One of the first things mentioned about the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas, is the River Walk. Locals and transplants alike love the place, and it’s usually one of the top three places they’ll recommend visiting.
If you haven't visited the River Walk, it’s definitely something to see with friends and family. It's also a fantastic respite if you’re house hunting in the San Antonio area near military bases, including JBSA Fort Sam Houston, JBSA Randolph, and JBSA Lackland.
A Brief History of San Antonio's Famous River Walk
Today’s modern River Walk is the culmination of decades' worth of progress, but the vision has roots dating back to before Texas was a state and the U.S. was the U.S., thanks to the San Antonio River and the natural tendency for people to gather riverside. Everything from dam bypasses, locks, city planning, cultural expansion, and beautification was carefully planned and survived many iterations of technological innovation.
Planning Your River Walk Visit
Begin with a Customized Itinerary
Let’s start with the fact that the River Walk tops many lists as the #1 attraction in Texas. Since it’s so popular with so many options to see and do, take advantage of its website’s customized itinerary tool online to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time there.
Depending on your preferences, you could spend hours or a couple of days taking in everything from parades to live performances.
Plan for a Stroll
The San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long and flows through about five miles of downtown landscape. Along the banks, there are dozens of locations (including some of the best restaurants in San Antonio) to dine, snack, and drink. Don’t worry about driving home; there are also close to 20 different hotels to choose from along the way.
Check the Event Calendar
You’ll also want to check out the event calendar (use the online tool above) to see what’s happening while you’re in town, especially if you’re in San Antonio during the holidays. You won’t want to miss:
- Holiday Lights on the River Walk: Stroll a one-mile path of magical Texas-themed light displays from Thanksgiving through early January.
- The Annual Ford Holiday River Parade: The beloved San Antonio tradition is a one-hour boat and float parade among 100,000 Christmas lights along the River Walk.
- Ford Holiday Boat Caroling on the River Walk: Rent a boat and sing carols to your heart’s delight, or stand on the banks and join in as the caroling boats pass by.
Before making your plans, check the San Antonio River's maintenance calendar to avoid the few times a year the river is drained for cleaning.
Other Planning Details
The River Walk is a public park and free to visit. You can hang out at the recreation spots and walk along the riverside path. Your best furry friend can also tag along if they’re on a leash. They’re even welcome outside at some of the restaurants.
Before you arrive, read the River Walk’s online publication, Rio Magazine, to get coupons, discounts, and in-the-know details to add a little extra to your trip.
Photo by Gagliardi Photography via Canva.com
Unique River Experiences
Boating is one of the River Walk’s biggest draws. Whether you want to take a sightseeing tour, cruise along the river, hop on a water taxi to get from one spot to another, or enjoy a dining experience on the water, there’s an option for every type of visitor.
Plenty of military marriages have interesting beginnings. For a truly unique experience, couples can tie the knot on Marriage Island, a charming spot managed by the River Walk and Parks and Rec Department.
If you’ve always wanted to visit the now-closed Love Lock Bridge in Paris and missed your chance, head to the River Walk and add your love message on a padlock—Texas-style.
For an up-close and personal view of the San Antonio River, rent a kayak on the Mission Reach section of the River Walk and paddle away. You can go solo or hire a guide for your tour year-round.
Don't miss La Villita on the southern bank of the River Walk. The "little village" is a cultural arts hub, complete with historic buildings and local artisan finds.
Looking for a San Antonio home?
Check out our inventory of homes for sale and houses for rent in San Antonio near JBSA Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland AFB.
Take a look at these houses for rent in San Antonio:
San Antonio River Walk Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
The River Walk isn’t only a scenic stroll; it’s a hub for dining, shopping, and unique entertainment experiences that appeal to every type of visitor.
Shop and Explore
If shopping is on your must-do list, head to The Shops at Rivercenter. There are four levels of stores to explore, plus an IMAX and movie theater, not to mention dozens of the best restaurants in San Antonio to try.
History and Iconic Venues
History buffs and tavern fans will love the Esquire Tavern, the oldest River Walk bar, opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition. For cultural and arts enthusiasts, Museum Reach offers a riverside extension of the River Walk featuring public art and native landscaping, with access to the San Antonio Museum of Art.
You can also catch a performance at the Arneson River Theatre, an open-air venue showcasing dance and music, or visit the historic Aztec Theatre, a historic multi-purpose entertainment facility dating back to 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
New to San Antonio life? Find more information about the area in blog posts like these:
Spanish tiles at the River Walk by Pixabay marilynkimberly
River Walk Food and Dining
If your primary mission is to eat, look no further than the iconic and one of the best restaurants in San Antonio, Casa Rio. The restaurant has been serving Tex-Mex since 1946 and was the first San Antonio business to use the river as an attraction for diners. Other popular River Walk spots include Boudro's, Dick's Last Resort (bring your sense of humor as part of the charm is sass from the staff), Biga on the Banks, Esquire Tavern (the longest wooden bar in Texas!), and so many others. In fact, there are over 100 restaurants, pubs, and cafes on or near the River Walk, so start your explorations now.
These fun dining and entertainment picks are only the beginning of exciting adventures at the River Walk. There are many more things to do beyond the riverbanks that could easily extend your adventure by a couple of days. So if you’re headed to Texas, round up your favorite people and make the most of your time at one of best things to do in San Antonio!
