What is the San Antonio River Walk?

Aligned one plane lower than city level, the River Walk, also referred to as Paseo del Río, runs parallel to the banks of the San Antonio River, with a third of its length taking visitors through the downtown portion of the city. Construction of the first bridge that would span the San Antonio River can be tracked back to 1736, connecting the Presidio with Mission San Antonio, currently located at the Commerce St. bridge. In 1921, the river flooded, killing approximately 50 people; and in 1924, San Antonio's Conservation Society organized to save the River Walk. Today, it's a staple for visitors and locals alike, providing a hub for history, entertainment, and revitalization. 

How long is the River Walk?

The San Antonio Riverwalk spans 15 miles. It starts where E. Hildebrand Ave crosses the river, approximately four miles north of San Antonio city center; and finishes near Mission Espada, just south of city center. It would take around five to six hours to walk, or one to three hours by bike.

How to get to the River Walk

Interested in hitting the River Walk as soon as you or your guests arrive? Don't fret, there's an easy route for that. You can get from the San Antonio International Airport to the San Antonio River Walk in under 20 minutes on highway 281. Just hop on US-281 southbound to Downtown San Antonio, continue onto I-37 S/US-281 S, and take exit 141A towards Downtown. Merge onto E Commerce St. and voilà, the River Walk will be located to your right. 

Where to stay on the River Walk?

Whether you're part of a rewards program or not, there are plenty of hotels to choose from on the River Walk. Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton top the leaders board with selections from their entire lodging catalog, including Marriott Riverwalk and Rivercenter, The Westin Riverwalk, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Hyatt Regency. Looking for something a bit more boutique? Check out room options at Hotels Contessa, Havana, Emma and Mokara for an experience that's unique to the San Antonio area. 

Best time to visit the River Walk?

The San Antonio River Walk is open year-round, but all seasons are not equal when it comes to making arrangements for your visit. When planning a day on the River Walk, be sure to check the local forecast. If visiting during the summer, be mindful of San Antonio's 100°F+ highs which can easily make it feel like the sun is directly on top of your head. Let's be honest: both children and adults are likely to get cranky, and the entire experience can go left in the blink of an eye. If you're still gunning for summer months though, plan ahead, stay hydrated, and limit the outing to just a few hours. Overall, spring and fall are the best times to visit the River Walk, when temperatures stay between 60°F and 90°F. Whatever season you choose, the best experiences will occur in the late afternoon and evening, which also align with more options for food and drinks. Pro-tip: you can take your adult drink with you as you stroll about on the River Walk. 

What to do on the River Walk?

Whether you're out with the family, exploring with friends, or in town for a bachelor/bachelorette party, you'll be able to find the perfect activity on the River Walk. Catch a show at the Magik or Aztec Theaters or get spooky on a Sisters Grimm Ghost Tour. Ripley's Haunted Adventures, home to the Guinness World Records Museum and Tomb Raider, is also along the River Walk, located right across the street from the historic Alamo.

Shopping on the River Walk

Curate your own shopping experience on the River Walk. Choose from culture-forward La Villita and Market Square or start with something traditional like Macy's and venture out from there at the Shops at Rivercenter. La Villita is on the National Registry of Historic Districts and sits on a square block enclave full of art galleries and shops with unique artisan wares. Market Square is an indoor/outdoor plaza featuring shops as well as restaurants. Its claim to fame is being the largest Mexican market place north of the Rio Grande. 

Dining on the River Walk

Food options along the River Walk are practically endless, with classic San Antonio establishments like Biga on the Banks, Rita's on the River, and Iron Cactus; as well as newer must-try spots like Restaurant Gwendolyn, Burgerteca, and Culinaria. The Pearl, also located on the River Walk, is home to Botika, Southerleigh, and the Bottling Department Food Hall. 

Where to Grab a Drink

Get a little loose on the River Walk by grabbing a drink at one of the many bar options, including Mad Dogs British Pub, On the Rocks Pub, Thirsty Aztec, Durty Nelly's Irish Pub, or Maddy McMurphy's. If you're in the mood for a classic cocktail and fun, head to The Esquire Tavern, which features the longest wooden bar top in Texas. The bar describes it as "over 100 feet of beer-soaked wood, rubbed smooth by the elbows of a zillion tipplers". For a good time that includes bar top dancing and the potential for body shots and bad decisions, check out Coyote Ugly Saloon - yes, there's one of those in San Antonio. 

Catch a Show

Stop in for a show to take a break from walking (and possibly the heat) at one of the venues located on the River Walk. Head to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a variety of shows from Gabriel Iglesias, Black Violin, and Shen Yun Performing Arts; or check out the Arneson River Theatre, located at La Villita, for open-air performances by local acts that can be enjoyed by the entire family. 

Museums along the River Walk

Step off of the River Walk and into a cultural experience at one of the museums located along the San Antonio River. The San Antonio Art Museum (SAMA), Briscoe Western Art Museum, and Museum Reach are easily accessible and offer unique experiences. SAMA features contemporary collections from Egyptian, Roman, and Latin American artists. Briscoe offers artifacts that reflect Western American culture and history. Reach, an outdoor museum along the River Walk spotlights brilliant public art and originally themed landscaping. If you're seeking a less-traditional experience, Hopscotch is an excellent choice. Recently founded in 2018, it offers an immersive journey that combines artists and collaborative environments, curating distinct and shared experiences for all who attend. 

Sightseeing at the River Walk

See all that the River Walk has to offer as fast or slow as you please with one of the city's sightseeing offerings. The Cruise and Hop-on-Hop-Off Tour includes a 35-minute boat cruise followed by a double-decker bus tour, and if you're not too keen on floating, there's a bus-only tour option as well. Mission Adventure Tours offers Kayaking on the River Walk, an unguided tour that gives you the freedom to enjoy the river on your own terms. Whether you choose to see the sights from the water or by foot, consider starting at the Pearl and heading south. This route allows you to see the Grotto, a mystical sculpture located between Camden and Newell Street Bridges.

Explore the Dynamic River Walk Districts

Include a stroll through the unique Districts accessible from the River Walk's paths. The King William District is full of galleries, eclectic restaurants, and 19th-century mansions, most of which overlook the river. The neighborhood is located in Southtown and jointly coined as the Arts District of San Antonio. The Blue Star Arts Complex is also in the area, and is home to San Antonio's longest-running contemporary art space. The ever-popular Pearl Brewery is also nestled along the River Walk. Here's where to go in each neighborhood:

King William

• Guenther House, Victorian parlor serving traditional breakfast and brunch 

• Ruby City, presenting over 900 pieces of art from the Linda Pace Foundation

Blue Star Arts Complex

• Halcyon and Stella Public House - the former a coffeehouse, bar, and lounge featuring brunch on weekends with $2 mimosas; the latter offering stone oven pizza with locally sourced ingredients and craft beer

• Mockingbird Handprints, merchants of unique art and home goods

Pearl Brewery

• Southerleigh, featuring a brewhouse and southern dishes with South Texas flair, like jalapeño cheddar grits and fried snapper throats

• Ten Thousand Villages, purveyors of fair trade goods made by international artisans