I was directed to go to the Visitor Center to get access for the museum located about a mile away…read moreon the other side of Fort Sam Houston -- but the whole experience felt like trying to join a covert government program, not visit a history museum. The "Visitor Center" isn't what it sounds like. It's a plain brick cube with little to no signage -- more like a contractor entrance than an entry point for curious civilians. You're queued into one of four reflective glass windows with a mic, camera, and a speaker loud enough to echo down the street. After almost thirty minutes of standing in line, my number was finally called. The voice on the other side was polite, but the process was eerie and drawn-out. Over the next thirty minutes I was asked for my driver's license, Social Security number, a photo, and fingerprints (both index fingers). Long silent pauses between each request made it feel like some dystopian ritual. When they finally asked for my rental car registration and proof of insurance, I walked away. In fairness, Fort Sam Houston itself has deep historical roots -- the post dates back to the 1840s and has housed key Army units through many conflicts, and it's home to the Fort Sam Houston Museum and the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum, which trace military and medical history from the 18th century to today. The Quadrangle, a National Historic Landmark built in the late 1800s, is also part of that story. But as of right now, trying to visit as a civilian feels like an exercise in patience and frustration. Security requirements on a military base are understandable, yet the way they're enforced here makes it clear the Army doesn't actually want walk-in museum visitors -- even if they won't say that outright. If you're a history buff, this place should be on your list -- just call ahead, prepare to jump through hoops, and maybe bring a sponsor with military ID to make entry easier.

100% 5 star rating all the way! Obviously you're only getting here if you've got some sort of…read moremilitary affiliation but wow oh wow is this place amazing! You have no idea that what you are about to enter could even be on the inside of this fort. From the time you enter it's just silent and peaceful. The peacocks, the deers and the ducks are all astoundingly beautiful! March-May is the best time with it being mating season for the peacocks. Their feathers in full is breathtaking!

A bit underwhelming…read more When I visited Grotto, I was a little disappointed. The Grotto is a small section of the Riverwalk that is designed as a man-made rock grotto. You can walk under the cave to view a waterfall and fountain. I am not sure if it was construction or a poorly built safety rail, but the pathway surrounding the installation was lined with cheap-looking PVC pipes and buckets filled with concrete. It really took away from the art installation. The photos really make the Grotto seem larger and more robust than it actually is. Once you walk under it, the main attraction (the face and fountain) is actually quite small. I would only really visit if you're in the Pearl-Midtown area, otherwise I would not recommend going out of your way to see it.

What: landmark/art. Very cool to walk along and have this random, eclectic art to enjoy and…read moreappreciate. Location: 5 minute walk from The Pearl Brewery.

We absolutely loved this. How fun that you can see a free light show and get a history lesson at…read morethe same time. The church itself is beautiful and provides the perfect backdrop to the images. The music that goes along with it seemed to match up and provide the right mood. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the sound system was. At 25 minutes long it was just right for hanging out in the square to check it out. There are small tables - try to get an upfront one for the best view. 100% Recommended!

Okay, so I showed up with my out-of-town family thinking this was a Christmas light show. Umm,…read morespoiler, it's not. I was pretty disappointed. But now that I know what it actually is, I've got to say it's great for a free downtown show. There's also a parking garage super close, and they've got chairs set up in front of the church, which is helpful. The light show itself is an artistic take on US and San Antonio history from a French artist using laser lights and sounds, but no words. There's also a great deal of religious Catholic symbolism. To be honest, I was lost for a good chunk of it. I wish they'd at least flashed the years they were showing--I couldn't really keep up with the timeframe showing was until they hit Frederick Douglass (I think?), and that was way deep in...but still everything was visually pleasing even if I didn't understand. Tips: 1) If you're sensitive to lights, bring sunglasses like I did to let your eyes adjust. The laser lights are super bright. 2) Check the website before you go. 3) It's not Christmas-y at all, but if you're up for a free 24-minute artsy history vibe, you might enjoy it more knowing ahead of time.

Cool place to visit, it's a bridge overlooking tracks, fun to walk on…read more The sun was out, the weather wasn't bad, the bridge was an older bridge.

This is a spectacular pedestrian bridge in San Antonio. The bridge looks over a few restaurants…read morebeneath, so once you've enjoyed the beautiful view of the cityscape from above, you can take a breather in the shade below and enjoy a beverage or a light bite. This is an excellent space to engage with different parts of the San Antonio community, from children racing each other down the bridge to electric scooter brigades motoring together to dancers creating routines spontaneously to take advantage of the lovely backdrop. When the weather is beautiful, everyone is out and about with smiles from ear to ear. If you're interested in a vast, all-encompassing view of the city and some people watching on the side, the Hays Street Bridge is for you. If you happen to also do yoga, the city periodically offers free yoga lessons at all hours of the day. Be sure to take advantage of those lovely sessions as well!

Parking is limited here, so if you come in the middle of the day, just know it might take a minute…read more Also, there are some shaded areas, but not much, so I'd definitely recommend going on a mild weather day instead of when it's really hot. But once you're in... I was honestly struck by how beautiful it is. The stone, the flowers, the water, the koi fish... everything just flows together in a way that feels really calm and intentional. It's such a peaceful, tranquil little spot in the middle of the city. The kind of place where you can slow down without even trying. I also love that it's free. There's a small coffee shop on-site, so you can grab a drink and just sit, take it all in, and enjoy the moment. Calm. Peaceful. Serene.

