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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!
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Here are 5 reasons to visit the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- 10 Fun Things to do in San Antonio in a Weekend
- Visiting San Antonio’s Missions
- The Alamo
- Why you should visit San Antonio’s Riverwalk
- San Antonio’s VIVA transportation system
Happy Travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. Now that the children are gone, but still saving for retirement, she enjoys traveling in an affordable way and wants to share those ideas.
Nowadays, observation deck is quite common in every big cities. But this tower dates back to 1968 which is wonderful and must be in the list of very few in the world. 4D theaters, rotating restaurants with splendid views of whole city sounds interesting. Also prices are quite affordable and a good tip on wind directions. It is better to be against the wind.
Yes, always better against the wind!
Did you say happy hour? Yes to that! I and my partner are chasing happy hours always! haha but this observation deck is a sure win! I just wonder, is the observation deck on the 37 floor? Awesome sure does give the best view of the city!
I’m not sure what floor since there was an elevator attendant.
That’s one impressive view from the top to look out to the city! How amazing. In Auckland we have the Sky Tower ( not as big by comparison!) but it also has a revolving restaurant at the top. So you can get views of entire Auckland over the course of a long lunch or dinner! I love going up towers to get a good view of a new city – I’m gutted I didn’t get up one when we were in Tokyo though.
I’m going to try to visit a tower at every opportunity.
It’s amazing how briefly towers stay at the top of the list now, there’s always something new being built that knocks the old one off the list. That rotating restaurant sounds like a great plan.
And usually surpassed by a mere inches!
You had me at rotating restaurant. This just goes to show sometimes great things are in our own backyard.
Absolutely!
This looks like an interesting and fun place to visit. I’ve not been to San Antonio yet but I love going up towers to see the view and for American prices, this seems quite an affordable thing to do. I’ll put it on my bucket list !
San Antonio is wonderful to see.
Would love to visit this tower of the Americas whenever we visit Texas. Was not aware that this used to be the tallest building in the past! The rotating restaurant, the viewing deck and overall experience reminded me of our visit to KL Tower in Malaysia but I don’t remember if they had unlimited time at the Observation Deck just as here. The entry fee seems pretty reasonable too.
I would love to see the one in KL Malaysia!
Seems worth going up just for the views from atop. Loved the panoramic views! With the time I guess!
The views were amazing!
You had me at rotating restaurant. This just goes to show sometimes great things are in our own backyard.