The Tower of the Americas is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Antonio, Texas. Located in Hemisfair Park, the 750-foot-tall tower offers incredible panoramic views of the city. It was built for HemisFair ’68, a world’s fair held in 1968 to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.
If you’re visiting San Antonio, a trip to the Tower of the Americas should definitely be on your itinerary. Here’s a guide to visiting this famous tower:
Getting There
The tower is located in the southwestern corner of downtown San Antonio, just a short drive or rideshare trip from the Riverwalk and other major attractions. If you’re staying downtown, it’s easy to reach by foot too.
Tickets & Hours
The tower is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, with the last elevators going up at 9:45 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11. Purchase tickets at the tower or online in advance to skip the ticket line.
The Observation Deck
After getting your ticket, take an elevator up 750 feet to reach the observation deck. From here, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of San Antonio, the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and the surrounding hill country. On a clear day you can see for miles! The observation deck has indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
The Revolving Restaurant
One floor below the observation deck is the tower’s revolving restaurant, Chart House. The restaurant completes a full rotation every 45 minutes, so you can enjoy a meal while taking in panoramic views of the city. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance.
The 4D Theater
At the base of the tower is a 4D theater that shows short films enhanced with lighting, seat motions, wind, and more effects. It’s an exciting way to learn about San Antonio’s history. Tickets can be purchased separately or bundled with observation deck access.
Tips for Visiting
- Try to visit during the late afternoon or evening to catch a sunset view.
- Look out for the Tower’s nightly color-changing LED light show.
- Don’t forget your camera! You’ll get amazing photos.
- Dress for the weather at the top. It can be windy on the observation deck.
- Arrive early or pre-purchase tickets online to avoid long lines.
The Tower of the Americas delivers a unique vista overlooking San Antonio. No trip here is complete without taking in the view from the top! Have you visited the tower before? Let me know your experience in the comments!
My Visit
Stop three of my 36-hour San Antonio Sightseeing Tour brought me to the Tower of Americas. I opted to take the elevator to the observation deck to check out the views and hopefully get some nice pictures. At 952 steps*, this made the most economical use of my time and health. While I wish the weather was a bit more accommodating, rainy, and overcast, I could still enjoy the views and take some nice pictures.
