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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Neighborhood: Downtown
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  • davidB9725PO
    Leeds, United Kingdom31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent amenity
    Excellent amenity; despite the heat and humidity we really enjoyed our stroll. Our hotel was nearby so we could retreat to cool off. Plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes: also very picturesque. Highly recommended as a core point whilst staying in the city. Visitors can also choose the boat tour , which looked neat although we preferred to walk.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • Amber P
    Waxahachie, Texas3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A weekend mother daughter trip
    Food is always great down here, and the locals are friendly. BEWARE Just don't get scammed by the monks! You think im joking, they put a bracelet on you like it's a gift then demand payment. And they get REALLY pushy I've seen it happen more than once.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 8, 2023
  • kkdeacon
    Virum, Denmark122 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must-see in San Antonio
    You cannot go to San Antonio without a river walk. It is really nice, so well laid out and full of life. You can also choose more quiet areas if you wish so. A must-do for all.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 19, 2023
  • a1963corvette
    Winston Salem, North Carolina388 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoy the Maze
    There are lots of really neat shops, restaurants, hotels and bars all along the Riverwalk. Further, it offers some of San Antonio's most beautiful scenery. However, the whole thing is like a maze. We were constantly lost. Coming up on to the wrong streets in places we didn't plan and could never seem to get back to places we wanted to check out.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 21, 2023
  • Laura L
    Chicago, Illinois327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great walks as long as you stay out of the congestion in downtown
    Fabulous walks with art, mosaics and historic markers going for miles. Downtown loop wasn't as nice as crowded and lined with chain restaurants. Further north, lovely cafes and restaurants that are unique and more spacious. Character
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 21, 2023
  • Rosemarie P
    San Diego, California7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful!
    Absolutely amazing! So beautiful and fun at night! A must see while visiting San Antonio. We did the sunset river cruise, and although it was short, it was fun and informative. Lots of great shops and eateries. Loved it!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 5, 2023
  • Steve Durham.
    Durham, United Kingdom19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    San Antonio First Class.
    During a four night stay in Texas, we visited the historic city of San Antonio. We travelled from Austin on the greyhound bus, which is a dammed site better than the 56 from Durham to Bishop Auckland. After a walk through Travis Park we stumbled across the Buckhorn saloon and museum. An incredible collection of "wild west" artifacts and well worth a visit. Next was a short walk to the Alamo, passing some beautiful architecture on the way. Some people say they are underwhelmed by the size of the Alamo. The only remaining chunk of history is the Chapel. A great piece of American history. Personally, I loved the place. I remember watching the original movie (as a child), with Hollywood legends John Wayne and Richard Widmark, amongst others. ...a little footnote: Eleven Englishmen gave their lives trying to defend an Amercan way of life, something I'm incredibly proud of. After a morning sightseeing, it was time to head towards the Riverwalk, and join the hundreds of Sunderland fans congregated along the waterfront. Some excellent bars bars, with plenty of Guinness and some decent local brews. After a cracking afternoon, it was time to head up to Toyota Fields for a friendly that was cleverly advertised as SAFC v SAFC. This was my first taste of a "soccer" match and it certainly didn't disappoint, with the locals being very passionate and knowledgeable about football. Overall a brilliant away day.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 20, 2023
  • Pink P
    525 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do Not Miss!
    This is my favorite part of San Antonio. Beautiful during the day and in the evening when lit up with all the twinkling lights. Lined with stores and restaurants which all have outdoor seating right alongside the water. Was lucky enough to see a Flamenco dancing rehearsal at the little Arneson Theater with the ampitheater seating on the other side of the water. It's a wonderful, unique experience. Do not leave San Antonio without seeing this.
    Visited November 2023
    Written November 24, 2023
  • digitalroc
    Calgary, Canada2,141 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Top Attraction
    Like most people, this was one of my top attractions and primary reasons to come to San Antonio. I walked the San Antonio River Walk everyday while I was in San Antonio, including a river cruise and watching the Day of the Dead parade. The only think I didn’t like, was the quantity of debris and garbage in the river, as I know the City of San Antonio can do a better job at clean up.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 24, 2023
  • Happy campers!
    San Antonio, Texas29 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love the Riverwalk at Christmas!
    Beautiful lights, river, music and festive vibes with a stroll on the Riverwalk. Crowded during the holidays, but worth it. Restaurants and pubs on the river are pricey, but nearby areas and Market Square offer delicious Mexican meals, chicken and BBQ. Huge Riverwalk Mall is there also and has a good food court.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
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Excellent
18,146
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Average
1,814
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342
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152

