Deep in the heart of Texas is an idyllic community of cobblestone walkways, arched stone bridges, and cypress and fig trees. Fountains bubble and visitors relax at café tables as broad tour boats glide by on a wending waterway. There, Hispanic heritage, Native American culture, and Texas history intertwine in an array of warm sun-colored sights, lively mariachi-tinged sounds, and spicy Tex-Mex flavors.

Photos courtesy of San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau/Al Rendon

Everyday in San Antonio is a celebration of culture and history. Register today

"We truly enjoy meeting new Kiwanians from all over the world and making new friendships." --Charles "Fox" Grant, Kiwanis Club of Gallipolis, Ohio, 13 International conventions

Such are the charms of San Antonio, which will host the 92nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention, July 3-7.

Five Spanish missions can be found in San Antonio, including the legendary Alamo, site of the famous standoff between Texan revolutionaries and Mexican soldiers. The Alamo is a shrine so beloved that city planners ensure new structures won’t obscure the glow of the sunset on its facade.

About a 10-minute walk south of the Alamo is the King William Historic District. Once the domain of elegant society, the district now is a haven of creative talent, hosting nightly plays, readings, and other artful events. Eclectic stores, trendy new restaurants, and Saturday night salsa dancing draw residents and visitors alike.

At Market Square, outdoor vendors sell everything from handmade tablecloths and steaming tamales to Mexican pottery and piñatas in what is the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico. Nearby, the city’s most famous restaurant, Mi Tierra, beckons morning guests with a platter of chilaquiles famosos (scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, ranchero sauce, and cheddar cheese)—a soulful way to begin the day.

Paseo Del Rio, the River Walk, is San Antonio’s heartbeat. Tree-lined walkways bordered by restaurants, nightclubs, and specialty shops stretch for two-and-one-half miles along a narrow, meandering slice of the San Antonio River. It’s a great place for strolling or taking a boat ride, especially at night when the lively walk twinkles with lights and music fills the air.

At the Arneson River Theater, mariachi shows command the waterfront stage on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Other family-friendly attractions include the Magik Children’s Theatre, San Antonio Children’s Museum, and the Witte Museum, a two-level outdoor tree house that provides hands-on fun with telescopes and a maze. For those who want a bird’s-eye view of the city, Tower of the Americas at Milam Park is one of the largest freestanding structures in the Western hemisphere, rising 750 feet above ground!

Texas-size fun awaits those who visit the area’s two major theme parks—Six Flags and SeaWorld, the world’s largest marine life park. For those who prefer to be in the water, Shlitterbahn—30 miles north of San Antonio—boasts three miles of tube-cruising waterways, seven children’s water playgrounds, 17 water slides, and a surfing machine.

When it’s time to settle back and enjoy the flavors of South Texas, dining options range from Texas steaks and barbecue to Cajun and soul food. Locals have a real passion for Tex-Mex. Whether it’s carne asada (marinated beef in tortillas), enchiladas verdes (shredded chicken or beef with a sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies), or menudo (spicy tripe soup), you’ll find a dizzying number of choices.

Like a hot dish of fajitas, Tex-Mex nightlife delivers a sizzle too. From jazz and country western to piano bars and dance halls, the entertainment and music is as varied as the city itself—her history, her people, and her natural beauty. San Antonio offers endless reasons to visit.