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I lived in San Antonio for two years and never once visited the Tower of the Americas. I needed to rectify that oversight during my last trip!

Here are 5 reasons to visit the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio:

Visiting the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio TX, tips featured by top travel blog, The Common Traveler: Tower of the Americas view of tower of the americas through the lobby window
Waiting for the elevator to go up to the observation decks (they really need to wash that!).

1.  The Tower of the Americas was the Tallest Structure in the US, 1968-1996.

The 750-foot-tall tower was built for the 1968 World Fair, HemisFair ’68. In 1996, the Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower surpassed it as the tallest observation tower in the United States. It is still the tallest building in San Antonio today. Both the grounds and the tower itself have been improved with multiple areas for guests – from the restaurant and bar, observation deck, 4D theater, souvenir shopping and beautiful gardens.

Visiting the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio TX, tips featured by top travel blog, The Common Traveler: Tower of the Americas view of San Antonio from the tower of the americas
View from the observation deck. You can see the round La Villita Assembly Building. The Saint Joseph Catholic Church on the right is surrounded by the Rivercenter Mall

2.  The Chart House Restaurant Rotates.

You’ll need reservations to enjoy dinner since the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city. With the floor slowly rotating, you’ll see the entire city. It is magical at night. The restaurant caters events in special rooms on the observation deck. These don’t have fabulous views but your guests will enjoy the observation deck. Talk about a unique dining opportunity! Check out the menus to get an idea of what is available.

Visiting the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio TX, tips featured by top travel blog, The Common Traveler

3.  Enjoy a breathtaking View while Enjoying a Drink at the Tower of the Americas.

If you don’t have the time or the budget to enjoy the restaurant, visit the 601 Bar. We went during Happy Hour and enjoyed a spinach-artichoke dip ($5) and some local drafts for a reasonable fee ($4 each). These appetizers were a great way to tie us over until dinner.

Visiting the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio TX, tips featured by top travel blog, The Common Traveler: Tower of the Americas woman and man on observation deck with San Antonio in background

4.  The Tower of the Americas Observation Deck Allows you to See the Whole City.

The elevator ride from the ground to the observation deck is approximately 1 minute 15 seconds. From the observation deck, signs display different sites. A board helps visitors locate everything from the Alamo to the neighboring Alamodome. Several interactive displays presented different aspects of the areas history.

Visiting the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio TX, tips featured by top travel blog, The Common Traveler: Tower of the Americas list of places in San Antonio from Tower of the Americas
Helpful signs and maps allow guests to pinpoint different San Antonio locations.

5.  The Tower of the Americas Grounds are Magnificent

This wonderful waterfall blocks out the sounds of the city. You feel like you are in a relaxing park even though you are in the middle of the seventh largest city in the United States. As we were leaving, we saw a wedding party taking photos with the park as the setting. Beautiful!

Things to Know Before you Visit the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio

  • Tickets cost:
    • Adults: $13
    • Seniors & Military: $11
    • Children 4-12 years: $10
    • Children 3 & under: Free
  • Parking rates vary from $8 during the week to $11 on weekends
  • Admission includes unlimited time at the Observation Deck, Flags Over Texas and the 4D Theater Ride!
  • If you have a fear of heights, this is not for you!
  • It is pretty windy out on the observation deck. Walk counterclockwise so the wind blows the hair away from your face.

Our visit to the Tower of the Americas was one of the most fun things we did, so I highly recommend it. If you go earlier in the day, keep your visitor bracelet on, see some nearby sights, and come back in the evening to see San Antonio at night.

If you’re in San Antonio, these other posts will help you plan your trip:

Happy Travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler

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