The city of
San Antonio is among the top-most populated cities in the United States. It is second in population in the entire Southern United States as well as in the state of
Texas. San Antonio was established in 1718 purely as a colonial and mission post by the Spanish, who were then ruling under the Spanish Empire. This makes it the oldest municipal region, still standing strong approximately three hundred years later, today.
Over the years after its establishment, San Antonio experienced tremendous growth and development and was soon rated the fastest growing city in the United States between 1990 and 2010. Today, a vibrant blend of both the ancient architectural designs and that of the modern designs define the city's style.
The Torch of Friendship is one of the most outstanding modern structures found within downtown San Antonio. Another spot is the iconic Six Flags Fiesta, a vibrant theme park in La Cantera where visitors go to with their families to enjoy outdoor fun and activities. More fun is available at SeaWorld San Antonio, a vast stretch of space that has been used to create a unique aquarium, oceanarium, and a beautiful animal park plus a modern mammal park. Rescued animals have been adopted for conservation as well as a medium of public education.
The iconic Alamo is yet another of the many pivotal landmarks in San Antonio, dating back into the eighteenth century, featuring an ancient spot that was widely known for its role in the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo. Today, the Alamo has been converted into a museum, and the public can view unique art and craft works therein.
Sweeping views of the San Antonio city can be achieved from atop the HemisFair Park, whose tower stands seven hundred and fifty feet tall.
The city of San Antonio experiences a humid subtropical climate of Köppen classification Cfa, with a close bordering on the semi-arid climate of Köppen BSh. The weather is generally characteristic of long summers that are hot and highly humid and winters that are mildly cool and highly tolerable. Spring and autumn both remain warm and moderately rainy, even as they remain short and more of transitional seasons.
Winter is cold, but freezing remains rare, and the snow barely accumulates on the ground as it only comes in traces. The mercury remains in the highs of 65.5°F (18.6°C) and lows of 43.7°F (6.5°C) on average.
Summer has high-temperature readings, ranging between 72.5°F (22.5°C) and 97.7°F (36.5°C) on average. Most of the rainfall falls in the summer afternoons, albeit in amounts that pose minimal hazards.
San Antonio has weather that allows it to be a year-round travel destination. The peak of tourism sets in during summer, from
June through
September, and during spring, from
March to
May. Both seasons not only have the best weather for outdoor indulgements, but they also coincide with the many events and festivities happening in the city.
Every year in March, San Antonio holds the Alamo Weekend, where the entire happenings of the Alamo battle are commemorated, and the slain soldiers honored as well. Another popular event, Fiesta San Antonio, is held annually in
April. It is one of the most attended events, and it features endless feasts, live music performances, fantastic parade shows, among many other intriguing activities.