nearby attraction at Mid Towne Inn and Suites
You might never run out of things to do in San Antonio, and you’ll have the money for exploring when you stay at this simple, clean and affordable SAT Airport hotel, just 6 miles from the airport. Perhaps the most affordable of the many hotels in San Antonio, Texas, we’re just 11 miles from downtown attractions that include the River Walk, the Alamo and the Alamodome. Also around the city and region are the history of Fort Sam Houston, the shopping at San Marcos Outlets, the fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas plus Lackland Air Force Base and SeaWorld San Antonio as well as a nearly endless array of other attractions.
On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. The Long Barracks Museum and Library is located near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers a narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city.
The San Antonio River is the heart of the country's oldest and most extensive Spanish-colonial water system, having supplied water for the construction of San Antonio's five historic missions. Today, the river still winds its way through the city, defining neighborhoods and offering a landscape of beauty and tranquility to behold from its shady banks. In the city center, the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is made up of cobbled walkways, bridges, cafés, shops, restaurants and bars along the river's edge. Its three miles of pathways are a full level below city streets, creating the ambiance of a secluded oasis. Aside the meandering San Antonio River, stone pathways connect shops, restaurants, hotels and museums with a blend of historic and modern architecture that resonates the depth of this centuries-old metropolis. Among these walkways, commerce meets culture with the sounds of mariachis serenading diners and river taxis carrying guests across the spring-fed river that has attracted people to this region for centuries. Soon the River Walk will extend from two to thirteen miles, connecting many of San Antonios prestigious museums and historic districts with beautifully preserved 18th century, Spanish Colonial missions.
The “Queen of the Missions,” is the largest mission in San Antonio. Spanish designers, directing workers from the local Coahuiltecan tribe, built the mission in the late 1700s using Texas limestone and brightly colored stucco. At its height, it provided sanctuary and a social and cultural community for more than 300 Indians, and was surrounded by acres of fields and livestock herds. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) almost fully restored it to its original design in the 1930s. The mission church holds a Mariachi Mass on Sundays and has a rose window in the sacristy.
La Villita As San Antonio's first neighborhood, La Villita, "the little village," was originally established by Spanish soldiers stationed at the Alamo. Today it is a historic arts village that houses shops, art galleries and restaurants in Spanish, Mexican, German and French-influenced residences.
SeaWorld San Antonio, the world's largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace, presents a splashy lineup of more than 26 sensational shows, thrilling rides, animal attractions and educational experiences for all ages. It's actually four parks in one on 250 acres: a show park, a rides and slides park, a water park and an amazing animals park.
A visually stunning Shamu show. "Believe," a visually stunning Shamu show takes you on a sensational, breathtaking journey of curiosity and wonder. This captivating, dramatic show, features music, video and animal behaviors in a theater setting. During the high-energy water sessions, guests seated in the first 20 rows must be prepared to become splash victims! Come see why Shamu is famous!
This spectacular new show is a journey beyond, to a place where beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, colorful birds, and human acrobats come together in a celebration of sea and sky. Their world like ours is magical and amazing, filled with wonder and surprise at every turn. Don't miss the grand opening of this breathtaking celebration of nature and amazing animals. New for 2010!
Comical sea lion duo Clyde and Seamore star in "The Cannery Row Caper," where the sea lions attempt to unravel the mystery of disappearing fish in a nearby cannery. The set features a wharf exterior with a cannery, ice house and loading dock, as well as the interior of a diner and an office. Built-in special effects like water cannons and water jets are part of the fun and practical effects featured in each show.
Pirates 4-D
Ahoy! Come and see Pirates 4-D. Pirates 4-D, starring Leslie Nielsen, combines the latest 4-D special effects technology with multi-sensory theater effects. Guests will experience sprays of water and other surprises during their adventure with the sea's most hapless band of pirates. The voyage begins aboard a pirate ship in the Caribbean with Captain Lucky, played by Nielsen, leading the cast of greedy buccaneers. A hearty serving of humor and adventure will keep guests laughing.
Cool Vibrations
Join the beach party! Hit the beach for a spring break party all summer long at SeaWorld San Antonio's Water Ski Stadium. This fast-paced, high-energy water ski show includes daredevil stunts, graceful moves, and superior boat driving in a non-stop salute to the sights and sounds of fun in the sun.
Shamu Rocks!
