10 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Antonio

March 13, 2024

San Antonio, Texas is a melting pot, full of diverse culture, delicious food, and a rich history. For many, the River Walk is what brings them to San Antonio, but there’s so much more to explore and enjoy! The city is full of hidden gems, and in downtown lies a goldmine of activities and must-sees.

San Antonio is a wonderful destination to visit year-round. Spring, Fall, and Winter bring mild temperatures, so you can feel comfortable exploring every inch of the city. Summers are quite hot, but don’t fret! Throughout this article, we’ll give you plenty of spots that will offer you an escape from the Summer heat. No matter the weather, downtown San Antonio is an experience you can’t miss.

10 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Antonio

If you’re in downtown San Antonio, here’s what we recommend:

Visit The Alamo
Tower of the Americas
Liggettville Adventure Center
City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours
Sea Life and the Legoland Discovery Center
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
The San Antonio Zoo
The Mirror Maze
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Texas Ranger Museum

1. Visit The Alamo

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 225-1391

Serving as an iconic symbol of Texas history, you simply can’t visit San Antonio without visiting the Alamo. It’s a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound that once served as the battleground for the Battle of the Alamo. It’s become one of the most-visited historic landmarks in the U.S., and for good reason.

If you’re an architecture aficionado, the Alamo may interest you as it retains much of its original structure. For others, you can step inside and see artifacts, paintings, and weapons. If you’re a history fanatic, you may enjoy taking a guided tour. They’ll walk you through the history of the Alamo and its significance. Admission to the Alamo church is free, so there’s no harm in going to check it out.

2. Tower of the Americas

Address: 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 223-3101

For our readers who are afraid of heights: beware. The absolutely stunning Tower of the Americas stands 750-feet-tall and provides a gorgeous view of San Antonio. Make your way to the top and take all of the city’s scenery in. There’s more to this tall tower than just picturesque views, though.

The Tower of the Americas boasts Chart House, an award-winning restaurant that serves some of the most delectable cuisine in San Antonio. If you want a drink and a bird’s eye view of the city, stop by Bar 601 in the tower. Stop by the 4D theater and watch a movie, or check out the gift shop and get some trinkets for your friends and family. Best of all, head to the observation deck for wonderful views of the city below.

3. Liggettville Adventure Center

Address: 849 E Commerce St Suite 425, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 851-8500

If you’re visiting in the summer, what better way to escape the Texas heat than to visit an indoor amusement park? If you’re visiting in the winter, take a break from the chilly weather to visit Liggetville Adventure Center. Enjoy high ropes courses, zip rails, climbing walls, and more.

You get all of the adventure and fun that these exhilarating activities offer without the threat of bad weather or unsafe conditions. Liggettville is an amazing option for families visiting downtown San Antonio, but adults are welcome too! And, best of all, it’s right in the heart of San Antonio. Have your adventure and then go get a drink or a bite to eat – everything is nearby.

4. Trolley Tours

See ticket booth locations here.

So, you want to see what San Antonio has to offer without going through the trouble of creating an itinerary. Taking a sightseeing tour with Trolly Tours may be the perfect option for you. Enjoy an hour and 30 minute tour with a knowledgeable guide and take in all of the city’s historic landmarks and best spots.

The best part of these tours are the ability to hop on or off at any of their 14 stops. From the San Antonio Zoo to the Alamo to the Botanical Garden, something is sure to catch your eye. Buy one day pass and you get unlimited hop on, hop off access for the entire day. This allows you to explore San Antonio via the trolley, so no need for a rental car or rideshare. It’s a great deal, and you may find yourself seeing much more than you would have otherwise.

5. Sea Life and the Legoland Discovery Center

Address: 849 E Commerce St Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 610-1150

If you’re seeking something to keep you or the kids captivated and entertained, look no further. Sea Life and the Legoland Discovery Center are placed conveniently adjacent to each other in the Shops at Rivercenter, so you only have to take a few steps to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Legoland is full of adventures and fun to be had. Offering an indoor LEGO playground with 2 rides, 10 LEGO build & play zones, a 4D cinema, and more, you could easily get lost in it for hours. As for Sea Life, you’ll be face to face with tons of different sea creatures. You’ll also get to experience San Antonio’s only ocean tunnel, where you get the experience of being underwater without all of the complicated stuff. Both Legoland and Sea Life have so much to offer, so you can’t go wrong with either one (or both).

