San Antonio River Walk Hacks: How To Eat, Play & Explore Like a Pro

By Kelsey Kennedy | April 17, 2025

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The Riverwalk is one of San Antonio’s top tourist destinations, so it’s no shocker that you’re wanting to spend an afternoon there during your trip to San Antonio! And yes, even locals love the river walk - it’s our very own Sara’s favorite place in San Antonio! Today I’m going to show you some of the best San Antonio riverwalk hacks so you can avoid all tourist traps and plan the ultimate day!

umbrellas on the River Walk in San Antonio

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.

I get asked about the river walk ALL. THE. TIME. As a Texas local who has grown up visiting the river walk (I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been!) I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the (drunk tourist) ugly. My name is Kelsey Kennedy, and I’m going to share how to plan the perfect day on the San Antonio river walk.

Some of the top questions I get about the river walk:

❓Is it worth it to splurge on a hotel on the river walk?

🍽What’s the best dinner restaurant on the river walk?

🛳Are those little boat river cruises worth it or kind of touristy?

😩I really didn’t like it last time I visited because it was SO crowded! What am I doing wrong??

REAL QUICK, SOMETHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RIVER WALK!! When you hear me (or anyone) talk about “the San Antonio river walk” I’m most likely talking about the main portion downtown. But there are actually 3 parts to the river walk:

Downtown Reach: This is the part of the river walk that you see in tourist brochures with all the bright umbrellas and stone walkway bridges. It’s technically called “downtown reach” and it’s where the tourists hang out.

Museum Reach: Walk a bit north of downtown reach and you’ll reach “museum reach” (which is my personal favorite part!). It takes you through some gorgeous walkways, quiet parts of the riverwalk, past a bunch of museums (duh), by gorgeous artwork like The Grotto, and eventually all the way to The Pearl District.

Mission Reach: The quietest part of the river walk and that’s because it’s LOOOONG! This is the part that’s in the southern part of San Antonio by all of those famous San Antonio missions. Honestly, it’s mostly used for folks who want to go on long walks/runs/bike rides. If you want a good unobstructed 8-mile jog, head to Mission Reach.

Hotels on the river walk // Ok, want my honest opinion? You’ll definitely see a surge in prices if you’re looking for a hotel with a view of the water (this is true in any city!), but I actually think it’s worth it to splurge on a room with a patio overlooking the river walk if you can afford it.

And that’s because there just aren’t that many great views in San Antonio. Ha, it’s true! I love San Antonio, but we don’t have sweeping ocean views or mountains in the distance. So take what you can get!

For a “classic river walk hotel” in the main touristy portion of the river walk, I recommend the Westin Riverwalk or the Omni La Mansion. Both of these are REALLY nice hotels in excellent locations, and they both offer balconies overlooking the water.

For a more “upscale/boutique” hotel feel, the new Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk is just a bit north of the main downtown portion of the riverwalk, but OMG it is soooo nice! It has an unbelievable rooftop pool and incredible dining. And then the phenomenal Hotel Emma overlooks the river walk wayyy up north at The Pearl. It’s the ultimate splurge hotel but 100% worth it, in my opinion. One of the best hotel stays of my entire life.

Food on the river walk // Let’s talk FOOD! There are more tourist traps on the river walk than actual good restaurants, but there are a few REALLY good spots I recommend. If you want to eat at the Downtown Reach (main tourist portion) of the river walk, go to one of these places:

Boudro’s - Texas cuisine and HANDS DOWN best restaurant on the river walk!

Brenner’s on the Riverwalk - upscale steakhouse with 3-story views of the river walk

Domingo - open air Tex-Mex restaurant on the ground floor of Canopy by Hilton

Acenar - beautiful Mexican restaurant and bar with river views

And absolutely no one is surprised to know that I have a lot of opinions about food on the river walk. If you want more ideas, here are my picks for the Top 10 Restaurants On The River Walk (and why I think there’s actually no GREAT tex-mex on the river walk….)

Go Rio Boat Cruises - worth it? // This is one of the rare occasions when I’ll tell you to 100% book the boat cruise. (And no, I’m not earning some sort of massive commission by telling you this.) They’re just really fun, relaxing, and interesting!

Here’s a first-hand account of the boat cruises, in case you want to known what they’re like before you drop money on them. But in all honesy, they’re one of the best ways to explore the river walk and really get to know more about San Antonio’s history from a professional tour guide without having to fight through crowds. Which leads me to…

Why is the river walk so FREAKING CROWDED?! // Don’t go on a Saturday night, boo. 😉

The river walk is either magic or madness. There is no in between. My personal favorite time to bring someone to the river walk is in the early morning on a weekday. You can easily find street parking, it’s still cool (because as we all know, SA gets SOOO hot by noon!), and it’s clean and calm and quiet. I can enjoy the views, grab lunch, maybe stop by a museum, enjoy a margarita, and be out of there before the evening rush.

