When K-State travels to San Antonio to play UCLA on Jan. 2, Wildcat fans are always welcome to cheer on their home team. However, if you’re planning to make the trip to the popular south Texas destination, stay an extra few days and check out these sights and attractions in the city.
The Alamo Mission
This historical sight in San Antonio represents the history of the Alamo in Texas, the contains many different options for tours. There are many different parts of this museum including the actual museum building, the gift shop, the Alamo plaza and the gardens that are located behind the museum. For self tours and exploration of the grounds, the cost is free. However according to the Alamo website, there are audio tours and docent tours that will cost some extra money.
The website also talks about how the museum building was originally meant to be a church for the Spanish, but it never went through completed construction. The building was at the center of the battle of the Alamo, therefore making it a preserved historical monument.
The River Walk
The River Walk, a series of shops, hotels and restaurants that surround a winding river, is a unique San Antonio feature and has an array of different activities. Around the area is an indoor mall as well as a series of individually scattered shops throughout downtown district. There are also several restaurants, many of which have outdoor seating in order for people to fully get the experience and atmosphere of the river being just a few feet from their table.
Another option for the River Walk is a boat tour. While this not free, the rider gets a full boat tour with a guide sharing stories of the walk in addition to pointing out popular tourist destinations on the river. Also, a special event takes place this time of year: the entire River Walk will be covered with Christmas lights, making it a must-see tourist location. According to the Visit San Antonio website, these lights will be up until Jan. 6.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld will be open this time of year. In fact, the theme park has many different holiday-themed whale shows for festive visitors. Because of the cold weather, the park will also serve hot chocolate and candy canes.
To add to the festive mood, SeaWorld will also have their Christmas lights still up and available for all visitors to look at. According to the Visit San Antonio website, this theme of holiday festivities with be happening until Jan. 4.
Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum
Believe it or not, San Antonio has a Ripley’s museum. This museum contains several attractions that illustrate some of the Ripley’s Believe it or Not records as well as several additions and models. The museum is $20.99 for one adult ticket and $12.99 for a child ticket, according to their website. The museum has “over 500 exhibits and artifacts” and also three stories of these attractions.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags is a chain amusement park that will be open all of December until Jan. 4. The park will be celebrating the holidays with Holiday in the Park through Jan. 4, as well. Most of the parks rides will be open with the exception of the water rides. In addition to the usual rides and attractions, there will be new holiday food options and there will also be opportunities to see Santa and a few of the Looney Toons characters.
San Antonio Zoo
Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the San Antonio Zoo features more than 8,500 animals. The zoo recently opened its new Zootenial Plaza, featuring a restaurant and carousel.
So if you do decide to make the trip to cheer on the Wildcats, hopefully there is time to enjoy the vacation and experience the culture and history of San Antonio. Over the break is the time where there is no homework and plenty of free time, so go with a group and cheer on the K-State in the Valero Alamo Bowl over this winter break.