MaryEllenM27
Kalispell, MT18,148 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This was quite a nice way and area. You can float around the river ways of central San Antonio on some nice passenger barges for a small fee. You learn a bit about the area the building of the River Walk, and admire the landscaping along the walk and the huge buildings. Some are old, historic and architecturally interesting...some much more modern. Along the way we saw all kinds of riverwalk cafes and even some live musical groups. After the River Walk boat tour you can get off and meander the River Walk pathways lining the canals. You can visit Las Velitas, an arts section as well as leave the river and easily walk into the main area of SA or even over to visit the Alamo. The area is very nicely landscaped and maintained.
Written January 7, 2020
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.

Veronica T
56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Have to admit I wasnt expecting much, but was blown away. A natural river winding through the city, accompanied in the most beautiful way by overhanging trees, eateries and an amazing atmosphere. The perfect place to sit and dine all day. Took one of the tourist narrated boat cruises that winds through the river walk, highly recommend. Would return to San Antonio just for this.
Written January 22, 2020
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.

Patticakes50
Jackson, WY18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
First time in San Antonio. River walk is a happening place. So glad we bought tickets for the boat tour at the river walk, it was more expensive on line. We went early when it was less crowded and enjoyed the 30 minute boat tour. Sort of disappointed, we thought the ride would be longer and could see more of the river and downtown. You only need to do this once, or would skip if ever return. A lot of places to eat and shop along the river walk, very touristy. Went to the Alamo in afternoon and it was super crowded, go early to avoid crowds. The outdoor presentation was great and well worth the 30 minutes. Beautiful grounds and right downtown. Definitely know what is happening local before you go, live shows, ballet, and concerts happening right downtown.
Written February 22, 2020
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.

Travelaandd
Loveland, CO411 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
First time here and the river walk is very pretty. Unfortunately really crowded at night. We enjoyed walking it during the day. And the lights are beautiful at night but we didn’t spend much time there as the crowds were just too much to feel comfortable during Covid. I wouldn’t recommend eating at a river side restaurant at night unless you don’t mind people all around you.
Written January 19, 2021
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.

Tiffany A
Opp, AL1,998 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
If you haven't been to a place for 39 years, you expect things to have changed somewhat, but with beautiful optimism, you hope the essence is preserved amid the "progress."

Sadly, I am unable to report that the riverwalk of San Antonio is still as charming and lovely as it was 4 decades ago. Not even in the same league. I know, few things are, I'm not really surprised. If you have cherished memories of this place, and want to re-live or share them, please reconsider.

The current state of affairs is that the riverwalk is dirty, too crowded to enjoy, eat, shop, see anything for fear of bumping people or falling into the river, being pick-pocketed, stepping in/on something disgusting, etc... trash floating in the disgusting looking river, hardly any landscaping anywhere, the ugliest boats possible chosen for tours.

The restaurants can't or won't open all of their seating, and so many of them were not bothering to dry the wet outdoor seating at all from a rain that had happened a couple of hours earlier - on an extremely crowded Saturday night. The buildings are still charming, and the musicians performing for diners are priceless, but an apathetic pall hangs over this place.

And for the privilege of parking 3 blocks away from this, you get to pay $25 for less than 3 hours
Written July 18, 2021
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.

