Overview
Want to know where to eat, drink and play while you are in town for the Valero Alamo Bowl?
See the below “Do It Like A Local” recommendations for the attractions, nightlife and restaurants that are ready to deliver an experience you’ll never forget.
Pro tip: For a more detailed list of downtown area restaurants and bars, check out Rick’s Picks which includes a link to a citywide interactive Google Map of all the places we think make San Antonio special.
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.
Hemisfair
Originally the site of the 1968 World’s Fair in San Antonio, Hemisfair has transformed into a vibrant urban district that celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage. This revitalized area features three parks, including the family-friendly Yanaguana Park, and offers a variety of local dining and entertainment options and dynamic community space that invites exploration and engagement.
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.
Holidays on Houston Street
Holidays on Houston Street is a yearly downtown San Antonio holiday-celebration event that transforms five blocks of Houston Street (from Legacy Park toward the Alamo) into a festive, pedestrian-friendly holiday corridor in December.
ice!™ at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
A beloved holiday story comes to life at ice! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ this season from Nov. 23 – Jan. 3. Step inside your favorite glowing Christmas moments like you’ve never seen them before—carved out of 6,700 blocks of ice where classic characters and scenes from the beloved story are brought to life through 2 million pounds of colorful, grandiose ice sculptures. Make unforgettable memories throughout your holiday getaway at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.
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.
Old Town Trolley Tours®
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of San Antonio aboard the Old Town Trolley “Official Tour of the Valero Alamo Bowl”. Expert guides breathe life into the city’s history, offering a unique blend of entertainment and education. Explore iconic landmarks, from the historic Alamo to the vibrant Pearl district, with the flexibility to hop on and off at your own pace. Whether you’re admiring scenic views or immersing yourself in culture at the Witte Museum, each stop unfolds a new chapter in San Antonio’s rich tapestry.
PINSTACK
Enjoy PINSTACK, a unique dining and entertainment destination featuring two locations in San Antonio (PINTSACK – Park North and PINSTACK – North Rim). Spanning over 50,000 square feet, PINSTACK features state-of-the-art bowling lanes, laser tag arena, rock climbing wall, high-ropes course and an enormous game room. Dine lane-side, in their restaurant or on the climate-controlled patio and enjoy an extensive wine and draft beer selection or your favorite cocktail from their full-service bar.
Skate the City-Holidays at Hemisfair
During the holidays, Civic Park transforms into a sparkling Winter Wonderland with Skate the City: Holidays at Hemisfair. At downtown San Antonio’s newest seasonal tradition, you can glide under the San Antonio skyline in festive pop-up ice rink, open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m. from Thanksgiving through January 3.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a lively nightlife hub after dark, offering a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to diverse tastes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic strolls along the illuminated pathways leading to memorable dining experiences and vibrant rooftop lounges.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo, a 57-acre Brackenridge Park gem open 365 days a year, captivates guests with over 750 species in immersive habitats like the new Naylor Savanna and interactive giraffe feeding
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
Experience unparalleled views of San Antonio from the Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot observation tower that offers a unique perspective of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. At the top, you can enjoy a memorable bar or dining experience at the revolving Chart House Restaurant.
Nightlife
Double Standard
Double Standard is a vibrant bar located in downtown San Antonio, known for its extensive selection of cocktails, craft beers, and a chef-driven menu that features standout items like their acclaimed burgers and po-boys. The venue boasts a modern ambiance with a hip vibe, making it an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and late-night outings, as it remains open until 2 AM on weekends. Patrons appreciate the friendly service and lively atmosphere, often highlighting the quality of the drinks and the unique decor that sets Double Standard apart from other bars in the area.
(They also have some of the best ranch in town according to @bowlintern)
Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Tavern offers a lively mix of history and flavor, serving craft cocktails and elevated comfort food in the longest wooden bar in Texas right along the San Antonio River Walk.
Holidays on Houston Street
Holidays on Houston Street is a yearly downtown San Antonio holiday-celebration event that transforms five blocks of Houston Street (from Legacy Park toward the Alamo) into a festive, pedestrian-friendly holiday corridor in December.
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!
Little Rhein Prost Haus
Nestled on the edge of the historic La Villita Village is Prost Haus in the oldest two story rock building in Bexar county. A ‘selfie lovers’ paradise combines lush tropical landscaping with brightly colored porch swings and tiered patio tables rolling down to the the edge of the San Antonio River Walk. Live country music radiates as guests indulge in cool Texas brews or hand-crafted colorful cocktails and a made from scratch menu.
Skate the City-Holidays at Hemisfair
During the holidays, Civic Park transforms into a sparkling Winter Wonderland with Skate the City: Holidays at Hemisfair. At downtown San Antonio’s newest seasonal tradition, you can glide under the San Antonio skyline in festive pop-up ice rink, open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m. from Thanksgiving through January 3.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a lively nightlife hub after dark, offering a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to diverse tastes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic strolls along the illuminated pathways leading to memorable dining experiences and vibrant rooftop lounges.
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma
Sternewirth at Hotel Emma is a sophisticated tavern and club room that embodies the essence of San Antonio’s vibrant culture. Known for its classic cocktails and hearty small plates, the bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with dramatic design elements, including cast-iron fermentation tanks and intimate seating areas. With a focus on authenticity and high-quality ingredients, Sternewirth serves as a social hub for both locals and visitors to enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a historic setting.
Restaurants
Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
Bohanan’s delivers upscale Texas steakhouse excellence with prime aged beef grilled over mesquite, fresh daily seafood, and handcrafted cocktails in a historic downtown San Antonio setting across from the Majestic Theatre.
Boudro’s Texas Bistro
Boudro’s delights Valero Alamo Bowl fans with its signature tableside guacamole, prickly pear margaritas, and wood-grilled Gulf seafood alongside blackened prime rib in a vibrant riverside setting since 1986
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Located in Hemisfair, this lively, modern pizzeria and bar serving creative wood-fired pies, shareable plates, and some of the best burrata you’ll ever have just steps from the heart of downtown and the River Walk.
Esquire Tavern
The Esquire Tavern offers a lively mix of history and flavor, serving craft cocktails and elevated comfort food in the longest wooden bar in Texas right along the San Antonio River Walk.
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!
Nonna Osteria
Offering artisan Northern Italian cuisine, Chef Della Casa’s menu honors the regional traditions and heritage of his homeland.
Little Rhein Prost Haus
Nestled on the edge of the historic La Villita Village is Prost Haus in the oldest two story rock building in Bexar county. A ‘selfie lovers’ paradise combines lush tropical landscaping with brightly colored porch swings and tiered patio tables rolling down to the the edge of the San Antonio River Walk. Live country music radiates as guests indulge in cool Texas brews or hand-crafted colorful cocktails and a made from scratch menu.
Rosario’s Mexican Restaurant
Rosario’s, a San Antonio institution that serves bold, modern Mexican fare with vibrant flavors, fresh coastal dishes, and signature margaritas in a lively, art-filled space that captures the city’s energy and charm.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a lively nightlife hub after dark, offering a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to diverse tastes. Visitors can also enjoy scenic strolls along the illuminated pathways leading to memorable dining experiences and vibrant rooftop lounges.
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
Whataburger
Whataburger stands as a beloved Texas institution delivering massive, fresh burgers with their customizable perfection, late-night availability, and iconic flavors like honey butter chicken biscuits.