THE ALAMO MISSION

DISCOVER THE STORY OF SAN ANTONIO AS THE TEXAN CITY CELEBRATES 300 YEARS OF CULTURE, CREATIVITY, AND COMPELLING HISTORY.

If you're planning a trip stateside this year, then San Antonio, Texas’ second most populated city after Houston needs to be on your itinerary. Named one of National Geographic Traveller's ‘Best of the World’ for 2018, the city is celebrating its 300th anniversary with a year of fascinating exhibitions and exciting events marking its colourful past, making it a special and unique time to visit this vibrant place.

San Antonio's history began in May 1718, when Spanish fort the San Antonio de Bexar Presidio and Roman Catholic fortress compound Mission San Antonio de Valero now known as the Alamo) were first founded. Their inhabitants helped to lay the foundations for the eclectic art, diverse culture and impressive innovations that are now synonymous with San Antonio, and the subsequent centuries saw it grow into the seventh-largest city in the US. A major contributor to the development of Texan arts, tourism, cuisine and technology, San Antonio is full of character and offers attractions that you simply won't find anywhere else.

The San Antonio River Walk is an oasis of cypress-lined paved paths, arched stone bridges and lush landscapes. Gently winding through the city centre, it provides easy access to San Antonio's cultural hot spots, historic sites, shops and restaurants, and lies just steps from the Main Plaza. The city is also home to Texas' only UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is made up of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Alamo, and is the only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in Texas thanks to its thriving culinary scene. There's no doubt that 2018 is the year to visit San Antonio and join in the celebrations of its past, present and future.