Alamo Plaza Attractions - Things to Do While in San Antonio

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024

The city of San Antonio seems to revolve around the site of the Alamo, the most visited historic landmark in Texas. Located in the center of downtown San Antonio, adjacent to the San Antonio River, Alamo Plaza is a bustling area full of fun restaurants, attractions, and other things to do. Check out our list of Alamo Plaza attractions to help plan your day around exploring the Alamo Plaza, from world-class museums to action-packed rides.

Save on Admission to Alamo Plaza Area Attractions

Many of the Alamo Plaza attractions listed below are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from many of the top San Antonio attractions and save up to 40% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. For all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more.

Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio Bus Tour

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the area is via the CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio Bus Tour. You'll get to see all the best of San Antonio, from the Riverwalk to Southtown. Along the way you'll get informative and entertaining narration by professional guides who know all about the city's most significant landmarks, neighborhoods, and hotspots. Enjoy the freedom to hop-on and off at any of the stops to explore some of the popular attractions along the way. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Antonio Bus tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Battle for Texas: The ExperienceSM

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Immerse yourself in every aspect of the Battle of the Alamo with Battle for Texas: The Experience and witness the spectacle, heroism, and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fought in one of the most pivotal battles in U.S. history. In this fully interactive exhibition, you’ll travel back in time to 1836 Texas and experience what daily life was like for early Texas settlers, learn about the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution from both Texan and Mexican perspectives, and witness the emotional Battle of the Alamo brought to life through heart-racing, multimedia re-enactments. You'll get to see lots of rare artifacts from the battle, including Santa Anna's uniform, Bowie knives, and possession that once belonged to Davy Crockett. Getting In: Battle for Texas: The Experience tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Guinness World Records Museum

Explore some fascinating record-breaking history at Guinness World Records where you can see the pages of the famous books brought to life through various interactive displays and exhibits. Guinness World Records is the first museum in the world to give guests a chance at breaking official records. See if you can set any new records in the Attempt Arena or catch one of the daily live shows featuring official Guinness World Records adjudicators. Getting In: Guinness World Records Museum tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Tomb Rider 3D

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Part laser tag challenge, part thrill ride, Tomb Rider 3-D takes you on a spooky journey to the ancient tomb of the Egyptian God, Anubis where you'll have to battle to take down any and all obstacles that pop up along the way on this interactive ride. After the ride, try your hand at some of the classic games in the arcade. (Free!) Getting In: Tomb Rider 3D tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Ripley's Haunted Adventure

If you're looking for a good scream session, see how long you last before getting scared in this spooky and interactive haunted house adventure. With its cast of live actors, high tech special effects, creepy artifacts, and props, the line between fake and reality is scarily indistinguishable. Getting In: Ripley's Haunted Adventure tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

The Alamo

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Rich in historic significance, the Alamo is the most visited historic landmark in all of Texas. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the former Spanish church turned battle fortress serves as a standing testament to those who sacrificed their life in 1836 in one of the most pivotal battles in American history. Walk around the square at your own pace and explore the very spot where, after months of fighting, the Texian troops defeated the larger Mexican troops achieving independence to the shouts of "Remember the Alamo!"

Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio

See how you stack up next to the world's tallest man, Robert Wadlow, at Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio

There's something for everyone at Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio, the strangest place in San Antonio. Take a walk through 18 themed galleries and over 500 exhibits in the "Odditorium," an entire museum highlighting bizarre and unusual phenomenon from around the world. In addition to the bizarre and unusual things you'll see, you'll also get to learn about the fascinating life of Mr. Ripley himself; from semi-pro baseball player and cartoonist to collector and curator of his famous museums. Getting In: Ripley's San Antonio tickets are separately ticketed and not available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

San Antonio Fire Museum

Learn about the history of the Fire Service through an extensive collection of exhibits filled with artifacts, documents, and photos documenting the Fire Service dating back to the mid 1800's. Young ones will especially enjoy dressing up in authentic replicas of Firefighters' gear and then climbing onto the 1953 International fire truck built by the Simms Fire Equipment Company. Getting In: Admission to the San Antonio Fire Museum is free.

