Through the mid-19th century, sturdy rowboats ferried intrepid passengers across the grand Niagara River below the legendary Falls . By 1846, however, entrepreneurs decided a bigger vessel could profit by hauling people, luggage, mail and cargo across the misty expanse of swirling waters – and the first Maid of the Mist steamboat, large enough to carry horses and a stagecoach, was christened. In 1848, construction of a suspension bridge slowed business to a standstill, and “Maid of the Mist” was successfully re-branded as a sightseeing adventure. Groups on Northeastern holiday will not want to miss a visit to the fabulous landmark Falls and popular Maid of the Mist Tours get you as “up close and personal” as you would ever hope to be! Throw on your blue keepsake poncho, tuck your phone, keys and camera inside something waterproof, slip on your “water shoes” or flip flops and prepare for the most wet-and-wonderful ride of your life as you board the 74’ Maid of the Mist VI or 80’ Maid of the Mist VII, swing away from the dock and Rainbow Bridge and head out across the churning river toward the Falls. You won’t believe your eyes – OR ears – as you draw nearer the thundering curtains of water. Thrill to the powerful roar of the Falls and wild sensation of the boat working and arcing against the river, moving through the chilly, magical rainbow mist and soaking spray to bring you a memorable “fish eye” view-and exhilarating photo ops – of the most famous natural wonders in the world!

Wonder World Park is located near San Antonio, Texas. It is a one-of-kind Theme Park which is known as the 1st show cave in Texas. Visitors can take a tour of the Balcones Fault Line Cave. The location also contains other family-friendly attractions and entertainment. Your group will have the chance to take a guided tour of the Balcones Fault Line Cave. The tour focuses on the Great Texas Earthquake and the dramatic physical changes that happened millions of years ago. Your group may eat a lunch provided by the park. The lunch includes a deli sandwich, chips, brownie, and a large soft drink. There are other fun attractions that will enhance your experience. Featured attractions include the following: Mystery Mountain and Wildlife Park, Tejas Observation Tower, and the Anti-Gravity House. Mystery Mountain and Wildlife Park is interesting for visitors of all ages. The group will climb aboard the train and travel to the Wildlife Petting Park. You will splash through the cascading waterfall. There will be friendly deer and other critters waiting when you arrive for you to feed and pet. The Anti-Gravity House is an entertaining attraction. Things that go up do not always come back down and water even runs uphill. Visit this fun and fascinating Theme Park and see this amazing cave!

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Credit: San Antonio CVB

In a park of world class roller coasters, international cuisine, and thrilling waterpark rides, you can’t go wrong. Head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio to sample what the best of the Lone Star State has to offer with family friendly entertainment.

Let’s start with the roller coasters and focus on the record breakers, shall we? Superman the ride features the world’s tallest vertical loop while Batman is the world’s first 4D free-fly coaster. If you’re brave enough to venture near these superhero worthy coasters, you deserve a cape of your own. Other crowd favorites include Der Twister which takes you on 360 degree flips at 4 Gs, the Poltergeist which rockets out of the gate going 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, the inverted coaster Goliath, and the Iron Rattler, a classic wooden style coaster that propels you up to 70 miles per hour on the turns.

Take a break and go a bit slower on these classic rides. Try the themed carousel Amerigoround or Scooby Doo Ghostblaster where you can annihilate the ghosts with your own shooter. If you like waterparks, try the world’s tallest water slide, Bahama Blaster, or take a swim in the wave pool shaped like the state of Texas, Lone Star Lagoon, before heading on the White Water Canyon lazy river.

While you’re at Six Flags, you are bound to work up an appetite with all of your roller coaster screaming. When you’re hungry, stop by Bubba’s River Cafe for some down-home American cooking or try some overseas inspired cuisine at Panda Express or Primo’s Pizzeria. Snacks and desserts are covered by Cold Stone Limited’s deliciously crafted ice cream and Mockingbird Funnel Cakes. Grab yourself some souvenirs, candy, and caricatures at one of the park’s many kiosks and gift shops before you leave.

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Credit: SeaWorld

Like its Florida sister park, the San Antonio SeaWorld is an adventure into the deep blue sea with thrilling amusement park rides and up close interactions with some of the most magnificent marine creatures.