The Summer Nights Shamu show. All new, Shamu Rocks! couples electrifying music and special effects with amazing killer whale behaviors in a nighttime, fun filled, splash spectacular. It's a party after dark featuring live rock-n-roll, a spectacle of lights and digital media all showcasing the world's favorite killer whale, Shamu!
A 4-D Summer Nights Experience. R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse is a film based on an original story written by R.L. Stine, author of the popular children's book series "Goosebumps" and "Nightmare Room." The film features Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, and Lea Thompson in spooky, starring roles. Theater goers don 3-D glasses to maximize visual effects. Theater seats are equipped with speakers and have the capacity to shoot air and water!
Sea Lions Tonight
Come see the world through the eyes of sea lions Clyde and Seamore in Sea Lions Tonight! This comedic spoof features Clyde and Seamore's take on pop culture, politics, entertainment, and every other show at SeaWorld San Antonio. Topical, fun, and (just a little) irreverent, Sea Lions Tonight is smart comedy in a family friendly wrapper. Don't miss this long-running SeaWorld classic.
Journey to Atlantis
"Journey to Atlantis," is part roller coaster, part water ride. Start your journey by climbing the 100-foot-high lift onto a turntable which rotates you backwards. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view of San Antonio, then dive backwards through a reverse camelback and onto the second turntable. One more spin and then the final plunge into a lake.
The Great White
Hop aboard "The Great White" - Texas' first inverted steel roller coaster! You'll dangle your legs from ski-lift-style seats and go heels-over-head five times during more than 2,500 feet of breathtaking loops, corkscrews and other thrilling maneuvers at speeds of almost 50 mph! The multi-million-dollar ride also was the first coaster ever built at a SeaWorld park. Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 54 inches tall to ride.
Steel Eel
Take an eel-lectrifying ride! SeaWorld San Antonio boasts the Southwest's first hypercoaster, the "Steel Eel," with its pulse-pounding, 15-story initial drop, speeds of almost 65 mph and non-stop peaks, valleys and camelbacks that create maximum "air time," or weightlessness - a hypercoaster's signature feature. This "eel-lectrifying," state-of-the-art coaster zooms along 3,700 feet of track and covers the serpentine route in approximately two minutes. Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
The Shamu Express
All aboard the Shamu Express! Children can take their first coaster ride in the cutest killer whale named for Shamu! This family-oriented rollercoaster will gently thrill you and your children as you travel 220 feet of track at 14 mph.
Height Requirement: Children between 38" and 41" must be accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years of age or older.
Texas Splashdown
The water ride filled with non-stop thrills! Plunge down five stories not once, but twice on "Texas Splashdown," the longest and tallest flume ride in the Lone Star State! Four-person boats take you through a twisting, turning half-mile route, that includes two steep drops. Height Requirement: Guests must be a minimum of 14 years old and 46" to ride alone. Guests who are not 14 years old and not 46" tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion at least 14 years of age or older.
Rio Loco
A "Crazy River" Ride. The ultimate ride for those looking to cool down and do some river running. You and five friends board a circular raft that takes you on the 1,800-foot river navigating unexpected dips and bends and along the way get drenched passing through a waterfall! Height Requirement: Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride.
Experience the best in thrilling rides, exciting live entertainment and a free waterpark all at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Begin your adventure by facing your fears on the park's eighth roller coaster, Goliath. Towering 105 feet, Goliath propels riders down an 80-foot drop, two massive loops and five heart-pounding inversions all at 50 mph! Continue the thrills by soaring high on the Superman Krypton Coaster, taking gut-wrenching turns on Tony Hawk's Big Spin and enjoying a daring free-fall down on Scream. Then soak up some family fun at White Water Bay, Fiesta Texas free waterpark. Get drenched on over 15 wild rides and slides, including Tornado, Big Bender and The Lone Star Lagoon, a wave pool not only shaped like Texas, but almost as big! Six Flags Fiesta Texas has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for "The Best Theme Park Shows in the Country" for an astounding 10 consecutive years! Come see why we're America's number one show park with shows like Rockin' at Rockville High, Showstoppin' and Country Rocks. End your evening with The Lone Star Spectacular, a multi-media experience complete with lasers and fireworks that depicts the history of the great state of Texas along our quarry wall. New for spring 2009 is Wiggles World, a new themed area in Spassburg complete with children's rides, an outdoor theatre, gift shop and delectable food options all dedicated to the popular children's show.
