Things to do in San Angelo Texas
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Located in West Texas on the Texas Panhandle, San Angelo is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Visiting San Angelo, Texas, is an experience you won’t soon forget. From the vibrant downtown area to the rolling hills of the countryside, there is something for everyone. San Angelo has it all, whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure.
Things to do in San Angelo
The city has numerous attractions, including the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, the San Angelo State Park, and the historic Fort Concho. You can also take in the beautiful scenery of the Concho River and Lake Nasworthy. Shopping and dining are also plentiful in San Angelo, with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. San Angelo. So come and explore all that this vibrant city has to offer!
The city also boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. For those looking for a more urban experience, San Angelo is home to several restaurants, bars, and shops.
Here are some things to see and do in San Angelo:
San Angelo State Park
This park is great for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. It also has a herd of Texas longhorn cattle and bison that you can observe safely.
Concho River Walk
This scenic trail runs along the Concho River in downtown San Angelo and is an excellent place for a walk, run, or bike ride. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the river.
The River Walk features beautiful gardens, 14 water displays, a playground, a walking/jogging trail, and a nine-hole golf course—all in downtown San Angelo.
Pearl seekers can find Concho River Pearls formed in freshwater mussels. Pearls range from pink to rich purple, and local jewelers offer a variety of settings. An annual permit is required from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark
Many historical sites exist to explore, such as Fort Concho, the Old Chicken Farm Art Center, and the San Angelo State Park. No matter what your interests are, San Angelo has something for everyone. San Angelo is a great place to visit and explore, from its rich history to its diverse culture.
This restored frontier fort dates back to the 1860s and is now a museum that offers a glimpse into life on the Texas frontier.
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
This museum has a collection of more than 7,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Chicken Farm Art Center
This former chicken farm has been converted into an art center, with galleries, studios, and outdoor spaces where you can see and buy the work of local artists.
International Water Lily Garden
This garden is home to more than 25 varieties of water lilies and other aquatic plants and wildlife. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to visit.
Cactus Hotel
Also, check out the old Cactus Hotel, built in 1929, among the first Hilton Hotels. It houses a children’s museum, restaurant, and coffee shop. The Crystal Ballroom is worth a peek.
Built in 1929, this historic hotel is a landmark of downtown San Angelo. It has been beautifully restored and now serves as an event space and boutique hotel.
San Angelo Nature Center
This nature center has a variety of exhibits and live animals, including snakes, turtles, and a porcupine. It’s a great place to learn about the local wildlife and natural history.
Birding in and around the Concho Valley is excellent. More than 332 species of birds have been confirmed in the area.
Lake Nasworthy
This lake is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, with picnic areas and playgrounds.
San Angelo Rodeo
This annual event is one of the biggest rodeos in the state, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and other traditional rodeo events. It’s a great way to experience Texas cowboy culture.
Historic Murals of San Angelo
More than 20 historic murals are located throughout the city, depicting scenes from San Angelo’s past. A self-guided walking tour can help you explore the murals and learn about the city’s history.
Angelo Civic Theatre
This community theater group produces a variety of shows throughout the year, from classic plays to modern musicals. It’s a great way to experience the local arts scene.
History of San Angelo
San Angelo’s rich and diverse history dates back thousands of years. Here are some highlights:
Native American presence
The area around San Angelo was home to various Native American tribes for thousands of years, including the Jumano, Apache, Comanche, and Kickapoo. They hunted, fished, and farmed the land along the Concho River.
Spanish exploration
Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the late 16th century, and by the early 18th century, Spanish missions were established in the area. One of these missions, Mission San Clemente de la Frontera, was located near the present-day site of San Angelo.
Frontier town
San Angelo was founded in 1867 when the U.S. Army established Fort Concho to protect settlers from Native American attacks. The fort and the nearby town grew rapidly in the late 1800s as ranching and farming expanded.
Oil boom
In the early 1900s, oil was discovered in the region, and San Angelo became a center for oil production and refining. The city’s population multiplied during this time, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks date from this period.
Military history
San Angelo played an pivotal role in military history during World War I and II. During World War II, the city was home to Goodfellow Air Force Base, which trained thousands of airmen for service in the war.
Today, San Angelo is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage. Many of its historic buildings and landmarks have been preserved, and the city has a strong arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues.
San Angelo Cost of Living
San Angelo has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Texas and the United States. According to data from Numbeo, a website that compares the cost of living across different cities, San Angelo’s index is 71.05, lower than the national average of 100. Housing is remarkably affordable in San Angelo, with a cost of living index of 39.47, compared to the national average of 100.
The median household income in San Angelo is around $50,000, which is lower than the national median of around $65,000. However, the low cost of living in the city means that residents can stretch their dollars further than in many other places. In addition, the unemployment rate in San Angelo is typically lower than the national average. The city has a diverse economy with job opportunities in healthcare, education, government, and oil and gas sectors.
Overall, San Angelo offers a relatively affordable standard of living with a strong sense of community and a high quality of life. The city has a range of amenities and services, including good schools, parks and recreational areas, shopping and dining options, and a thriving arts and culture scene.