SATURDAY NIGHTS WILL BE MADNESS. If you hated the river walk the first time you went, it’s probably because you went on a weekend evening and ate at a tourist trap. You deserve better, babe!

One more thing: the holidays = MAGIC at the river walk // If you ever have the opportunity to visit the San Antoni river walk in December, it’s totally decked out for Christmas and other winter holidays, and it is absolutely breathtaking.

OK, you now know more insider tips on the river walk than 90% of the tourists who walk these paths. Now, here are a bunch of my favorite things to do on/near the river walk in case you want more ideas!

27 Things To Do On The Riverwalk

1. GoRio Boat Cruises

As we established before, these are just really fun ways to learn about San Antonio, get off your feet for an hour, and experience the views without having to trudge past a bunch of crowds.

I highly recommend booking tickets in advance!

WEBSITE

2. Eat Tex Mex on the Riverwalk

San Antonio culture literally IS Tex Mex, so you’ve gotta eat some amazing Tex Mex while you’re visiting the Riverwalk!

Full disclosure: most of the Tex Mex on the Riverwalk is absolute crap, but there are a few REALLY good Tex-Mex spots on the Riverwalk if you know where to look!

3. Take A Picture At The “Selena Bridge”

If you’re visiting the Riverwalk in San Antonio, you’ve got to stop by the famous Selena Bridge. Fans of Selena Quintanilla know all about this bridge! It’s the famous bridge where the romantic scene in the “Selena” movie (starring J. Lo) was filmed.

It will probably be obvious when you find this bridge because it will be swarming with people taking photos and selfies, but in case you want an address, it’s located between N St Mary’s Street and Navarro St.

You can also just search for the “Iron Cactus” restaurant on the Riverwalk. The bridge is right by that restaurant.

WEBSITE | 1040 - 1098] River Walk St, San Antonio

4. Visit The Alamo

The historic Alamo mission is located just off the Riverwalk. You can easily squeeze in a visit at The Alamo during your time at the Riverwalk.

Keep in mind that if you want to tour the Alamo, it’s completely free BUT you’ll need to make a reservation for a timed entry.

WEBSITE | 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

5. Go Shopping At The Shops At Rivercenter

If you’re visiting the Riverwalk on a hot, humid August day and you need to escape the heat, here's a pro tip: duck inside Rivercenter Mall. It’s a nice place for air conditioning and retail therapy!

The Shops at Rivercenter include 100 retail stores, 14 restaurants, an IMAX theater, LegoLand Discovery Center, SeaLife, and (did I mention this yet?) AIR CONDITIONING! Yes. Yes yes yes. When you’re dripping sweat on a 106-degree day, that AC at the mall feels amazing.

WEBSITE | 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

6. Visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe is located just one street away from the Riverwalk, and it’s a beautiful museum in San Antonio! The Briscoe explores the art and artifacts that helped shape the West into what it is today.

General Admission is pretty reasonably priced, but locals can take advantage of FREE days on certain times of the month. Check out their website for more information.

WEBSITE | 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

7. Get A Scoop at Mr. Ice Cream

This retro ice cream parlor is the perfect place to enjoy a break from the crowds and get a sweet treat! They have dozens of flavors of Bluebell Ice Cream (a favorite brand here in Texas) waffle cones, sundaes, and shakes.

WEBSITE | 423 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

6. Grab Drinks at Esquire, The Oldest Bar On The Riverwalk

Not only is Esquire home to the longest wooden bar top in the state of Texas (it literally goes the entire length of the long, skinny bar!), but it’s also the oldest bar on the Riverwalk. It opened in 1933 to celebrate the end of prohibition.

WEBSITE | 155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

9. Head North To The Pearl District

Did you know that the Pearl District is located on the Riverwalk? It’s at the north of Museum Reach (away from the main portion that most people think of when they’re talking about the Riverwalk) so it’s away from the Riverwalk crowds.

The Pearl is honestly a full experience all on its own. But if you want to dine near the Riverwalk but AWAY from the tourists, be sure to snag a reservation at Supper. And if you want to look at some of the best restaurants at The Pearl, here’s a guide!

10. Amerson River Theatre

This historic theatre located at the La Villita Arts Village is a sweet spot to stop by and watch a live performance on the Riverwalk.

Every weekend, the Fiesta Noche del Rio performs an iconic cultural performance at the Amerson that’s not to be missed!

WEBSITE | 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205

11. La Villita Historic Village

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, La Villita is an artisan village that originally served as San Antonio’s first neighborhood! Yup, these little stone houses were where European immigrants from Germany and France lived, and it’s now a charming art adjacent to the Riverwalk. There are actually some steps that lead you straight from the river walk to La Villita. Here's everything to know about La Villita before you go.

