I take you through 14 things to do in River Walk San Antonio, the iconic Texas city teaming with beautiful Spanish architecture, myriad cultures, and activities to explore. If you have never been to San Antonio, you have never sampled the true spirit of Texas. A visit to Texas or a summer vacation in the Lone Star State is never complete without a visit to the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh largest in the United States.
A road trip is even more appealing and therapeutic with the eyes feasting on vast farms and ranches, the thriving flowers by the roadside, and two stops in the storied Buc-ee’s among other attractions.
Things to do in River Walk San Antonio, Texas.
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The River Walk
One of the most beautiful places in Texas and in America, The San Antonio River Walk is 15.2 miles of pure bliss that traverses the beautiful city passing through downtown, Museum reach and Mission reach. The River Walk is an action-packed venue and magnetic pedestrian promenade. People walk along its length to see and to be seen while donning their best Texan attire and cologne. There are plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants, children’s play areas, and bars lining the edge of the water. No one ever gets to complete what River Walk has to offer in one day. It is particularly popular with children and towards the end of the day, many children who refuse to leave can be heard crying. The highlight of River Walk is the boat ride which takes you around the town as you sample the beautiful Spanish architecture among others. While River Walk is a free public park, the boat rides attract a small fee, usually between $15 – $40 per person, and it is worth every dollar.
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La Villitta
Home to over 200 events every year, La Villita is an artist lover’s paradise. The artisan shops, spanning over 300 years, marry the past and the present with rare works of artists and craftsmen. The galleries, shops, and studios along with the fine dining that lives side by side with it is the stuff that has millions of people flocking to the village every year, not only to pick mementos or souvenirs but also to take pictures and store memories. The United States lists La Villita in the register of historic places in America and it never disappoints. It also stores rich African American History and a one-hour black history guided tour is given in addition to the history of the Buffalo soldier.
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Leisure Trolls, one of the best things to do in the River Walk San Antonio.
Nothing beats the leisure trolls along the winding promenade of the River Walk while watching humanity do their thing from revelers hanging with their seats just almost on top of the water, lovers identifying attractive corners to store memories, to families taking in the joy, beauty, and splendor. The afternoon walks are a favorite as the sun sets on one of the most inviting places in Texas. There is no greater place to hold hands, renew vows, and get the best out of your family than the strolls of the River Walk.
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Museums and other Cultural Institutions
Many visitors immerse themselves in the 5000-year-old history and culture of world history displayed at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Nearby is also the Briscoe Western Art Museum which is a rich reservoir of the art and culture of the American West and the proud and interesting tales of Texan history, making it earn the slot of 14 things to do in river walk San Antonio.
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The Alamo
Texas is never Texas without the Alamo, the theatre of the battle of the Alamo in 1836 in the Texas Revolution. It was a testament of patriotic sacrifice and courage like no other and it has found space in movies, novels, and traditional depictions among others. No visitor wants to leave the River Walk and San Antonio without paying homage to a place and a battle that defined Texas and America.
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Festivals and Events
Most major festivals in San Antonio take place in or around the River Walk because despite providing a great backdrop for activities, it is the best place to attend anything due to its convenience and proximity to almost everything. These are the spectacular Mardi Gras River parade Patio party in February, Valentine’s Day dining experiences, Tejano River salute the troops, The Ford Mariachi Festival, and the Fiesta San Antonio among others. Check out when visiting and which festival aligns with your tour.
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Hemisfair Park
Just adjacent to River Walk is the hugely popular Hemisfair Park where you eat, play, experience, and just live life. The Yanaguana garden is a favorite of families, particularly for children as it offers a vibrant playscape for children as adults find pleasure relaxing on the beautiful lawns or simply walking or staring at the lush landscapes. And then there is the Tower of the Americas situated within the facility, a 750-foot-tall observation deck that accords you unforgettable views of the Alamo city.
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Vibrant Nightlife and Entertainment
As the sun sets, the full and action-packed shopping malls give way to a jovial and packed nightlife with live bands and music the colorful clothes of revelers, and neon lights providing a colorful reflection in the waters below and gyrating patrons providing a spectacle so adoring to behold. From traditional music of the Mariachi band to contemporary ballads, they have it all. Spoilt for choice, revelers hope from one point to another, in the hope of sampling every place before fatigue sets in. They never get to finish it. You can never finish the River Walk.
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The Mission Reach Trail
Rent a bike or simply take a walk and be at peace with nature. The 8-mile mission Reach stretch offers the best of wildlife observation and scenic paths so popular with lovers of nature. The native plants and live aquatic habitat in the riparian woodland ecosystem is a scene to die for. People go there to bond with nature and to invest in sweet memories.
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The largest Mexican market in America.
The Market Square, the largest Mexican Market in America is a sight to behold and is definitely one of the 14 things to do in River walk San Antonio. Teeming with people and goods, it is a vibrant and appealing spectacle that many find difficult to leave. There are shops, hotels, eateries, Texan attire, and handmade crafts, if you need anything you get it here. It is a cultural gem, so vibrant and welcoming that it would be a great injustice not to pass here on your way out of River Walk and San Antonio.
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Cruise the San Antonio River
The boat rides of the Riverwalk are organized for groups, but if you want family or spousal privacy or just a private time with friends or colleagues, you can rent a Kayak. Several dealers along the San Antonio River rent these out. Give yourself an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying memorable and picturesque views of fauna and flora along the banks, because you deserve this.
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The Horse-Drawn Carriages of San Antonio
Stepping out of River Walk as the darkness of the night envelops San Antonio, you begin to see glittering horse-drawn carriages with beautiful lighting and designs. It is one of the most romantic things to do near River Walk and San Antonio, if not to bond with family. At prices from $25 per person, you are taken around an exploration of the city by night, in a tour like no other showing Spanish architecture and the Texan way of life under light at its best. The coachman gives a guided narration of the entire trip, laced with untold humor.
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Retail Therapy
The River Walk is a mall like no other with diverse stores stocking everything that you need and beyond. If you love shopping, you will love Riverwalk. If shopping is cannot be one of the 14 best things to do in San Antonio, what is?
14. Culinary Delights
No place, no visit, no fun is ever complete without food. Here you will find a diverse array of eateries and cuisines. From The Tex-Mex to upscale dining, you will be spoilt for choice here. It helps that most eateries offer outdoor seating, giving you the much-needed dining experience while the air flows around you. You have it all here, from tasty Tacos to margaritas, and enchiladas all while gazing at the meandering river.
Conclusion
The 14 things to do in River Walk San Antonio never tell the true story of what River Walk and its environs have in store for you. Some you will discover yourself and tell us when you visit a first time or a third. The place offers you everything according to your needs, whether you love history, the outdoors, entertainment, food, art, nature, water, or nightlife.
The River Walk and the city of San Antonio are a must visit in Texas.
You can also read our article about the Buc-ee’s, the best rest stop in Texas, that is on your way to San Antonio if you decide to do a road trip.
