San Antonio River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)

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 River Walk—other than on foot—is by taking a 35-minute boat tour, featuring entertaining stories about the San Antonio River’s rich history. You can combine the boat ride with a hop-on, hop-off bus or trolley tour, and consider adding a stop at the Tower of the Americas or the Battle for Texas Show as well.

• 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 past, look for historic markers and plaques along the River Walk.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

The best part of San Antonio’s River Walk depends on your definition of “best,” but the most famous section is adjacent to the Alamo, roughly along Market Street. That’s where you’ll find everything synonymous with the River Walk—boat tours, bustling shops, and restaurants galore. It’s also where you’ll find the River Walk’s crowds.

Yes, the San Antonio River Walk is absolutely worth visiting—it’s at the top of the list of landmarks in the city. Beyond being a hub for excellent and diverse restaurants, shops, hotels, and things to do, you can get on the water and get some of the city’s best views.

The newest part of San Antonio’s River Walk can be found in the city’s Tobin Hill neighborhood, considerably north of downtown and the River Walk’s more well-known stretches. It’s called Museum Reach, and this is where the river joins up with spots like the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Grotto, and Pearl Brewery.

The San Antonio River Walk is now 15.2 miles (24.4 kilometers) in length, divided into three sections: Downtown, the “original” section with restaurants and boat rides; Mission Reach, which leads visitors to the city’s historical missions; and Museum Reach, which connects to spots like the San Antonio Museum of Modern Art and the Witte Museum.

Technically, yes, you can walk with drinks—alcoholic ones—on the San Antonio River Walk at any time, day or night. It’s the most widely accepted downtown, near all the shops, restaurants, and general hustle and bustle. However, put away the container if you hit any of the streets beyond or above the River Walk.

The San Antonio River Walk courses for over 15 miles (24 kilometers) throughout the city, turning this dense urban hotspot into a beautiful, walkable sea of things to do, see, and experience. It essentially connects all the city’s greatest attractions, from the historic missions to museums, restaurants, downtown shops, and beyond. Certain stretches also offer easy-access time with Mother Nature.