Near the geographical center of Texas, San Angelo was founded in the late 1860s as a frontier town and has grown from its gun-slinging, saloon-building past to a pleasant oasis. Downtown is charming, featuring beautiful gardens and the river walk plaza area along the Concho River. A scenic four-mile jogging and walking trail and nine-hole walking golf course are also alongside this river.
Lustrous Concho pearls, from freshwater mussel clams, are found in the natural waterways of West Texas, and come in natural colors ranging from soft pinks to vivid lavenders. You can find virtually every shape and size in jewelry shops throughout the city. You can also find Fort Concho, which has nothing to do with pearls, but is a fort surviving from the days of the Indian Wars and a National Historic Landmark.
San Angelo is between two lakes, OC Fisher and Nasworthy, and there are all types of water recreation and fishing available. San Angelo State Park is also significant, encompasses four ecological zones (Hill Country, Rolling Plains, High Plains and Trans-Peco) and 50 miles of trails in its 7,563 acres. The park is also notable for bird and wildlife watching.
San Angelo can be the starting point of several day trips to nearby communities, such as Ballinger, home of antique shops and historic homes, and the likewise historic Eden.
Located on the northern border of the Chihuahuan Desert and on the fringes of the Hill Country, San Angelo is between Interstates I-10 and I-20. Highways 67, 87 and 277 connect to the city.
