Stroll the Legendary San Antonio Riverwalk

Stroll the Legendary San Antonio Riverwalk

San Antonio is a city in Texas, U.S.A., attracting thousands of visitors who are willing to walk through its iconic landmark, the Riverwalk. This street concentrates all the attractions San Antonio has to offer: numerous bars and restaurants, thematic river cruises, plenty of museums, and five old-age Missions. With such a variety, everyone is bound to find an activity to one's liking, especially during nighttime, when the Riverwalk gets lit up with thousands of lights. Are you ready to discover the San Antonio Riverwalk? Let's see what is there to be seen and done.

Overview

Nicknamed the «Venice of Texas», the Riverwalk is a public park consisting primarily of a pedestrian walkway along the San Antonio River. It is 15 miles long and is divided into three areas. The Museum Reach, 1.33 miles long, is the part where many different museums are set, such as the San Antonio Zoo, The Doseum, the Japanese Tea Gardens, Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Witte Museum, and other amazing places. The Mission Reach is 8 miles long and features four Missions established in the 18th century: Mission Cenception, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose, and Mission San Juan. They may be worth visiting for those interested in history or willing to spend time enjoying nature. The third part of the Riverwalk and the most popular one is the Downtown Reach, 5 miles long and full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops.

In order to see everything the San Antonio Riverwalk (also called Paseo del Rio) has to offer, you'd better arrange a whole day. Why has this Riverwalk become so popular in the first place? It is known as an excellent architectural project built in 1929 that once saved the city from a flood. Thus, it became a successful flood management project. Today, the Riverwalk isn't only a fun nightlife; in addition to that, it is an important cultural and historical centre. Disregarding what you are looking for and what company you travel with, you will definitely find the attractions you like.

Stay on the San Antonio Riverwalk

If you want to explore the whole city, a single day may not suffice. In this case, you won't have any difficulties in finding accommodation along and in the vicinity of the San Antonio Riverwalk, for there is a variety of both luxurious and budget-friendly hotels. Some of the good-reviewed hotels are:

• Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

• The Maverick

• The Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel

• Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk

• Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk by Hyatt

• The Holiday Inn Riverwalk Hotel

• The Wyndham Garden Riverwalk Hotel

• The Historic Menger Hotel

• The Crockett Hotel

Dine on the San Antonio Riverwalk

Dining options are endless, and they say that you haven't really visited the Riverwalk if you haven't dined at one of its vibrant cafes and restaurants. The diversity is really impressive, so it may be a bit complicated to pick an eatery; however, every discerning gastronome finds the one that satisfies their food desires. Let's have a look at some nice restaurants along the Riverwalk:

• Dorrego's, the only Argentian-inspired restaurant in San Antonio;

• The Chart House, a rotating restaurant at the top of the Tower of Americas;

• The Rose San Antonio, the upscale cocktail bar with live music;

• Mad Dogs British Pub, a 30-year-old pub serving British specialities; karaoke, live music, DJs, a range of imported beers;

• Prost Riverwalk Patio & Alchemy Bar, a combination of Texan and German dishes accompanied by daily live music;

• The Buckhorn Saloon, a casual yet impressive burger bar;

• Casa Catrina, a restaurant celebrating Mexico's cultural heritage;

• Boudro's Texas Bistro is a restaurant beloved since 1986;

• On the Bend Oyster Bar and Lounge is a seafood-serving eatery with live music and sports viewing;

• The Crockett Tavern & Restaurant is San Antonio's only county-themed restaurant and bar where you can try traditional Texan dishes;

• Paesanos Riverwalk is an upscale Italian/Mediterranean restaurant featuring outdoor seating by the river;

• The County Line Riverwalk is a traditional and famous Texan barbeque;

   

Bars are where all the fun is at San Antonio Riverwalk as night falls. Don't hesitate to check in at one of them — the choice is immense! Here are some options:

• The Republic of Texas: traditional and «colossal» beverages and karaoke; dinner or cocktail cruises; DJ music

• Naked Iguana Tequila Bar: margaritas and a wide selection of tequilas; a large Riverwalk patio

• Barriba Cantina: Mexican specialities, original music/singer-songwriters and bands

• Coyote Ugly Saloon: the most famous bar in the United States with beautiful bartenders

• Dick's Last Resort on the Riverwalk: known for intentional employment of obnoxious staff; picnic-style interior, sloppy attitude

• Durty Nelly's Irish Pub: one of the best beer selections in San Antonio; a replica of the 1620 tavern in Ireland; the most genuine Irish experience in the city

• Esquire Tavern: crafted cocktails and fine food, existing since 1933

• Howl at the Moon: a successful duelling piano concept; a bar and a concert venue with various music

• Ocho at Hotel Havana: the upstairs lavish dining room in a conservatory; the downstairs lounge in an intimate style; pan-Latin food, cocktail, and wine menu

• Waxy O'Connor's Irish Pub: established in 1903 after being shipped from Ireland; stunning historic atmosphere

   

Take a Riverwalk Boat Cruise

Day or night, this activity is well worth doing while in San Antonio. Not only will you get some rest from walking and get a chance to observe all the significant landmarks from an unconventional angle, but you will also learn a lot of facts about the Riverwalk from a guide.

Boat cruises take place from 10 AM to 10 PM every day of the year. The tour lasts approximately 35-40 minutes, and boarding is available at three locations on the Riverwalk.

Another great attraction on the Riverwalk is a dining cruise. You can take it with your family or friends (a boat usually seats up to 20 people), and special occasions can be celebrated. Besides dining cruises, there are also brunch/lunch and cocktail/wine cruises, along with other themed events, depending on the season. Remember that cruises are popular attractions; therefore, you have to book a boat well in advance of the event.

Do Kayaking on the Riverwalk

This fun adventure is held in the Museum Reach, so while on water, you have an opportunity to observe all of its landmarks, such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Pearl Brewery Complex, the F.I.S.H. art installation, etc. Kayaking is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM.

In Conclusion

San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the most visited places in Texas, and it's easy to see why. This astonishing site has everything to make you happy, no matter what company you travel with: your family, friends, colleagues, hobby club, or a beloved one. Walk, see sights, dine, drink, dance, sing, shop, cruise, and have the time of your life on the beautiful and vibrant Riverwalk!