WEBSITE | 418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205

12. Get Photos Of The Famous Casa Rio Umbrellas

Most online guides to the best things to do on the Riverwalk will tell you to eat at Casa Rio…but I love and respect you and I don’t want you to waste your money. Full disclosure: the food at Casa Rio is VERY lackluster.

However, the umbrellas outside Casa Rio are pretty iconic. You’ve probably already seen photos of them without knowing it! Pretty much every pamphlet or advertisement for San Antonio has a photo of them.

It’s fun to stop by and take a photo of these umbrellas! I don’t recommend the food at Casa Rio, though. If you want to find the best options for Tex Mex food on the Riverwalk, go to one of these spots.

WEBSITE | 430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

13. Visit The Riverwalk During The Holidays!

This is TRULY the most magical time of the year at the Riverwalk! It’s all lit up and sparkly, holiday music is playing over the water, and the river barges are twinkling with lights.

14. Check Out The Historic Aztec Theatre

Built in 1926, Aztec Theatre was originally THE movie theater destination in San Antonio. It’s now used for all sorts of concerts, shows, and entertainment, and it’s located right across the street from the Riverwalk.

104 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205

15. See The Grotto

The Grotto, an art installation and artificial cave by Carlos Cortés, is a really cool thing to see on the Riverwalk. It’s part of the Museum Reach, the 1.3-mile portion of the Riverwalk that extends north of downtown.

The Grotto is this really cool 3-story sculpture that will instantly draw you in. You can walk through the middle of it and experience the waterfall from the inside. There are even sculpted stalactites and stalagmites in there!

While you probably won’t spend more than about 10 minutes looking at it, The Grotto is a must-see on the San Antonio Riverwalk and a fun destination if you’re going on a walk at the water’s edge.

WEBSITE | N River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78215

16. Bike The Mission Trail

If you’re looking for active things to do on the Riverwalk and you’re up for a bit of a challenge, biking the Mission Trail is a fun bucket list item in San Antonio.

The Mission Reach of the trail extends about 8 miles south, and there are hiking and biking trails along the water.

You can see 4 of the 5 San Antonio Missions along this trail (the 5th mission is the Alamo, which is located at the Downtown Reach of the Riverwalk.) The missions aren’t all exactly ON the water, but they’re all within a very short walk from the water’s edge. After all, this river is what sustained these missions back in the day!

17. Enjoy Cocktails at Ácenar

Looking for the best cocktails on the Riverwalk? My personal favorite place to get an excellent margarita is at Ácenar. It’s an excellent Mexican restaurant that has patio dining and river views, and it’s elevated slightly above the pedestrian walkway so you don’t have to worry about people walking inches away from you.

Ácenar also has happy hour specials from 2-5 pm Sunday - Thursday!

WEBSITE | 146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

18. Visit Museum Reach On The Riverwalk

When exploring San Antonio’s River Walk, don’t stop at the bustling downtown area—venture out to Museum Reach! Many assume it’s just for museum visits, but this peaceful stretch offers so much more.

With over 70,000 native plants, scenic trails, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great place to stroll and unwind. You’ll also come across unique outdoor art installations along the way—no need to plan or search, they’re right in plain sight.

While the nearby museums are definitely worth visiting, you don’t need to go inside to enjoy the beauty and creativity that Museum Reach has to offer.

WEBSITE | Unnamed Road, San Antonio, TX 78215

19. Watch the Texas Cavaliers River Parade In April During Fiesta!

Planning to be in San Antonio during Fiesta? You have to make it to the Riverwalk for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade! It happens every year in the third week of April.

A typical parade goes down a street, but a river parade passes through (you guessed it!) the San Antonio River! Folks line the edges of the Riverwalk and the bridges above and cheer and clap for the bright, vibrant colors, river barges, and exciting music that occurs during the 2-hour extravaganza.

20. Love Lock Bridge

Most cities have their own version of a lock bridge, and San Antonio is no exception. For those looking for memorable things to do on the Riverwalk, visit the Love Lock Bridge.

The bridge is located near the Bexar County Marriage Liscense Office, so couples will often go to the bridge right after getting officially married and “lock in their love” with a lock on the bridge.

It’s a beautiful place to visit!

126 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

21. Visit A Spa On The Riverwalk

There are a few good spas located on the San Antonio Riverwalk. If you’ve been feeling some tension and need a massage, or you just want to treat yourself to a facial or a deluxe manicure, book an appointment at Mokara Spa at the Omni, or the Spa at Hotel Contessa.

Or if you want a few other ideas of excellent spas in San Antonio, visit one of these spas.

