The San Antonio River Walk is more than just a scenic spot in the heart of the city—it’s the soul of San Antonio. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and endless entertainment options, the River Walk is a must-see destination when you’re visiting the city.

Whether you’re there to explore its winding pathways, indulge in Tex-Mex cuisine, or simply soak in the lively ambiance, the River Walk offers something for everyone.

Planning Your Trip

The River Walk stretches for nearly 15 miles, but the most popular section runs through downtown San Antonio, weaving alongside the San Antonio River.

It’s open year-round and accessible 24 hours a day. Many hotels offer direct access to the River Walk, but if you’re driving, parking is available in several nearby lots and garages.

The main access points include street-level staircases and ramps, with popular entrances at the Alamo, La Villita, and near the Rivercenter Mall.

Things To Do

Boat Tour – The best thing to do along the River Walk is take a boat tour. A private company, Go Rio, has exclusivity to offer narrated cruises and river shuttles. The cruise lasts a little over 30 minutes and leaves from one of their three locations, conveniently located around the main area of the River Walk.

These guided tours offer an engaging way to learn about San Antonio’s history and landmarks while floating down the river. We all enjoyed the experience and our guide had a great sense of humor to provide us with a lot of facts while keeping it fun.

We learned from him that San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the United States with 1.5 million people and is about to eclipse Philadelphia for 6th place. That seemed quite shocking to us as we didn’t expect it to even be in the top 20 so we had to google it to confirm (he was right)!

Dining – food is one of the biggest draws on the River Walk, with dozens of restaurants offering everything from casual bites to upscale dining. Be sure to try some classic Tex-Mex at spots like Casa Rio or Boudro’s, both of which offer riverside seating with a view. Many restaurants are family-friendly, offering kids’ menus and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the river breeze.

We had lunch at Casa Rio, the oldest restaurant on the River Walk, which offers classic Tex-Mex food. We decided to sit at a table outside which was probably not the best decision. It was miserably hot with little shade, but the food was good and the views were great!

La Villita Historic Arts Village – this is a small district filled with local artisans, boutiques, and galleries. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy the colorful art scene of San Antonio.

Hemisfair – this park is just a short walk away from the River Walk. The park features a fantastic playground, splash pads, and plenty of green space to let the kids run around.

Special Events and Festivals – The River Walk is known for its festive atmosphere, especially during major events. Throughout the year, the River Walk hosts parades, including the popular Ford Holiday River Parade, where boats decorated with Christmas lights float down the river. During Fiesta San Antonio, the River Walk becomes a hub of activity with colorful floats, live music, and food vendors lining the riverbanks. If you’re visiting in April, this celebration is a can’t-miss experience.

Final Note

We learned from our cruise captain that the river is just three feet deep along most of the River Walk. So if you happen to fall in, all you have to do is stand up and walk out!