranteed sunshine, and plenty of things to see and do?
There’s no need to follow the herd to Europe this summer because you can find all of that and more right here in the U.S.
The Texan city of San Antonio is a fascinating hotspot with a rich colonial heritage.
According to San Antonio tourist officials this is the busiest time of year in the city for leisure travelers, with 77% hotel occupancy registered for July, despite swelteringly hot summer temperatures.
Here’s why this vibrant Texan city is a hot spot for summer travel:
Hello To The Alamo
By far the biggest attraction in San Antonio, no matter what the time of year, is the Alamo.
Built in 1718, this is a beautiful building and a fascinating place to gain a deeper appreciation for the history and heritage of Texas.
Of course the main focus of any tour here is on the Battle of the Alamo and the Alamo is considered the Shrine of Texas Liberty. You can’t possibly visit San Antonio and not explore this iconic building.
What makes the Alamo so unique is that it offers something different for each different type of visitor. Historic buildings, fascinating artefacts, dramatic living history, and restful gardens, you could dedicate a full day to your visit.
The Alamo church is free to enter or you can take a self-guided tour of the Alamo Exhibit, and Alamo Church, with an audio tour narrated by Ray Benson for $20.
If you’re feeling spendy then $45 per person will cover a guided tour by an Alamo Expert.
You’ll see the outdoor battlefield, Alamo Church, and then the Alamo Exhibit.
Water Parks And Pools Galore
In summer 2023 San Antonio experienced the city’s hottest summer since meteorological records began!
As you would expect, that acted as a deterrent to many would-be visitors.
But this summer the city is prepared.
A new campaign called “The Many Cools of San Antonio” has been introduced to promote the many excellent water facilities on offer in the city.
These include pools and water parks galore, and if you like a proper theme park experience then Sea World San Antonio are opening two new attractions this summer.
These are the Tikitapu Splash flume at their Aquatica water park and Catapult falls, which is a water coaster, in the Seaworld park.
If you want to stay cool without breaking the bank then you’ll be interested to hear that all 24 of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation outdoor pools are free.
Each pool opens 6 days a week, closing on rotation, so there’s always plenty of places to cool off when the sun’s shining.
Stroll Along The San Antonio River
If you prefer to be on the water than in the water, then there are plenty of opportunities to be by the water in San Antonio too.
The San Antonio River Walk is a vibrant spot lined with shops, eateries, and hotels. As the name suggests, these are all located along the river, meaning they offer a welcoming breeze during the summer months.
You can’t swim in the San Antonio River but it’s a great place to take a river cruise. If I’m short on time in a new city, then I always take a river cruise as it’s one of the best ways of seeing as much as possible and getting a feel for a place in just a couple of hours.
Go Rio offer San Antonio river cruises that are practical, fun, and factual all at the same time.
Your guide will share San Antonio’s rich history, its colorful culture and exciting future.
And it’s an affordable choice, with 35-minute narrated cruises costing $14.50 per adult or $8.50 per child. Other concessions are available.
The downtown river walk is a 2 1/2 mile stretch of beautifully landscaped waterfront that forms a loop, and this is a great place to stay in San Antonio, especially during the summer months.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.