Fiesta fun for all: in your spare time, enjoy the sightshas to offer

Parks & Recreation, Sept, 2005

Although days at NRPA's Congress are filled with educational sessions, the exhibitor hall and governance meetings, take time at breaks and at night to visit the third-largest city in Texas. The city is full of so many great places to see, we've helped you conquer the area with the top 10 list of sites to visit:

Alamo Plaza, 300 Alamo Plaza, (219) 225-1391, www.thealamo.org

On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where the siege of the Alamo took place in 1836. Initially a mission, which then became a barracks for quartered soldiers, this historic site also features the Long Barracks Museum and Library. A walking battlefield tour given by dressed "living historians" is available. Free. Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Distance .6 miles *

San Antonio Zoological, Gardens & Aquarium 3903 N. St. Mary's St., (210) 734-7184

Ranked as one of the best zoos in the nation exhibiting more than 3,500 animals of 750 species. At the headwaters of the San Antonio River, the zoo encompasses 35 landscaped acres. Includes one of the largest bird collections in the world. The zoo also offers boatrides. $8, adults; $6 seniors (62 ). Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Distance 3.8 miles *

Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, (210) 207-8600

From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Billed as the largest Mexican outdoor market place outside of Mexico, visitors can browse through the 32 shops at "El Mercado," an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. Free. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Distance 1.2 miles *

Sunset Station, 1174 E. Commerce, (210) 222-9481

A historic area, Sunset Station was first a farming community, then a major trade and retail center with its own railroad stop, and has since become a venue for restaurants, music and historic walking tours through its turn-of-the-century homes and buildings.

Distance .8 miles *

Saint Peter and the Vatican--The Legacy of the Popes, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

One of the largest Vatican collections will be on display at the Harry B. Gonzalez Convention Center during Congress. More than 300 objects will be featured--including works by Bernini, Giotto, Canova and others, and objects dating back to the third century--providing a fascinating insight into the Vatican's history.

Distance 0 miles *

HemisFair Park 200 S. Alamo, (210) 207-8572

Home to the 1968 world's fair, the 15-acre park contains waterfalls, greenscapes and offers a refreshing retreat from city streets. A playground is located near the Alamo Street entrance. The park includes the Institute of Texan Cultures, Instituto Cultural Mexicano and Tower of the Americas (closed for renovations until 2006).

Distance .6 miles *

Spanish Governor's Palace 105 Plaza De Armas, (210) 224-0601

Originally built in 1722 to protect the Alamo and its surrounding colony, the Spanish Governor's Palace became the seat of the Tejas government and capital building of the Tejas (Texas) region in 1772 for the Spanish Province. It is the only remaining example in Texas of an early aristocratic Spanish house. $1.50, adults. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Distance 1.3 miles *

Casa Navarro State Historical Park, 228 S. Laredo St., (210) 226-4801

The home site of Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), a Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. Navarro's life illustrates Texas' rich Mexican history and heritage. Conversational tours and exhibits are provided. $2, adults. $1, group rate. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday.

Distance 1.3 miles *

Mission Trail, (210) 534-8833

A nine-mile stretch along the river beginning at the Alamo, the trail connects the five missions established in the 18th century along the San Antonio River. They are reminders of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion from Mexico. Free. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The visitor center is located next to Mission San Jose and contains a theater showing a 20-minute depiction of early life at the mission, a museum and book shop.

Distance .6 miles *

International Accordion Festival, La Villita, 18 Villita, (210) 573-6984

Need to release pressure from a week-long list of Congress activities? Join hundreds of accordion enthusiasts at this two-day festival in historic La Villita. Before you head to the airport, stick around downtown for a couple of hours of music, dancing, food and fun that celebrates the versatility of the accordion and accordion-based international styles of music. Free. Hours: 12-10 p.m., Saturday; 12-9 p.m., Sunday.

Distance .5-.8 miles, *, (depending if you walk or drive)

* Distance from Convention Center