San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio River Walk
4.5
About
Also known as Paseo del Rio, this 15-mile-long river walk is a must-do in San Antonio. Opt for a self-guided walking or bike tour of the riverside paths, lined with beautiful cypress trees, shops, museums, hotels and of course, Tex-Mex restaurants. But one of the best ways to experience the River Walk is on a hop-on, hop-off cruise, which glides past iconic spots like the Arneson River Theatre, Marriage Island, and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Visit during festivals and holidays like St Patrick's Day and Christmas for exciting river parades and spectacular light illuminations. – Tripadvisor
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
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  • GradingMachine
    Oak Park, California579 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grab a table at a restaurant on the water
    It is definitely worth seeing, but it was crowded on a Thursday night in mid-March, so I can only imagine what it is like during the summertime. My wife and I had dinner at one of the restaurants and asked our server, "Is it always this busy?" Yep. Reservations at restaurants along the water are a must.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 23 March 2023
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, Illinois8,761 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An inspiration to other cities
    The Chicago River Walk, which was constructed from 2001 to 2005 and extends along the south bank of the Chicago River from the Michigan Avenue Bridge to Lake Street, was inspired by the San Antonio River Walk. So were several other River Walks and Greenways in other cities across the country. As native Chicagoans, we are proud of the Chicago River Walk. But, frankly, having strolled along the 2.5-mile-long San Antonio River Walk during our recent visit to the city, San Antonio is the gold standard. The largest urban ecosystem in the United States, it is a city park and pedestrian street located along the San Antonio River one level down from the automobile street. It winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants, bars, hotels, night clubs and shops, connecting the major tourist attractions such as the Alamo, San Antonio Museum of Art, Shops at Rivercenter Mall, HemisFair Park, the Arneson River Theatre, Guinness World Records Museum, Briscoe Western Art Museum, Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, Marriage Island, La Villita, the Tower Life Building, the Pearl Brewery and the city's five Spanish colonial missions, including San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest church in Texas. Hungry? Need a snack break? Thirsty? There are restaurants and bars galore, including Biga on the Banks, Boudro's Texas Bistro, Schilo's, Esquire Tavern, Yardhouse, Margaritaville, Dick's Last Resort and Casa Rio, a landmark which was the first restaurant to open in the area in 1946.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2023
  • bokx2
    New York City, New York196 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice walk when not crowded
    This place was cool to see. Try to see it both during the day and at night, a nice way to see the contrast, especially during the holidays with the whole place lit up. It can get crowded at times. There are lots of hotels, shops and restaurants right on the River walk. There are entrances right from the street or through the hotels and restaurants as well. Its a decent walk to see most of the main central parts then it will become more residential. We did the cruise during the day. It was a nice experience to get a sense of the main parts to walk around. The kids wanted to find the "Selena" bridge from the movie where JLo sat in a scene during the film
    Visited December 2022
    Written 3 April 2023
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, Connecticut2,128 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Meander and enjoy
    This lovely area is a great way to spend a day, wandering up and down the river to partake in the bustling atmosphere along the pretty river. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, and social activities happening at any given moment, and lots of special activities happening year-round. Take a boat tour or simply walk on foot to enjoy this area. Daytime is nice for activities, and nighttime is nice for a more romantic feeling.
    Visited May 2022
    Written 4 April 2023
  • AreWeHavingFunYet
    Olympia, Washington861 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great San Antonio Attraction
    The River Walk is beautiful, fun, with lots of eating and drinking options. We were able to park in a garage right across the street. The boat ride was worth it, informative, and fun. We went the first week of April and the weather was great, not too hot. It was busy, but not overly crowded. Be prepared to walk a lot. I would not think kids would particularly enjoy the River Walk; it's more for adults. And, I can't imagine it on a super hot day.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 April 2023
  • James
    Roswell, New Mexico13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great time with the Fam in San Antonio!
    Great place to spend time with the family and walk along the River. The music and entertainment was fun. Will definitely comeback next time I visit San Antonio. The food and restaurants can get busy so make reservations in advance if possible.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 April 2023
  • retphcs
    Donna, Texas672 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Less Commercialized River Walk
    Most people know the River Walk in San Antonio. Restaurants and shops abound. If you want to take a nice leisurely walk along the San Antonio River, you need to go a little further upriver. I started at the Lock & Dam at Brooklyn Street and followed the river North. One would never know they were in the middle of San Antonio if they were just set down here. I walked from the dam all the way up to the Grotto just beyond the I-35 underpass. People were walking their dogs, jogging, moms were pushing baby carts, and everyone was enjoying a beautiful day in the city. Even a momma duck and her brood were enjoying the sun. So much worth the time.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 12 April 2023
  • John C
    Mont Belvieu, Texas825 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extended anniversary weekend
    We had a really good time, had never stayed on the Riverwalk before so went for a few days for our anniversary. Really nice weather very pleasant not too crowded which made our stay a lot more enjoyable. Easy access to the Riverwalk, a few restaurants to choose from at the hotel which were all decent, a bit expensive but good food. Our room was on the opposite side of the Riverwalk, so we looked out over the city view which was quite a nice view. Very nice room deluxe King suite. The weather was perfect for us nice to walk around and see other restaurants and shop and not have to worry about getting in your car and driving anywhere. You can walk literally from one end of the Riverwalk to the other. Spent some time by the pool, not very big but enjoyable.We had a really good time, had never stayed on the Riverwalk before so went for a few days for our anniversary. Really nice weather very pleasant not too crowded which made our stay a lot more enjoyable. Easy access to the Riverwalk, a few restaurants to choose from at the hotel which were all decent, a bit expensive but good food. Our room was on the opposite side of the Riverwalk, so we looked out over the city view which was quite a nice view. Very nice room deluxe King suite. The weather was perfect for us nice to walk around and see other restaurants and shop and not have to worry about getting in your car and driving anywhere. You can walk literally from one end of the Riverwalk to the other. Spent some time by the pool, not very big but enjoyable.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 21 April 2023
  • JenRed2014
    Buffalo, New York912 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Busy place, day or night
    The Riverwalk is a very picturesque area with lots of bars and restaurants. It’s great for photos and to enjoy people watching, however it gets very crowded. We had a hard time finding a restaurant with seating available for a party of two…waits ranged from 1 hour to 2.5! My recommendation would be to decide ahead of time where you are eating, and go immediately to your restaurant of choice and get on their list. Then walk the river, see the sights, take some photos, and by the time you are done, maybe you’ll be able to be seated. Also, pay attention to maps with handicap accessible ways to get from/to street level if that is a need of yours. We saw so many people carrying strollers up flights of stairs! Tip: if a restaurant is connected to a hotel, there is often an elevator you can access to get to street level. Also, be aware there are very few railings, so hold on to your kids and don’t get too drunk (or get bumped by anyone else who is!). We enjoyed it the most during breakfast when it was quieter…. However it’s just so much prettier at night.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 April 2023
  • hbhakh
    Roanoke, Virginia2,268 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice area
    The Riverwalk is the main attraction and tourist area in San Antonio. It's really more like the size of a canal through the City. It's a charming area that's very well maintained. It is very walkable and there are many restaurants and hotels along the way. It's also convenient to other attractions like the Alamo. It does get a little busy at night.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Elaine B
Clarks Summit, PA50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Wonderful experience! Loved learning more about The Alamo. We took the ride on the river which was informative and enjoyable. We ate at the Prost Haus and food and service was great!
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike O
Roanoke, VA1,377 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
The section of the River Walk that loops back on itself was jam packed with people at 12:00 pm on the Thursday we visited. Seemingly, every outside restaurant table was occupied, as were the seats on the tourist boats. In contrast, the section of the river we walked on that runs south to the King William neighborhood was absent the crowds; quite pleasant.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Miriam I
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
great walk.. no need to take the boats, walking is healthier 🤭 nice spots to have a few drinks or appetizers… Riverside mall has nice shops as well
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

