The Alamo: This “Shrine of Texas Liberty” is a world-recognized cultural icon for a reason: It stands as a proud monument to the valor and sacrifice of a few brave men who were willing to fight to their deaths in defense of Texas. Don’t forget to remember the Alamo.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Four magnificent colonial mission buildings (in addition to the legendary Alamo) transport visitors to the mid-1700s, when Spain ruled the region and attempted to civilize the native population by exposing them to Catholicism and farming at these stunning historic structures.

San Antonio River Walk: Also known as El Paseo del Rio, the River Walk spans a downtown portion of the San Antonio River and is flanked by lush tropical foliage, cobblestone walkways, and an impressive assortment of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Gruene Historic District: Take a step back in time in Gruene, a small historic district just outside of New Braunfels featuring Texas’s oldest operating dance hall, a top-notch rustic restaurant, and enough shopping options to keep the family stocked with jewelry and T-shirts for years.

San Antonio Museum of Art: A truly world-class facility, the San Antonio Museum of Art contains a global collection, from Mayans to mummies, that spans all eras.

King William Historic District: The stately mansions of the King William Historic District were built by San Antonio’s weathiest citizens in the late 1800s. Today, you can spend a lazy afternoon window shopping the several art galleries and touring some of the homes.