A motorhome trip to San Antonio makes a fun-filled vacation for everyone and meets all interests. Shows at Sea World, thrills at Six Flags Fiesta, relaxation at Splashdown, and cooling off at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort seem to attract visitors by the thousands.

However, my three favorite activities in San Antonio are equally enjoyable. They are full of history, beauty and culture: the Alamo, the River Walk and El Mercado — and visiting these areas is absolutely free.

The campground we chose to stay at is located several miles out of the city, in a quiet, low-traffic area. The cost of camping during our stay was affordable — much less than what it would cost us to stay in a city hotel.

We had a beautiful view of the small lake, but our whole purpose of this trip was to explore San Antonio, so we only used the campground for our sleeping accommodations and meal and snack preparations. Our towed car allowed easy access into the city, as well as ease of maneuverability in city traffic and parking.

Probably the most noteworthy attraction in San Antonio is the Alamo. The first Catholic Mission from Mexico, it served as a way station between East Texas and Mexico. It was already 100 years old when the Battle of Alamo during the Texas Revolution took place, which claimed the lives of Jim Bowie (think, Bowie knife) and Davy Crockett, but where 13 others survived. Today, it is run and supported by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and all that remains of the original fort is the chapel and long barracks.

Never being here before, imagine my surprise to see the Alamo in the heart of downtown with lanes of stop-and-start traffic congestion, pedestrians crowding the sidewalks, and tall, modern buildings completely surrounding this historical monument. After paying a $10 parking fee in a city garage, we walked a couple of city blocks to a park-like area with well-manicured lawns, blooming flowers, trimmed hedges and giant shade trees.

We follow the sidewalk around, and there it was — the familiar sandstone-and-mortar architectural facade that I had seen only in pictures. We waited our turn in a long line to enter. Volunteers recited its history and pointed out actual bullet holes in the walls from the 1836 battle. You can run your hand over the rough walls and walk the uneven pavement of the floor to enter other rooms of the chapel, which still house some original relics.

The exit door leads you to the long barracks, which has been turned into a library and museum, showcasing mementos from that era — Bowie knives, guns, ammunition, uniforms, flags, utensils and a coonskin cap, to name a few. Paintings depicting the battle and a narration of the fall of the Alamo are also accessed here.

As we walked away from the Alamo, I was still amazed that the modern downtown area of San Antonio surrounds this "top 10 American historic site," but appreciated the fact that they preserved this mission and built around it instead of destroying it. This way, we can always "remember the Alamo."

Located a couple of blocks away from the Alamo is the River Walk. Accessed through the Rivercity Shopping Mall, visitors go downstairs (an elevator is available) to reach the River Walk, which is located below the city. It is a beautifully landscaped area complete with lush gardens, colorful flowers and outdoor art. Herons, ducks and turtles find quiet refuge along the banks of the San Antonio River.

A wide concrete pathway creates an ideal surface for walking, biking or using a wheelchair and winds its way for six miles along the San Antonio River. Plans are underway to extend this to 15 miles in the near future. Comfortable benches are arranged along the way for resting as well as appreciating the peaceful surroundings. A self-guided walking tour can be accessed from your smartphone, allowing you to explore 12 different points of interest along the way.

Over 50 unique specialty shops, cafes, bistros, bars and clubs are accessible from the River Walk. You can enjoy Tex-Mex from the outdoor patio areas as well as chef-prepared gourmet meals. Music, mostly with a Mexican flair, is heard throughout, giving it a festive feeling. For an additional fee, a ride on one of the many Canal Cruise Boats gives you the opportunity to become acclimated with your surroundings and helps you decide which restaurant or shop you want to visit.

El Mercado is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. Located in Historic Market Square, it is composed of 32 shops indoors and three blocks of outdoor restaurants, food booths, produce stands and other shops. Parking is conveniently located on the rooftop of the indoor shops — albeit a steep drive up and down — and at an affordable $6 cost.

The Hispanic atmosphere is abundantly showcased in the artists, musicians, dancers and mariachi band. Wares include hand-embroidered dresses, leather belts, costumes, sombreros, maracas, jewelry and Mexican toys. The fragrant aroma of Mexican cuisine permeates the air.

Everything is affordably priced, but bargaining for the lowest price is a standard activity. For those who have disability issues, though crowded with people, there is still plenty of room to maneuver throughout the marketplace and shaded spaces to people-watch. What a fun place to browse, eat, shop and be entertained.

All things considered, visiting San Antonio proved to be an affordable vacation destination. Few other places in our country allow us the opportunity to enjoy the history of the Alamo, the beauty and serenity of the River Walk, and the bustling culture of El Mercado all within a short walk from each other at little to no cost. San Antonio definitely offers something for everyone.