Your Guide to Experiencing Walkable San Antonio
Are you someone who is set on setting new records in daily steps on your smartwatch? With a walkability score of 96, San Antonio is the perfect place to add to your daily steps and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
Not only is San Antonio built to handle the heat, but the city is extremely walkable, with plenty of attractions and events within close proximity of major landmarks such as The Alamo or the River Walk.
Here is your guide to traveling San Antonio without a car:
The San Antonio River Walk
Walkable San Antonio begins at the San Antonio River Walk. From eats, shopping, entertainment, and more, once you step foot on the River Walk – great adventures are all nearby. For example, take a ride on a GO RIO River Cruise and explore the heart of downtown San Antonio on the waters. If you are looking for a night tour with more frights, then The Go Rio Cruises Ghost Tour might be up your alley. This is an hour-long narrated adventure through San Antonio’s haunted history. The tour is $30 per person and the meeting location will be at 706 River Walk, river-level at Market Street and Presa Street. The next Ghost Tour is available August 6th, but continues into the fall.
Maybe ghost stories aren’t your scene. For the history buffs, check out the Black History River Boat Tour hosted by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) for a great opportunity to experience the city and learn about the impact of Black History in San Antonio. The next tour takes place on August 13th, but there are several more opportunities to catch this tour throughout the rest of the year. This is also the only river boat tour that has access to cross into the Historic Pearl. The boat tour is $30 per person; private charters for parties up to 30 available for $800.
Unique shopping experiences are also at the River Walk. Not only are you in walking distance of The Shops at Rivercenter, where you can shop over 100 retailers catch a movie, or grab a quick bite to eat, but you can also catch a River Walk Artisan Show full of handmade goods, unique works of art, and much more. Your next chance to catch this event is the Labor Day River Walk Artisan Show coming September 2, 2022.
Dining
La Panaderia
Do you know what else you can find on the River Walk? Culinary fusions full of savory tastes to expand your culinary palette – but these discoveries are not limited to just the River Walk – that’s where Visit San Antonio’s Dining Map shines. Head over to our revamped Eat page and filter to your location. Regardless of where you are in the city, and what meal you are in the mood for, it is highly likely you are close to your next favorite meal.
San Antonio | The Saga
On the Main Plaza, not far from lively downtown San Antonio, you can find San Fernando Cathedral. This is home to San Antonio | The Saga, a projected light show that takes you through a visual journey of the history of San Antonio. The facade of San Fernando Cathedral becomes a canvas full of brilliant visual displays created by world-renowned French artist Xavier de Richemont. Head over to the Main Plaza website for up-to-date information on dates and times.
Something For Everyone at Historic Market Square
San Antonio is a historic city that takes pride in its cultural roots. You can see the essence of San Antonio at the Historic Market Square. Centrally located, Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is filled with shops and restaurants. Here, you can not only get authentic Mexican cuisine, but you can also pick up a souvenir or two. There are also shows often playing at the Farmers Market Food Court.
If you are worried about the heat, never fear because San Antonio is a city that was built to handle higher temperatures! Designed for functionality, the outdoor market is a great way to spend all day comfortably outside with plenty of shade coming from vending tents, brick and mortar shops. There is no shortage of choice restaurants and bars for when you need to dive inside for a cool drink or a bite to eat.
San Antonio Hotels Within Walking Distance
You can stay where you play across San Antonio with real accommodations featuring true comfort. There are many hotels spread out across the city and many of them are within walking distance of historic landmarks, shopping centers, and restaurants and bars. If you are looking for something a little more upscale, San Antonio also offers plenty of resorts. Many include shuttle services to take you where you need to go, again allowing you to travel without a car.
Casa Azul Lavaca
Last but not least, there’s of course variety of Inns and B&Bs and Vacation Rentals scattered throughout San Antonio’s most popular neighborhoods. For example, spots right on the River Walk itself or along in a locale like the King William Historic District.
San Antonio Is One of the Most Walkable Texas Cities
San Antonio was built with walkability in mind. If you are looking to travel by foot, then San Antonio is the premier travel destination to do it. There are many larger-than-life attractions, natural wonders, and historic places that you can comfortably and safely walk to.
Come out and spend the whole day in San Antonio and enjoy one of our over 250 days of sunshine. Get your walking shoes ready and start planning your trip to San Antonio today!