The San Antonio River Walk is a vibrant district offering many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, shops, and landmarks. The network of paved pathways winds for 15 miles along the San Antonio River, resembling the narrow canals of Venice in Italy.
The picturesque urban walk itself is a tourist attraction, but it’s lined with popular stops. Highlights in the downtown section include the San Antonio Museum of Art, the historic Pearl District, and Shops at Rivercenter.
The San Antonio River Walk area is also one of the city’s most romantic areas. The sunsets here are particularly nice, with the colourful sky reflected against the flowing river.
San Antonio River Walk - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in San Antonio and 10 Best Free Things to Do in San Antonio (Read all about San Antonio here)
What are the highlights of the San Antonio River Walk?
A highlight of the San Antonio River Walk is the scenic views of its namesake river. Its streets are lined with many family-friendly attractions, as well as a good range of dining and nightlife options.
The Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum is an excellent choice if you’re into all things odd and bizarre. It has a 4D theatre and around 12 galleries showcasing unique items, such as shrunken heads and animal skeletons.
No visit to San Antonio is complete without visiting the Alamo, a Roman Catholic mission built in the 17th century. The bullet-ridden structure was where the battle between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836. It’s now one of the most important landmarks in the city and it's just a short walk from the river.
The Shops at Rivercenter is a shopping mall with around 80 stores. It’s anchored by a Macy's department store and an H&M outlet. This mall has been around since the late 1980s, though you’ll find modern store selections, an IMAX cinema and Legoland Discovery Center.
What to do at night at San Antonio River Walk?
San Antonio River Walk is especially lively after dark, with its busiest section located between Alamo Plaza and West Market Street. Classic margarita lounges like Casa Rio – which dates back to the 1940s – and rollicking Irish bars like Durty Nelly's are excellent for a fun night out in the city. Located on Losoya Street is Agave Bar, arguably the best tequila bar in San Antonio.
Concerts often take place at the Aztec Theatre, one of San Antonio’s entertainment hubs since 1926. The building itself is very picturesque, thanks to ornate sculptures, relief carvings and murals with Meso-American influences that decorate its halls.
The Arneson River Theatre is an outdoor venue dating back to 1939. It seats over 800 people across 13 rows of seats, while its open-air stage hosts festivals, dances, music concerts, and plays throughout the year.
Good to know about the San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is located below street level, easily accessible by steps, ramps, and elevators. You can see this waterfront district from a different perspective by joining a guided tour on a river barge.
Visit in April to take part in the annual Fiesta San Antonio. The festival is held over 17 days, consisting of over 100 events such as parades, sports, and live music. You can snap photos of colourfully decorated floats as they drift along the river.
Thanks to its many and varied offerings, the San Antonio River Walk gets very packed with locals and tourists. It’s a good idea to keep a close watch on your belongings. Also, with no railings along parts of the walkway, do keep an eye out during your walk to avoid an unfortunate splash into the river.
San Antonio River Walk
Location: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA