Hidden Treasures in San Antonio

The following list of suggestions comes from San Antonio Writing Project teacher-consultants. It does not necessarily include the most famous tourist spots, but focuses on the hidden treasures you might not find in a guidebook.

Culture and Art

Blue Star Arts Complex
1400 S Alamo St
(210)225–6742
Blue Star is the place to check out local San Antonio artists' work on display in the many galleries and studios.

Botanical Gardens
555 Funston Place
(210) 207–3250
A great place to walk and view native plants and beautiful gardens.

Central Library
600 Soledad St
(210) 207–2500
The bright–colored library is a bold departure from traditional library design. Designed by internationally acclaimed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the library's auditorium foyer features a 36–foot mural created by Jesse Trevino honoring San Antonio's contribution to World War II. And in the second floor atrium is the "Fiesta Tower" glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.

Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
1741 Herbelin Road, New Braunfels, TX 78132
(830) 885–4076
The Hill Country has many vineyards featuring Texas wines. Tours and wine–tasting are available.

Japanese Tea Gardens
3800 N St Mary's St
(210) 735–0663
Located inside beautiful Brackenridge Park, the gardens alone are more than lovely. Koi glide past lily pads in emerald ponds; waterfalls cascade down foliage–covered cliffs; a massive stone pagoda provides a panoramic view of the entire spread. The sound of falling water and tranquil air marks these year–round gardens, and colorful blooms can be seen in the spring.

Southwest School of Art and Craft
300 Augusta St
(210) 224–1848
The Ursuline Campus of the Southwest School of Art & Craft, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is open to the public and can be approached from the scenic River Walk. Wonderful gift shop and restaurant.

Other Museums

Esperanza Peace & Justice Center
922 San Pedro Ave
(210) 228–0201
Rotating exhibits and events promoting peace and justice for all people and cultures.

Fort Sam Houston Museums
1210 Stanley Road
(210) 221–6358
Exhibits the history of the army post from 1845 to present. US Army Medical Museum (2310 Stanley Road) displays the Army Medical Department from 1775 to present. Admission is free. Visitors gate is at Walters Street.

Hindu Temple of San Antonio
18515 Bandera Road
(210) 695–9400
The Hindu Temple of San Antonio is located in the scenic hills of Helotes. The temple is accessible from any part of the town within 20 minutes.

Instituto de Mexico en San Antonio
600 Hemisphere Fair Plaza
(210) 227–0123
Interesting museum of Mexican culture.

La Villita
418 Villita St #900A
(210) 207–8610
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.

McNay Art Museum
600 New Braunfels
(210) 824–5368
The museum is free to the public every Thursday evening from 4 to 9 p.m. and on the first Sunday of the month. An additional admission charge applies for select exhibits.

The Museo Alameda
318 W Houston St #200
(210) 299–4300
The nation's largest Latino museum and first formal Smithsonian affiliate.

O. Henry House
409 E Fifth St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472–1903
Small 19th century house that once belonged to William Sidney Porter, a.k.a. O'Henry. Corner of Laredo and Dolorosa Streets.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
2202 Roosevelt Ave
(210) 534–8833
In 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years, five were located along the San Antonio River. The missions' purpose? To acculturate and Christianize the native population and make them Spanish citizens. There are five missions including the Alamo.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave
(210) 978–8100
The Museum conducts more than 500 guided tours annually and provides approximately 200 educational programs each year. Programs include lectures, concerts, films, children's workshops, scholarly symposia, family art activities, and special exhibits.

UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures
801 S Bowie St
(210) 458–2330
An educational center dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the history and diverse cultures of Texas through exhibits, programs, and publications. This is just a short walk from the convention center and a true gem to visit.

Witte Museum and H–E–B Science Treehouse
3801 Broadway
(210) 357–1900
Museum features scientific and historical exhibits for the whole family.

Shopping

Alamo Fiesta Store
2025 N Main Ave
(210) 738–1188
Fiesta Shopping all year long! Here you will find Mexican clothing, paper picado, maracas, mardi gras beads, and much more!

Garcia Art Glass
715 S Alamo St
(210) 354–4681
Garcia Art Glass was founded in 1998. After receiving her B.F.A. in industrial and environmental design, Gini Garciaeventually opened this hot glass design and fabrication center, which specializes in the creation of one–of–a–kind blown glass lighting and sculpture, including tablescapes and art for the wall.

Market Square/El Mercado
514 W Commerce
(210) 207–8600
The rich culture of San Antonio abounds throughout the plazas of Market Square with family–owned cafes, working artists, and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande. Also known as El Mercado.

Historical Places

Guenther House
205 E Guenther St
(210) 227–1061
The elegant home of Pioneer Flour Mills' founding family. Carl Hilmar Guenther, the founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, built this elegant home in 1860. Pioneer has restored the home to welcome visitors as a museum, restaurant, and retail store. Great lunch specials!

The Women's Club of San Antonio
1717 San Pedro Ave
(210) 732–4811
In 1995, The Women's Club received an official State of Texas Historical Marker based on its age and history, and received recognition by the National Registry of Historical Places on June 12, 1996.

Bookstores

The Twig Book Shop and the Red Balloon
5005/5009 Broadway St
(210) 826–5087
The Twig Book Shop and Red Balloon are located three miles south of Loop 410 on the west side of Broadway, in front of Cappy's Restaurant. Located two blocks north of H–E–B's Central Market. Look for the blue stucco building with the Alamo–shaped facade next to Cappyccino's.

Viva Bookstore at Viva Galleria
8407 Broadway St
(210) 826–1143
An independent bookstore that specializes in Episcopal, Catholic, and spiritual books.