Tower of the Americas – This Stop is Temporarily Closed

The Best Way to See the Tower of the Americas and Historic San Antonio with Old Town Trolley

The most comprehensive and convenient way to visit the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio is with Old Town Trolley Tours. This hop-on/hop-off service stops directly at the base of the tower, offering unparalleled flexibility and expertly guided narration on the city’s key historical sights. Old Town Trolley Tours provides a complete and authoritative San Antonio sightseeing experience, linking the iconic tower with every other major city highlight.

Why Choose Old Town Trolley Tours for the Tower of the Americas?

• Maximize Sightseeing Freedom: Get on and off at the Tower of the Americas and all major stops to explore on your own schedule.
• Expert Local Narration: Hear comprehensive, engaging stories covering over 300 years of San Antonio and Texas history from our professional guides.
• Prime Access to the Tower: The trolley route brings you directly to Stop 10, ensuring immediate access to the 750-foot observation deck and the Chart House revolving restaurant.
• Unobstructed, Open-Air Views: Enjoy the best perspective for photos of the Tower of the Americas and the entire San Antonio skyline.
• Hassle-Free Transportation: Avoid parking fees, traffic, and navigation stress by letting Old Town Trolley Tours handle the city logistics.

Key San Antonio Attractions on Your Old Town Trolley Tour

Your ticket is a passport to the city’s most celebrated locations.

• The Tower of the Americas: Stop directly at the iconic 750-foot tower, built for the 1968 HemisFair World’s Fair.
• The Alamo Area: Gain convenient access to the area surrounding the historic mission, allowing you to explore the grounds near the legendary landmark.
• San Antonio River Walk: Explore the shops, restaurants, and entertainment along the famously scenic San Antonio River Walk area.
• Historic Missions: See the important, historic sites that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

History of the Tower of the Americas

The Tower of the Americas stands as an enduring symbol of San Antonio’s skyline, embodying the city’s architectural prowess. Conceived by the esteemed San Antonio architect O’Neil Ford, this iconic structure is a testament to his influential legacy. Its genesis dates back to a grand vision: to serve as the thematic centerpiece for the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ’68, an international exposition celebrating San Antonio’s rich cultural tapestry and its transition into the modern era.

The nomenclature of this remarkable tower was determined through an innovative “name the tower” contest initiated by the executive committee. Engaging the public, this contest yielded an impressive response, with 68 submissions. The winning name, “Tower of the Americas,” perfectly captures the essence of the structure, symbolizing its role in bridging diverse cultures.

Upon its completion in 1968, the Tower of the Americas proudly held the title of the tallest observation tower in the United States until 1996, when the Las Vegas Stratosphere Tower surpassed it. Despite this, the Tower of the Americas remains the tallest occupiable structure in San Antonio and presently ranks as the 30th tallest occupiable structure in Texas.

In 2019, the Tower of the Americas marked its 50th anniversary, a significant milestone in its rich history. Standing tall as a silent witness to the city’s evolution, it symbolizes San Antonio’s dynamic culture, storied past, and ongoing progress. Today, the Tower of the Americas beckons both locals and visitors, serving as a beacon for those eager to explore and appreciate the distinctive charm of San Antonio.

Tower of the Americas Fun Facts

• The Tower of the Americas was built for the 1968 HemisFair World’s Fair, a grand event that celebrated San Antonio’s 250th anniversary.
• Construction of this remarkable structure commenced in 1966 and took 18 months to finalize.
• Standing at a towering height of 750 feet, it boasts the title of the tallest observation tower in Texas.
• It held the title of the tallest observation tower in the U.S. until the Stratosphere Tower was constructed in Las Vegas in 1996.
• The tower is incredibly heavy, weighing in at 80 million pounds.
• The concrete shaft that serves as the tower’s backbone is 45 feet in diameter and an impressive 605 feet tall.
• The journey to the top is a long one, with 952 steps to conquer.
• The tower is equipped with three elevators that can transport up to 1,950 people per hour.
• The elevators’ speed is a blistering 800 feet per minute, making a journey to the top a mere 43-second trip.
• The structure at the peak, also known as the “top house,” has a height of 76 feet.
• The top house is an architectural marvel, so well-balanced that it only requires a one-horsepower motor to rotate it.
• The outdoor observation deck can accommodate 340 people, offering panoramic views of the city.
• The internal observation deck has a larger capacity, able to host 500 people.
• The tower’s name emerged from an innovative “name the tower” contest, with “Tower of the Americas” resonating with the people and, thus, chosen as the official name.

Things To Do at the Tower of the Americas

Exploring the Grounds of the Tower of the Americas

The grounds surrounding the Tower of the Americas offer a serene escape from bustling city life. Beautifully manicured lawns and gardens with seasonal blooms create a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls or picnics. The grounds also feature stunning water features and the well-maintained HemisFair, making it a must-visit area for nature enthusiasts.

Flags Over Texas Observation Deck

The Flags Over Texas Observation Deck offers an intimate view of San Antonio from 750 feet above the ground. This deck wraps around the Tower of the Americas, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city. From here, visitors can witness the breathtaking sight of the city’s skyline and its sprawling cityscape, even as far as the Hill Country on clear days.

4D Theater at the Tower of the Americas

Experience the “Skies Over Texas,” a thrilling 4D ride in the tower’s theater. The 4D ride takes you on a high-flying adventure while narrating the history of Texas through its heavenly skies. It’s a state-of-the-art multi-sensory experience that is both educational and entertaining, suitable for all ages.

Bar 601

Located at the top of the Tower of the Americas, Bar 601 offers a unique rotating view of San Antonio while you enjoy a drink. With a sophisticated ambiance and a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, and local craft beers, it’s a perfect spot for an unforgettable evening. The bar rotates slowly, providing a full panorama of the city every hour.

Chart House

Dining at the Chart House is an experience unlike any other. This 360-degree revolving restaurant offers a mesmerizing view of the city while you savor delicious seafood, steaks, and chef’s specialties. The Chart House is well-known for its award-winning wine list and impeccable service, further enhancing the dining experience. The restaurant also offers gluten-free menu options, catering to diverse dietary needs. Be sure to reserve a table in advance to secure a spot at this popular dining destination in the city.

FAQs

How tall is the Tower of the Americas?

The Tower of the Americas stands at an impressive height of 750 feet (229 meters). This makes it the tallest observation tower in Texas. It held the title as the tallest observation tower in the U.S. until 1996 when the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas was constructed.

What can you see from the Tower of the Americas?

From the Tower of the Americas, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the San Antonio cityscape, sprawling to the horizon. On clear days, the vista extends to the Texas Hill Country. Landmarks such as the Alamo, River Walk, and San Antonio Missions are also clearly visible, offering a unique perspective of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

What can you do at the Tower of the Americas?

At the Tower of the Americas, you can explore the beautifully manicured grounds, take in panoramic views from the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck, enjoy a thrilling 4D ride in the “Skies Over Texas” theater, unwind with a drink at the rotating Bar 601 and savor a meal at the 360-degree revolving restaurant, Chart House. This combination of history, leisure, and gastronomy ensures a memorable experience for all visitors.

How many stairs does the Tower of the Americas have?

The Tower of the Americas boasts an impressive total of 952 steps. These stairs are primarily used for emergencies and maintenance purposes, with the majority of visitors opting to take the speedy elevators that transport them to the top in a mere 43 seconds. However, for fitness enthusiasts or those looking for a unique challenge, the staircase provides an alternative way to reach the top.