Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide

San Antonio

Downtown - Riverwalk showing a river or creek, a bridge and boating
Downtown - Riverwalk which includes signage
Downtown San Antonio
Downtown - Riverwalk showing a bridge, a river or creek and boating
Downtown - Riverwalk which includes 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-kilometre) San Antonio River Walk from a number of points in the centre of the city, each offering access to a myriad of activities. A range of colourful 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 cosy cafés and bars.

Follow the path to see the colourful 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 centre 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown San Antonio

Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,822 reviews)
"Staff waa very friendly."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Riverwalk Plaza
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street, San Antonio, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,852 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿3,852
฿4,553 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,770 reviews)
Great service and location
"Always an amazing stay. The location was perfect great price for all the amenities the hotel offers."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX
The price is ฿4,494 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
฿4,494
฿6,179 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,013 reviews)
"Great staff. Sarah definitely makes sure you have everything you need."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Hotel Valencia 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 ฿2,682 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿2,682
฿3,171 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,738 reviews)
"Besides the price for parking (because you can only valet), the hotel was perfect. A great variety for breakfast was available the next morning."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo 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 ฿2,261 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
฿2,261
฿3,244 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,650 reviews)
"Excellent AAAAA+++++++"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Contessa

Hotel Contessa

4 out of 5
306 W Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,263 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Hotel Contessa
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

Default Image

Arsenal

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

Arsenal
Default Image

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
Default Image

Near East Side

If you're spending some time in Near East Side, Alamodome and Historic Sunset Station are top sights worth seeing.

Near East Side
Default Image

Dignowty Hill

While visiting Dignowty Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Fairchild Tennis Center and Carver Community Cultural Center.

Dignowty Hill
Default Image

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
Default Image

Tobin Hill

Tobin Hill might not have many top sights, but Alamo and San Antonio Museum of Art are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Tobin Hill


Downtown San Antonio Travel Guide