Night canal scene with a riverside patio, blue umbrellas, warm lights reflecting on water, people dining under trees by the waterway.

Things to Do in San Antonio Near the Alamo

Explore top San Antonio attractions, River Walk activities, family-friendly experiences, museums, shopping, dining, and cultural destinations just steps from the historic Menger Hotel.

Discover some of the most iconic restaurants in San Antonio at The Menger Hotel, located steps from the Alamo. Home to the historic Menger Bar, this destination blends historic dining in San Antonio Texas with modern culinary experiences. Once frequented by figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant, these spaces offer more than a meal—they deliver a true taste of San Antonio’s heritage.

Dine where history was made. The Menger Hotel is known for offering one of the most unique historic restaurants in San Antonio, where guests can enjoy varied cuisine surrounded by preserved artifacts and timeless architecture. This immersive experience matters because it combines storytelling, culture, and dining—creating a memorable visit beyond typical restaurants near the Alamo.

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  • Two people dressed in festive, feathered outfits perform with props in a warm-lit stage setup featuring geometric frames and curtains.
    • Arts

    0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    Ringling Bros Circus at Alamodome

    From August 13 through August 16, join Ringling Bros at the Alamodome, bringing a high-energy show with acrobatics and music across multiple performances throughout the weekend.

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  • Aerial view of a city block with roads forming a circular park or plaza, surrounded by mid-rise buildings and dense urban layout.
    • Arts

    ​ 0.1 Miles | 2 Minutes Walk

    Davy Crockett's Brithday Celebration at the Alamo

    On August 15, celebrate Davy Crockett's birthday at the Alamo in dontown San Antonio with demonstrations, music, and interactive activities that highlight his life, legacy, and role in Texas history.

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  • Aerial shot of Frost Bank Center arena at dusk, with its Frost Bank logo and a city skyline in the background.
    • Arts

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Benson Boone at Frost Bank Center

    On August 20, see Benson Boone live at Frost Bank Center as part of his Wanted Man Tour 2026, bringing a mix of hits and newer material.

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  • A live band performs on stage with guitars and a singer, while an enthusiastic crowd raises their hands and enjoys the concert.
    • Arts

    ​ 0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    Karol G at the Alamodome

    On September 2, catch Karol G live at the Alamodome, walking distance from The Menger Hotel, for a high-energy evening packed with entertainment.

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  • A live band performs on stage with guitars and a singer, while an enthusiastic crowd raises their hands and enjoys the concert.
    • Arts

    ​ 0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    My Chemical Romance at the Alamodome

    On September 12, catch My Chemical Romance live at the Alamodome, walking distance from The Menger Hotel, for a high-energy evening packed with great music.

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  • Aerial view of the Frost Bank Center arena at dusk, with stadium entrances and city skyline in the background.

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    J. Cole at Frost Bank Center

    On September 13, see J. Cole live at Frost Bank Center.

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  • A live band performs on a stage with singers, microphones, and instruments under colorful lights.

    ​ 0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    Guns N' Roses at the Alamodome

    On September 16, catch Guns N' Roses live at the Alamodome, walking distance from The Menger Hotel, for a high-energy evening packed with great music.

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  • A live band performs onstage under colored lights, musicians playing guitars and horns while singers hold microphones.

    ​ 0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    Bruno Mars at the Alamodome

    On September 23, catch Bruno Mars live at the Alamodome, walking distance from The Menger Hotel, for a high-energy evening packed with great music.

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  • Aerial view of the Frost Bank Center arena at dusk, with the “Frost Bank Center” sign lit above the building entrance.

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Rush at Frost Bank Center

    On September 23 and 25, catch Rush at Frost Bank Center.

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  • An aerial view of the Frost Bank Center arena at dusk, with the Frost Bank Center sign and surrounding city skyline.

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Chayanne at Frost Bank Center

    On September 27, catch Chayanne at Frost Bank Center.

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  • The Menger Hotel

    ​ 0.7 Miles | 15 Minutes Walk

    Iron Maiden/ Megadeth/ Anthrax at the Alamodome

    On September 29, catch Maiden/Megadeth/Anthrax live at the Alamodome, walking distance from The Menger Hotel.

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  • An old brick building with arched windows and French doors, a lantern, and decorative wrought-iron fixtures along the entryway.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 30 Feet | 1 Minutes Walk

    Sisters Grimm Ghost Tour

    Your evening begins with an elegant 3 course meal at the historic Menger Hotel, followed by a 30-minute hotel tour and a 90-minute Ghost Walk of San Antonio's most haunted sites, including the Spanish Governor's Palace.