6. La Villita Historic Village

Address: 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 207-8614

The La Villita Historic art village is a culmination of all of the wonderful, rich culture and history that San Antonio has to offer. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, it is absolutely a landmark worth exploring. La Villita boasts art galleries and stores selling all sorts of art, souvenirs, creations and more. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, so you can enjoy a tasty meal after a day of shopping.

La Villita is also a hub for events. All kinds of performing arts can be found in the village, from theater to dance to concerts. If you’re into fitness or crafts, they’ve got an event for you, too. There’s a wide variety in what kind of gatherings happen at La Villita, so you may want to check out their calendar here. Nonetheless, any time is a good time to explore the village.

7. The San Antonio Zoo

Address: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212

Phone: (210) 734-7184

The San Antonio Zoo is the perfect destination in downtown San Antonio for all of the animal lovers out there. With over 750 species to see and 50+ acres to explore, it’s safe to say that it’s a good option if you’d like to get your steps in and see all kinds of creatures while you’re at it. A go-to spot for families, the zoo sees at least one million visitors a year.

The zoo is committed to conservation, and some of the species that it houses are endangered or extinct in the wild. They offer some experiences that allow you behind-the-scenes looks with certain species. The zoo also offers a 4D theater, a carousel, a zoo train, and much more, so there are plenty of options besides the typical exhibits.

8. The Amazing Mirror Maze

Address: 217 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 224-2288

Described as an interactive visual adventure, The Amazing Mirror Maze offers six attractions that are sure to wow you. There is, of course, their namesake: The Amazing Mirror Maze 4D Experience. They use mirrors (no funny glass walls to bump into) to create an illusion that can be enhanced by 4D glasses. Then there’s the Vault Laser Maze challenge, where you can pretend you’re a spy who has to weave themselves through heaps of dangerous laser beams.

In addition to the attractions listed above, The Amazing Mirror Maze also offers Escape Street escape games, an Infinity Maze, a Holographic Maze, the Black Hole Dark Maze, and Funny Mirrors. Basically, if you want your mind blown and your heart to race a bit, come here. It’s fun for the whole family and there’s plenty of fun to be had.

9. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

Address: 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 247-4000

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is just as its name suggests – all things Texas found their home here. They boast the “full Texas experience”, so if that excites you, keep reading. The Buckhorn Saloon is the oldest running saloon in Texas. Stop by to grab a locally brewed beer or a Prickly Pear margarita. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a Buckhorn Burger at the cafe.

As for the museums at Buckhorn, you can visit both the Buckhorn Museum and the Texas Ranger Museum. Both offer priceless pieces of history and art for visitors to see and enjoy. The museums are abundant with cowboy and Texas culture and memorabilia, so you may just leave feeling a little more inclined to say “howdy”.

10. Majestic Theatre

Address: 224 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 226-5700

Majestic Theatre easily lives up to its name. As San Antonio’s largest and oldest atmospheric theater, it is a gorgeous, masterfully crafted piece of history and architecture. It’s a designated Texas Historic Landmark and is also listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, so you know it’s legit.

The Majestic Theatre hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and other entertainment, so there’s something for everyone. The acoustics are known to be great, so that makes for a great show. If you’re more interested in the building’s history and architecture, definitely consider taking a venue tour. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at and rundown of the building with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Conclusion

Downtown San Antonio is a gorgeous representation of some of the best parts of Texas. With vibrant culture, rich history, good people, and beautiful architecture, it’s a great destination. There’s so much to do and see, and it’s certainly a city to be explored. If you’re coming to enjoy the River Walk, just passing through, or even a local, don’t miss out on these wonderful parts of the city.