How to Get Outside and Enjoy the Beautiful Weather in San Antonio – 6 FREE Ideas!

By Sara Branstetter | October 15, 2024

Summer 2024, while not as intensely hot as 2023, has been one for the books. With unseasonably hot weather stretching well into October, San Antonio locals are starting to get antsy.

But thankfully, the heat is about to abate and we are about to usher in the approximately 8 or so months of beautiful weather in San Antonio.

Now’s the time to get outside and enjoy much of what SA has to offer besides its reliable indoor air conditioning. But if the last four months have been a drain on your own AC, and therefore on your bank account, we have 5 FREE ideas for how to take advantage of some of the best outdoor activities found in the Alamo city that won’t break the bank.

ABOUT US

We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local foodies with a combined 29 years of eating in San Antonio, two travel books, and millions of blog readers. We adore local spots, rarely visit chain restaurants, and we aren't afraid to tell you the truth. After spending thousands of our own $$$ at hundreds of local hot spots, we're sharing the best with you.

How to Get Outside and Enjoy the Beautiful Weather in San Antonio

Take a Hike

San Antonio has some really great hiking trails in and around the metro area. Local favorites include Government Canyon, Friedrich Wilderness Park, and Comanche Lookout Park, which rewards hikers with great views at the 4thhighest point in San Antonio.

All three of these parks include a number of trails with varying difficulty and shade, so hikers of all abilities can enjoy the great outdoors.

*Brand new this year - Classen-Steubing Ranch Park has opened on the city's north side and includes 3 miles of new hiking/walking trails to explore and enjoy. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking to try something new!

And If you’re willing to drive a little further afield to hike, Guadalupe River State Park and Blanco State Park ramp up the outdoorsy stuff with options for camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Hikes in each of these parks will take you around rivers and lakes, as well as beautiful foliage and greenery. For information on these parks and more, check out our post on the best hiking in San Antonio.

Bike the Mission Trail

You’ve been thinking about it for a while now, so maybe it’s the time to pull the trigger on one of the most puro San Antonio outdoor activities around. Biking the mission trail is a perennial favorite among locals and tourists alike and is not only a great way to see the missions, but to enjoy the full Riverwalk, spy out some local wildlife, get a bit of exercise, and relish the beautiful weather in San Antonio.

Starting on the south end of town, begin your tour at Mission Espada, and work your way north along the 10 mile or so stretch of trails that wind through Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion, the Alamo, and concludes at Brackenridge Park. Check out the San Antonio River Authority’s printable map for info on interesting sites, and places to stop for water or to use the restroom.

If you don’t happen to own a bicycle, pay a quick visit to BCycle San Antonio’s website for info on where you can easily and cheaply ($15/day) rent a bike along the trail. BCycle has bike loans at every mission and many other points along the trail.

Visit the Japanese Tea Gardens or Gilbert Denman Estate Park

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors sans the noise and busyness, you can head to what are arguably the two most zen sites in San Antonio – the Japanese Tea Gardens or Gilbert Denman Estate Park.

The Japanese Tea Gardens are adjacent to the zoo and are open daily from dawn till dusk. With trickling koi ponds, paved walkways, blooming lily ponds, and a 60-ft. flowing waterfall, the tea gardens are an especially lovely retreat despite being located smack dab in the middle of bustling San Antonio. For more information, see our post on the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Photo Credit: Yelp Sara M.

Gilbert Denman Estate Park is located on San Antonio’s northwest side near the Medical Center and is another excellent tranquil sanctuary in the city. Denman Estate Park boasts tree lined walking trails that circumvent a lake, and views of a gorgeous Korean monument built by artisans in sister city, Gwangju, South Korea.

Picnic in a Park

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San Antonio has a bunch of first rate parks and outdoor urban green spaces that are perfect for picnicking. Three popular parks for an outdoor meal include the expansive Brackenridge Park, Woodlawn Lake Park, and Hardberger Park. Each of these parks has great shade, lots of trees, and many beautiful views and vistas of the lakes, rivers, and trees that run through each of these parks.

Stroll the Weekend Pearl Farmer’s Market

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Every Saturday and Sunday, the Historic Pearl Brewery plays host to the biggest farmer’s market in San Antonio. With more than 50 on-site vendors and upwards of 6,000 shoppers each week, the Pearl Farmer’s Market is utterly hopping with loads of families, leashed pets, and lots to see.

It is a terrific way to spend a few hours soaking up the sun and beautiful weather in San Antonio as you support local farmers and artisans. You can check out the website for info on vendors and times.

And should decide to spend a little money and make a whole day of it at the Pearl, here are our recommendations for the best restaurants at the Pearl Brewery.

Head to a Festival

Christmas lights on the San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio positively explodes in October, November, and December with outdoor festivals and parties. Celebrations include everything from Oktoberfest and the Day of the Dead, to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Many of the festivals in and around the city are free to attend. For information on October activities including Oktoberfest and Muertos Fest, check out our post on things to do in the Fall in San Antonio.

If you're more into Christmas and all its trappings, we've dug up some info on all the best holiday events in SA and the best places to see Christmas lights.