ABOUT THE CITY
Famous for its River Walk, the Alamo, Tejano culture, and being home to SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks, the city is visited by 20 million tourists per year, many of them attracted by San Antonio’s reputation as an excellent shopping destination. San Antonio is also home to the first museum of modern art in Texas—the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum, as well as one of the most successful National Basketball Association teams in league history, the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio provides the picture-perfect setting for families. In addition to the two theme parks, the San Antonio Children’s Museum encourages kids to explore hands-on exhibits, including a miniature version of the city. The Downtown All-Around Playground at HemisFair Park and the newly renovated Milam Park provide excellent stops for kids to burn off excess energy.
The Fairmont Hotel, built in 1906, is in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the heaviest buildings ever moved intact. It was placed in its new location, three blocks south of the Alamo, over four days in 1985, and cost $650,000 to move. Stop by for dinner or a drink.
About San Antonio
San Antonio is located in South Central Texas, Bexar County, 140 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico, and is ranked the eighth largest city in the nation. San Antonio is considered a top tourist and convention destination, with over 8 million visitors and 500,000 convention delegates annually. San Antonio is a place the military likes to call home with four air force bases and one army base. The military is the predominant public employer that has an economic impact of over $ 4.6 billion a year. The overall economy of San Antonio is a healthy mix of business services, manufacturing, health care, communications, government, and the tourism/convention industry.
History
In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and held its claim to northern territories, including land that included San Antonio, with the aid of U.S. settlers who had entered the area while it was under Spain’s rule. Tension slowly arose between the U.S. settlers and the Mexican government, particularly over the issue of slavery. In 1833, that tension flared into all-out disdain following General Santa Anna’s declaration of himself as president. The settlers refused to acknowledge his authority, trounced him in a confrontation, and braced for the backlash. Retribution was harsh. Led by Santa Anna himself, thousands of Mexican soldiers marched into the territory and confronted a ragtag band of only 188 rebellious Texans barricaded within the Alamo.
Fast Facts
City Area: 417.1 square miles
Metro Area: 3,338 square miles
City Population: 1,212,500
Metro Population: 1,642,000
San Antonio area ranges from 500-1500 feet above sea level.
*January, 2000 stats
Neighborhoods
River Walk/Downtown
King William/Southtown
Alamo Heights
Monte Vista/Olmos Park
By Car
Highway Information
San Antonio has 135 miles of expressways designed on the hub-and–spoke concept, in which all highways radiate from the central business district and are easily accessible. The major highways are as follows:
IH-10 Runs east & west
IH-35 Runs north & south
IH-37 Runs southwest
Loop 410 Inner loop around the city
Loop 1604 Outer loop around the city
Driving Distances
San Antonio to:
Austin 80 miles north
Corpus Christi 145 miles southeast
Dallas 280 miles north
El Paso 571 miles west
Fort Worth 267 miles north
Houston 200 miles east
Public Transportation
Via Metropolatin Transit
http://www.viainfo.net/
(210) 362-2020
The City’s VIA bus company offers rides to downtown for about $0.80 Monday through Sunday. See Ground Transportation Agents at the curbsides of each terminal for transportation schedules.
VIA operates a fleet of over 529 buses with regular service going downtown. VIA is the only transit system in the Southwest with the ability to serve the entire metropolitan area. VIA also operates four streetcar routes in the downtown area.
The bus pick-up area at the airport is located at the outer curb, Center Island, across from Terminal 2 baggage claim.
Inter-City Transportation
Amtrak (800) 872-7245
America’s national passenger railroad system. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Amtrak station, via phone by calling 800-USA-RAIL or via the Internet at http://www.amtrak.com/.
Greyhound Bus, (800) 231-2222, (210) 270-5812
Union Pacific/Southern Pacific (210) 921-4009
Service from San Antonio to numerous locations throughout the United States.
