Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown - Riverwalk featuring heritage architecture, boating and a bridge
Downtown - Riverwalk featuring signage
Downtown San Antonio
Downtown - Riverwalk featuring a bridge, boating and a river or creek
Downtown - Riverwalk showing signage

Explore the network of pedestrian paths that follows the beautiful San Antonio River to discover restaurants and bars, gift shops, galleries and museums.

The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque way to navigate across downtown and to explore the banks of the river, which are one of the city’s major entertainment precincts.

You can enter the 15-mile (24-kilometer) San Antonio River Walk from a number of points in the center of the city, each offering access to a myriad of activities. A range of colorful Tex-Mex restaurants, cocktail bars and open-air music venues provide entertainment on the restaurant terraces overlooking the river. You can find many of San Antonio’s independent musicians here performing rock, folk and Mariachi music within the cozy cafés and bars.

Follow the path to see the colorful boats that line the water’s edge or take a cruise along the river for a relaxing journey through the heart of the city. Make sure to stop at La Villita Historic Arts Village, a highlight along the River Walk. Here you can admire exhibitions of local and international art and browse more than 30 boutique craft stores.

Stroll further along the riverbank from the center of town to the Museum Reach cultural precinct. Pass under drooping trees, flowering shrubs and landscaped garden areas. The San Antonio River is a haven for the city’s wildlife and you’re likely to see ducks and squirrels playing in the area. Arriving at Museum Reach, you’ll find the San Antonio Museum of Art and a number of San Antonio’s upscale restaurants overlooking the river.

The San Antonio River Walk is well serviced by all modes of public transport and metered parking can be found at each entrance to the trail. Visit the San Antonio River Walk to see why it has become one of the most popular attractions in Texas.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown San Antonio Hotel Deals

Riverwalk Plaza
Riverwalk Plaza
4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$158 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$158
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,414 reviews)
"Close to riverwalk, valet parking was great. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Riverwalk Plaza
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
3 out of 5
303 Blum Street, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$173 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$173
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,582 reviews)
"Great place and good location to walk to the river walk"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
Menger Hotel
Menger Hotel
3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$206 per night from 29 July to 30 July
AU$206
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,335 reviews)
"Loved our stay at the Menger. It is right across the street from the Alamo and one block from the Riverwalk. The pool is nice. The room was spacious."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Menger Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
3 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$217 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$217
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,466 reviews)
"Hotel was nice and $43 parking was expected. Why not just add parking rates? Cost more to park than meals!😩. People are extremely nice and helpful all over hotel."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza
Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza
3 out of 5
425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$177 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$177
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,616 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX
The price is AU$299 per night from 9 July to 10 July
AU$299
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,929 reviews)
"Such a nice hotel and accommodations!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Antonio

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Arsenal

If you're spending some time in Arsenal, San Antonio River and Guenther Street Bridge are top sights worth seeing.

Arsenal
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Lavaca

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lavaca and surrounding area, you can visit Alamodome and Alamo.

Lavaca
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Near East Side

If you're spending some time in Near East Side, Alamodome and Carver Community Cultural Center are top sights worth seeing.

Near East Side
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Pearl District

You'll love the stunning river views in Pearl District, and you might want to stick around to check out San Antonio River, a top place to visit.

Pearl District
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Tobin Hill

While visiting Tobin Hill, you might make a stop by sights like San Antonio River and Temple Beth-El.

Tobin Hill
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Midtown

Unique features of Midtown include the river views and bars. Make a stop by San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium or San Antonio River while you're exploring the area.

Midtown


Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

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