This 250 acre park includes several Animal Encounters, some of the most popular include Dolphin Cove, Penguin Encounter, Pacific Point Preserve, and Alligator Alley. Dolphin Cove lets you get up-close and personal with beautiful dolphins as you watch their handlers feed them daily and perform shows. Penguin Encounter is a time honored favorite where you can meet over 100 penguins and see their wild personalities while Pacific Point Preserve is a new destination featuring a family of sea lions. Make sure to visit the massive 450,000 gallon tank holding deadly sharks at the Sharks/Coral Reef.

Also a theme park, SeaWorld’s rides are a fabulous thrilling complement to the laid-back marine animal atmosphere of the animal encounters. Ride The Great White as this exciting coaster rockets you up to 50 miles per hour and curves around at nearly 4.6 Gs! As a nice change of pace, and something for the kids, Shamu Express is a kid-friendly coaster in trains designed to look like your favorite Killer Whale. Other rides include Rio Loco, a float through river rapids, the Steel Eel, and Journey to Atlantis, both of which are thrilling coasters.

When you get hungry, Dine with Shamu in a unique experience or just stop by Shamu’s Smokehouse, Rio Grille, Rosita’s Cafe, or the new Harbor Market where you can choose from an array of counter service options with international cuisine.

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Credit: Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Located just outside of San Antonio in the Texas town of New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is the best at what they do, and that’s creating the most fun, inclusive, water-bound experiences for you and your group.

Thrill rides abound at Schlitterbahn. If you’re up for it, try out the Der Bahn Speed Slides, Double Loop Body Slides, or the Hillside Tube Chute. Let’s not forget about the kid’s though. Youngster will go crazy for the many activity pools throughout the park featuring bucket dumps, giant sea monsters, kid-sized water slides, and more. The Wolfpack Raft Slide allows you to take friends along for the ride down its twists. The Falls, the world’s longest water ride, is a 3,600 foot long river through waterfalls, waves, and splashes led by the AquaVeyer, the first conveyer belt to carry riders out of water to the beginning of The Falls.

If you prefer a little slow time, check out one of the many heated pools like Bamboozle Bay or Boogie Bay. For groups wanting some down time or a place to meet up, look into getting one of the premier cabanas. Each comes with unique amenities, lockers, and some even have BBQ grills so that you can make your own lunch. Schlitterbahn resorts are also located near the park for those desiring multiple day stays.

The San Antonio Zoo is located in San Antonio, Texas. Visitors will find attractions, a variety of animals and exhibits. The location has an aquarium where the group can take in the creatures that live in the water. There are many classifications of animals for visitors to view at the San Antonio Zoo. Featured categories include: Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles. Featured birds include: the American common goldeneye, the American white pelican, the Australian shelduck, the Batelur eagle, the Bahama pintail duck, the Bananaquit, Barletts dove, and the Blackbilled whistling duck. Mammals include: the Addra gazelle, the African crested porcupine, the African lion, the Asian elephant, the Bat-eared fox, the Black-footed cat, and the Black howler monkey. There are other attractions for your group to explore throughout the zoo. Featured attractions include the following: Africa Live, African Plains, Amazonia, Cranes of the World, Gibbon Forest, and the Nature Spot. The Africa Live exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to experience the  world of Africa. Features include: plants, animals, and people. You will observe animals through one of the underwater viewing windows. Specific animals include: Hippos, crocodiles, and African cichlids. Come visit this one-of-a-kind attraction!

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Located only moments away from the Riverwalk is the gorgeously designed Rivercenter Mall. An entertainment, fashion, and food destination, the Rivercenter Mall is an all-in-one stop for premier shopping and a night on the town.

With four levels, each separated into their specified use, the mall is compartmentalized into granting a clearcut entertainment experience where everything is easy to find and in its place. Enter from the River Level and marvel at the water-filled courtyard, reminiscent of grand old world Spanish villas. Don’t miss the 1,000 room Marriott attached directly to the side of the mall as it towers above the premises. On the lowest level you can find a myriad of restaurants and counter service food kiosks such as Tony Romo’s, Little Tokyo, Chili’s, Marble Side Creamery, and Tutti Frutti among others.