Air Transportation
San Antonio International Airport
(210) 207-3411
www.sanantonio.gov/aviation
The major city airport located 13 miles from downtown. The airport has 27 gates located in two terminals, and 280 daily flights. Dallas and Houston are 50 minutes away by air, and Mexico City is an hour-and-a-half.
Taxi and Shuttle Service
The front curbside of Terminal 2 just outside baggage claim. For assistance, please contact the Airport Ground Transportation Agent wearing an airport badge. Fare to San Antonio downtown areas are approximately $18 to $20 (U.S.) per taxicab. (Up to 4 may share a cab.)
Many local shuttle companies service the greater San Antonio area.
Metered service begins at $ 2.90 for the first mile and $1.80 for each additional mile. Minimum fee servicing the airport is $ 8.00.
Service fee of $ 1 is added for fares after 9pm. Prices subject to change.
Satrans (210) 281-9900
Daily shuttle service, call for times and rates.
SA airport shuttle, aairportshuttle.com
Charges: $14.00 ticket per person to downtown hotels or $24.00 for a round trip ticket. Service to other areas charged by zone.
Major credit cards are accepted.
Local Phone Numbers
| Area Code | |
| The area code for San Antonio | 210 |
| Emergency | |
| All Emergencies | 911 |
| Poison Control | (800) 764-7661 |
| Runaway Hotline | (800) 392-3352 |
| Crises Pregnancy Center | (800) 395-4357 |
| Sheriff’s Office Bexar County | (210) 270-6000 |
| Texas Highway Patrol | (210) 531-2200 |
| Texas Rangers | (210) 532-2923 |
| US Marshall | (210) 472-6540 |
| Non-Emergency | |
| City of San Antonio Police | (210) 227-7484 |
| City of San Antonio Fire | (210) 207-7744 |
| City of San Antonio Ambulance | (210) 227-7744 |
| Government Numbers | |
| Bexar County Courthouse | (210) 335-2011 |
| Bexar County Tax Office | (210) 335-2251 |
| City Hall | (210) 207-2489 |
| Internal Revenue Service | (800) 829-1040 |
| San Antonio Parks & Recreation | (210) 207-8480 |
| San Antonio Main Post Office | (800) 725-2161 |
| Social Security Administration | (800) 772-1213 |
| Texas Lottery | (713) 869-6451 |
| US Customs Service | (210) 308-4561 |
| Libraries | |
| Central Library | (210) 207-2500 |
| Media /Publications | |
| San Antonio Express Newspaper | (800) 555-1551 |
| Services | |
| AAA Motor Club Services | (800) 222-4357 |
| Better Business Bureau | (210) 828-9441 |
| Consumer Protection Agency | (210) 225-4191 |
| Directory Assistance | 411 |
| Metropolitan Health District | (210) 207-8780 |
| Salvation Army | (210) 352-2000 |
| Texas Workforce Commission | (210) 337-6490 |
| Texas Dept. of Economic Development | (210) 936-0100 |
| Time & Temperature | (210) 226-3232 |
| United Way of San Antonio | (210) 352-7000 |
| Weather Conditions-Local | (210) 225-0404 |
| Support Networks | |
| Teen Link (Various Topics) | (800) 235-9678 |
| Crisis Pregnancy Center | (800) 395-4357 |
| Shipping & Postal Service | |
| UPS | (800) 742-5877 |
| Federal Express | (800) 463-3339 |
| Airborne Express | (800) 247-2676 |
| Utilities | |
| Cable TV | |
| Time Warner Cable, www.timewarnercable.com | (210) 352-4600 |
| Electricity | |
| City Public Electric Service | (210) 225-2541 |
| Telephone Service | |
| Southwestern Bell | (210) 320-4880 |
| Grande Communications, www.grandecom.com | (800) 464-7928 |
| Water and Sewer System | |
| San Antonio Water System, www.saws.org | (210) 225-5222 |
| Visitors Information | |
| San Antonio Chamber of Commerce | (210) 229-2100 |
| San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau | (210) 207-6748 |
