Following the San Antonio River, The River Walk is a pedestrian promenade of water features and gardens, shops and cafes. Barges also ply the waters.
 

The Alamo, an 18th Century Mission, is preserved as a museum marking a famous battle in 1839 that achieved Texan independence from Mexico.

San Fernando Cathedral, built by settlers from the Canary Islands in 1750, is one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S.

The Mission Trail is a 10-mile route within Missions National Historic Park that connects the five colonial missions of the Alamo, Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada.
 

In the King William Historic District the streets are lined with the elegant homes of the original European elite families.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the attractions within Brackenridge Park, which also includes the San Antonio zoo, a natural history museum and numerous playing fields and walking trails.
 

The McNay Art Museum housed in a colonial revival house and its garden, has a collection of renaissance,  modern, and contemporary indigenous art.
 

The San Antonio Museum of Art features a first-rate collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Chinese ceramics, and modern artworks.

Austin is a popular rapidly-growing city known for its recreational opportunities, its innovative university and its active live-music scene.

The Sixth Street historical district is the hub of the entertainment area with many dining and music options.
 

The Texas Capitol is the seat of government for the state of Texas. The attractive historical building is recognized for being larger than the US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
 

When we visited the Capitol, the assembly was gathered to honor the passing of an influential citizen.

The Uptown Arts District and Congress Avenue District lie between the Capitol and the University and house the Bullock State History Museum, The Contemporary Austin Jones Center, and the major office towers.
 

Along Congress Avenue and throughout the downtown there are many dining options including excellent food trucks.

The storefronts, neon signs, billboards and street art exemplify the Spanish-influenced cowboy hipster quirky nature of both cities.
 

40 miles north of San Antonio, is the historic town of New Braunfels with charming historic areas and country music performances. Gruene Hall is the oldest dance hall in the U.S.
 

San Antonio and nearby Schlitterbahn boast the family attractions of 3 major water parks and a Sea World aquatic show.  (photos from Sea World San Antonio)