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum

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Get an immersive Texas experience and explore these two located in the same building providing a holistic portrayal of Texan history and culture. The Buckhorn Museum boasts collections wildlife from every continent of the world and natural artifacts collected from travelers passing through the area such as, bones, antlers, and over 500 distinct species of wildlife. The Texas Ranger Museum features hundreds of artifacts from the days of the Texas Ranger, including revolvers, automatic handguns, sawed off shotguns, photographs, and more. Walk through Ranger Town to see what San Antonio was like at the turn of the century complete with a replica of the Buckhorn Saloon, a jail cell, blacksmith shop, and more. Getting In: Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum tickets are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Let's Recap

There you have it - some of the fun Alamo Plaza attractions and things to do in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. Plan to add a few of the attractions above to your vacation itinerary to make the most of your trip. Remember, a number of the attractions listed above in addition to other popular San Antonio area attractions are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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is san antonio safe?
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Is San Antonio Safe?

Planning a vacation takes time and effort; we all know that. When picking a vacation destination, many things swirl around the mind. What will you do when you're there? What's the weather like? How safe is the city? So let's talk about San Antonio. How safe is the city, what do you need to look out for, and where should you avoid? Including: Is San Antonio a safe city to visit? Common threats to safety in San Antonio Neighborhoods to avoid Is it safe to walk in downtown San Antonio? Is public transport safe in San Antonio? Is it safe to walk in downtown San Antonio? Yes, it is safe to walk around San Antonio's Downtown. You'll find plenty of people joining you on your two-footed adventure too, as it's one of the most popular ways to get around the more condensed parts of the city. Regardless, it's always worth being aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings on you at all times, store anything you don't absolutely need in your hotel or Airbnb (ideally in a safe), and be cautious when approached by strangers of a shifty nature.   And that's our guide to San Antonio. Is it safe? It sure is! Wondering what mischief you can get up to on your vacation? Try Go City. Our Explorer Pass lets you see the city at your own pace, so go grab a San Antonio attraction pass and save while you sightsee!
Dom Bewley
friends enjoying a boat ride
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Winding Down in Style: San Antonio’s Sunday Gems