3familygal
Lowell OH145 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We went on a late Sunday afternoon and stayed over till Monday. It was very busy and crowded. Can’t imagine what the summer brings out. It’s easy to get lost on the River Walk. After awhile everything looks the same.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DDay1959
Cookeville, TN1,680 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Business
Everyone who visits San Antonio must take a stroll down the Riverwalk. Built as a project to control flooding in downtown San Antonio, the Riverwalk has become a staple of tourist who visit. As you walk along the Riverwalk, you can window shop or stop at one of the many restaurants.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jana B
Worcester, MA913 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
We had a lovely and informative boat ride. There were long lines/wait times when we visited and it was worth every second! I would recommend this to any traveling to San Antonio (this was our first trip there).
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patti
Minnesota16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Fun visit, Riverwalk is nice, well kept (river is quite dirty). A lot of restaurants to choose from and some shopping. Need about one to two days visiting the Riverwalk.
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

D D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Very unique lots of walking and steps. Enjoyed the stay and felt safe. Parking is very expensive but if you search ahead of time you may find options.
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vork Travel
Saint Louis, MO176 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
The riverwalk is a cool area with lots of places to eat and drink. We visited on a Saturday. It was definitely busy, but service was good almost everywhere we went. The whole area was really pretty at night.

Here are the places we visited:
The Alamo- (not directly on river) interesting to see, area was really busy

Durty Nelly’s- amazing piano player!

On the bend oyster bar-had oysters which were pretty good, service was not great, live music

Mad dogs British pub-great service, live music

Waxys-delicious corned beef and cabbage!

Rewind-(not directly on the river) fun bar with games

Kilwins- (not directly on the river) excellent treats!
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dfb260
Staunton, VA472 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
A picturesque walk along this waterway. Nice lighting at night. Many restaurants, some very good and some which are terrible and survive only because of the large number of tourists. (Check the reviews before choosing a restaurant.) The shops mostly offer a similar selection of tee shirts, hats, and tacky souvenirs. Worth 2-3 hours, but no more, in my opinion. Lots of steps and uneven surfaces; watch your step! There is a heavy consumption of alcohol in this area.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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San Antonio River Walk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about San Antonio River Walk

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