The San Antonio River Walk is one of those places that is just nice to visit any time of the year. With cozy Irish pubs in winter, beautiful fall colors in autumn, fabulous al-fresco dining in summer, and the awakening of spring and the promise of beautiful days…

The Unique River Walkway of San Antonio Texas

I just love cities, towns, villages with beautiful walkways like in San Antonio.

In Texas, the beautiful San Antonio River Walk is a huge tourist attraction. This landmark pedestrian promenade is where you will find cafes, hotels, museums, restaurants, and shops all along the promenade. Everywhere is lush vegetation and shade trees all lined in between stairways, bridges, waterfalls, and buildings.

A beautiful walk from the Hyatt Regency Hotel will lead you through the hotel entrance, past coffee shops, and onto the river.

Accommodation

Staying in the hotel, you'll have the royalty of just stepping outside and taking a stroll along the river walk whenever you feel like it. Style and nature combined. A winning combination and highly recommended.

Search and Book

You need time to explore this 15-mile-long walkway.

Cruising boats with tour guides and tourists will pass you many times along the river as this is a favorite activity for the young and old. You can buy your tickets just below Market Street at the River Walk entrance right opposite the famous Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub and I will definitely recommend doing a river cruise. A much easier option, and to avoid standing in line, is to buy your tickets right here online before you go, via Viator (see link below).

The river of San Antonio comes from an Edwards Aquifer spring field north of downtown San Antonio. Flowing 240 miles (386 km) and joining with the Guadalupe River before finally flowing into San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.

When doing a boat ride you will be on the actual San Antonio River’s natural path – the actual river. The boat rides are fun and the tour guides are very knowledgeable, which I love.

Naturally, some of the areas along the walkway are quite busy during weekends and public holidays and the boating activities could get a bit loud, but it is all part of the fun and the holiday vibe.

In the evening the River Walk continues with its busy nightlife, all beautiful with soft lighting and romantic boat rides. I still can’t decide if I love the daytime or nighttime best. Both are beautiful.

La Villita is the busy part of the River Walk with all the cafes, but there are more relaxed pathways you can follow and explore.

One of the best times to visit

..is most certainly during Christmas time.

The River Walk is the most popular place in Texas to see Christmas lights and it is a fantastic sight, to say the least. Usually, the lights are turned on during early November and it stays up until just after New Year. But the best of all is that a visit to the river walk and the enjoyment of the lights are all for free.

More than 100 000 lights adorn the Cypress trees everywhere in the downtown district as well as North of Downtown in the Pearl District.

Go boat caroling on beautifully decorated boats down the river walk, to celebrate and get in the spirit of Christmas.

Or just grab a table at a restaurant on the river bank and watch the boats go by. It fantastic either way.

Things to do

Things to do at the San Antonio River Walk

Explore – Just walking around and following the river plaques.
Take a boat ride as mentioned above
Do take the time to sit and eat at one of the many restaurants. Try out CASA RIO – San Antonio-style Mexican food served on the banks of the River Walk since 1946. On The Bend Oyster Bar and Cigar Lounge is another option with its deck giving you pretty vistas from above.

Experience a legendary Irish Pub in America
Shopping – there are lots of opportunity
Visit the Museum Reach section of the walkway
Visit the famous King William District – The King William Historical District – you will hear everyone talk about – (Situated at 1032 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210-1110) is lined with historic mansions.

More THINGS TO DO at your favorite destination

More things to do while in San Antonio

Guinness World Records

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure – a multi-million dollar haunted house with live actors and special effects taking the ‘haunted house’ to the next level. The Guinness World Records Museum and Tomb Rider 3D.
All 3 in one venue
Take a walk on the haunted side with RJA Ghost Tours.
Explore the beauty of the Natural Bridge historical Cavern System.

An important stop in San Antonio

Visit the Alamo Compound which is near to the River Walkway. This is also the place where Davy Crockett was killed but it is a huge part of Texas’ history. For all you need to know about the Alamo and the battle that took place go to: https://thealamo.org/

Where to find it

The San Antonio River Walk is a city park and network of walkways that you just have to put on your travel itinerary when visiting San Antonio. Definitely worth the stop when in town.

Address: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.