The Papaya Indians are among the earliest known indigenous communities who settled in San Antonio. Spanish expeditions first got here between 1691 and 1709 and found the natives living around a district named Yanaguan, which translates to "refreshing waters." The explorers gave the river here the name San Antonio (St. Antony) because they arrived on his feast day. Of all the missions that passed by, the team led by Don Martin de Alarcon, Governor of Coahuila, Texas, and in the company of Father Antonio Olivares in 1718, takes credit for laying the foundation of the modern city. Father Antonio Olivares, a Franciscan missionary, established Mission San Antonio de Valero, which they later called the Alamo, the Spanish name for cottonwood. The other important establishment that followed was a presidio (military post), which they named the San Antonio de Bexar. From this site, a civilian community would be planned, spread out, and grow. The military post proved essential in protecting the growing community from the frequent raids of Apache and Comanche indigenous tribes. San Antonio became the county seat of the Republic of Texas in 1837. You cannot separate San Antonio from its heavy military installations. The U.S Air Force bases of Brooks and Randoph serve different purposes and have significantly contributed to the overall wellness of the city. The Fort Sam Houston Joint Base San Antonio and its cemetery form an essential part of this ecosystem. The city has affirmed itself as an important hub for medical research, manufacture of semiconductors, aerospace equipment, oil refinery and many more business enterprises. It's also a major agricultural center where poultry and cattle farming thrive. Vegetables, groundnuts, and sorghum contribute to San Antonio's economic success. Clearly, this is an all-around city where success is guaranteed to those who earnestly put in the work.

When visiting San Antonio for a short duration or coming here to stay long term, you can fill your calendar with lots of fun activities all year long. Fill your itinerary with memorable moments from different sights.

⁠Walk along San Antonio River
Locals call the walk, Paseo de Rio. It is a network of waterways that charmingly snakes its way around the city. As you embark on the walk, you come across shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants where you can sit to refresh. In springtime, the Fiesta San Antonio brings to life some of the most colorful activities for your indulgence. The San Antonio River walk is a favorite pastime for visitors and locals.

Remember the Alamo
Visiting the Alamo should be on your bucket list if you are ever in San Antonio. It's part of the oldest mission established in 1718. It's also at this venue where the in(famous) 1836 Battle of the Alamo took place. The battle that lasted about 20 minutes gave rise to the phrase, Remember the Alamo!.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Visit the Botanical Gardens in San Antonio for a relaxing moment and breathe in the freshness of colorful flower species while enjoying the drifting fragrance.

Visit the Natural Bridge Caverns
If you've not been into caves, the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio offer you this lifetime experience. There are many things to do here, including going up the 60ft ladders, ziplines, and a rope course for the children.