The Grand Hyatt is located on the River Walk – central to all of downtown San Antonio. In a short stroll, you can reach the Alamo (2 blocks), hundreds of restaurants and shopts, marketplaces, and art museums. You can explore San Antonio on your own or participate in a guided tour. The San Antonio Visitors Information Office is located near the grounds of the Alamo; and the concierge at the Grand Hyatt can provide you with a map and touring suggestions. The hotel concierge will make a presentation at the Spouse Breakfast for those family members who wish to ask questions or learn more about San Antonio and the surrounding area.

>> Map of Downtown San Antonio (PDF)

San Antonio's River Walk (Paseo Del Rio) This historic and famous series of paths around the rivers of San Antonio provide a unique way to see the city. Twenty feet below street level and away from traffic, the River Walk is lined with shops and restaurants. The River Walk is the first planned urban green space in the State of Texas and follows the original course of the river as it meanders through San Antonio. To reach the Riverwalk, go to the Acenar Restaurant in the lower level of the Grand Hyatt, walk out the door – and you are there. Turn right to venture toward the restaurants and shopping areas. The less developed areas of the River Walk offer peace and tranquility, while the busier central sections are a hub of activity, especially in the evening hours.

>> Map of River Walk (PDF)

For more information on the River Walk:
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com AND www.sanantonioriverwalk.com

For general information visit www.visitsanantonio.com/meeting.

The Alamo

The most famous site in Texas, this former mission is a symbol of Texas' fight for independence from Mexico and is illustrative of San Antonio's rich and vibrant history. The Mexican army under General Santa Anna held the Alamo under siege from February 23 through March 6, 1836 and almost 200 volunteers including Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie died defending the Alamo. Although the reinforcements that the Alamo defenders had hoped for never arrived, the 13-day siege provided time for Sam Houston to put together his forces and defeat the Mexican Army a short time later, with the battle cry “Remember the Alamo.”

The Alamo is only a few blocks from the AAGP headquarters hotel, the Grand Hyatt. The Alamo serves today as a monument to honor the fallen heroes of that battle over 100 years ago. The Alamo is run by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and is open to the public at no cost. The grounds include “A Wall of History” detailing the historic events, the mission church, a museum and gift store, and beautiful gardens and grounds. Staff at the Alamo provide guided commentary every 30 minutes, or you can arrange for a private tour after hours. The Alamo is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information: www.thealamo.org.

IMAX Theatre
Alamo -- The Price of Freedom, the IMAX movie that is the main attraction here is considered one of the best and most historically correct film versions of the famous event. The IMAX Theatre is located in the RiverCenter Mall, a short walk from the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Tower of the Americas
This symbol of the 1968 HemisFair remains a landmark in downtown San Antonio. Visitors get a 360-degree view of the city from the observation deck at 579 feet (a one-minute elevator ride- traveling at 7 miles per hour). There are enclosed and open-air observation decks. Four decades after its construction, this is still one of the tallest free-standing structures in the Western Hemisphere – 87 feet taller than the Seattle Space Needle and 67 feet higher than the Washington Monument. Top of your visit to the Tower by taking in the sights of Texas in the Skies Over Texas, a 4_D theatre ride, which is included in the price of a Tower ticket. The Tower of the Americas is a short walk from the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

La Villita (the "Little Village")
La Villita was San Antonio's first neighborhood and is located on the east bank of the River Walk. Today, La Villita is home to many stores including art galleries, craft shops, jewelry shops, and clothing stores as well as multiple restaurants. It is one of the top shopping districts for souvenirs in shops shoe styles exemplify the days of old San Antonio. This historic district represents a Spanish/Mexican village with plazas and brick and tile streets and adobe structures. Shops are usually open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information: www.lavillita.com.

Market Square
In central downtown, lies a market, which has a rich sense of the Mexican culture. Three markets make the Market Square: Farmers Market, El Mercado, and Produce Row. El Mercado is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. With a wide variety of dining, shopping, and events, this market combined with the surrounding markets, offers an extraordinary escape with the opportunity to find many treasures and treats. The buildings themselves at Market Square are historic – many dating from the 1800s. On the weekends, the stalls selling Mexican food grow in number. For more information: http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/marketsquare/. El Mercado and the Farmer's Market are open daily in March from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Museo Alameda
The new, hot pink Museo Alameda is a perfect fit for historic Market Square. Combining art, history, cultural education and live performance, the Museo Alameda tells the unique story of the Latino experience in America -- past, present and future. The first organization in the nation to sign an affiliation agreement with the Smithsonian Institution - Museo Alameda will take full advantage of access to the collections, exhibitions, and educational programming of the Smithsonian Institution. Its galleries focus on art and objects that tell the story of Latinos in the Americas. At the museum's center is the Smithsonian Gallery, which will remain filled with exhibits and treasures from the Smithsonian Institution's many museums. For more information: www.thealameda.org. Open to the public each Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM and on Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM, the admission fee for Mueo Alameda is $4.00.

