River Walk
#4 in Best Things To Do in San Antonio

Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 4.0Food Scene
- 4.5Atmosphere
Many agree that the best way to see San Antonio is by taking a stroll along the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio. San Antonio's most-visited tourist attraction meanders along the banks of the San Antonio River through the center of the city, connecting major attractions like Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Flanking the River Walk are dozens of restaurants, boutique hotels and sidewalk cafes shaded by colorful umbrellas, and street performers often fill the air with mariachi music. If you're in San Antonio in January, don't miss the River Walk Mud Festival and Parade, during which the river is drained and the muddy riverbed becomes the prime venue for celebration.
If you want to see the River Walk from a different vantage point, try a boat tour. These 35-minute tours, offered by Rio San Antonio Cruises (one of the best San Antonio tours), take visitors on a leisurely ride down the winding river. Tickets cost $8.25 for adults and $2 for children. Many say the boat rides are a must. You could also opt to catch a Rio Taxi, which costs a bit less and makes continuous stops along the river.
The River Walk stretches from downtown San Antonio north to Alamo Heights, with plenty of parking and quite a few bus stops nearby. For more information, including a calendar of events and a directory of stores and restuarants, visit the River Walk website.
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#1 Brackenridge Park
When the River Walk seems too busy, seek refuge from the heat and the swarms of tourists in Brackenridge Park. Its 343 acres offer much in the way of relaxation: rustic stone bridges and shaded walkways are perfect for strolling, and the Japanese Tea Garden and San Antonio Botanical Garden beckon to botanists. Dress casual so you can take advantage of Brackenridge's jogging trails, golf course and athletic fields. The park also hosts outdoor concerts in the natural Sunken Garden Theater. In and around the park, you'll also find popular attractions like the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum.
Past visitors appreciated the park's train, which runs through the zoo and offers an excellent opportunity to get around the large area. They also recommend bringing some bird seed to feed the ducks that float down the San Antonio River. The park is also a featured stop on many of the best San Antonio tours.
When the River Walk seems too busy, seek refuge from the heat and the swarms of tourists in Brackenridge Park. Its 343 acres offer much in the way of relaxation: rustic stone bridges and shaded walkways are perfect for strolling, and the Japanese Tea Garden and San Antonio Botanical Garden beckon to botanists. Dress casual so you can take advantage of Brackenridge's jogging trails, golf course and athletic fields. The park also hosts outdoor concerts in the natural Sunken Garden Theater. In and around the park, you'll also find popular attractions like the San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum.
Past visitors appreciated the park's train, which runs through the zoo and offers an excellent opportunity to get around the large area. They also recommend bringing some bird seed to feed the ducks that float down the San Antonio River. The park is also a featured stop on many of the best San Antonio tours.
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