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  • A row of gray bicycles docked at a station with a nearby blue and red charging/payment kiosk, set against a stone wall and greenery.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 5.6 Miles | 12 Minutes Drive

    San Antonio Bike Share

    As part of San Antonio's Bike Share program, it's easy to see the city from a 3- or 8-speed B-Cycle electric bike. Look for one of more than 60 SWell Cycle kiosks, where you can purchase a day pass or become an annual member.

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  • A tranquil urban canal with reflections, a bridge, trees shedding leaves, and tall buildings lining the water, peaceful city scenery.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 1.2 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    River City Run

    Lace up your running shoes and explore San Antonio's historic sites and sounds during a scenic morning jog. River City Run is a unique company that offers 5K running tours to 18 landmarks around the River City on select days.

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  • A historic stone church-like building with ornate arches and tall windows stands under a clear blue sky.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 0.1 Miles | 1 Minutes Walk

    The Alamo

    Take a self-guided tour of this iconic adobe structure, built in 1718. The Alamo was San Antonio's first mission, though it's most famous for the 13-day siege in 1836 in which Mexican soldiers overpowered Texan defenders during the Texas Revolution.

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  • A historic stone church complex with a bell tower and a large domed roof under a clear blue sky.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 8.6 Miles | 14 Minutes Drive

    San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

    Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of only 23 in the United States), the five San Antonio Missions (and one ranch) are North America's largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions.

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  • A tangled rollercoaster with blue supports and yellow tracks twisting above, chaotic loops and sharp turns in an amusement park.
    • Family

    ​ 17.8 Miles | 20 Minutes Drive

    Six Flags Fiesta Texas

    Get your adrenaline fix at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an amusement park favorite. Thrill-seekers will love the Iron Rattler and Goliath roller coasters, plus the new Joker Carnival of Chaos, the largest pendulum ride in the world!

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  • A sunny water park filled with colorful twisty and straight slides, ladders, and a splash pool in front of a castle-like structure.
    • Family

    ​ 34.7 Miles | 39 Minutes Drive

    Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort

    This family-owned, 65 acre seasonal waterpark in nearby New Braunfels promises fun for everyone. Miles of interconnected tubing rivers, exhilarating water slides, and a lush park setting make this a must experience attraction.

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  • A person is touching a docked beluga whale’s back near the water, with the whale partly in the pool.
    • Family

    ​ 17.9 Miles | 21 Minutes Drive

    SeaWorld San Antonio

    Explore the world's largest marine adventure park, spanning 250 acres, including live shows, thrilling rides, and, of course, animal encounters with beluga whales, penguins, sea lions, sharks, dolphins, and other majestic sea creatures.

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  • A glowing arch reads “Hemispair Park” at night with bright lights, towers on both sides, and trees beneath the dark sky.
    • Family

    ​ 1.6 Miles | 17 Minutes Drive

    Hemisfair

    A lovely park and playscape for kids occupy the site of the 1968 World's Fair, the Tower of the Americas, the John H. Wood Federal Courthouse, children's theater, and Blue Cat Yoga studio.

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  • A row of people in an audience clapping and cheering, hands raised and smiling, enjoying a live performance or event.
    • Family

    ​ 0.8 Miles | 4 Minutes Drive

    Magik Theatre

    Founded in 1994, the non-profit Magik Theatre is a charming and cozy theater offering dozens of theatrical performances and educational programs for children and families.

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  • A sunny outdoor shopping courtyard with shops, a stone path, lush plants, and a small water feature along a walkway at dusk.
    • Shopping

    ​ 17.2 Miles | 20 Minutes Drive

    The Shops at La Cantera

    This beautiful open-air mall features upscale dining and shopping set along a perfectly-manicured terraced path. Highlights include a monthly yoga class and happy hour, summer concert series, and cooking classes at Sur la Table.

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  • A modern glass-building courtyard with water features and potted plants arranged on tiered platforms, plus a curved metal entrance and small waterfalls, stylish and serene.
    • Shopping

    ​ 75 Feet | 1 Minutes Walk

    The Shops at Rivercenter

    Anchored by Macy's, H&M, and a 38-story Marriott hotel, over 80 retailers, restaurants, an IMAX movie theater, and Dave & Buster's arcade highlight this stunning indoor mall along Alamo City's famous River Walk.