Spanish Governor's Palace
Located down the street from Market Square, this historic site once served as the home of the officials of the Spanish Province of Texas. Today, it is the only remaining example in Texas of an early aristocratic Spanish home. Completed in 1749, the structure is now open for self-guided tours of its antiques-furnished rooms and cobblestone patio. The Palace is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $2.00. http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/parks_plazas/governorspalace.aspx.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
www.sixflags.com
Check out themed rides, thrilling roller coasters, a water park, attractions and shows for every age, including opportunities to meet the Looney Tunes characters throughout the visually stunning 200-acre park.

San Antonio Zoo
http://www.sazoo-aq.org
One of the largest zoos in the United States, the San Antonio Zoo is home to more than 3,800 different animals.

Institute of Texan Cultures
www.Texancultures.utsa.edu
Twenty-six ethnic groups contributed to the culture of Texas and all are represented in this hands on educational focused center. Children and adults alike will enjoy viewing the one room school house an adobe home, a windmill, and a theater. There are many special events at the Institute including pioneer life re-enactments.

Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records Museum and Tomb Rider 3D
www.alamoplazaattractions.com
San Antonio's newest attraction is a downtown entertainment complex a few short blocks from the hotel. It includes a state of the art haunted house with loads of special effects – Guinness Museum with hands on exhibits and a new theme park ride. Located across the street from the Alamo at Alamo Plaza.

Splashtown
http://www.splashtownsa.com
With 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement, this family water-park has something fun for every age - from Kids Kove to the Siesta del Rio offering a relaxing ride down a lazy river to major water rides. StarFlight is designed for space age thrills, and there are new rides and attractions throughout the park.

Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort
http://www.schlitterbahn.com
The 65-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has been called the #1 water park in the world by the Travel Channel. Plus, not only is Schlitterbahn the most popular summertime water park in the United States, but is also ranked as the #1 Kid-Friendly destination in the state of Texas. The park is located on the banks of the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels, just North of San Antonio. With more than 40 family attractions, Schlitterbahn has something for kids of all ages, including tube chutes, water slides, uphill water coasters, pools, hot tubs, and kiddie water playgrounds.

SeaWorld San Antonio
www.seaworld.com
SeaWorld San Antonio's combination of unique animal attractions, entertaining shows that combine artistry, emotion and marine animals into amazing performances, the thrill of our state-of-the-art coasters and educational experiences for all ages make this park an exciting place to be! Admission. (800) 700-7786.

SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARCH

January – April: San Antonio SPURS Season
The four-time NBA Champions play the second half of their 2010-2011 regular season from January through April in the AT&T Center, a few miles north of downtown. For ticketscall (210) 444-5000 or visit www.nba.com/spurs.

Contemporary Art Month
The month-long celebration of contemporary arts features more than 400 exhibitions and involves more than 50 venues. Events take place in galleries, museums, neighborhoods and studios. Some events have an admission charge. (210) 223-5310

OUT OF THE ORDINARY THINGS

Dine Aboard a River Cruiser
One of the most enchanting ways to see the River Walk is from a river cruiser. When you combine a river cruise with dinner and/or cocktails, it's a night to remember. For individuals, or small groups, make reservations aboard a public dinner cruise at Boudros or the Iron Cactus (or buy a ticket to the AAGP-PAC buffet dinner event to enjoy some great Tex-Mex food at the Iron Cactus)

Take a Cooking Class
The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio - Not only can you savor the spices of Latino cuisines in San Antonio, but now you can also learn to master these flavors for your own kitchen. Enroll in public classes at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, which has a Center for Foods of the Americas campus in historic San Antonio.

Central Market
Whatever your level of expertise in the kitchen, you'll always learn something new and exciting at Central Market Cooking School. The school has earned a reputation for world-class instruction by offering culinary expertise from a variety of local, regional and nationally known award-winning chefs.

DINING IN SAN ANTONIO

Restaurant Finder Website
http://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/eat/index.aspx

General Information Websites

San Antonio Visitors and Convention Bureau Website
www.visitsanantonio.com/index.aspx

City of San Antonio's Official Website
www.sanantonio.gov

San Antonio City Guide Website
www.sanantonio.com

San Antonio Texas Page
www.alamocity.com

San Antonio Weather
weather.mysanantonio.com/US/TX/San_Antonio.html

San Antonio Spurs Information
www.nba.com/spurs

Meeting Home Page

Photo courtesy of San Antonio Convention & Visitor's Bureau