San Antonio, Texas

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Established 1731, favorite of many students of Spanish period in Texas, and popular with photographers. The little church building, restored several times, is still in use. Ruins of walls that once surrounded the mission compound; foundations of a granary;

Alamodome

160,000-sq.-ft. building provides facilities for football, concerts, and other events. It is the only domed stadium in North America with two permanent ice sheets. It's home for the annual Alamo Bowl college football game each Dec. Tours conducted every Thursday and Friday. (

San Antonio Zoo

More than 3,500 animals of 750 different species found in one of the premier zoos in North America. This AZA (American Zoo and Aquarium Association) accredited zoo, established in 1914

Botanical Garden

33 acres of display gardens, fountains, and natural areas (Major walkways wheelchair accessible). Included is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a 90,000-square-foot complex of below-ground houses that use the earth'

Wild Animal Orphanage