There’s something undeniably wonderful about a Sunday in San Antonio. Maybe it’s the way the city seems to slow down just a touch, or how each neighborhood glows in that balmy Texas sunlight. Whatever the reason, we think Sundays here are a big deal—a little slice of happiness and relaxation wrapped up in rich history and vibrant culture. Whether your Sunday vibe calls for tranquil garden strolls, family adventures, cultural deep dives, leisurely river walks, or just eating your way across the city—San Antonio has you covered. So, if you’re planning your perfect escape, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to spend a Sunday you’ll never forget.  Here’s our roundup of what we think make for the best Sunday things to do in San Antonio:  San Antonio River Walk Stroll  San Antonio Botanical Garden  The Witte Museum  Brunch at The Guenther House  GO RIO San Antonio River Cruise  Explore the Historic Pearl District  San Antonio Zoo  Tower of the Americas  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour  Tejas Rodeo Company  San Antonio Botanical Garden  If your ideal Sunday includes a dose of fresh air and floral beauty, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is for you. Spanning 38 acres, this peaceful spot feels like an urban oasis, nestled just a stone’s throw from downtown. Step inside and find winding trails, vibrant Texas wildflowers, and themed gardens that whisk you from a South Texas desert to a lush Japanese garden in minutes.  The garden’s clever design lets you move from color-packed flowerbeds to aromatic herb plots and tranquil water features, all at your own pace. Birdwatchers will swoon over the feathered residents darting about, while photographers will have a field day with the ever-changing seasonal blooms. There are always fun and informative exhibits, plus a family adventure garden for kids to burn off steam.  What makes a Sunday visit extra special? The brunch options at Jardin, the garden’s acclaimed café, where locally sourced dishes and refreshing drinks can be enjoyed with open-air views of the grounds. Whether you’re chasing tropical butterflies or just in need of quiet contemplation by a lotus pond, you’ll find it here.  The Witte Museum  If you love your history with a side of science and dinosaur skeletons, the Witte Museum is a Sunday must-see. The vibe here is approachable, engaging, and often delightfully surprising. Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, this cherished institution is where natural history, early Texan culture, and playful hands-on exhibits come brilliantly to life.  Family or not, there’s plenty to discover—towering dinosaur replicas, interactive adventure courses for the kids, and stunning exhibitions on prehistoric and indigenous life along the banks of Texas rivers. The gardens surrounding the museum are free to wander, and you’ll often find families picnicking, playing, or catching impromptu puppet shows.  On Sundays, the museum is energized by weekend guests but remains perfectly manageable. Special programs, pop-up science experiments, and even live history performances keep everyone entertained. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to touch, ask questions, and see history from every angle. Don’t leave without experiencing the unique H-E-B Body Adventure—an exhibit (part indoor maze, part playground) devoted to all things health and fitness, making Sunday fitness feel like child’s play.  Brunch at The Guenther House  Few things say “Sunday” quite like a decadent brunch, and The Guenther House is one of San Antonio’s most charming spots to indulge. Housed in a handsome turn-of-the-century mansion, this riverside café offers both rich local history and a legendary breakfast menu.  Step inside and you’re greeted with classic Texas hospitality, vintage porcelain teacups, and sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows. The wraparound porch is perfect for soaking up rays as you tuck into freshly baked biscuits and pastries—do not miss the sweet cream waffles, a nod to the city’s German baking tradition, or the gigantic cinnamon rolls, which have achieved near-local landmark status. Coffee is strong, juice is fresh, and friendly servers make sure your morning starts with a smile.  Reserve your spot early; this place is popular on weekends but never feels hurried. Take some time afterward to browse the little gift shop brimming with kitchenware, flour tins, and nostalgic candies. By the time you stroll back outside and resume your day, you’ll be happily fueled for anything San Antonio has in store.  GO RIO San Antonio River Cruise  There’s no San Antonio Sunday like one spent on the water. HOist aboard a GO RIO river cruise and trade your walking shoes for an open-air seat as you glide down the city's most scenic waterway. A cool breeze, gentle commentary, and sights galore—what’s not to love?  Different from the River Walk’s land-based experience, the cruise lets you see the city from a brand-new angle, passing beneath centuries-old stone bridges and alongside hotels, historic sites, and vibrant murals. The narrated tour is loaded with fun facts—think tales of Spanish settlers, Texas legends, and the secrets behind San Antonio’s most beloved riverside restaurants.  Chances are your crew will be a mix of visitors and locals, everyone leaning close to snap pictures or catch the punchline of the guide’s latest story. Bring a hat, pack some sunscreen, and relish the ease of sightseeing while you relax. These boats run rain or shine, and the views? They never disappoint. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to put their feet up and still get the full San Antonio flavor.  San Antonio Zoo  If animal adventures are on your list, the San Antonio Zoo is Sunday gold. Spanning more than 50 acres in Brackenridge Park, the zoo is a family favorite for its immersive habitats, conservation efforts, and a dizzying array of creatures from Texas and beyond.  Here, you’ll meet everything from towering giraffes and splashy hippos to quiet Komodo dragons. The butterfly house bursts with color, while the zoo train is perfect for smaller explorers (and those with tired feet). Shaded walkways, hands-on feeding experiences, and plenty of snack stands make for an easy, enjoyable outing—whether you're traveling with kids, friends, or on your own.  We especially love the zoo’s Sunday pace—there’s a friendly sense of anticipation in the air, plus special weekend-only animal encounters and pop-up keeper chats. Be sure to keep an eye out for the feeding schedules: watching a lion lunch or a zookeeper coax a giant tortoise into a snack is a highlight. And don’t miss the recently added NEOTROPICA area, a lush rainforest experience that transports you to the Amazon in the heart of Texas.  Tower of the Americas  Want to see San Antonio from a new perspective? Head to the Tower of the Americas, soaring 750 feet above Hemisfair Park. Stepping into the glass elevators feels thrilling, and before you know it, you’re greeted with 360-degree views stretching all the way out to the Texas Hill Country.  The observation deck lines up all the city's main sights for you to spot—historic missions, the winding River Walk, stunning parks, and distant cityscapes. There’s an interactive history exhibit to help you make sense of what’s unfolding below, and for sightseers who love a little trivia, the displays offer plenty of surprising backstories.  Stick around for lunch or a sunset cocktail in the revolving Chart House restaurant, where tables gently spin to reveal every inch of the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows, crisp tablecloths, and classic American favorites make it a slightly more upscale treat—a perfect way to savor a special Sunday.  The outdoor plaza at the tower offers fountains for kids to splash in, peaceful benches, and public art installations. Whether you snap a few photos or linger for a memorable meal, the Tower of the Americas feels like the cherry on top of a San Antonio Sunday.  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour  If you’re craving adventure, drive just outside the city to the Natural Bridge Caverns for one of the most impressive underground experiences in Texas. Discovered in the 1960s, these caverns invite explorers into a wonderland of natural formations: twisting passages, soaring chambers, and delicate stalactites that seem to drip from the ceiling.  The Discovery Tour takes you 180 feet below the surface, where the temperature always holds steady, making it a refreshing escape from the Texas sun. Knowledgeable guides illuminate the geology and history of these ancient spaces, while dramatic lighting makes every turn picture-worthy. Families, couples, and solo adventurers are all in their element here.  After exploring underground, don’t miss the above-ground adventure park (ropes course, gem and fossil mining for kids, zip lines, and a massive outdoor maze). Weekends tend to be lively, and there’s always space for an impromptu picnic or a cold treat from the snack bar. If you love a good “wow” moment, a Sunday at Natural Bridge Caverns absolutely delivers.  Tejas Rodeo Company  Wrap up your San Antonio Sunday with a true Texas tradition: the rodeo. Tejas Rodeo Company—just north of the city in Bulverde—serves up the kind of down-home, high-energy entertainment that’ll have you cheering and laughing all evening. It's part rodeo, part country fair, and all delight.  Arrive early to soak up the scenery; the open-air grounds are dotted with friendly locals, boot-stomping live bands, artisan vendors, and the savory aroma of slow-cooked barbecue drifting from the steakhouse. Once the rodeo starts, settle in for bronc riding, roping, barrel racing, and bull riding—complete with glittering costumes, thundering hooves, and expert commentary that brings the stories of the riders to life.  Afterward, shake off the dust and head over to the dance hall, where couples of every age take a turn on the floor to classic country tunes. The vibe is equal parts wholesome, lively, and completely inviting. Whether you’re a rodeo newbie or a seasoned fan, spending your Sunday here is a full-tilt celebration of Texas spirit.    From riverside strolls and garden brunches to wild caverns and toe-tapping rodeos, San Antonio shines bright on a Sunday. With its friendly spirit, joyful energy, and an endless list of things to try, the city ensures weekends are anything but ordinary. Take your pick, mix and match, and you’ll leave with a Sunday story of your own—and a suitcase full of new favorites.    Want more? Check out our guide on where to stay in San Antonio, and what to do in the city’s Downtown.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
San Antonio Rover
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Things to Do in San Antonio in Summer

