San Antonio River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)
River Walk, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78205
The River Walk winds through the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas, past parks, historic missions, and other major attractions. Lined with shops, downtown hotels, bars, and restaurants, this pedestrian- and bike-friendly waterway—the United States’ largest urban ecosystem restoration—is popular with tourists and locals alike, and is a must-see for any San Antonio visitor.
The basics
The River Walk has a lively vibe throughout the day, and draws large crowds in the evenings. If you’re planning on going there for dinner, be sure to make reservations. A great way to experience the area—other than on foot—is by taking a San Antonio River Walk tour by boat, featuring entertaining stories about San Antonio’s history.
Along the way, look out for landmarks with rich history like the Tower Life Building, and discover the pedestrian-friendly Hays Street Bridge. You can also combine the river cruise with a hop-on, hop-off bus or trolley tour. Consider adding a stop at the Tower of the Americas or the Battle for Texas Show as well.
Things to know before you go
The River Walk includes 15 miles (24 kilometers) of hiking and bike paths along the San Antonio River. The original River Walk extended just 21 blocks, from Nueva to Lexington in downtown San Antonio.
To learn more about the city’s history, look for markers and plaques along the way—or book history-themed San Antonio River Walk tickets.
Shopping enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Rivercenter, a four-story mall complex with more than 100 stores.
Most of the River Walk is wheelchair and stroller accessible; check the City of San Antonio’s website for maps showing the locations of ramps and elevators.
How to get there
The River Walk is easily accessible on foot from all over downtown San Antonio. More than a dozen hotels are set along the river. A river taxi is a great way to get around the Walk quickly, especially as the walkways are often crowded with tourists and San Antonio natives.
When to Get There
The San Antonio River Walk is open 365 days a year. While most of the River Walk is open 24 hours, some park sections are open only from dawn to dusk. In downtown San Antonio, visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds, or head to the River Walk when the sun goes down for some of the best nightlife in Texas.
Along the River Walk
Learn more about the famous Alamo with a stop at the IMAX Theater to see Alamo: The Price of Freedom. Visit the Esquire Tavern, San Antonio’s oldest bar (dating back to 1933), or head to the Pearl Brewery complex for a cooking class or dinner at one of its many eclectic restaurants. Also, check out the Aztec Theatre, an ornate vintage cinema that's now a music venue.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!