What a find this little spot is! Although surrounded by the lights of the city, this planetarium and observatory captures the vast Texas sky and all its beauty, delivering it to the imagination of visitors. The planetarium's star projection show delights and fascinates children of all ages with its breathtaking images and its easy-to-follow narration. Then, the observatory opens and offers a glimpse of space and all its mysteries; weather permitting, of course.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a unique safari experience, minus the trip to Africa. It features a petting zoo and a nursery, but is highlighted by the drive-through sanctuary. Park guests can purchase animal food to take with them on their journey through the park. Camels, along with 65 other animal species from six continents, roam freely throughout the park. The less timid animals will approach visitors and, if allowed, will stick their heads inside the vehicles and eat whatever they can find. Visitors can also encounter the endangered addax antelope, in addition to zebras, llamas, ostriches, giraffes and lemurs, among many other animals.
The Guenther House makes its home in an elegant historic mansion on the property of Pioneer Flour Mills in the historic King William area. From its not-so-humble beginnings as the home of Carl Hilmer Guenther in 1860, it has been restored into one of the more unique dining experiences in the city. The breakfast menu (served all day) offers Southern Sweet Cream Waffles and breakfast tacos, among other items. At lunch, choose from such entries as Champagne Chicken Enchiladas and Pioneer Taco Salad.
Crockett Park’s origins as a public square date back to 1875. North Main Avenue divides this 5.3-acre (2.14-hectare) landscape into two halves, thus giving it a nickname of Twin Parks. It is a great recreational spot for locals and is equipped with a playground. Their gazebo can be rented out for private functions. The San Antonio Summer Art and Jazz Festival is a popular event held here. Other park features include sidewalks, jogging tracks and fountains.
This theme park is a treat for anyone who loves animals, roller coasters and fabulous shows. Not only does SeaWorld San Antonio have Shamu (the performing killer whale), it also has walk-through habitats where you can watch sea lions, sharks, fish, penguins and flamingos do what they would do in the wild. For those who crave being a part of the action, there is an inverted roller coaster (do this on an empty stomach), along with a variety of water rides. Check out the water-skiing shows and the restaurants, too. Be sure to stick around at night for laser shows and seasonal concerts.
While North Central San Antonio continues to grow in both size and population, the McAllister Park remains firmly anchored as a wooded respite among the concrete sprawl. Best known for its hiking and biking trails, the park attracts hundreds of visitors on the weekends. The trails vary in terms of their difficulty levels, and there are trails for bicyclists too. Other visitors enjoy the covered picnic areas, soccer and baseball fields. Camping is allowed with reservations and a permit from the Parks and Recreation department. The park is also home to a few pavilions, playgrounds and picnic spots.