"Visiting the Alamo - After Closing Hours" Topic

Work has me visiting San Antonio next week. Unfortunately, the listed visiting hours at the Alamo are limited outside of normal work hours. I could swing by in the evening, but I am not sure what access is like and if it is even worth it.

Does anyone have experience with this site?

Doug, you can walk around the exterior if I recall correctly. There are some historical signs, and it is well lit. I think it's worth dropping by just to get an idea of the scale of the place.

Don't forget to check out the basement.

Since you are going to be there anyway, yes, you should visit the site. Don't forget the cathedrals while you're there either.

We went a few years ago. Had a great dinner at Fogo de Chao. We came outside and bought a 24 hour pass for the water taxi for the long ride. Took a wonderful moonlit ride and repeated the ride the next night as well. A very relaxing way to end both days.

Is Ripley's Believe It Or Not still there?

There was also an art studio or poster shop with some military subjects.

You can also visit the Menger hotel adjacent to the Alamo. Not sure if the displays are still there, but they had a nice display model of the battle, as well as photos of Teddy Roosevelt and the Roughriders.

Kings X (King and Country toy soldiers) used to also be in the Menger, but they moved to 5945 Broadway. Unfortunately, they also have very limited operating hours.

Just know that there isn't a lot to see. I know I was disappointed when I finally got a chance to see it.

I'm sad that the Kings X store has left the vicinity. I always made a stop there when we visited from Austin.

Sad to note, a LOT about the Alamo displays and markers and exhibits has changed in the last decade, since the state (General Land Office, then under the control of the odious "P" Bush) seized control from the DRT and the DRT took away all their library materials and exhibits.

But by all means, visit the Menger, check out whatever TR displays are still there, and have a drink in the old Menger Bar where the Rough Riders were reportedly recruited and feted!

The short but interesting "The Alamo: The Price of Freedom" movie might still be playing on the IMAX theatre across from Alamo Plaza. This is the only place to see this little film. Terrific battle sequence that wargamers appreciate.

I was in the same situation as the original post 10+ years ago. I did go at night to walk around the fort, which was interesting in its own way.

The River Walk is nice, too.

Thanks for the input, everyone. This will help me plan the evenings I have in town.

D

De nada! We expect to be residents of San Antonio later this year, after several years in Wisconsin and decades before that in Austin. Old Bexar is a grand and unique city, up there with New Orleans, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Seattle. Hmmm, maybe Philly and Boston, too!

Not to mention Key West. Hail the Conch Republic!

I agree with Eumelias. See if there's a bike down there.

That bike is in storage with Davy Crockett's fiddle and the Ark of the Covenant!

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions folks. I found that there was quite a lot to see in the evening at the Alamo site. They have started reconstructing some things such as gateway, redouts etc. Much construction right now on neighboring buildings (I think they are being turned into visitor centers and museums). Riverwalk was also a fun place to visit for drinks and dinner.

D