"San Antonio Mission Drive" San Antonio Missions National Historic Park by petirrojo

Although some will (perhaps rightly) argue that the Spanish colonialist movement was, like all other expansionist movements, presumptuous and devastating to the native inhabitants of the inhabited regions, it is impossible to overlook the simple beauty of the remaining architecture.

Espada Aquaduct, San Antonio, Texas

Although the Alamo is now surrounded by downtown San Antonio, each of the 4 remaining missions sit on extensive parcels of land and really convey the sense of time's past.

While touring, don't miss the aquaduct, or acequia, which the Spanish colonialists used to irrigate their lands.

Mission Espada, San Antonio, Texas

For more information, or to obtain a map, go to the National Park Service website, San Antonio Missions Home, and take in a little bit of Spain's colonial past.

• Pros:Providing a good mix of 'hand-holding' (informative signs) and 'hands-off' (room to explore alone)
• Cons:As with almost everything in Texas, you'll need a car
• In a nutshell:A little lesson on Spanish Colonialism in the American Southwest