Here are some highlights of famous buildings downtown:
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| O. Henry House Museum |
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| U.S. Post Office Building |
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| Aztec Theater |
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| Emily Morgan Hotel |
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| Buckhorn Saloon and Museum |
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| Travis Park Methodist Episcopal Church |
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| Majestic Theater |
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| Oldest VFW Post in Texas |
The main downtown area has many interesting and architectural styles from Spanish Colonial to Art Deco. It wasn't as congested as other big cities (e.g Los Angeles) which made it more enjoyable. I traveled on foot from the outskirts of the main downtown area to the Southwest Art School and San Antonio Art Museum. I later discovered later that I took the long way to get to both.
Southwest Art School- is on the site of the Ursuline Academy founded in 1851 as a girls school led by Nuns. It was later moved and the site now houses the Southwest Art School.
Southwest Art School Historic Buildings:
The San Antonio Art Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery building. It was built in 1905 and was sold to the museum in the 1970s. It's a large complex that houses a significant Asian, Classical, Latin American, and European paintings, sculptures, furniture, and artifacts. They were renovating and remodeling at the time I visited so some areas were closed off and some major Western painting wings were closed which was a bit disappointing, but overall, the displays I saw were sufficient.
San Antonio Art Museum:
Next to the Hemisfair Park, is the historic and cultural area known as La Villita. This corner of San Antonio began in the late 1930s to house a community of artists and craftsmen. There are several preserved houses and shops that survived from the 1800s. It now houses a museum, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city did well to incorporate into its overall neighborhood master plan.
La Villita:
Missions of San Antonio National Park- Outside of the city proper lies this historically protected area along the San Antonio River. The park consists of 4 of the 5 missions that were established by the Spanish to spread Christianity from the 17th-19th centuries. The 4 missions are: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The 5th mission is the church in the Alamo complex which was originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero. Due to my schedule, I was only able to visit two: Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.
Both were in great shape and many structures were preserved and/or restored by conservators. The park is rather large and it's best to bike or drive to all 4. They are spread out so it would be too tiring to walk to them all. I took a public bus to the 2 missions from the city center. There was no entrance fee and you are free to roam all structures of the complexes. The main sanctuary of the missions are still used for church services weekly. The surrounding courtyard and walls are a blend of original and reconstructed stone bricks. Some of the original stone ovens survived and are present throughout the interior. At the time I went, it wasn't crowded (even thought it was a Sunday), so it was peaceful and tranquil strolling across the church lawns and exploring the various buildings at the missions. This was definitely a highlight of my trip as it was far away from the city center, there was more fresh air, it was more green, and the missions appear as much as they did during the colonial days.
Mission Concepcion:
Mission San Jose:
San Antonio exceeded my expectations overall. It's constant efforts to display and preserve it's past while incorporating modern attractions have made it a well run cultural city. There endless attractions, dining options, and green spaces to relax and enjoy the scenery. This is definitely a place I recommend to those who visit Texas. The city is easily walkable and there are plenty of attractions along the main Riverwalk area. I hope you have the chance to visit San Antonio to experience it for yourself!
My next blog will showcase some daytrips I took since I moving back to Korea!
Please subscribe to my blog and instagram: joelglobetrotter. Thank you for your support!
Southwest Art School- is on the site of the Ursuline Academy founded in 1851 as a girls school led by Nuns. It was later moved and the site now houses the Southwest Art School.
Southwest Art School Historic Buildings:
The San Antonio Art Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery building. It was built in 1905 and was sold to the museum in the 1970s. It's a large complex that houses a significant Asian, Classical, Latin American, and European paintings, sculptures, furniture, and artifacts. They were renovating and remodeling at the time I visited so some areas were closed off and some major Western painting wings were closed which was a bit disappointing, but overall, the displays I saw were sufficient.
San Antonio Art Museum:
Next to the Hemisfair Park, is the historic and cultural area known as La Villita. This corner of San Antonio began in the late 1930s to house a community of artists and craftsmen. There are several preserved houses and shops that survived from the 1800s. It now houses a museum, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city did well to incorporate into its overall neighborhood master plan.
La Villita:
Missions of San Antonio National Park- Outside of the city proper lies this historically protected area along the San Antonio River. The park consists of 4 of the 5 missions that were established by the Spanish to spread Christianity from the 17th-19th centuries. The 4 missions are: Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The 5th mission is the church in the Alamo complex which was originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero. Due to my schedule, I was only able to visit two: Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.
Both were in great shape and many structures were preserved and/or restored by conservators. The park is rather large and it's best to bike or drive to all 4. They are spread out so it would be too tiring to walk to them all. I took a public bus to the 2 missions from the city center. There was no entrance fee and you are free to roam all structures of the complexes. The main sanctuary of the missions are still used for church services weekly. The surrounding courtyard and walls are a blend of original and reconstructed stone bricks. Some of the original stone ovens survived and are present throughout the interior. At the time I went, it wasn't crowded (even thought it was a Sunday), so it was peaceful and tranquil strolling across the church lawns and exploring the various buildings at the missions. This was definitely a highlight of my trip as it was far away from the city center, there was more fresh air, it was more green, and the missions appear as much as they did during the colonial days.
Mission Concepcion:
Mission San Jose:
My next blog will showcase some daytrips I took since I moving back to Korea!
Please subscribe to my blog and instagram: joelglobetrotter. Thank you for your support!