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  • People dining at riverside cafes under colorful umbrellas at night, reflections dancing on the water. A lively waterfront scene.
    • Shopping

    ​ 75 Feet | 1 Minutes Walk

    River Walk Shops

    A local staple since 1883, San Antonio's scenic River Walk is best known for its waterfront cafes, cultural attractions, and world-class shopping, where visitors can browse from dozens of boutique shops, specialty stores, and retail favorites.

  • A large historic brick building with arched windows, ornate detailing, and a tower-like top, framed by trees at dusk. End.
    • Shopping

    ​ 1.7 Miles | 7 Minutes Drive

    The Pearl Brewery Shops

    The iconic Pearl Brewery has been transformed into sixteen neighborhood blocks of boutique shops, brand-name retailers, innovative restaurants, and San Antonio's only year-round Farmers Market.

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  • A pair of oversized cowboy boots serving as a sculptural entrance, placed in front of a Saks Fifth Avenue building with blue sky and clouds.
    • Shopping

    ​ 1.7 Miles | 7 Minutes Drive

    North Star Mall

    Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Dillard's, and JCPenny, this indoor mall features over 200 specialty stores and restaurants ranging from The Cheesecake Factory to Starbucks, all just minutes from downtown San Antonio.

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  • Alamo Cement Company entrance sign arch over a landscaped area with trees, a small vintage engine statue, and factory buildings in the background.
    • Shopping

    ​ 6.3 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Alamo Quarry Market

    The Alamo Cement Plant has been completely reimagined as an open-air market boasting over sixty boutique shops, delectable cafes, and brand name stores, plus a 16-screen Regal movie theater.

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  • A display of colorful handmade figurines, including skeletal figures in hats and cloaks, plus vibrant magenta, yellow, and orange outfits, all in a whimsical, spooky market scene.
    • Shopping

    ​ 1.3 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    Market Square

    Head to bustling Market Square (aka "El Mercado") to find a wide selection of Mexican and Texan handicrafts, including traditional Mexican dresses, colorful embroidered blouses, and cowboy hats, as well as jewelry and purses.

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  • A lively street scene at dusk with historic buildings, storefronts, and colorful lights reflecting on a wet pavement, bustling with pedestrians.
    • Dining

    ​ 1.3 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive

    Southtown

    Explore historical sites and classic architecture by foot or by bike (we love the three-speed B-Cycle bikes that can be found at nearby kiosks!) in this eclectic neighborhood filled with trendy spots like Rosario's and Liberty Bar.

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  • A charming outdoor plaza with a canal, trees, lamps, and colorful umbrellas over seating, reflecting warm lights on the water.
    • Dining

    ​ 0.4 Miles | 2 Minutes Drive

    River Walk

    San Antonio's celebrated waterfront promenade is an attraction in its own right. Here you'll find five historic mission sites, scenic riverboat cruises, art and history museums, and some of our favorite places to drink and dine.

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  • A grand beige brick building with arched windows sits behind a green park with trees, people walking, and a fountain nearby, sunny day.
    • Dining

    ​ 1.6 Miles | 7 Minutes Drive

    The Pearl Brewery

    Home to the third Culinary Institute of America and San Antonio's only year-round Farmers Market, the iconic Pearl Brewery encompasses sixteen neighborhood blocks where chefs can collaborate with local farmers and guests can take cooking classes.

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  • A sunny street scene with palm trees, a red trolley, and a mix of historic and modern buildings, crowded with cars and pedestrians.
    • Dining

    ​ 5.1 Miles | 12 Minutes Drive

    Houston Street

    Known as the "caffeine corner" for the sheer number of boutique cafes new to the area, Houston Street is one of San Antonio's oldest and most popular hangouts for nightlife and music. Bohanan's Lounge is a favorite for live jazz and cocktails.

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  • A sunny alley with brick walls, stairs on the left, metal railings, potted plants, and a walkway lined by fences and lamps.
    • Dining

    ​ 2.0 Miles | 7 Minutes Drive

    Blue Star Arts Complex

    Blue Star Arts Complex is San Antonio's longest-running contemporary art space, gallery, and studio with plenty of options for food, cocktails, and live music, including the popular Bar 1919 and Stella Public House.

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  • A statue of a thoughtful seated figure in front of a white Mediterranean-style villa with palm trees and well-kept lawn, sunny day.
    • Arts

    ​ 4.8 Miles | 11 Minutes Drive

    McNay Art Museum

    The McNay Art Museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as works from different periods and cultures. Its stunning architecture, serene gardens, and dynamic exhibits make it a San Antonio must-see for art enthusiasts.

