Spotlight: San Antonio - Tower of the Americas

Spotlight: The Tower of the Americas is the second tallest observation tower in the United States, and was the tallest from 1968-1996 (when the Stratosphere in Las Vegas was built). The tower was designed by architect O'Neil Ford as the theme structure for the 1968 World's Fair, HemisFair '68, and remains the tallest building in San Antonio. The top of the tower has a rotating restaurant, a lounge and an observation deck. The restaurant is currently leased by Landry's Restaurants, which manages the property.

Location: The Tower of the Americas is located at 739 E Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, TX, in what is known as the Hemisfair Park.

Cost: Adults - $12, Seniors and Military - $10, Children (4-12) - $9; Parking is $8 (Mon. - Fri.), $11 (Sat & Sun)

Time: The tower is open from 10 am - 10 pm (Sun - Thurs.) and 10 am - 11 pm on weekends. Plan on spending 2-3 hours.

Description: As the tallest structure in San Antonio, the Tower of the Americas offers beautiful 360 degree views of the city. Photographic displays inside the observation deck help visitors identify key landmarks around the city, as well as allow visitors to compare images from the past with the present. The exhibit includes historical overviews of Texas including the history of its six flags, the Battle of the Alamo, and its Spanish roots.

     At the base of the tower, visitors can experience the 4D Theater ride "Skies Over Texas." The ride allows visitors to "fly" over Texas and explore its vast environmental and cultural diversity through the lenses of 3D glasses while experiencing the events through its 4D technology. Visitors get to experience what it feels like to: be a rodeo clown being chased by a bull, look a rattlesnake in the eyes or watch astronauts prepare for launch at NASA. It was very well done!
     The tower is located within the ground of the Hemisfair Park, where the World Fair was held in 1968. While most of the buildings no longer exist, the park has been beautified with a variety of statues, fountains and trees that make it one of the most popular city parks in the state.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Ticket prices include unlimited access to the observation deck, Flags over Texas and the 4D Theater Ride.
- The observation deck is enclosed, but there is an open air walkway around the observation deck that is "enclosed" with metal wires. It is safe, but be prepared for high winds.

- From June through October, the city sponsors Free concert Friedays from 7 pm - 11 pm. The concert offers great family entertainment with food, drink, a bounce house and more.

Nearby: Institute of Texan Cultures, the River Walk, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Alamo