A visit to San Antonio isn’t complete without a trip to the River Walk! Whether you stop by the bustling heart of downtown, take a trip to marvel at the art along the Museum Reach, or prefer a quieter adventure and explore the Mission Reach, we promise you’ll find the experience you’re looking for.
Here’s our ultimate guide for things to do along the River Walk this fall:
NEW + UPDATED ART
San Antonio’s art scene is unlike any other Texas city! Our friends at the Department of Arts & Culture’s mission is to bring to life public art projects and programs that express the vibrancy and diversity of our community.
One of the most recent installations along the River Walk is a massive colorful mural (located right by the courthouse) created by local artist Joseph Ramey. I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee from Niche Coffee Co. and then walking across the street to marvel at this work of art! BONUS: If you take a downtown Go Rio Cruise tour you’ll be sure to pass by it — just take a look here.
F.I.S.H. by Donald Lipski
Another must-see installation is the iconic F.I.S.H located under the I-35 Overpass near Camden Street. These 25 seven-foot-long creatures recently underwent a cleaning and now are brighter than ever.
While you can see them during the day, the best time to view them glowing is at night. To learn more about this art installation and the artist, you can visit the San Antonio River Foundations website here.
FALL TOURS
One of the best ways to explore the River Walk is by boat! This fall Go Rio Cruise is offering a variety of unique tours that you won’t experience anywhere else. Some of our favorites include:
Fall Museum Reach Tour — Take in the scenic views, fall colors, and lush plant life along the Historic Pearl Brewery district as you learn more about the F.I.S.H installation under Jones Bridge, the oldest VFW post, and other local landmarks! Tours depart at 11 a.m. September 17, November 5 and 19.
Spanish Tour — These tours are narrated in Spanish and take off Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. now through October 31st.
Marina’s Dino River Safari — Travel back in time as you cruise the San Antonio River Walk with Marina, the Go Rio turtle, and her fellow dinosaur friends! Get ready for an enchanting journey while you learn all about the city’s points of interest – including the new Dino Safari: A Walk Thru Adventure located in the Shops at the Rivercenter. The ticket includes a river cruise with Marina and Dino Friends and an entrance ticket to Dino Safari (which can be used on a different day).
Wine Down Sunset Cruise — Journey through the historic Museum Reach set to the sounds of swing and jazz. Enjoy three glasses of top-tier wine and charcuterie from the Landrace at the Thompson Hotel as you take in the scenic evening views of the San Antonio River Walk. The ticket includes three glasses of top-tier wine and a charcuterie board from Landrace.
PEARL FESTIVITIES
If you’re visiting during the months of September and October, Historic Pearl has a variety of events + celebrations you won’t want to miss! Here’s a preview of what you can experience:
Cultura. Orgullo. Corazon Mural | Sept. 11 | Snap a photo! Pearl and MMCreative Studio will present a colorful mural meant to capture the spirit of San Antonio through three powerful words: Cultura. Orgullo. Corazón. which translates to Culture. Pride. Heart. “This mural describes San Antonio as a community and Pearl as a place where everyone is welcome and where the community comes together,” says Martha Martinez-Flores of MMCreative.
Carriqui | Sept. 15-Oct. 15 | Carriqui will kick off celebrations on September 16 with a special performance from Las Coronelas starting at 4 p.m. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Tequila Tuesdays will feature half-priced margaritas and Mezcal, tequila & wine tastings.
Viva Dieciséis at Pearl | Sept. 16 | 5-9 p.m. | Pearl is celebrating Dieciséis de Septiembre, or the Sixteenth of September, honoring Mexico’s Independence from Spain. The celebration will include live musical performances, a grito contest, and activities for the kids including Lotería, guitar painting, and more.
Chiles en Nogada Dinner at Cured | Set. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Join Chef Steve McHugh and Chef Sergio Remolina for a very special three-course meal with wine pairings celebrating Mexican Independence Day and the history of Chiles en Nogada. Including a welcome reception and a lecture by Consul General of Mexico, Ruben Minutti, about the origin and meaning of the dish.
Boiler House | Boiler House will host a Tips & Tastings event on September 13 which will feature a selection of wine tastings and small bites, as well as a Tequila Dinner on September 28, showcasing Codigo tequila. The restaurant will also feature a Brisket Empanada appetizer throughout the month which includes avocado, queso fresco, pickled onion, and roasted salsa.
Botika | Botika will offer their signature “Spicy Pineapple Frozen Margarita” for $10 during the month of September and will also feature “tequenhos”, Venezuelan cheese fritters, as an homage to the Hispanic influence in the restaurant’s cuisine.
Mercadito Cultural | Sept. 20, 27 + Oct. 4 | 5-9 p.m. | Join and support talented chefs, artisans, and captivating performances that showcase the richness of Hispanic culture including live performances by Mariachi Las Alteñas each week.
Hotel Emma | Hotel Emma starts Hispanic Heritage Month with a culinary celebration led by James Beard Award nominee Pastry Chef Sofia Tejeda and Sous Chef Cristina Rojas. Join us at Supper’s Swiggle Key private dining room on Thursday, September 14 for a special six-course dinner inspired by Central Mexico’s cuisine, complemented by thoughtful beverage pairings. Tickets at $150/person (+ taxes and 25% service fee). Secure your spot by visiting this link.
Local Coffee | Local Coffee will offer 16% off any size housemade Iced Horchata on the evening of September 16.
Calavera Collection | Sept. 20 – Oct. 1 | Pearl will be home to four Calaveras from the private collection of Chef Johnny Hernandez and La Gloria. Each Calavera is created in partnership with a local artist and features colorful flowers, patterns, and stories.
Alebrije Collection | Oct. 4-8 | For the first time ever, Pearl will be home to two Alebrijes from the private collection of Chef Johnny Hernandez and La Gloria. These colorful spirit creatures will light up Pearl for one weekend only.