Visiting sunny San Antonio this summer and looking for some activities and places to visit? There is lots going on in San Antonio during the summer months. From river cruises and museum exhibits to theme parks and beyond, we are sure you will have fun during your trip. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in San Antonio in the summer, check out our list of the top attractions, festivals and activities going on this year, including... SeaWorld San Antonio Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio Zoo Go Rio River Cruise Alamo Plaza Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in San Antonio 4th of July Weekend. In the area towards the end of summer? Here are a few fun things to do in San Antonio Labor Day Weekend. SeaWorld San Antonio Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio Zoo San Antonio River Cruise Explore Alamo Plaza If there’s one area of the city that’s a must-explore, then it’s Alamo Plaza. It’s a beautiful little urban center clustered around that most famous of Texas landmarks – the Alamo itself. In addition to being able to visit the historic Alamo, you can also explore nearby attractions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, the Guinness World Records Museum, and Battle for Texas: The Experience. Or, you can just make Alamo Plaza your starting point and jump aboard a hop-on hop-off San Antonio bus tour! Summer Artisan River Walk Show Explore more of San Antonio's artsy side with some time spend roaming the Summer Artisan River Walk Show. With a wide variety of local vendors offering their creative productions like pottery, jewelry, knitted goods, painting, and more, you're sure to find something to inspire or charm you at this show. It's also a good opportunity to enjoy the River Walk neighborhood! Fiesta Noche Del Rio See San Antonio's annual iconic cultural performance. Fiesta Noche Del Rio really tells a story about San Antonio, with a lovely medley of past & present along with music & dance. The performances are located at the historic Arneson River Theatre. Save on Summertime Activities So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in San Antonio in the summer. There is so much to do, the hardest part will be deciding where to go first! So get ahead and plan your itinerary using our top choices. Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Antonio pass. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all San Antonio tourist passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

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