Hemisfair Park, San Antonio

Nice park. We didn't really spend much time there - just enough to see a little of what was there. Of course the 750-foot Tower of the Americas kind of dominates the whole scene. This was the site of the 1968 HemisFair (is that half a world's fair?) and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

1 more image

Easily found, the tower is in the middle of Hemisfair Park. The tower was built in 1968 (the year of the fair) and is 227m tall. When you get in the lift remeber to stand at the back (furthest from the doors) and face away from the doors. When the lift rises from it's below ground starting point you will have a wondeful view all the way up the outside of the tower. If you're scared of heights then stand near the door or maybe don't go up at all.
The view from the top is fantastic on a clear day then again,most days in Texas are clear.

2 more images

This is in downtown San Antonio, near the River Walk. The Institute of Texan Cultures has fine exhibits on Texas and local history. The Tower of the Americas is a must-see (unless you're afraid of heights).

Built for the 1968 World's Fair, this was not quite the big moneymaker that had been envisioned. But it's well worth a visit.

This area next to the city's center is definitely worth a visit for the Museum of Texan Cultures, which is very detailed and informative. It even features an exhibit on Sorbs (not Serbs, but rather a Slavic nation which lives in Eastern Germany). The tower over it allows great panoramic views.

The Towers of the Americas is a 750 foot high structure built for the 1968 Worlds Fair. You will find an observation area and a revolving restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner in the tower. (Restaurant phone number is 210-223-3101). Ride the glass elevator of the Tower of the Americas to its observation level, which is 579 feet above ground. Here you will find 8 glass panels and an outdoor walkway 59 floors above the city where you can get a wonderful panoramic view of the city. There is a fee for using the elevator to the observation level. In 2004 it was $4.00 for adults; $2.50 for adults 55 and older; $1.50 for children ages 4-12; and free for children under 4. The fees are subject to change, and you may call 210/223-3101 for information or current cost.

At the base of the tower is a beautiful water garden with still water, spilling fountains, and spraying water. Walk through this area if you enjoy the sound and looks of moving water.

This 750 ft. tall tower was erected as the center piece of the 1968 HemisFair World's Fair. A ride to observation deck offers a 360 degree view of San Antonio. There is also a slowly rotating restaurant on top. There is a fee to visit the observation deck.

Hemisfair Park is a lovely tranquil park with water displays and gardens. This was the site of the 1968 Texas World Fair. The feature point is the Tower of the Americas.

Also on the grounds is the Institute of Texan Cultures and Mexican Cultural Institute.

Besides the museums and the tower, a main attraction of the park are the fountains which are a great way to escape the oppressive heat that surrounds the city most of the year.