Texas proudly celebrates its deep Hispanic roots shaped by centuries of Spanish and Mexican history. Today, this legacy is a vital part of the state’s food, entertainment, and daily celebrations. During Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year, San Antonio is the ideal destination to experience this living history. The city serves as an educational and travel hub, boasting many cultural attractions that honor the original Texans whose stories define the Lone Star State.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site
At the restored 1850s limestone home of José Antonio Navarro, visitors can learn about the life of a true Texas trailblazer. Located in the former Laredito neighborhood (now a busy urban area), this Texas Historical Commission (THC) state historic site honors Navarro, a prominent rancher and merchant who was one of only two native-born Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. Navarro remained a champion for Tejano rights throughout his life. The property was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017.
The Founders Monument
Located at Main Plaza—originally established as the Plaza de las Islas Canarias—stands The Founders Monument in front of the historic Bexar County Courthouse (which received vital restoration aid through the THC’s Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program). Sculpted by Laredo artist Armando Hinojosa, the monument honors the diverse individuals who built San Antonio, featuring Canary Islanders, American Indians, a Franciscan friar, and presidio soldiers.
In 1731, Spanish immigrants from the Canary Islands arrived here to form a civil government. An official THC historical marker between the courthouse and San Fernando Cathedral commemorates the end of their 5,000-mile journey.
El Mercado (Historic Market Square)
Just a short walk away at West Commerce Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, the vibrant, papel picado-lined walkways of El Mercado welcome travelers with traditional and modern Mexican clothing, crafts, and food. The market originally relocated to this spot in the 1890s to accommodate an influx of new settlers.
This was also the era of San Antonio’s famous “Chili Queens,” who prepared authentic Mexican cuisine over open fires. Today, that culinary legacy lives on through local eateries serving street foods like elotes, gorditas, and aguas frescas. Visitors can also purchase traditional cooking tools like molcajetes and dried chilies from local vendors.
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center was established by a group of Chicano artists to protect and elevate Hispanic and Native American culture. The center is a lively educational hub offering theater and art classes, live concerts, performing arts events, and an international film festival.
The surrounding neighborhood is also rich with Hispanic heritage, featuring the 1926 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church—built to offer Spanish Mass to families fleeing the Mexican Revolution—as well as the MujerArtes art cooperative and “En Aquellos Tiempos: Fotohistorias del Westside,” a street installation of historical scenes from the 1900s–1950s.
Dolores-Applewhite Crossing
For travelers looking to combine history with nature, the Medina River Natural Area on the city's south side features several trails carrying deep historical significance from the Spanish Colonial era. Among them is the El Chaparral Trail, which guides hikers past a reconstructed jacal (a traditional hut) believed to be part of the historic Perez Ranch. Once owned by Spanish Texas Governor Ignacio Perez, this 1700s-era trail served as a portion of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas, earning it a listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Trabajo Rústico
San Antonio's visual landscape has a distinctive artistic element: trabajo rústico (rustic work), a specialized Mexican handicraft technique also known as faux bois (imitation wood). This art form uses sculpted cement to create architectural elements like benches, fences, and bridges that appear organic. Mastered by artist Dionicio Rodriguez and associates like Maximo Cortes, this craftsmanship can be admired today at the Spanish Governor’s Palace, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Japanese Tea Garden. The tradition remains alive and well today through modern Mexican artists, including Carlos Cortes, the grandson of Maximo.