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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This is a nice gazebo in the center of King William, a beautiful antebellum neighborhood just south…read moreof downtown. The gazebo actually started off in the 1890's down the street at the Commander's House on the Arsenal just up the river. The site it sits on was a baseball diamond prior to the gazebo going in. It's the home to the King William Fair, an annual Fiesta event where people sit out and watch a parade, and relax in the park surrounding the gazebo and listen to bluegrass music and jazz. IT was recently renovated, and can be reserved for your next event. There's a bench on the interior, and a water fountain for you and your dog. Parking is easy, when there's not an event going on. The park is well lit, and feels safe, even late at night. It's a sharp looking gazebo, and the perfect place to relax and play.

This is a great gem that all should visit when in SA. I have been to SA many times and finally made…read moreit a point to come and I feel so silly that it took me this long - there are 5 missions in total (including the Alamo) and all are unique and gorgeous. Most are closely located (need to drive between unless you want a multi-mile walk) and are easily accessible once you arrive. Take your time at each mission to enjoy the scenery and history within! Parking - plentiful in private lots at each location.

On this visit to Mission San Jose we went purely to take photos and this mission is the perfect…read moresubject. It is the largest mission in San Antonio complete with a beautiful ornate facade and so many magnificent architectural features. Whenever we host guests from out of town Mission San Jose is on our must see list. I love the visitor center and the movie they feature, it's a great educational piece. I highly recommend visiting Mission San Jose for an unforgettable history lesson and beautiful sights.

We were here during the week and it was very quiet. Only a handful of stores were open on Wednesday…read morearound 5pm. Very easy to walk and browse. Love the local cats that wander around and live in some of the stores. The cats look homeless, but they are domesticated street cats. The stores have a lot of amazing locally made items - a lot of talented artists. One store - the bird and pear had fun stickers, art work and sauces, a lot of souveniers available. The prices were decent for a tourist area. There was a least one store that has a sign posted, no photos allowed in the store. Please be aware and respectful of these requests. I would love to be able to go back at some point when more stores are open.

We visited a few times. We first went to explore dinner places - yet all the shops had closed. So,…read morewe went back the next morning and explored for a couple of hours. It is a restored set of buildings that date back over a century sandwiched between streets on 3 sides and the river on the 4th side. Wide variety of small, specialty shops ranging from handmade stuff to unique gifts. There are 2 parks within. There are historic signs by the buildings. There's an outdoor theater. Very easy access to the River Walk. To see it all took us about three hours.

The Cenotaph is known as spirit of sacrifice to remember the man who actually defended the Alamo…read more This monument was build in 1977. It is to remember the Texas men that was lost and take the stand on the battle. The monument stood very tall with service men carved in the stone. This monument located in front of the Main Street from the famous hotel there.

The Alamo Cenotaph is a monument erected in the plaza in front of the Alamo, and was built in 1936…read moreto commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. Cenotaph means empty tomb in Greek. The names of those who died in the Battle of the Alamo are engraved on the monument.