Off-Site Experiences
San Antonio offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy arts, culture, history, hill country beauty, and world-class cuisine. A cosmopolitan city, the seventh largest in the United States, San Antonio captures the independent spirit of Texas, as well as old-world charm. With more than 20 million visitors a year, San Antonio is (and always has been) a crossroads and a meeting place for Texans as well as travelers from all over the United States and the world.
The following activities range from nearby shopping, dance halls, and exciting theme and marine parks to road trips to small quaint towns and vineyards to horseback riding ranches to natural water springs, as well as to the vibrant downtown San Antonio area.
For additional information on activities listed, please let our Concierge Staff assist you with your experience.
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ACTIVITY
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DESCRIPTION
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DISTANCE
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The Shops at La Cantera |
The newest shopping mecca in San Antonio, the Shops offer world-class style and sophistication featuring such stores as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Brooks Brothers and Burberry as well as new favorites including Bebe, Betsey Johnson, Lucky Brand and BCBG/Max Azria. Guests of Westin La Cantera receive an exclusive Premier Passport, which includes a special list of retailers that provide discounts and special offers. www.shoplacantera.com |
.5 miles
Complementary Shuttle to/from resort |
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Neiman Marcus |
Take a spin into the world of fashion from Armani, Escada and Versace for fine apparel to D&G Dolce and Gabbana, Sean by Sean Combs for contemporary apparel and much more. Following a private fashion show, guests have the option to meet with a personal shopper to continue their pampering and receive the star treatment or enjoy shopping time at their leisure. The spoiling continues as guests indulge in makeovers provided by the various make-up lines featured at Neiman's. Each guest receives a gift bag from the Shops at La Cantera. |
.5 miles
Complementary Shuttle to/from resort |
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The Rim |
The Rim, a shopping center and entertainment complex in one, is a fascinating combination of great retailers such as Bass Pro Shop, Best Buy, Lowe's, Target, DSW, Old Navy, Santikos Theatres and more. |
.5 miles
Complementary Shuttle to/from resort |
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Six Flags Fiesta Texas |
The perfect place to meet Bugs Bunny and his pals from the Looney Tunes gang. Themed areas: Los Festivals, a Hispanic village, Crackaxle Canyon, an early western town; Spassburg, a German town; Fiesta Bay Broadwalk; Armadillo Beach Waterpark; and the 50's style Rockville. Attractions include: "Tornado"; the new extreme tubing experience, "Poltergeist," a twisting, spiraling LIM thrill coaster; "The Rattler," a classic wooden roller coaster; "Superman Krypton Coaster," the largest steel and floorless coaster in the southwest; "Scream," a 200 foot turbo drop ride, "Lone Star Lagoon," a giant wave pool shaped in the likeness of the state of Texas, and more. |
.5 miles
Complementary Shuttle to/from resort |
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SeaWorld
San Antonio |
The world's largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace, offers a splashy line-up of more than 25 sensational shows, thrilling rides, animal attractions and educational experiences for all ages. The Animal Interaction Program at SeaWorld allows guests to learn about and get wet with beluga whales, sea lions or sharks! During each of the interactive activities, guests actually get into the water with the animals, so these guests should come prepared to bring a swimsuit and towel. |
20 miles |
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Antiquing in Boerne |
A small, quaint German town that lies in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Various antique shops offer a variety of specialty items such as Mexican primitives and restored farm furniture such as chests, tables, and benches. Other unique shops offer folk art, unusual collections of candles and wrought iron. Art Huse in Boerne features breathtaking landscapes of Texas. Enjoy lunch, high tea or wine tasting before or after a day of shopping. |
15 miles |
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Leon Springs Dance Hall |
This big red barn with an enormous metal roof is the best backdrop for a true Texas dance hall experience from its salt-covered, wooden dance floor to its memento-adorned walls. From the pre-radio days of The Dixie Chicks to the nationally renowned Johnny Dee & the Rocket 88's, Leon Springs Dance Hall for many is a place to hear some of the best up-and-coming country western and old-time rock and roll bands in and around Texas. |
4 miles |
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Fredericksburg |
Settled by German immigrants in the early 19th Century, this town has retained its Old World charm while developing a modern-day appeal. Today Fredericksburg boasts a traditional Main Street, Pioneer Museum, wineries, restaurants, peach orchards, wildflowers, antique showrooms and natural wonders. See how Texas wildflowers are grown for seed harvesting at Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the United States. |
40 Miles |
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Hill Country Wine Tour |
Enjoy a taste of the Hill Country's beautiful backdrop and delectable wines on one of Texas' favorite wine trails. The tasting begins at Bell Mountain Vineyards/Tasting Room. Located on the slopes of Bell Mountain just outside Fredericksburg, their acreage was designated in 1986 as Texas' first wine-growing area by the Texas Federal Government. Next stop, the Becker Vineyards, whose wines have been served far and wide including The White House and Super Bowl XXXVIII. |
30 miles |
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Lyndon Baines Johnson Ranch |
During his presidency, Johnson signed into law almost 300 bills dealing with environmental protection and other resource conservation issues. Today's tour of the Ranch starts at the LBJ State Visitors Center and then passes the schoolhouse that LBJ attended as a young boy. The next stop is the birthplace of our 36th President. Guests tour the reconstructed building where President Johnson spent his early years. The tour then continues past the Johnson family cemetery, the home of Johnson's grandparents, the White House that Ladybird still lives in and ends at the Johnson settlement where guests receive a tour of the working cattle ranch. |
40 miles |
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Enchanted Springs Ranch |
