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Typified by its two most recognizable landmarks, the Alamo and the Paseo del Rio — or river walk — San Antonio has evolved into a city where modernism still leaves room for history. Besides the iconic mission that now serves as a museum and shrine dedicated to the Texas Revolution, San Antonio boasts a bevy of districts and sites that transplant visitors to the city's infancy, including the San Fernando Cathedral, the Spanish Governor's Palace, Fort Sam Houston and La Villita — an original settlement of Spanish soldiers. The River Walk, meanwhile, offers a more contemporary experience. With stone paths set 20 feet below street level and stretching for 2½ miles along the San Antonio River, the River Walk features plenty of restaurants and shopping, while river taxis give sightseers a unique tour through the downtown area.

Downtown San Antonio is perfect for exploring on foot, but public transportation also is available via bus or river taxi. VIA Metropolitan Transit Service bus routes cost 80 cents for a one-way ride, plus an additional 15 cents for transfers. Rio San Antonio Cruises operates boat taxi service up and down the San Antonio River, with more than 40 stops along the River Walk. Fares are $4 one-way and $10 for an unlimited-ride day pass.

San Antonio International Airport is less than 10 miles north of the city, with a VIA bus line connecting the airport with the downtown area. SA Trans also operates an airport shuttle service to downtown hotels for $14, while a cab ride will run approximately $22.

Join the chants for the silver and black
The city's only major professional sports franchise began life in the ABA as the Dallas Chaparrals before relocating to San Antonio in 1973. Now a perennial powerhouse in the NBA, the three-time champions draw sellout crowds and their ubiquitous "Go, Spurs, go!" chant to the AT&T Center from October through playoff time.

Watch children beat up a taco
With a pair of brick bell towers flanking the entrance, quaint Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium — or simply, "the Wolff" — is home to the Seattle Mariners' double-A affiliate, the San Antonio Missions. Like many minor-league parks, the stadium features berm seating behind the left-field wall that accommodates up to 3,000 spectators. And be sure to keep an eye on the infield between the sixth and seventh innings, when a flurry of children traditionally gang tackle team mascot Henry the Puffy Taco in a race around the bases.

Get music with your rodeo
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo draws more than a million attendees annually, making it one of the largest in the U.S. Dating back to 1950 and held each February at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum, the event features big-name country music entertainers performing on stage each evening following the rodeo competition.

Celebrate Fiesta San Antonio in style
Each April, Fiesta City's 10-day celebration of Texas independence features a variety of sporting events for spectators and participants alike. Serious runners can kick off the event with the San Antonio Roadrunners' 10K, which begins and ends in Mission County Park. The more festive can opt for the Fiesta Flambeau Fandango 2.6-mile run, which precedes the Fiesta Flambeau Parade and awards prizes for best costume.

Head for the hills
Water sports enthusiasts will want to travel to Texas Hill Country, which forms an arching band north of downtown San Antonio. From the white water of the Guadalupe and Medina Rivers to the tranquil clarity of Canyon Lake, there are plenty of opportunities for rafting and canoeing, fishing, diving and sailing.

Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, Tex. 78205
The Alamo, the symbol of Texas's valiant battle for independence, is crammed within the heart of the city. Surrounded by shops and office buildings, its grandeur seems lost. But walk inside. From its ramparts, it's easy to conjure the images of Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie standing shoulder to shoulder with fewer than 200 revolutionaries, holding back Santa Ana's army, many times larger, for 13 days.
http://www.thealamo.org/main.html

Fort Sam Houston Museum
1210 Stanley Rd., Bldg. 123
San Antonio, Tex. 78234
Fort Sam Houston is a working military installation. But three of its historic buildings are devoted to the period of the Texas Revolution and the early days of the Texas Republic. Its exhibits include uniforms and old flintlock rifles used by Texas soldiers, as well as a photographic history. While there, visit the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum (2310 Stanley Rd., Bldg. 1046; 210-221-6277 or 210-221-6358; URL: www.ameddgiftshop.com/museum.htm), which features a history of army field medical equipment and the Quadrangle (1400 E. Grayson St.), in whose open, grassy field Apache chief Geronimo was held captive in 1886 for 40 days.
http://ameddregiment.amedd.army.mil/fshmuse/fshmusemain.htm

Market Square
Commerce St. and Santa Rosa St.
San Antonio, Tex. 78207
This square block in downtown San Antonio might be the largest Mexican marketplace outside Mexico. It is a warren of vegetable stands, fruit stands, crafts stands and restaurants. You'll find everything from onyx paperweights to hand-turned pottery to serapes to funnel cakes and gorditas (corn cakes topped with sweets). Some of the buildings date to the 1800s. Mariachis and folk dancers tour the square.
http://www.tavernini.com/mercado/

River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
Access points: various places in downtown San Antonio
A 1930s WPA project created this 2 1/2-mile cobblestone walkway along the San Antonio River, which winds through the heart of the city. The quieter sections are enveloped by stands of cypress, oak and willow. The River Square and South Bank districts teem with upscale shops, restaurants and hotels. Walk its length, or take a tour boat or water taxi.
http://thesanantonioriverwalk.com/

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Ave.
San Antonio, Tex. 78215
The museum features a fine collection of Asian art, and Greek and Roman antiquities. Even better are its halls devoted to Latin American and regional folk art. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery, built in 1884, it is a striking exhibition space.
http://www.samuseum.org/

2007: San Antonio Spurs (defeated Cleveland Cavaliers, 4 games to 0)
2005: San Antonio Spurs (defeated Detroit Pistons, 4 games to 3)
2003: San Antonio Spurs (defeated New Jersey Nets, 4 games to 2)
1999: San Antonio Spurs (defeated New York Knicks, 4 games to 1)