Beautiful garden that's free to go in with a waterfall, koi fish and turtles…read more Some stairs so a bit difficult to go with a stroller/wheelchair but doable! Recommended!

As you're enjoying a nice stroll along the Riverwalk, you'll find yourself under the Camden Street…read morebridge-and you'll know that you're there by the giant fish hanging overhead. No, they are not real fish, but a beautiful art installation. I visited during the day, but I hear that they light up and are a sight to behold at night. I also hear that there are lots of bats that take flight right around sundown from the bridge and it's a neat thing to experience. I'll have to come back another time to check it out for myself. But the daytime view wasn't too shabby.

Love the Grotto and the fish art!! Parked under the bridge close-by. Worth the trip!read more

Historic sculpture on the Commerce Street Bridge. Commissioned by the San Antonio Express, Waldine…read moreTauch created a seven foot tall sculpture to honor the Native Americans. Ms. Tauch was a very well known sculptor in Texas. She was paid $1000 for her sculpture. The sculpture features a First Native American in a full headdress holding shallow bowls in each hand. Each bowl served as public drinking fountains at some point. Pause to think about the historical significance and history that happened here as you visit the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Yanaguana! This is one of my favorite places to hang out…read moredowntown San Antonio. If you can figure out how to get here without a car, this is a great vantage point to see San Antonio, and a great place to start off an adventure downtown. I've always wondered who built this, and Helene S.'s review was quite illuminating! So this sculpture is next to Sebastian's International Torch of Friendship, a maybe 30-40' high red sculpture that's hard to miss. Between this sculpture and that one is the famed Portland Loo- an outdoor free restroom. There's also the elevator that takes you down to the Riverwalk here. Standing on the bridge where this First Inhabitant sculpture is, this is a good spot to eavesdrop on the river cruises below, or just smell the Mexican food coming from Casa Rio. The Indian depicted in this carving must be a Yanaguana Indian chief, as they were the first Indians who were known to inhabit the San Antonio River area thousands of years ago. They covered an area a bit more up river near the University of Incarnate Word down along this river to where the Missions are today. Today, down the street at Hemisfair Park, you'll find Yanaguana Gardens, which celebrates this tribe.

Stop by to take an iconic pic from the Selena movie scene…read more Actually, the best part was meeting other people who showed up to take pics too. Anything for Selenas!

Specifically, it is located on the Riverwalk between N. Saint Mary's Street and Navarro Street…read more Picturesque and romantic. The bridge where Selena was proposed to in the movie. "Late at night when all the world is sleeping, I stay up and think of you, And wish on a star that somewhere you are thinking of me too." If you want to feel free, feel like you're flying even, then you need to get yourself and the love of your life to the Selena bridge.

The Blue Hole, as modest as it is, should still be a bucket list item for San Antonio dwellers…read more Along with other springs in the Headwaters area, it's the source of the San Antonio river, which has shaped our city and its culture for ages. Logistics. Best times to go are evenings and weekends when it's easier to find parking on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word. Suggestions: park near the Natatorium and cross the river on a footbridge. Or, park near the Student Engagement Center. The path to the Blue Hole takes you past a sand volleyball court. Turn left into a wooded area, and you'll see a low stone wall encircling the spring. Sometimes the spring is dry, and sometimes it is flowing freely. Before you visit, check water level of the Edwards Aquifer. When these pictures were taken, the J-17 well was at 672' and rising. When the spring is flowing, the water surges up through cracks in the limestone and spills out into the muddy, leafy riverbed. Small fish dart around in the water. The spring is a small and humble place compared to the river as it goes through the artsy Museum Reach, the famous Riverwalk, the naturalistic Mission Reach, and beyond. Nevertheless, the Blue Hole has a sacred feeling. There is a bench nearby inscribed with the dictum, "Be still and know."

I don't consider myself religious by any means, but I always feel a sense of peace when I'm at Blue…read moreHole. Today was the first time in 11 years I've visited it and I was lucky enough to see it teaming with water and tiny little fish nipping at things. Thanks to all the recent rain, the headwaters seem to have awoken and the natural spring began to flow. It looks different from the water in the river in the middle of the campus, looking clearer, cooler, and more inviting to stick your feet in (please don't). In fact, when I graduated, my dad filled an empty plastic water bottle from the spring and to this day it sits on a shelf in their living room. The water is crystal clear and looks drinkable. (again, please don't) The area is kept relatively clean with little to no litter surrounding the wall of the spring or immediate areas of the headwaters. A bench nearby is inscribed with "Be still and know," which wasn't there 11 years ago, but is still a nice touch to sit, ponder, meditate, and reflect. One of the more secluded spots, the sand volleyball court is probably the closest thing you'll catch a glimpse of. It's not too far within the woods where it's scary, but just far enough from the hustle and bustle of campus life.

It was nice to get a 360 degrees view of San Antonio from way up there in the sky. The ticket also…read moreincluded a 4D movie experience. There was also a nice gift shop on the ground floor and a fancy restaurant below the observation deck. Overall, it was enjoyable, but probably a one and done type of experience.

I purchased the city pass and I chose this to be one of our attractions. The experience was ok. On…read morethe observation area they are doing construction so is an eye sore. I have been to several observation view area and they have several photo opportunities which you can send the photo to yourself. On the top floor, I don't think I saw a gift store. On the first floor, they offer with your paid ticket to see a 10 mins 4D film. The movie was cute but I didn't like the chair interaction that touched your back. Overall I think the experience was ok, I think it needs modifications.