An 86-acre-working ranch in Boerne, the rugged natural beauty of this ranch includes two gorgeous lakes, beautiful waterfalls, exotic animals and a western town right out of the 1800's. After a morning of Happy Trails, guests are invited to tour the town and take a scenic tractor wagon ride throughout the ranch viewing longhorns, horses, buffalo, llamas, emus, zebras, catfish and many exotic deer and antelope. The cowbell is ringing and a traditional Texas BBQ lunch is ready for everyone to enjoy. Fixin's are served as they did in the "Old West." |
15 miles |
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Guadalupe River |
The Guadalupe River, the finest natural recreational facility available in Texas, is the emerald gem of New Braunfels - the water capital of Texas! The crystal clear water stretches through one of the most beautiful areas in Texas. Swimming, and yes, an occasional water fight, is an unforgettable experience. Float trips originating from Rockin' R River Rides are available for thrill seekers as well as those folks who are a little more timid. Take a walk on the wild side or sit back, prop up your feet and relax! Float trips are variable due to the fluctuations in release rates from Canyon Dam, but there are usually trips of 1.5 to 6 hours available. |
25 miles |
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Natural Bridge Caverns |
Hidden beneath the rolling hills of the scenic Texas Hill Country is Texas' largest network of caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns. In 1960, four St. Mary's University students discovered this wonderland of living stone. Guests take a guided tour through the North Cavern, exploring its depths, design and geological beauty. |
20 miles |
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Historic Gruene |
Pronounced "green," guests experience historic structures, both ruins and restored, including old homes, antique shops, art galleries, a winery, and an ice cream parlor. Along with all of the charm of this truly historic Texas landmark, enjoy lunch at The Gristmill Restaurant. Located in the ruin of a 100-year-old cotton gin overlooking the Guadalupe River, the Gristmill features the best of southern dining. |
20 miles |
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National Shooting Complex |
Located along the edge of the beautiful Texas Hill County, just under 600 acres of peaceful rolling hills and a picturesque countryside. Guests are taken down to one of several wooded sporting clay courses for instruction by professional NSC staffers on safety and shooting procedures, as well as all necessary equipment. |
9 miles |
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Enchanted Rock |
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the largest exposed underground rock formations in the U.S. Tonkawa Indians named it believing ghost fires flickered at the top and that a Spanish conquistador had cast a spell on it. This unique pink granite dome rises 425 feet above the countryside. This state park is so popular with rock-climbers, hikers and campers that we highly recommend you go early in the day. Guests will enjoy a view and a great workout. Bring lots of water, sunscreen and your walking shoes. |
60 miles |
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Joshua Creek Ranch |
With 500-year-old oaks, moss-bearded cypress, rolling grassland, sparkling creeks, Joshua Creek offers a parade of wildlife over 1,200 acres of diverse terrain. Joshua Creek Ranch offers an array of sporting activities for guests to enjoy. |
15 miles |
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Paseo Del Rio, The Riverwalk |
Amidst the daily hustle of the busy metropolitan downtown, sequestered 20 feet below street level, lies one of San Antonio's jewels -- the Paseo del Rio. Better known as the Riverwalk, these cobblestone and flagstone paths border both sides of the San Antonio River as it winds its way through the middle of the business district. The Riverwalk has multiple personalities -- quiet and park-like in some stretches, while other areas are full of activity with European-style sidewalk cafes, specialty boutiques and nightclubs. |
20 miles |
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The Alamo |
The east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Ana's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the original fort. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds. For hours and rates call (210) 225-1391. |
20 miles |
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Missions National Historic Park |
The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. The Missions Tour covers Mission Concepcion with its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, Mission San Jose the "Queen of the Missions", Mission San Juan and Mission Espada with its aqueduct considered an early engineering marvel. If time allots, a lunch at local favorite Rosario's. For more adventurous guests, the Historic Missions Tour is also a great tour to experience on a bike as there are several well-maintained bike paths circling all the missions. |
20 miles |
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The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center |
The Arts Center brings its artistic vision alive through six art disciplines: visual arts, media arts, theatre arts, literature, dance and music. Scheduled events are guaranteed to increase your awareness and appreciation for Latino heritage. For ticket information and sales, call the Guadalupe Gift Shop directly at (210) 271-0379. |
20 miles |
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King William Historic District |
A 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River. Prominent German merchants originally settled the area, and in the late 1800's the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. It was zoned as the state's first historic district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. Features include many historical homes and El Mercado, an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. |
20 miles |
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San Antonio Botanical Gardens |
This 33-acre garden represents, in miniature, the diverse Texas landscape--from Hill Country wildflowers to the formal rose gardens of East Texas. (210) 207-3255. |
20 miles |
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San Antonio Zoo |
Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting over 3,000 animals of 600 species. (210) 734-7183. |
20 miles |
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Tower of the Americas |
The Tower, 750 ft. tall, offers a panoramic view of San Antonio and the surrounding area. It was the theme structure for HemisFair in 1968 and symbolizes the progress made by the confluence of civilizations in the Western Hemisphere. (210) 223-3101. |
20 miles |
The Westin La Cantera Resort | 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256
Phone: (210) 558-6500 | Fax: (210) 247-9641 | Info@WestinLaCantera.com |
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