| Visitor’s Information Center | (800) 447-3372 |
Television
| 2 | CW |
| 4 | NBC |
| 5 | CBS |
| 9 | PBS |
| 12 | ABC |
| 17 | Telefutura |
| 18 | Azteca |
| 20 | TBN (Spn) |
| 23 | TBN |
| 30 | FOX |
| 32 | MyTV |
| 41 | Spanish Local |
| 52 | Multimedios |
Radio
| FM Stations | ||
| 88.3 | KPAC | Classical |
| 89.1 | KSTX | Public Station |
| 90.1 | KSYM | Alternative |
| 90.9 | KYFS | Bible |
| 91.1 | KXPZ | Christian |
| 91.7 | KRTU | Classical/Jazz |
| 92.9 | KRON | Mexican |
| 94.1 | KRIO | Tejano |
| 96.1 | KSJL | Contemporary |
| 97.3 | KAJA | Country |
| 98.3 | KBUC | Country |
| 99.5 | KISS | Top 40 Rock |
| 100.3 | KCYY | Country |
| 101.9 | KQXT | Contemporary |
| 102.7 | KTFM | Contemporary |
| 104.5 | KZEP | Classic Rock |
| 105.3 | KSMG | 70s, 80s, 90s |
| 106.7 | KCJZ | Jazz |
| 107.5 | KXTN | Tejano |
| 107.5 | KXTN | Tejano |
| AM Stations | ||
| 550 | KTSA | News /Talk |
| 630 | KSLR | Religious |
| 680 | KKYX | Classic Country |
| 720 | KSAH | Spanish |
| 760 | KTKR | Sports Talk |
| 810 | KCHG | News/Talk |
| 860 | KONO | Oldies |
| 930 | KLUP | Easy Listening |
| 1100 | KDRY | Religious |
| 1160 | KENS | News |
| 1200 | WOAI | News/Talk |
| 1250 | KZEP | Rock |
| 1350 | KCOR | Spanish |
| 1380 | KBOP | Country |
| 1480 | KCHL | Gospel |
| 1540 | KEDA | Spanish |
Newspapers
The San Antonio Express-News
400 Third Street
(210) 225-3000
A general daily newspaper.
Daily Commercial Recorder
17400 Judson Road
(210) 453-3300
A daily business and legal newspaper.
Dining & Nightlife
San Antonians love to eat, and it shows in both its fine restaurants and its casual cafes. Whether you enjoy perfectly grilled steaks, tender barbecue, tasteful vegetarian fare or perfectly prepared sushi, you will find whatever your tastebuds crave. Of course, San Antonio is most famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine; no visit to the city could be considered complete without at least one dinner involving enchiladas or tamales, and one breakfast of chorizo and egg tacos.
Art, Dance & Theater
Art of all genres and media abound at the many museums and galleries in San Antonio. From cutting-edge contemporary works to more traditional pieces, you will admire the depth of this city’s talent pool. Be sure to visit the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art to marvel at their impressive collections as well as the touring exhibits they host. As far as galleries go, some of the best include Blue Star Arts Complex, ArtPace, One9Zero6, Cletus Gallery, and Wallace-Musket Gallery. To catch the work of budding artists, visit Say Si, which displays student work in its gallery. Many restaurants and coffeehouses also display the works of local artists; pay a visit to Rosario’s, WD Deli or Espuma Coffee and Tea Emporium to enjoy the delicacies and the view.
Attractions
Alamo
(210) 225-1391
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
The Battle of the Alamo was fought in 1836, but the Alamo was originally founded as the Mission San Antonio de Valero in the early 1700’s. The Daughters of the Republic Texas have maintained this site. The Chapel and Long Barracks where most of the fighting took place, are restored and filled with portraits of the defenders.
Aztec on the River
(210) 227-3930
201 E. Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
The Aztec On The River is the RiverWalk’s newest, most exciting attraction. This historic 1926 movie palace has been meticulously restored, complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ.
