Overview
Want to know where to eat, drink and play while you are staying downtown for the Valero Alamo Bowl?
Our staff has put together the below “Do It Like A Local” recommendations for must-see attractions, fun nightlife and the best of San Antonio’s burgeoning culinary scene as well as our Downtown Partners who are ready to deliver an experience you’ll never forget.
And if you are feeling adventuresome and want to venture out from the city center, check out Rick’s Picks.
Attractions
The Alamo
Located in the heart of downtown, the Alamo is the “must see” attraction while visiting San Antonio and perfect for a family holiday card photo. History buffs make plans to see the other Missions located south of the city.
Go Rio Cruises
Experience the River Walk from the best seat in town. Guests can take a narrated or specialty river cruise or charted cruises.
The Historic Pearl
Located along the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, the Pearl District is boasts some of San Antonio’s best eating, drinking and local retail.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Take a walking tour to discover its rich history, then discover one-of-a-kind local art to remember your visit.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The ALL NEW LEGOLAND® Discovery Center San Antonio is the Ultimate Indoor LEGO® Playground! Visitors to LEGOLAND Discovery Center can enjoy 2 rides, a 4D cinema, MINILAND® San Antonio, 10 LEGO Play Zones and more! Located inside the Shops at Rivercenter in downtown San Antonio.
San Antonio River Walk
For tourists and locals alike, the River Walk is a unique and friendly way to discover downtown San Antonio. Dubbed America’s largest hotel lobby, meet up with your friends and take advantage of the Museum and Mission Reach sections that bring the River Walk’s total length to 15 miles.
San Fernando Cathedral
Visit one of the oldest catholic cathedrals in the United States. Make sure to see the amazing 24 minute video “San Antonio: The Saga” that plays on the cathedral every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. A one-of-a-kind experience that’s free!
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld’s 250-acre marine mammal theme park has something for everyone in the family. Animal encounters, thrilling rides, amazing shows, and 9 million twinkling lights during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration will put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Experience the season’s brightest thrills for the entire family featuring Christmas time cheer like no other! The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of colorful twinkling lights, Magical Shows, and special appearances by Santa! Holiday in the Park opens select days, November 20th thru January 2nd.
Tower of the Americas
Located in downtown San Antonio, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas provides guests the most spectacular view of the Alamo City.
Nightlife
Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Tavern opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition and has been a beloved San Antonio watering hole ever since.
Howl at the Moon
Part concert. Part piano bar. Full fun. Howl at the Moon is a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano, rock ‘n roll kind of dueling piano show with two baby grand pianos at the center of it all. Howl at the Moon’s high-energy, live music show is centered around dance hits and party anthems that will keep you dancing all night! Gather your group, get downtown, grab a drink and sing the night away at Howl at the Moon. Private and semi private bookings available for corporate events and life celebrations.
Mad Dogs British Pub
Mad Dogs British Pub has been cranking out fun and entertainment for over 20 years with live entertainment 7 days a week, and all day drink specials every day of the week! Yards, kilts, fish ‘n’ chips, and fun! Watch your team on one of our 15 HD screens!
Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar
Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar has all your favorite sports on 25+ HD screens including NBA, NFL, NHL, Boxing, and UFC! With 15 beers on tap, $3 green beer, $3 green margaritas, $10 Pizza and a Pint and a great staff Maddy McMurphy’s is the new home for sports downtown!
On The Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge
On The Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge has everything you need to make it through the day! Gourmet coffee products, high end seafood selections and specialty oysters, separate upper deck smoking lounge, and a giant 9-screen video wall to watch the big game on!
San Antonio River Walk
For tourists and locals alike, the River Walk is a unique and friendly way to discover downtown San Antonio. Dubbed America’s largest hotel lobby, meet up with your friends and take advantage of the Museum and Mission Reach sections that bring the River Walk’s total length to 15 miles.
Restaurants
Mad Dogs British Pub
Mad Dogs British Pub has been cranking out fun and entertainment for over 20 years with live entertainment 7 days a week, and all day drink specials every day of the week! Yards, kilts, fish ‘n’ chips, and fun! Watch your team on one of our 15 HD screens!
Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar
Maddy McMurphy’s Irish Sports Bar has all your favorite sports on 25+ HD screens including NBA, NFL, NHL, Boxing, and UFC! With 15 beers on tap, $3 green beer, $3 green margaritas, $10 Pizza and a Pint and a great staff Maddy McMurphy’s is the new home for sports downtown!
Nonna Osteria
Offering artisan Northern Italian cuisine, Chef Della Casa’s menu honors the regional traditions and heritage of his homeland.
On The Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge
On The Bend Oyster Bar & Cigar Lounge has everything you need to make it through the day! Gourmet coffee products, high end seafood selections and specialty oysters, separate upper deck smoking lounge, and a giant 9-screen video wall to watch the big game on!
Paesanos
Paesanos RiverWalk is locally famous and famously local. Renowned for its signature dish, Shrimp Paesano, and Mediterranean specialties. Enjoy riverside dining or dine on a River cruise. Reservations recommended.
Rebelle
At Rebelle, the menu offers a unique sharing style and personal plate experience of overnight shipped coastal seafood and farm-fresh produce sourced from Texas’ vast agricultural locales.
Rio Rio
Modern Tex-Mex meals served in a colorful setting with an outdoor riverfront tequila bar.
Rosario’s Mexican Restaurant
The menu combines traditional south-of-the-border dishes with authentic house specialties, all prepared with a contemporary twist. Some favorites include shrimp nachos, fish tacos, ceviche, tacos callejeros, parrillas and specialty margaritas.
San Antonio River Walk
For tourists and locals alike, the River Walk is a unique and friendly way to discover downtown San Antonio. Dubbed America’s largest hotel lobby, meet up with your friends and take advantage of the Museum and Mission Reach sections that bring the River Walk’s total length to 15 miles.
The Original Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
Stop in a San Antonio location and try our mouth watering smoked meats, creamy sweet corn and all the fixin’s for a bar-b-q spread you’ll find nowhere else but The Original Rudy’s!
Multiple Locations:
Leon Springs: I-10 & Boerne Stage Rd.
Nakoma: 327 E. Nakoma
Westover Hills: Hwy 151 & SeaWorld
Selma: I-35 across from Retama Park
Tiff’s Treats
Tiff’s Treats is famous for bringing hot, fresh-from-the-oven cookies and brownies to hungry treat lovers everywhere!
Whataburger
You haven’t experienced Texas until you’ve had Whataburger. It’s a Texas tradition.