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  • A large audience in a theater or concert hall, many hands raised, facing a stage with a performer in the spotlight.
    • Arts

    ​ 0.9 Miles | 4 Minutes Drive

    Majestic Theatre

    A beloved and historic landmark on San Antonio's cultural scene, the Majestic Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1929. While you're catching a concert or a theatrical performance, be sure to take in its grand architecture and ornate decor.

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  • A nighttime view of a grand hotel entrance, lit windows and steps in front, with a few people and parked cars nearby.
    • Arts

    ​ 0.8 Miles | 3 Minutes Drive

    Tobin Center For The Performing Arts

    San Antonians come to this performing arts center, next to the River Walk, to enjoy the San Antonio Symphony, Ballet San Antonio, Opera San Antonio, Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, Children's Fine Arts Series and more.

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  • A landscaped building at dusk, lit from inside, with tall black metal bars and a small statue near the entrance.
    • Arts

    ​ 3.1 Miles | 8 Minutes Drive

    South Texas Heritage Center at the Witte Museum

    Presenting the largest comprehensive archive of Wild West and pioneer artifacts, along with Texas's earliest fine art collection, the South Texas Heritage Center is located inside San Antonio's popular Witte Museum.

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  • A scenic riverside scene with brick buildings, trees, a small embankment, and a bridge-like structure in the background.
    • Arts

    ​ 1.3 Miles | 5 Minutes Drive

    The San Antonio Museum of Art

    Occupying the old Lone Star Brewery building on the River Walk, the SAMA showcases over 30,000 artifacts from around the world, including ancient Greek and Egyptian art, A

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  • Aerial view of Frost Bank Center arena with its “Frost Bank Center” sign and stage lights under a cloudy sunset sky.
    • Arts

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Frost Bank Center

    Home to the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, this multi-purpose indoor arena and popular concert venue also features local rodeo performances, livestock shows, other sporting events and more.

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  • Aerial view of the Frost Bank Center arena with city skyline at dusk under cloudy skies.
    • Arts

    ​ 3.9 Miles | 9 Minutes Drive

    Frost Bank Center

    Home to the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, this multi-purpose indoor arena and popular concert venue also features local rodeo performances, livestock shows, other sporting events and more.

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  • People dining along a canal at dusk; a boat glides by under a lit bridge, restaurant tents line the water with warm, inviting glow.
    • Sightseeing

    ​ 0.5 Miles | 12 Minutes Walk

    Go Rio River Cruise

    Comfortable boats, informative tour guides, and picturesque scenery along the River Walk make a Go Rio cruise a unique and memorable way to experience San Antonio's rich history and culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best things to do near the Alamo?

    Visitors staying near the Alamo can enjoy River Walk cruises, historic sightseeing tours, museums, shopping, dining, and live entertainment throughout downtown San Antonio. Popular nearby attractions include the River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Market Square, the Majestic Theatre, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

  • What are the top family-friendly activities in San Antonio?

    Some of the most popular family activities in San Antonio include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Hemisfair Park, and the Magik Theatre. Families can also enjoy River Walk boat tours, museums, and outdoor parks near downtown San Antonio.

  • What are the top museums in San Antonio?

    San Antonio features several renowned museums, including the McNay Art Museum, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Witte Museum, and the Institute of Texan Cultures. These museums showcase art, Texas history, science, and cultural exhibits for visitors of all ages.

  • What can visitors do on the River Walk?

    The San Antonio River Walk offers waterfront dining, shopping, sightseeing cruises, nightlife, museums, live music, and seasonal events. Visitors can explore scenic walking paths, local restaurants, cultural attractions, and entertainment venues throughout downtown San Antonio.

  • What are the best outdoor activities near downtown San Antonio?

    Popular outdoor activities near downtown San Antonio include River Walk strolls, San Antonio Bike Share rides, guided running tours, Hemisfair Park visits, and exploring the San Antonio Missions trail system. Visitors can also enjoy river cruises and open-air dining along the waterfront.

  • Why stay near the Alamo and River Walk in San Antonio?

    Staying near the Alamo and River Walk gives visitors convenient access to many of San Antonio’s top attractions, restaurants, museums, shopping districts, and entertainment venues. Downtown San Antonio also offers walkable access to historic landmarks, cultural sites, and family-friendly activities.