San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio’s River Walk (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com), though touristy, remains inviting. The San Antonio River loops through downtown, a level below the streets. Restaurants and shops line the River Walk, patios and balconies overlook the river. Worth the trip simply for the quiet stroll along the Rio, there are also several special events throughout the year.

The River Walk began in the 1950s as a community park. In the 1960s restaurants, shops and hotels began springing up along the water, all reflecting a nostalgic Tex-Mex colonial style. Today, the River Walk seamlessly blends natural beauty and nonstop fun into a destination experience that will bring you back time and again.

Stroll beside the lazy river, enjoy a dinner cruise (www.riosanantonio.com), dig in to a delicious steak (www.lonestarcafe.us) and dance the night away (www.howlatthemoon.com)…do it all at the River Walk.

A Sampling of Delicious Dining along the River Walk

• 

  The Riverwalk at night
  
  Republic of Texas (www.therepublicoftexasrestaurant.com) – Restaurant by day, nightclub after dark, a great place to party along the River Walk.
• Lone Star Café (www.lonestarcafe.us) – Steaks, burgers and locally brewed beer. Live music and menu selections to fit any cowboy’s appetite.
• Zocca Italian (www.zoccariverwalk.com) – This “river walk Ristorante” offers high-end Italian Cuisine, fine wine and cocktails. Dine indoors or al fresco overlooking the river.
• The County Line BBQ (www.countyline.com) – “Legendary” BBQ since 1975 you can’t go wrong here. Revisit your BBQ experience using recipes found at the website.
• Aldacos Sunset Station (www.aldacos.net) – Award-winning Mexican cuisine, great atmosphere and mucho Margaritas make Aldacos a perennial favorite.

These are just few dining options. My advice? Take a stroll and let your appetite decide. Also, before heading over to the River Walk, check out www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com for restaurant coupons.

Side Trips near the River Walk:

• San Antonio Botanical Gardens (www.sabot.org) – hiking, bird watching and multiple concerts under the stars each year. Workshops, classes and other special events monthly.
• Tower of the Americas (www.toweroftheamericas.com) – This 750-foot-tall tower offers a breathtaking view of the city of San Antonio and surrounding countryside. The 360-degree revolving Chart House Restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere and sensational food.
• The Alamo (www.thealamo.org) – No visit to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at The Alamo. Millions come each year to walk in the footsteps of American heroes like William Travis, David Crockett and Jim Bowie. Tours are self-guided, though history talks are held on the hour and the half hour. Free admission.
• Natural Bridge Caverns (www.naturalbridgecaverns.com) – Even if it’s chilly outside, you likely won’t need a jacket. The caverns maintain a temperature of about 70 degrees and feel warmer. Some of the walkways are slick and steep, so you need to be in reasonably good shape and wear good walking shoes.
• Fredericksburg (www.fredericksburg-texas.com) – German culture and food in a town that is still uniquely Texan. Enjoy the beauty of the Texas “hill country” and explore the vineyards, museums, antique shops and craft stores. Fredericksburg is about an hour north of San Antonio; take I-10 W to US-87 N.
• Sea World (www.seaworld.com/sanantonio) and Six Flags (www.sixflags.com/fiestaTexas) are also nearby.

You’ll want to know:

The San Antonio River Walk publishes a monthly magazine, Rio, with news and coupons to help you plan your San Antonio trip. Download the latest issue here: www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/riomagazine.asp.

If you plan to visit the River Walk in early January be sure to check the website calendar. Each year the town drains the river for cleaning and maintenance. The annual Mud Festival runs for a week after the river is drained. It sounds messy, but the festival is always good, clean fun. Come ready to let your hair down and have a Texas-sized good time.

Where to stay near the River Walk

Travelers World (www.travelersworldrvresort.com) offers easy access to the River Walk. There is a bus stop right outside the entrance. Buses run on the half hour to carry guests 3 miles to the River Walk.

• 165 full hook-up sites
• Heated swimming pool and spa
• Air-conditioned bathhouses
• Laundry facilities
• WiFi and Cable TV

Located at 2617 Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78214. Call 210.532.8310 for reservations or more information. Note: new management as of Fall 2010, call ahead or check website for updates to services and/or amenities.

Hidden Valley RV Park (www.hiddenvalleyrv.net) mixes a quiet, country atmosphere with Texas hospitality. Not focused on frills, they focus on making your stay as clean and peaceful as possible.

• Full hookups
• Pull through and back-in sites
• Laundry facilities
• Pet friendly
• Virtual tour of San Antonio upon arrival

Located about a 20-minute drive from the River Walk at 5706 Coleman Way, Von Ormy, TX, 78073. For reservations and more information, call 210.623.6737.

Greentree Village (www.greentreevillage.com) – Though shorter stays are available, this park caters largely to full-time or long-term guests. The sites are large, many 90×30, and the facilities well maintained.

• 64 full hookup sites (20, 30 and 50 amp) pull-through sites
• 70 back in sites for long term guests
• Free Cable TV
• Available WiFi
• Big rigs welcome

Located at 12015 O’Connor Road, San Antonio, TX 78233. Call
210.655.3331 for reservations or more information.

San Antonio KOA (www.koakampgrounds.com/campgrounds/san-antonio) – Tours are available that leave directly from the KOA and take you to all the popular San Antonio sites. If you prefer independent exploration, city buses run to and from downtown daily.

• Full hookup pull through and back in sites
• WiFi and Cable TV
• Big rigs welcome
• Bike rentals
• Tour shuttle into downtown