Spanish Governor's Palace, San Antonio

Despite being proclaimed “the most beautiful building in San Antonio” by the National Geographic Society, the Palace is somewhat overshadowed by the Alamo and Spanish Missions, but well worth seeing. (Honestly, we find it’s not so much the stucco building that’s beautiful, but the architectural details—the keystone and coat-of-arms, the carved wooden door—and the cobblestone courtyard and fountains.) The keystone above the entry door reads, “año 1749 se acabo,” (finished in 1749), making it a contender for the oldest building in the state that is not part of a mission. Before you go, take time to read the Legend of the Door on the website, explaining what each of the carved symbols on the Palace’s front door has been said to represent. If you love mystery as much as we do, you'll be interested to learn that locals believe the place is haunted. Admission for adults is $4 with discounts for military and seniors; children under seven free.

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