PACS 2005 5th Annual Conference

San Antonio Facts

Weather: San Antonio enjoys subtropical climate because of its proximity to the edge of the Gulf Coastal Plains. The average temperature is less than 70 degrees. The humidity averages 80 percent in the early morning and tapers off to 50 percent in the afternoon. San Antonio averages about 28 inches of rain per year with the heaviest amounts falling between May and September. San Antonio, known as The Alamo City, is the 8th largest city in the U.S.

Transportation: Several major airlines serve San Antonio. Shuttle service is available from the airport to Riverwalk hotels for $8 per person. A taxi ride from the airport to The Westin Riverwalk hotel is approximately $20 including tip.

Attractions: San Antonio offers a wide selection of attractions to fill your days and evenings with education and fun.

The Alamo located at 300 Alamo Plaza is the 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. While visiting The Alamo, visit the exhibits in the Long Barrack Museum, examine the cannon in Cavalry Courtyard or just enjoy the Alamo Gardens. Admission is free to The Alamo.

The River Walk (Paseo Del Rio), located in the heart of the downtown, offers lush green foliage along the banks of the river. Cobblestone walkways and river cruisers travel the three-mile River Walk leading visitors to the river-level restaurants, shops and nightclubs.

The San Antonio Botanical Gardens is a 33-acre miniature representation of the diverse Texan landscape including Hill Country wild flowers to formal rose gardens.

The Spanish Governor's Palace located at 105 Plaza De Armas is a national historic landmark and once housed officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. National Geographic has designated this building the most beautiful in San Antonio.

The Tower of the Americas located at 600 HemisFair Park is 750-feet tall and offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area.

If you enjoy visiting museums, you won't want to miss:

The Institute of Texas Cultures where you will meet the pioneers of Texas through creative displays featuring 27 ethnic groups that built the Lone Star State.

The San Antonio Museum of Art features collections ranging from ancient art to Mexican folk art.

The Hertzberg Circus Museum features a major collection of memorabilia including sideshow personalities, Tom Thumb's carriage and Clown Alley.

To finish out your day of sightseeing, there is a 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River known as the King William Historic Area. In the late 1800's, the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. This area includes the Guenther House (founder of Pioneer Flour Mills) built in 1860 and the Steves Homestead Museum. This Victorian French Second Empire designed home was built in 1876. The River House, a one-story structure, houses the first natatorium (inside swimming pool) in San Antonio.

For other attractions such as golf, theme parks, restaurants, shopping, city parks, military bases, please visit:

www.sanantoniocvb.com/visitors/things_attra.asp