San Antonio River Walk Attractions to Explore During Your Trip

The 30-mile long River Walk loop is one of the most visited San Antonio attractions. Made up of paths and walkways that line the San Antonio River, the River Walk area features an eclectic mix of boutique restaurants and shops with local San Antonio flavor. The River Walk area of San Antonio, also known as Paseo del Rio, is sight to see in itself, but there are also tons of San Antonio River Walk attractions to see and do. We put together a list of the most popular and quintessential San Antonio River Walk attractions to help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your trip. Insider tip: download a QR code scanner app, there are lots of signs along the River Walk with information about attractions and sights you'll see as you explore the area.

Save on Admission to San Antonio River Walk Attractions

Many of the San Antonio River Walk Attractions included in this post are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from many top San Antonio attractions and save up to 40% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. For all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more.

Go on a River Cruise

Please note: This attraction is available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. You haven't experienced San Antonio's River Walk area until you've cruised along the river. It's a great way to start your visit to the River Walk area because you can scope out the sights and restaurants you want to go back and visit when your 30-minute cruise comes to an end. Each boat has a profession guide that provides lots of historical information and fun facts about San Antonio and the vibrant River Walk community. You'll pass under bridges and walkways while your guide directs your attention to the landmarks you'll pass along the way.

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum

Please note: This attraction is available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Visit these two popular San Antonio museums and learn all about Texas-specific natural history and frontier America. The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is home to a large collection of natural artifacts from around the world that were collected by travelers passing through the area. The Texas Ranger Museum houses items from the days of the Texas Ranger such as revolvers, handguns, shotguns, photographs, and more. You can even walk through an extensive replica of a Ranger Town and experience was San Antonio was likea t the turn of the century.

San Antonio Museum of Art & Museum Reach

Please note: This attraction is available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Located in a former 19th century brewery, Lone Star Brewery, right on the Museum Reach section of the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the most popular attractions along the River Walk area. You'll get to see a diverse collection of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and over 30,000 distinct objects and artifacts. Museum highlights include Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, Latin American artwork, contemporary art, and Asian art. First-time visitors will particularly enjoy the gallery dedicated solely to Texas art. Insider tip: take some time to explore the 1.3-miles of River Walk paths from the main River Walk area to the San Antonio Museum of Art. You'll see lots of public displays of art, terraces landscaped with native plants, and more.

Pearl Brewery

Located right next to the Museum Reach area, the Pearl Brewery neighborhood is one of the most popular San Antonio River Walk attractions for visitors. One of San Antonio's most popular culinary destinations, Pearl Brewery complex features an eclectic mix of local flavor with tons of restaurants and cafes, from casual to upscale, and lots of community event series such as Farmer's Markets, cultural events, and outdoor concerts. Though no longer a brewery, The Brewhouse is currently home to Hotel Emma, a trendy restaurant and bar open to the public.

Main Plaza & The Saga

Known as "the heart of the city," Main Plaza is a vibrant community center located just steps from the River Walk and home of the famed evening show, "The Saga," a light colorful light show projected on the San Fernando Cathedral. The Saga light show happens four times a week, at 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:00 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Shows last about 24 minutes and are free to the public.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio

Please note: This attraction is NOT available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Head to the strangest place in San Antonio, right off the River Walk, and explore 500 bizarre exhibits in the fun and interactive "Odditorium." You'll see strange and unusual natural phenomenons from around the world, crazy artwork, learn about the fascinating life of Mr. Ripley himself, and more.

Rivercenter Mall

Get all of your souvenir shopping, and then some, done at Rivercenter Mall, a large shopping and entertainment destination right on the River Walk with over 100 retailers, including stores, restaurants, IMAX and AMC theatres, and a large Marriott Hotel.

Aztec Theatre

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Aztec Theatre is the second most visited attraction in Texas and a well-maintained example of the intricate, exotic-themed motion picture theaters built in the 1920's during the economic boom before the Great Depression. The theater is now used as a concert venue and multi-purpose event venue and is home to Agave Bar, named one of the top 10 tequila bars in the country.

La Villita Historic Arts Village

Just south of the River Walk is a fun shopping and dining area known as La Villita, one of the city's first established neighborhoods. You'll find tons of boutique shops and galleries with handcrafted items, made by local artists, such as paintings, folk art, sculptures, jewelry, and more. Pop into any of the restaurants there for some authentic, Mexican flavors.

Where to Eat

Looking for where to eat on the San Antonio River Walk? We've rounded up a couple favorites that we consider San Antonio musts: Esquire Tavern: Grab a drink and a bite to eat at the oldest bar located on the San Antonio River Walk. Head here for a historic dining experience; having opened in 1933, Esquire Tavern has preserved much of its celebratory post prohibition era aesthetic and drink menu. Casa Rio: For an quintessential San Antonio dining experience right on the river, head to Casa Rio, the restaurant with the iconic colorful umbrellas and string lights on the riverside outdoor patio. The San Antonio/Mexican-style menu is great, and the restaurant itself is one of the most popular San Antonio River Walk attractions.

Let's Recap

There you have it - some of the best San Antonio River Walk attractions. Plan to add a few of the attractions listed above to your San Antonio itinerary to make the most of your time in the city. Remember, you can save up to 40% off some of the attractions listed above, plus other popular San Antonio attractions outside the River Walk area, are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass.