San Antonio River Walk (Paseo Del Rio)

Overview

The San Antonio River Walk, also known as Paseo del Río, is a city-owned network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River in San Antonio, Texas. Lined by bars, shops, restaurants, nature, public artwork, and the four historic missions, it connects the various central neighborhoods of downtown including an eclectic blend of architecture.

A major urban revitalization project, the River Walk is a model for other cities with waterways running through urban settings.

Scenic Walk Cultural Experience

Location

Address

River Walk, San Antonio, Texas

Neighborhood: Downtown

Coordinates

29.424100, -98.493600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

tuesday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

wednesday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

thursday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

friday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM)

saturday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM)

sunday Open 24 hours, but shops and restaurants have varying hours (typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM)

Admission

Adults

$0 (free to walk the River Walk, but attractions and restaurants have varying costs)

Children

$0 (free to walk the River Walk, but attractions and restaurants have varying costs)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day with stops at museums and restaurants

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• flowers
• gardens

summer

hot and humid

• extended hours for some attractions
• water activities

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall colors
• harvest-themed events

winter

cool to cold

• holiday lights
• festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

No advance booking required for the River Walk itself, but booking ahead for river cruises and tours is recommended
Bring ID for age-restricted activities
Check weather and dress accordingly

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes water bottle

seasonal

jacket or umbrella swimsuit for summer water activities

not allowed

glass containers in some areas drones without prior permission

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate (considerable walking)

• stay hydrated, especially in summer
• be cautious on steps and near the water

Medical facilities: first aid available at various points along the River Walk

Payment Information

Accepted

credit cards, debit cards, cash

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Typical Costs

entry $0 (free to walk the River Walk)

river cruise $20-$40 per adult

food $10-$30 per meal

souvenirs $5-$50

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot, walking shoes or sandals (avoid flip-flops for long walks), inappropriate clothing for the business areas

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for river cruises and popular tours
• official websites of river cruise companies and tour operators
• varies by tour operator, typically 24-48 hours in advance
• available for some attractions and restaurants

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Note

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Note

Digital Services

Mobile App

San Antonio River Walk Official App

Size: 60 MB

Features: interactive map, river cruise and tour booking, dining and shopping guides, event calendar, audio tours and historical information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Restaurants and shops, Public seating areas

Charging Stations: Public seating areas, Visitor centers

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

taxi

$30-$40 25-30 min

rideshare

$20-$30 25-30 min

public_transport

$2.50 45-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 0.5-2 miles (0.8-3.2 km)

walking

$0 10-30 min

bus

$1.30 (adult fare) 15-25 min

taxi

$10-$20 5-10 min

rideshare

$8-$15 5-10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The River Walk is a unique symbol of San Antonio, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty right in the heart of the city

Historical Significance: The River Walk was originally created as a flood mitigation project in the 1930s and has since evolved into a vibrant urban oasis, attracting millions of visitors each year

Insider Tips

Visit the River Walk on a weekday morning for a peaceful and less crowded experience
The best food can often be found at the back of the River Walk, away from the main tourist areas
Some restaurants and shops offer discounts or specials during off-peak hours
Explore the less-traveled sections of the River Walk for a more local perspective and unique photo opportunities

Local Recommendations

• Try local Tex-Mex cuisine at a riverside restaurant
• Visit the historic missions for a deeper understanding of San Antonio's past
• Take a river cruise at sunset for the best views
• Ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems and lesser-known spots

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Arneson River Theatre

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the theatre with the river in the foreground

Result: Beautiful reflections and historic architecture

#SanAntonio #RiverWalk #TexasTravel

La Villita Historic Arts Village

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Photograph the colorful buildings and art installations

Result: Vibrant and culturally rich images

#LaVillita #RiverWalkArt #SanAntonioArts

Maverick Creek Bridge

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Shoot from the bridge with the river and lights below

Result: Stunning sunset views and city lights

#SanAntonioSunset #RiverWalkLights #TexasSkyline

Photography Rules

allowed areas all outdoor areas of the River Walk

prohibited areas inside restaurants and shops without permission

flash photography allowed in most areas, but be considerate of others

commercial photography permit needed for professional shoots

drone policy drones are prohibited without prior permission from the city

tripod policy tripods are allowed in most areas, but may be restricted during peak hours or events

selfie sticks allowed, but be considerate of other visitors

Nearby Attractions

The Alamo

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

Walking: 10 min

Type: Historic Site

San Antonio Cathedral

Distance: 0.3 miles (0.5 km)

Walking: 5 min