From there, travel to the Street Level and find accessories, shoes, fine jewelry, and more. If you’re searching for apparel, head up one floor to the Fashion Level and peruse your way through favorites like American Eagle, Aeropostale, Express, Hot Topic, Macy’s, and Buckle. The fun doesn’t end with shopping and dining, however. With the true spirit of the Riverwalk, Rivercenter Mall is also home to an IMAX theater and an 11 theater AMC on the top floor Entertainment Level. Travel the floors upwards and end your night by taking in a movie and then relax along the riverside.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > San Antonio Tours

Credit San Antonio CVB

The number one tourist attraction in San Antonio, the Riverwalk public park is open 365 days a year. This beautiful riverway is lined with businesses, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and other services to make it the most inviting and entertaining district in the city.

Ride the riverboats and have dinner on board for the quintessential Riverwalk experience. Take a tour of the area or just stop by as part of the Alamo Trolley tours before heading onto different places. You might not want to leave, however, once you get a taste of the glorious personality of the San Antonio River and the shopping you can find here.

Boutiques and shops are sprinkled throughout the walk, spicing up the area with specialty shops and local flavor. Nearby is the Rivercenter Mall for more in depth shopping, located only minutes away. Other attractions include the Majestic Theatre where you can see all manner of performances and various special events that take place throughout the year. Come for the 4th of July and stay for the Arts and Crafts Show or participate in the Ford Canoe Challenge and paddle your way down the river with your group mates.

If you get hooked by the Southwestern flavor of the Riverwalk, you might want to step into one of the magnificent dining establishments. Dine by the riverside or in the air conditioned venues to the sound of live music as friendly waitstaff serve up the most delicious cuisine from all over the world. Try La Paloma Riverwalk for fine dining, Boudro’s Texas Bistro for a classic favorite, or Michelino’s for traditional Italian cuisine.

With live actors, animatronics, special effects, and more, this multi-million dollar haunted house is one of the best year round attractions in the country. As part of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! company, you can expect wild thrills, terrifying sights, and a good time.

Travel to the top floor in an old coffin cage and then find your way out of the house on your very own Haunted Adventure. Wander through horrifying rooms, escape trap doors, and scream your head off around every corner. Beware that on this adventure you may meet vampires, monsters, ghouls, gremlins, creatures of nightmares, and even the crypt keeper. Who knows what kind of monsters you may find in San Antonio’s top haunted house.

If you enjoy Halloween, horror movies, thrill rides, and being scared out of your mind, then Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is just for you. Make sure you have friends nearby to hold onto when crossing over into this nightmare house filled with the creatures of the dark. Stay near the brave ones in your group as you’ll need them to go ahead of the crowd and scout out what creeps within the shadows.

Allow at least one hour to find your way out of this haunted maze of a house. This is not recommended for young children or the faint of heart.

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Ever since 1918, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has brought the public the best in weird, scary, and otherwise unique artifacts and information from around the world. San Antonio’s Ripley’s location is no different with a three floor Odditorium covering 18,000 square feet, 18 themed galleries, and over 500 exhibits. Open 365 days a year, Ripley’s is a great attraction for groups of all ages.

Shrunken heads, a 19th century vampire killing kit, two-headed animals, the world’s largest tire, and 3,500 pounds of the Berlin Wall fill the many exhibits of this crazy museum. They even have the car Lee Harvey Oswald was driving the day he assassinated President Kennedy! The Odditorium is a tribute to the collection Robert Ripley started in the early 20th century who applauded the strange, the wild, and the unusual truths of the world that just sound insane. So it’s up to you to answer the question: Do you believe it or not?

Also in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! complex is the Louis Tussaud’s WaxWorks, a wax museum with over 200 figures in themed settings, and the 4D Moving Theater. Take a picture with your favorite celebrities and historical figures in themed sections including Hollywood, Passion of the Christ, Heroes of the Lone Star, US History, Horror, and more. See one of two films at the interactive, multi-sensory theater that moves! There’s no better way to experience a movie.

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