Exploring the city of San Antonio is like sneaking a peek into the early Spanish colonial life of the wild Southwest. As the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio de Béxar was founded in 1718. Our city’s vibrant past can be seen in many of its early cultural and architectural elements that have survived to this day. Whether you dive into this exciting city on your own or take one of our many guided tours, you’ll love learning about San Antonio’s historical significance.