5 Great Summer Destinations

Nighttime view of the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas. — Joshua Duplechian

San Antonio and an Alamo anniversary

Deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio beckons travelers yearly with its food, famed River Walk and local "hill country" delights — wildflowers, dance halls, longhorn cattle and nearby Austin, the Texas capital and itself an experience of cowboys and hippies happily co-existing in its many quirky bars and colorful neighborhoods.

See also: Civil War 150th anniversary sites.

In 2011, San Antonio also recognizes the 175th anniversary of the siege of the Alamo by General Santa Anna in 1836 against famous Americans like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett. While the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo continue to be debated, the battle has come to symbolize a heroic struggle against impossible odds — a small group of men making the ultimate sacrifice against thousands for freedom.

For family fun, take a boat cruise along the River Walk to the Pearl, a restored brewery and an urban village with unique shops and bistros. Kids will also enjoy SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta.

Not driving? According to the city's tourism board, there are "over 100 flights daily to San Antonio, and the airport is only about eight miles from downtown, which is a quick 15-minute taxi ride."

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