River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
(210) 227-4262
110 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78205
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Below street level, along the San Antonio River-downtown. The famed Riverwalk consists of over three scenic miles of shady walks and arching limestone bridges that are surrounded by unique shops, cafes, restaurants, clubs and entertainment. Barges are available for scenic tours and public transportation.
Cultural Events & Festivals
San Antonio is an amazing city comprised of many different cultures. And the people here like a good party. Combine the two traits and you have more cultural festivals and events than you can imagine. San Antonio’s biggest party, Fiesta, is a 10-day long celebration of the city’s history and culture; it is held every year in April. Comprised of parades, debutante balls, street parties, concerts, sporting events and more, you are guaranteed to find something for everybody. So significant is this festival that the city practically shuts down on the last Friday afternoon so that everyone can attend the Battle of Flowers parade that winds through downtown. Other popular events include Jazz’s Alive, Juneteenth, Cinco de Mayo and St. Sophia’s Greek Funstival.
The Carver Cultural Center
(210) 207-7211
226 N. Hackberry
The Guadalupe Cultural Center
(210) 271-3151
1300 Guadalupe at Brazos St.
The Institute of Texan Cultures
(210) 458-2330
San Antonio, TX 78205
801 S. Bowie Street
Take a history walk through 27 ethnic and cultural group’s artifacts, photographs and objects. Films, musical and dramatic performances and other presentations are part if the program as well. Early every August, the Texas Folklife Festival is held with performances and demonstrations of the skills and techniques of the Texas pioneers.
The Mexican Cultural Institute
(210) 227-0123
600 HemisFair Park
Music
Music lovers will revel in the variety of live music available almost every night of the week in San Antonio. From jazz and symphonic music to Tejano and rock ’n roll, music exudes from bars, restaurants and concert halls across the city. The San Antonio Symphony performance season includes both traditional scores and pops performances, often with vocal accompaniment by popular artists like James Taylor and Willie Nelson. Jim Cullen’s Jazz Band holds court at The Landing on the River Walk, and Arjon’s is the hotspot for Tejano, cumbia and salsa music. Bars like The White Rabbit, The Laboratory Brewing Company, Stonewerks, and Crabby Jack’s host rock and pop bands, while Cibolo Creek Country Club, Gruene Hall and Far West are the best choices for live country music.
Film
As with any major city, San Antonio offers more movie theaters than you could count. While there’s at least one in every part of town, a few that stand out among the crowd. If you’re staying downtown, the cinema in River Center Mall is a great choice for first run releases and is within walking distance of many of the hotels. The fairly new cinema at the Alamo Quarry Market offers first-run features with shows as late as midnight. If not for a movie, stop in just to see the enormous quarry-inspired movable mechanical display in the lobby. For arthouse films, your only option is the Crossroads Theater. Finally, for larger-than-life films, check out the IMAX Theater adjacent to River Center Mall downtown. A perennial favorite is Alamo—Price of Freedom, which tells the story of the battle of the Alamo; it’s a great film to catch before visiting the cradle of Texas liberty.
Museums
The Witte Museum
(210) 357-1900
3801 Broadway
San Antonio Children’s Museum
(210) 21-CHILD
305 E. Houston Street
Texas Ranger’s Museum
(210) 822-9011
3805 Broadway
Buckhorn Saloon Museum
(210) 247-4000
318 E. Houston Street
Hertzberg Circus Museum
(210) 207-7810
210 W. Market
Texas Transportation Museum
(210) 490-3554
11731 Wetmore Road
Sports
Alamo Bowl
(210) 226-2695
100 Montana San Antonio, TX 78203
San Antonio Missions Baseball
(210) 675-PARK
5757 Hwy. 90 West
San Antonio, TX 78227
www.samissions.com
San Antonio Rampage
(210) 444-5000
One AT&T Center
Kirby, TX 78219
www.sarampage.com
San Antonio Silver Stars
(210) 444-5000
One AT&T Center
Kirby, TX 78219
www.wnba.com/silverstars
San Antonio Spurs
(210) 444-5000
One AT&T Center
San Antonio, TX 78219
www.nba.com/spurs
Shopping
Alamo Quarry Market
(210) 824-8885
255 E. Basse Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209
www.quarrymarket.com
With huge smokestacks, protruding beams and a factory design, this open-air mall still carries the architectural flavor of the former Alamo Cement Company–the site upon which this complex was built.
