About Our City: Why We’re Proud to Be a San Antonio Dentist

History of San Antonio

San Antonio was originally the home of the Payaya people. The first European to arrive here was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish explorer who had been shipwrecked on the Texas coast in 1528. Cabeza de Vaca stopped here in 1536, then traveled west through Texas and onward to the Gulf of California, documenting his travels along the way. His work inspired other Spanish explorers to seek out these lands, but it wasn’t until 1718 that the first Spanish settlement would take root. In that year, Antonio de Olivares, a Franciscan friar, established the Mission San Antonio de Valero; later, it would be renamed the Alamo.

Spain sent more colonists to settle the area, and the community grew until it became one of the largest Spanish settlements in Texas. San Antonio would become a Mexican city in 1821, when Mexico became independent. When the Texas Revolution began in 1835, San Antonio would play a key role; the massacre of Texans at the Alamo by Mexican troops in 1836 rallied many to join the fight for Texan independence.

San Antonio became an American city in 1845, when the United States annexed Texas, and it continued to grow and thrive. The city continued to prosper throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and today, it’s a bustling metropolis with more than 1.4 million residents.

Where Is San Antonio?

San Antonio, Texas, is located southwest of the capital city of Texas, Austin. It is the second-largest city in the state and is a total of 465 square miles in size, which makes it one of the largest cities in America. The city is inland and located at the source of the San Antonio River.

San Antonio Weather

San Antonio generally has hot summers and short winters that tend to be on the cooler side; however, it’s never too cold to enjoy being outdoors. The average temperature in San Antonio, Texas, fluctuates between 43 degrees Fahrenheit and 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Rarely does the temperature drop below 30 degrees, even in the winter, but in the summer, the temperature could potentially climb into the 100s. It’s rarely humid, though, which makes the heat a little more bearable. If you’re planning a visit to San Antonio, the best time to visit for outdoor activities is from mid-May through late September.

Things to Do in San Antonio

San Antonio is a prime destination for visitors and a cultural hot spot for all who enjoy innovative cuisine, exciting festivals, live music, rich history, and a buzzing art scene. There’s so much to do in the city that it can be overwhelming to determine where you should start. Some popular districts to start in are Pearl and River Walk, which are both full of restaurants and shops. Pearl has fabulous architecture and plenty of boutiques as well as fine-dining restaurants that have helped it become a popular place to visit, while River Walk is a wonderland that is lit up morning, noon, and night with plenty of restaurants, shops, hotels, and museums that all overlook the river. After getting your fill of delicious foods and visiting the boutiques, you can stop at the San Antonio Museum of Art (or float past it in a river taxi!) to view one of the biggest collections of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art in the south plus art from all over the world that spans 5,000 years.

For history buffs, visiting the Alamo is a great way to spend your time. You could also visit the four active Catholic parishes that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to learn more about Spanish colonial history. And if you have young kids with you who need to be entertained, there are several theme parks nearby, like SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas offering rides and entertainment that will keep you busy for hours.

Where to Eat in Our City

When you’re looking for food in San Antonio, Texas, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the different options available. As a huge city, San Antonio is a cultural hub that contains a lot of different kinds of restaurants, from steakhouses to Mexican eateries and beyond. No matter what you’re craving or what your budget looks like, you’ll have dozens or even hundreds of choices. Pearl has become a particularly popular spot for a new restaurant or bar in San Antonio, Texas, to set up shop and make an impact in the city. The best restaurants in San Antonio make up the backbone of the city’s food landscape, from classic spots that have been part of the neighborhood for generations to new fine-dining establishments.

Places to Stay in San Antonio

There are plenty of hotels near San Antonio and in the city itself, so the biggest issue you might have if you’re looking for somewhere to stay is deciding on one. There’s a wide variety of hotels in San Antonio, Texas, that fit every kind of personality, from an affordable spot near the city to full resorts and spas that allow you to unwind and relax during your visit. The best way to choose your hotel is to determine what you plan on seeing during your visit. If you want to take advantage of the nightlife the city has to offer, you may want to stay in Southtown. If you’ve never visited before and want to be in the center of it all, downtown might be the right choice for you. If you’re traveling with your family and you want to find a relaxing spot that’s close to everything from Six Flags to downtown, you may want to try the Northwest neighborhood. No matter where you choose to stay, it’s easy to find a hotel suitable for your needs.

Skilled Orthodontic Care in San Antonio

Whether you’re visiting our city or moving here, we’re here for you when you need a dentist in San Antonio, Texas. South Texas Orthodontics has a friendly team of dentists and orthodontists who can help the whole family feel confident about their smiles. Our talented team takes a lot of pride in our work and has plenty of experience, so we can help with an array of concerns, from braces to treatment for sleep apnea. And we have four locations in and around the city, so when you need a San Antonio dentist or orthodontist, we’re close at hand. Book an appointment online today!