Erin A
Albuquerque, NM16 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Noticeably disappointing. Unless you are there to drink and walk around, pay way too much for everything, and eat gross food, I would skip it. Looked trashy, smelled horrible, and the restaurants were terrible and overpriced. I suggest- do the riverboat ride, then leave ( if you are willing to pay the crazy $15 parking)
Written February 15, 2020
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.

Tim J
Brookline, MA450 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
The Riverwalk was an odd experience. On the one hand, the pathway cut into the earth is well maintained and grants you access to a bevy of restaurants, museums and arts villages acting as an artery for downtown San Antonio. I spent long stretches of my time in the city, when not at the Alamo or Buckhorn Saloon, seeing where this would take me and was rarely disappointed. If you want to take a River Walk cruise I'd recommend waiting for later in the afternoon/evening as the lit-up areas do provide a certain ambiance that I image looks far more impressive from the water out. If you are at any point confused in where you are going there are several map areas that you can utilize to locate your position and determine your next course of action.

I'd recommend making your way to La Villita and the San Antonio Museum of Art, especially the restaurant at the SAMS Tre Trattoria who make the Nutella X3 which was rated as the best dessert in San Antonio while we were there. If you want to stick closer to where the Alamo is the Rainforest Cafe is one of the most unique bars/restaurants I've eaten at in recent memory and is an experience worth having on a random Friday/Saturday night. If you're worried about it being handicap accessible, there are ramps you can use at various points to descend to the River Walk and we did see a few people in w/c or other assistive devices enjoying the River Walk with us.

The one negative is the water itself. I've seen a lot of riverways (Providence, RI for one) and this is the first where the lime green water looks nearly fake or at least heavily treated. I get why, it doesn't tend to move much meaning bacteria, algae and other undesirable pathogens can accumulate making it necessary to keep clean. It smells clearly chlorinated on warm days, I can imagine that smell becomes more potent on hot days. If you are sensitive to that you may way to stay at street level or limit your time in the River Walk itself.
Written April 9, 2022
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.

ttiottn1
Ohio360 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
After visiting the Alamo on a rainy Monday morning, we did the river walk in the afternoon. It was cool (only 65-70 deg) with off and on rain all day, sometimes heavy but we wore our raincoats and were able to stay warm & dry by ducking into buildings or under bridges when it really poured. It was not crowded at all with plenty of time to meander the walk and shop the stores. The river boats were NOT running so unable to do that. But I would recommend the river walk when in San Antonio even if you are just enjoying the ambiance. Tip: Park at the city owned Houston Street parking garage for a max charge of $10 for the day; it felt safe and was near the river walk.
Written May 5, 2022
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.

Sam p
The Colony, TX21 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
To the City of San Antonio ! Get Public Parking under control. It's ridiculous to charge 40 dollars for parking only for couple hours of stay. Just couple days ago a party of us 5 people decided to visit the river walk near the Alamo plaza so we go there around 8pm. No people on site all public parking are auto pay no security or a parking attendant no lights just a lot of hooded characters walking around looking suspicious. I've tried one machine and they wanted 40 dollars next parking over said 5 dollars on the sign but when I placed my credit card it was charging 10 dollars per hour. Now let me see we were going to spend over 3 hours having dinner and a walk and parking should have been the last thing to worry but no no...we had to pay extortion rates to park in your city. That's what I call gauging big time and the city is culpable. San Antonio your city needs to do better otherwise you will have a lot of people pissed off. Personally I am not coming back and so are the others with me it's not fun anymore or safe.
Written April 16, 2022
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.

karen m
Eureka, IL370 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The Riverwalk is a great way to spend some time whether you want peace and quiet or action! The main Riverwalk where all the restaurants and hotels are is busy, fun and engaging! Many great restaurants-all kinds! Ice cream places and small shops. We stayed on the Riverwalk and it was so much fun! And from the Riverwalk we walked downtown (about 5 miles) which led to quiet, beautiful art filled areas, flowers, etc. Alot of art along the way. The path was in excellent shape and very, very clean. We saw no homeless once we left the downtown area. You can walk from the Riverwalk all the way down to the Pearl which is also a fun place.
Written March 3, 2020
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)

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