DOWNTOWN. Construction began on this one-time mission in 1724. A quiet, shady landmark, it's smaller than most people imagine. It has become a memorial to the last stand of men like William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie in their fight against a much larger Mexican army. If you ask locals, they'll readily tell you just how important this place is to San Antonio, its history, and culture.

DOWNTOWN. In this small historical park sits the furnished homesite of Tejano hero Jose Antonio Navarro, who advocated Texas's independence in the mid 19th century and who was San Antonio's mayor prior to that push. His restored home recreates the revolutionary period in Texas from 1810 to 1865. Important historical events are documented, and Casa Navarro interprets Texas's rich Mexican heritage using Navarro's life as a lens. Guided tours.

KING WILLIAM DISTRICT. Within this lovely district, leading German merchants settled in the late 19th century. Today, its elegant Victorian mansions and tree-lined streets are a pleasure to behold. Madison, Guenther, and King William streets are particularly pretty for a stroll or drive. Stop in at the Guenther House or Steves Homestead, two historic homes that offer guided tours. The former features a small museum of mill memorabilia, a gift shop, and a restaurant serving fine German pastries and full breakfasts and lunches.

RIVER WALK. If you're tired of strolling up and down the River Walk, why not explore it by boat? Three routes ensure that you'll see everything there is to see, and knowledgeable narrators point out historic sites and dispense practical information (with a soupcon of humor). Charter tours and a more utilitarian river taxi service are also offered. While it's advisable to purchase tickets online, you can also pick them up at Rivercenter Mall, at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, and across from the Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel.

SAN ANTONIO. All of San Antonio's historic missions, with the exception of the Alamo, are included in this park, which was established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The missions stand as a reminder of Spain's most successful attempt to extend its New World dominion northward from Mexico. All missions are active parish churches and possess individual beauty. A vistor center at Mission San Jose gives the history of the missions: San Jose, for example, has had its outer wall, Native American dwellings, granary, water mill, and workshops restored. Concepcion is known for its frescoes, and San Juan has a serene chapel. Espada, the southernmost, boasts an Arab-inspired aqueduct that was part of the famous acequia water management system.