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San Antonio, Texas City Guide

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San Antonio Meeting Planning

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Clothed in an inviting atmosphere and characterized by an old world charm, San Antonio captures over 21 million visitors every year. With numerous convention centers, a strong business district and several cultural attractions, it's no wonder that a large portion of San Antonio's tourists are business travelers. San Antonio boasts more than 35,000 hotel rooms, from boutique hotels to large-chains to budget-friendly options. Many hotels cater to business travelers, offering such amenities as free high-speed Internet connections and large corporate meeting spaces. As a testament to San Antonio's dedication to the tourist industry, the city is a proud winner of the 2007 Pinnacle Award for commitment to hospitality excellence.

The city has three major convention centers, with the largest being Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center at 440,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center serves as home to over 300 events each year, hosting more than 750,000 convention delegates from around the globe annually. Along with the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Alamodomethe Alamodome
The Alamodome and Municipal Auditorium are also centrally located downtown. Within walking distance of more than 9,400 downtown hotel rooms, the Alamodome features modern technology and architecture providing flexible column-free space with a curtain wall system allowing for multiple room configurations. Seven elevators and two freight elevators make the transfer of conference supplies efficient and painless.

Municipal Auditorium

Municipal Auditorium, one of San Antonio's most popular unique venues, dates back to 1926 and is situated only six blocks from the Alamo and eight miles from the San Antonio International Airport. The Municipal Auditorium boasts a magnificent stage proscenium adorned by decorative organ grills on either side, a Mediterranean lobby perfect for small receptions, two 1,900-square-foot banquet/small meeting rooms and an auditorium, yielding 23,000 square feet of exhibit space. Regardless of the requirements of the meeting or event, San Antonio is equipped with the perfect facilities and spaces.

A major benefit of hosting a convention in San Antonio is the city's accessibility. Most of the city's popular downtown attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, such as the famous River WalkRiver Walk
River Walk, a stretch of shops and restaurants lining the picturesque San Antonio River. To see the San Antonio River Walk in its full glory, visitors should be sure to schedule trips during the spring season when the city hosts its annual Fiesta San Antonio and beautifully crafted floats decorate the river. The AlamoThe Alamo
The Alamo, one of Texas' most treasured historic buildings, also enjoys a prime downtown location. Dating back to 1724, the Alamo has served as home to missionaries, the Spanish military, Revolutionaries and Royalists. Rich with history, today, this fascinating building serves as the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The Arneson River Theatre, La Villita, Hemisfair Park and the Tower of Life Building represent a few of the many other notable downtown attractions.

Quarry Golf Course

Beyond downtown, venues such as theme parks, theatres, museums, ranches and golf resorts abound, providing a unique selection of event and meeting sites. Scream and laugh at Six Flags Fiesta's over 100 rides ranging from the family-friendly mini teacups to the Poltergeist, which catapults riders into the sky from zero to 60 miles per hour in fewer than 3.5 seconds. Stop by  SeaWorld San AntonioSeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio to touch, feed and interact with the good-natured Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Enjoy temperatures near 70ºF and a 100-foot waterfall at the Cascade Caverns, the ideal place to escape summer heat and learn about what lurks beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. For a more upscale experience, visit the landmark 750-foot-tall  Tower of the Americas to dine at the Tower's revolving restaurant, offering awe-inspiring views of San Antonio. The Tower of the Americas also recently added a banquet facility and Texas-themed four-dimensional theatre. Golfers will love testing their skills at one of San Antonio's 40 public and private courses, including the Westin La Cantera Resort, which serves as the site of the annual PGA Tour Texas Open. Acclaimed as two of the best courses in San Antonio, green fees here range from $60 to $140. With a plethora of experiences tchoose from, San Antonio is a junction for not only business travelers, but also for tourists from all over the nation.

San Antonio's economy caters to a wide variety of industries, including financial services, health care, national defense and tourism. A few of the major corporate offices that can be found in San Antonio include South Texas Medical Center, Advantage Rent A Car, Clear Channel Communications, Valero Energy Corp., Toyota Motors, Bank of America, Citibank and Wachovia. San Antonio is also home to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base and Brooks City-Base, giving it one of the largest concentrations of military in the nation.

Key Statistics

About San Antonio / Additional Info

Referred to as the Alamo City, San Antonio is home to the world-renowned Alamo. With close to 1.3 million people living within its borders, San Antonio is the 3rd fastest-growing city in the United States. A booming economy, pleasurable climate and high standard of living have contributed to San Antonio's appeal as a tourist destination and place to live. Here, visitors and locals alike enjoy approximately 300 days of sunshine a year with temperatures averaging around 70°F. As the recipient of several accolades, including the most affordable city in America, the safest city and the best city for walking, with more than 68 miles of urban hike and bike trails, San Antonio has been recognized as one of America's top tourist destinations by Travel + Leisure magazine.

San Antonio is the 2nd most populous city in Texas and boasts a large minority population, as 66 percent of the total population is of Anglo-Saxon descent. The city was founded in 1961 by Spanish Franciscan monks as part of Spanish colonization and a desire to spread Catholicism among the native peoples. Today, Hispanic influences are seen in the city's numerous, Latin-themed shops, restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine and other attractions, conveying a distinct South of the Border flair.

Majestic Theatre San Antonio

The Alamo City is made up of a rich history that is interwoven with many cultures, so many in fact, that at one time its street signs were written in three languages: Spanish, English and German. San Antonio's history and culture are reflected throughout its architecture, sites, sounds and tastes. Walk the streets of the King William neighborhood, one of the oldest historical districts in all of Texas, and enjoy an eclectic mix of art galleries and restaurants, not to mention the magnificent Victorian homes. Visit the Market Shopping District, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico, and become immersed in the unique blend of San Antonio's American and Mexican cultures. Relax at the Majestic Theatre while being serenaded by the sounds of the San Antonio Symphony. Grab a bite to eat at Le Rêve, ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in America by Gourmet magazine and winner of the title "Best Restaurant in Texas." The fusion of cultures in this city is sure to enamor any visitor!