A hidden gem in the heart of Texas, the San Antonio Riverwalk is an urban oasis with a wide variety of lively activities and lovely attractions. Built along San Antonio’s meandering river, the Riverwalk offers charming bridges, delightful dining options, and a wide variety of cultural activities throughout the year. In other words, it’s a must-visit destination in San Antonio!
If you’re visiting the city (or just arrived) and want to take advantage of everything the San Antonio Riverwalk offers, the information below will get you off to a great start! It’s a list of the fun, relaxing, and decadent things to do while there. If that sounds like a plan you can follow on foot, read on!
1. Take a Stroll on the 2.5-mile Downtown Loop
Although the Riverwalk is 15 miles long, the 2.5-mile downtown loop is the most famous part. That’s where you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants, as well as other activities, festivals, and so forth. If you have limited time, the 2.5-mile downtown loop is a great place to take a relaxing stroll.
2. Visit the Alamo
Mere steps away from the Riverwalk is the historic Alamo, a symbol of the fight for independence in Texas and one of the most iconic locations in the state. If you have the time, exploring the Alamo Museum is an exciting activity.
3. Shop at Rivercenter Mall
The Rivercenter Mall is located, as you might’ve guessed, right along the Riverwalk and features a surprising number of different shops, department stores, and boutiques. Although online shopping has decreased the number of visitors, it’s still a busy mall and a fun place to people-watch.
4. Enjoy the Various Art Installations
The San Antonio Riverwalk was designed to be a place where folks could relax, get some fresh air, and be exposed to culture and diversity. For that reason, you’ll find quite a few art installations along the walk, including sculptures, murals, and beautifully designed bridges.
5. Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner at one of the Riverwalk’s many Eateries
You’ll find even more delectable restaurants on the Riverwalk. Some cater to the breakfast crowd, while others to the lunch and dinner crowd, but there’s definitely something to satisfy everyone’s palate.
6. Stop by all the Shops Along the Riverwalk
If the mall isn’t your style, you’ll find plenty of unique shops and boutiques along the Riverwalk selling various items, from handmade crafts and jewelry to souvenirs, T-shirts, and other knickknacks. Many are crafted by local artisans, so be sure to purchase something and support the local San Antonio economy.
7. Attend One of the Many Riverwalk Festivals
A metric ton of festivals are held along the San Antonio Riverwalk during the year, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy at least a few of them. Below is a list of some of the best.
- The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony
- Fiesta San Antonio
- Cinco de Mayo
- Independence Day Parade and Artisan Show.
- Dia de los Muertos
- Ford Canoe Challenge
- The Day of San Antonio
- Art Along the River
- Chinese New Year Festival
- Artisan Shows
8. Visit the Riverwalk during the Christmas Season
The Riverwalk is a beautiful, fun, and invigorating place, no matter the time of year. At Christmas, though, it’s truly magical. The city goes all out to decorate, as do all the shops, boutiques, and restaurants. If you’re a fan of all things Navidad, strolling along the Riverwalk during the holidays will be a true delight.
9. Take a Riverwalk Tour
There’s quite a bit of history in this part of Texas, which goes for the Riverwalk itself. If you’re keen on learning everything and discovering interesting facts, a Riverwalk tour is a great choice. (The local guides are a phenomenal source of fascinating information.)
10. Walk the Riverwalk in Springtime
Like many American cities, in springtime, the San Antonio Riverwalk explodes in a vast array of blooms that look amazing and smell wonderful. If you’re lucky enough to visit San Antonio in spring, definitely take a few minutes to enjoy this annual eyecatcher.
11. Visit the Other Sections of the Riverwalk
As mentioned earlier, the Riverwalk is 15 miles long, and the vast majority is available to be enjoyed. The northern part of the walk, known as the Museum Reach segment, offers art installations, gorgeous landscaping, and a few museums to enjoy. Then there’s the Mission Reach segment, which is less developed and more natural, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
What’s the Weather Like in San Antonio?
One of the best reasons to visit San Antonio, TX, is that it has a warm and sunny climate most of the year. Yes, summers can be sweltering, hot, and humid, with temperatures exceeding 95°F. However, these terrible temperatures are usually only seen in July and August. The weather is much more pleasant from fall through spring, with daytime temps in the mid-70s to mid-80s. By the way, San Antonio averages about 230 days of sunshine annually, providing plenty of days to enjoy the Riverwalk.
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When ready, you can reserve San Antonio storage units online in under 5 minutes. There’s no deposit necessary and no credit card needed. Until then, we hope you enjoyed this close-up look at the many different things to do along the San Antonio Riverwalk and enjoy it to the fullest!