Ingram Park Mall
(210) 523-1228
6301 N.W. Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238
www.ingramparkmall.com
Over 150 businesses and services provide plenty of diversity to the bustling and energetic Ingram Park Mall. Anchored by distinct department stores such as Foley’s, Dillard’s, Sears, and Bealls.
North Star Mall
(210) 340-6627
7400 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78216
www.northstarmall.com
San Antonio’s internationally acclaimed shopping center boasts over 200 specialty stores and restaurants. Located adjacent to the San Antonio International Airport. North Star Mall features five anchor stores: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Foley’s and Mervyn’s.
Rivercenter Mall
(210) 225-0000
849 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
www.shoprivercenter.com
Resembling a monolithic glass house teeming with life. Rivercenter Mall blends many of the conveniences of indoor shopping with a genuine outdoor feel. In the heart of the city on the River Walk, the mall is home to an array of enjoyable shops, restaurants and entertainment venues–including Foley’s and Dillard’s.
Shopping (cont.)
Rolling Oaks Mall
(210) 651-5513
6909 N. Loop 1604 East
San Antonio, TX 78247
www.rollingoaksmall.com
Dillard’s, Foley’s and Sears anchor this lively indoor mall in the city’s Northeast.
South Park Mall
(210) 921-0534
2310 SW Military Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78224
www.visitsouthpark.com
Recent renewal and remodeling have brought South Park Mall into the spotlight as one of the city’s most popular indoor malls. Foley’s, JC Penney, Sears and Mervyn’s anchor more than 70 specialty stores.
The Shops at La Cantera
(210) 582-6255
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
www.theshopsatlacantera.com
An open-air marketplace brings a new vitality and sophistication to shopping in San Antonio. The Shops at La Cantera features Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Foley’s, Dillard’s and over 150 specialty stores.
Education
Community Colleges
Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 collegebound high-school graduates start their college education this way.
The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available at four-year schools, like fashion design.
Alamo Community College District
201 W. Sheridan
San Antonio, TX 78204
Composed of four separate campuses with each college offering some different degree plans:
San Antonio College
300 San Pedro
San Antonio, 5TX 78212
Saint Phillips College
801 Martin Luther King Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78203.
Palo Alto College
400 Villaret
San Antonio, TX 78224
Northwest Vista College
201 W. Sheridan
San Antonio, TX 78204
Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.
Online Learning
Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution can be much less.
There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited online universities out there.
Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some programs require students to attend some campus classes or orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional.
Public vs. Private
Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention and often more prestige.
Trinity University
715 Stadium
San Antonio, TX 78212
Liberal Arts school high in national rankings.
Universities
Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students.
University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
6900 N. Loop 1604 W.
San Antonio, TX
www.utsa.edu
Includes: College of Business, College of Fine Arts & Humanities, College of Sciences & Engineering, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and the Institute of Texan Cultures.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA)
7703 Floyd Curl
San Antonio, TX 78284
www.uthscsa.edu
Includes: Allied Health Sciences School, Dental School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, and Nursing School.
Upper Division
Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.
Voter Registration
Voter Registration
Secretary of State’s – Office Elections Division
(800) 252-8683
www.sos.state.tx.us/elections
To be eligible to register in Texas, you must:
• be a U.S. citizen
• be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months)
• not a convicted felon (unless a person’s sentence is completed, including any probation or parole)
• not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law
For more information, please read the Voter Registration in Texas pamphlet.
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