Famous Movie and TV Locations in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas, is well-known for its natural wonders and rich history and vibrant culture and as a famous filming location for movies and television shows. The city has been featured in various productions, serving as the backdrop for several memorable sequences that have captivated viewers worldwide. San Antonio has hosted various productions, from classic westerns and romantic comedies to action-packed blockbusters. As a result, the city has become a hotspot for film and television buffs, who throng to its streets to see where their favorite scenes were shot.

The Historic Alamo: A Popular Location for Movies and TV Shows

The Alamo, located in downtown San Antonio, is one of Texas’s most iconic and historic locations. It has also been a popular destination for movie and TV productions. Here are some highlights of the Alamo’s appearances on screen:

Movie Appearances:

• The Alamo (1960): The most famous depiction of the Alamo in film, this epic historical drama starred John Wayne and was filmed on location at the Alamo.
• Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985): In this classic comedy, the Alamo is the climax of Pee-wee’s cross-country journey to find his stolen bicycle.
• Selena (1997): This biopic of the late Tejano singer Selena features scenes shot at the Alamo, including a performance by Selena (played by Jennifer Lopez) in front of the historic site.

TV Appearances:

• Texas Rising (2015): This miniseries chronicling the Texas Revolution filmed numerous scenes at the Alamo, using it to recreate the historic battle.
• American Crime (2016): In the second season of this acclaimed anthology series, the Alamo serves as a backdrop for several key scenes.

In addition to these productions, the Alamo has been featured in various documentaries and educational programs. Its striking architecture and rich historical significance make it an ideal setting for any production seeking to capture the essence of Texas and its proud heritage.

The River Walk: A Scenic Background for Countless Productions

The River Walk is one of San Antonio, Texas’s most famous and iconic attractions. It’s a picturesque setting, winding paths, and lush greenery make it a popular destination for filmmakers and television producers. Here are some of the notable productions that have utilized the River Walk as a backdrop:

• Miss Congeniality: The 2000 Sandra Bullock comedy utilized the River Walk for several key scenes, including a boat chase through the waterway.
• Selena: The 1997 biopic of the late Tejano singer Selena included several scenes filmed along the River Walk, including a romantic boat ride.

• The Getaway: The 1994 thriller starring Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger filmed several scenes along the River Walk, including a car chase through its narrow streets.
• Viva Max: This 1969 comedy about a Mexican general who invades Texas filmed several scenes along the River Walk, including a memorable chase through the river.
• Lonesome Dove: The 1989 miniseries filmed several scenes along the River Walk, including a dramatic shootout in its narrow streets.

These productions have helped showcase the River Walk to audiences worldwide, cementing its status as a beloved San Antonio landmark. Visitors to the River Walk can still see many of the locations used in these productions and imagine themselves as part of these iconic moments in film and television history.

The Menger Hotel: A Haunted Site Featured in Popular Movies

The Menger Hotel, located in downtown San Antonio, is a historic landmark that has hosted famous guests such as Theodore Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Robert E. Lee. This hotel is also known for being a popular location for filmmakers due to its unique architecture and haunting history. Here are some details about the Menger Hotel’s appearances in movies and TV shows:

• Lonesome Dove: This epic TV mini-series about cattle drive from Texas to Montana featured scenes shot at the Menger Hotel. The hotel’s lobby and bar were transformed into a saloon, and the hotel’s exterior was used for scenes set in Fort Stockton.
• Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory”: This made-for-TV movie tells the story of the Battle of the Alamo, which took place across the street from the Menger Hotel. The hotel’s bar and courtyard were used as filming locations, and the hotel’s exterior was visible in several shots.
• The Ghost Breakers: This classic comedy/horror movie starring Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard was filmed at the Menger Hotel in 1940. The hotel’s creepy basement was used for several scenes, and the famous “ghost” (a female apparition said to haunt the hotel) was reportedly spotted during filming.
• San Antonio: This 1945 film noir starring Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith was partially filmed at the Menger Hotel. The hotel’s lobby and bar were used for several scenes, and the hotel’s exterior was visible in several shots.
• The X-Files: This popular TV show filmed several scenes at the Menger Hotel for an episode titled “Hell Money.” The hotel’s bar and lobby were used as filming locations, and the hotel’s famous “ghost” was reportedly spotted during filming.

The Majestic Theatre: A Historic Venue with a Rich Film Legacy

The Majestic Theatre is one of San Antonio, Texas’s most iconic and historic venues. Located in the heart of downtown, it has been a hub for entertainment since 1929. The Majestic Theatre is renowned for its contribution to the film industry.

Here are some interesting facts about the Majestic Theatre’s rich film legacy:

• The Majestic Theatre was one of the first theaters in Texas to be built for “talkies,” or movies with synchronized sound.
• The theater’s ornate and elegant design was meant to create an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication, making it the perfect place to watch a movie in style.
• Many famous Hollywood stars, including John Wayne, Cary Grant, and Bob Hope, have graced the Majestic’s stage and screen.
• The theater’s movie screen is one of the largest in Texas, measuring 33 feet wide by 24 feet high.
• The Majestic Theatre has become a popular location for film productions in recent years. It has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “Miss Congeniality,” “Selena,” and “The Simpsons.”

If you are a movie buff or appreciate the glamour and history of classic theaters, the Majestic Theatre is worth a visit. You can catch a live performance or movie screening and soak up the historic ambiance of this San Antonio landmark.