22. Stay In A Beautiful Hotel

There are some incredible boutique hotels in San Antonio (we have a really good guide to them here!) but if you want to stay directly on the Riverwalk, you have a few good options, too.

The Thompson Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel that’s new in San Antonio. It has some excellent restaurants, including a rooftop lounge, a poolside restaurant, and a meat-forward restaurant from James Beard Award finalist San Antonio Chef Steve McHugh.

WEBSITE | 115 Lexington Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hotel Havana is a Cuban-inspired hotel that was originally opened in 1914 to evoke a tropical Mediterranean feel in the heart of the city. It was reopened in 2010 by the Bunkhouse Group and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

WEBSITE | 1015 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205

And, of course, if you want to stay in the heart of the Downtown Reach portion of the Riverwalk, the Omni La Mansion Del Rio is pretty much impossible to beat. Built in 1852, this luxurious hotel features an open-air Spanish courtyard, exposed beams, and some of the best river views you’ll find from any hotel.

WEBSITE | 112 College St, San Antonio, TX 78205

23. Admire The Natural Beauty

It’s no wonder why the Riverwalk has been called “The Venice of Texas.” With exquisite arched bridges, flowing water, historic stonework, and native plants, this San Antonio gem truly is a natural beauty.

You could easily fill a couple hours of time by simply wandering around the Riverwalk and soaking in the sights.

24. Blue Star Arts Complex

This is San Antonio’s longest-running art space, complete with restaurants, shops, and galleries…and it’s located on the Riverwalk! You’ll have to walk about 25 minutes south of the Downtown Reach, but you can walk directly along the water all the way to Blue Star.

Once you’re there, be sure to grab a flight of beer at Blue Star Brewing Co., one of the best craft breweries in San Antonio, or enjoy some pizza at Stella Public House, an essential San Antonio pizza restaurant.

WEBSITE | 1414 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210

25. Espada Aqueduct

When was the last time you went to see an ancient irrigation system?! This one was built in 1731 by the Spaniards who inhabited Mission Espada. It’s quite a feat of engineering! They successfully maneuvered the water to be used for crops in the farmland.

The coolest thing about this aqueduct? You can still see it today, 300 years later!

The Spanish settlers quickly figured out that rainfall in (what is now) south Texas is inconsistent and water flow needs to be managed. This is how they did it.

WEBSITE | 9045 Espada Rd, San Antonio, TX 78214

26. Kayak In The River

It is SO MUCH FUN to take a kayak out on the water on a beautiful Texas day, which is why kayaking is one of the best things to do at the San Antonio Riverwalk!

There are designated areas where you can bring your non-motorized boats in the water. (Note: you can’t kayak in the downtown Reach…that’s where the GoRio Cruises belong!)

There are miles and miles of long stretches of the Riverwalk that are open to kayakers. Whether you want a long, strenuous workout, or you just want to enjoy a few leisurely minutes on the water, kayaking in the river is one of the most unique and memorable things to do on the Riverwalk.

27. People Watch And Enjoy The Energy!

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the Riverwalk is swarming with people and energy. Whenever you find a crowd of people, there’s sure to be a few characters around. 😉

Whether you want to find a free spot to sit for a while (there are plenty of benches lining the Riverwalk) or you want to spend some money and enjoy a margarita and some chips & queso at a Tex-Mex restaurant on the Riverwalk, finding a place to sit and “people watch” for a few minutes is a surprisingly fun thing to do on the Riverwalk.

BONUS: A Quick History Lesson Of The Riverwalk

This will be brief! But it’s fun to know a bit about how the Riverwalk even got here!

Let’s go waaayyy way back at the beginning of time…. Ok, not really. Just back to the 1500s.

San Antonio River was first mentioned in the 1500s by a Spanish explorer. SO COOL! For hundreds and hundreds of years, people have recognized the beauty and power in this river.

For the next few centuries the San Antonio River was utilized as a water source for the various Missions in San Antonio. It’s no coincidence that you can now bike along the river trail and see all 5 missions near the water!

In more modern days, the Riverwalk was actually created as a flood management system in San Antonio in the 1900s. Yup! It’s here to save lives. Without it, downtown San Antonio would constantly be flooding.

In fact, in 1921 there was a tragic flood in San Antonio that killed about 50 people. In the late 1920s a guy named Robert H. H. Hugman had the idea for shops on the river, and the city liked the idea. Insert a few flood gates, dams, and decades of construction….and you get the Riverwalk you see today.

(This is obviously an oversimplified version of the Riverwalk’s rich history. It’s definitely worth digging into if you enjoy history, culture, engineering, and city planning!)

I hope this guide to the San Antonio river walk was helpful for you! If you want to know more, here's a guide to the best Tex-Mex spots on the river walk, the most breathtaking hotels on the river walk, and some tips on how to find quiet, peaceful parts of the river walk.