Woodlawn Heights - San Antonio, TX Area Guide

In the early 1700s, several missions were established along the San Antonio River. One of those was the Villa de San Fernando de Bexar. In 1836, Bexar County was named for this early village. Today, Bexar County includes the entire San Antonio metro area.

San Antonio's most famous landmark is the historic Alamo. The Alamo was built in 1744 and is a World Heritage Site. The Battle of the Alamo took place in March of 1836. This battle is considered the turning point in the Texas Revolution, which pitted the US colonists against the Mexican government, which controlled the territory. The English-speaking "Texians" created an army under the leadership of Sam Houston in an attempt to create their own country, the Republic of Texas. The republic existed from 1836 until 1846, when the Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States.

In addition to the Alamo, San Antonio is home other fascinating locations, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include Mission Concepcion (completed in 1731), the Aztec Theater, Fort Sam Houston, the Bexar County Courthouse, and the Chinese Sunken Garden Gate.

A variety of restaurants line Bandera Road, including Julio's Takeria. The tacos are rumored to be among the best in San Antonio, and they even feature breakfast tacos. From ice cream to mini tacos, head over to Fruteria Las Gueras (try a banana split!). When you're in the mood for a good, old-fashioned fish fry, go to Fred's Fish Fry and enjoy seafood to go. Fred's has been serving up great food for more than 40 years, and locals highly recommend the onion rings as a side.

On the south side of Bandera Road near Bandera Shopping Center, Henry's Puffy Tacos Express comes highly recommended by residents. Try the puffy taco plate -- with a margarita, of course! If you'd rather have something off the grill, try the sizzling fajitas or the Pollo Poblano.

Of course, being just six short miles from Downtown San Antonio means you can enjoy dinner on the fantastic San Antonio River Walk. Sit along the river and dine al fresco or enjoy river boat dining. Be sure to try Boudro's Texas Bistro, once named one of the nation's top 50 restaurants by Esquire Magazine. The River Walk also features wine bars, taverns, and an Irish pub for after-dinner fun.

Highway 421 (Bandera Road) is the main roadway in Woodlawn Hills, and it will take you to I-10 and into Downtown San Antonio. I-410 is directly north of the neighborhood. Bus stops are located along Bandera Road, Overhill Drive, Freeman Drive, and Benrus Road for those who prefer mass transit.

Just south of the neighborhood, Woodlawn Lake Park covers 62 acres and surrounds a large lake. The lake is encircled with a paved walking/jogging trail. The park also offers fishing, ball fields, a playground, picnic areas, and a pool.

Located about 10 miles east of Woodlawn Lake Park, Splashtown San Antonio provides a fun and refreshing water park with more than 50 rides, a picnic area, and restaurants. In the evenings, the wave pool is a relaxing place to catch the Drive-In Movies.

Head to Downtown San Antonio to enjoy the spectacular Hemisfair Park, which includes many historic buildings, the Lila Cockerell Theater, the Aztec Theater, the Tower of the Americas, a playground, fountains, the River Walk, and the Institute of Texan Cultures.

An apartment in Woodlawn Hills will cost about $713, which is slightly higher than the Texas average of $711. Bexar County homes average about $127,000, less than the state average of $133,000.

Most residents in Woodlawn Hills commute to San Antonio for work. Other nearby employers include St. Mary's University and Lackland Air Force Base.

From the north end of Woodlawn Hills, take Hillcrest Drive to the Wonderland of the Americas. This mall contains a variety of stores and businesses, including Stein Mart, Burkes Outlet, and Burlington Coat Factory. It also offers indoor stages and an amphitheater for musical performances and fashion shows. The Bijou Cinema Bistro offers art and foreign films.

Ingram Park Mall, located off Ingram Road just west of Woodlawn Hills, offers 150 stores that include popular retailers like Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears. The Bandera Shopping Center is the neighborhood shopping hub. This plaza contains a Walmart and several other businesses. Bandera Road also contains specialty shops like furniture stores, grocery stores, and boutiques.

San Antonio's River Walk is the ideal destination for an afternoon of shopping. Be sure to explore the La Villita Historic Arts Village. This was one of the area's first villages, established about 300 years ago. Today, it is filled with art galleries and shops offering folk art, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.