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River Walk FAQs
Planning a visit to the San Antonio River Walk? Find answers to frequently asked questions about River Walk hours, parking, boat tours, accessibility, and more.
Whether you're exploring Downtown, discovering Museum Reach, or enjoying the scenic trails of Mission Reach, these helpful tips will make it easier to get around, know what to expect, and make the most of your time in San Antonio.
How much does a visit to the River Walk cost?
The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities will have various costs associated with them.
What is the River Walk's address?
The River Walk is 15 miles long and flows through approximately five miles of downtown San Antonio. As such, there is not a single address.
For GPS purposes, use the address for the Shops at Rivercenter, located directly on the River Walk in the heart of downtown, at 849 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
The San Antonio River's headwaters are located at the University of Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas, approximately four miles north of Downtown. The San Antonio River joins the Guadalupe River and flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
View Overview Map of River Walk
What time does the River Walk close?
The Downtown and Museum Reach portions of the River Walk are open 24 hours a day. Please check with businesses directly for their hours of operation. The Mission Reach section of the River Walk is open during daylight hours only.
How do I catch a boat ride?
Go Rio Cruises offers boat tours, boat taxis, and private dining boats.
Weather permitting, boat tours and river shuttles operate daily. Dinner cruises and special tours require reservations. Tour and taxi tickets may be purchased in advance online or at locations along the River Walk.
For more information, call the reservations office at 210-227-4746 or visit www.goriocruises.com
Where can I park while visiting the River Walk?
Downtown San Antonio offers public parking garages, surface lots, and metered street parking near the River Walk. Parking rates, hours, and restrictions vary by location, so check posted signs and payment information before leaving your vehicle.
For current parking options and city-operated parking programs, visit the City of San Antonio's official downtown parking resources.
Can I park my RV or Bus downtown?
Out-of-town visitors may park their buses at the Travis Park parking meters or at The Alamodome.
The Traffic Division at 210-207-7755 must be contacted in advance on a first-come basis to arrange parking meters. For more information on The Alamodome, visit www.alamodome.com or call 210-207-3663.
Where can I find an accessible River Walk map?
The River Walk map includes information about ramps and elevator access to help visitors plan their routes. Because accessibility varies by location, review the map before your visit and identify the entrances closest to the areas you plan to explore.
For additional accessibility information, contact the City of San Antonio Disability Access Office.
Contact The City of San Antonio Disability Access Office by calling 210-207-7957.
You can also view the River Walk Map page, which shows ramps and elevator access.
Tom’s Wheelchairs rents wheelchairs and scooters. They can be reached at 210-223-7878 and are conveniently located in Downtown San Antonio.
Visit the City of San Antonio Disability Access Office
What kind of weather can I expect?
Climate Conditions Daily Average.
|
Month |
Daily Maximum |
Daily Minimum |
Rainfall |
|
January |
62.3 |
41.6 |
1.66 |
|
February |
66.1 |
44.7 |
2.07 |
|
March |
72.4 |
49.6 |
1.54 |
|
April |
78.8 |
57.6 |
2.54 |
|
May |
85.2 |
65.4 |
3.07 |
|
June |
91.6 |
72.2 |
2.79 |
|
July |
95.6 |
73.9 |
1.69 |
|
August |
95.9 |
73.4 |
2.41 |
|
September |
89.8 |
68.8 |
3.71 |
|
October |
81.1 |
59.2 |
2.84 |
|
November |
71.1 |
48.2 |
1.77 |
|
December |
64.6 |
41.8 |
1.46 |
Visit the Visit San Antonio Weather page for more weather information.
View the Latest San Antonio Forecast
Is the River Walk drained yearly?
In the past, the River Walk was drained annually for cleaning and maintenance.
Since 2002, the River Walk has been drained on a schedule determined by the City of San Antonio. To see the draining schedule, visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/ccdo/riverwalk/maintenance
Can I get married on the River Walk?
Yes! It is called Marriage Island and is located on the bank of the river near Hotel Contessa.
Reservations and fees must be requested through the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department at 210-207-7275.
Are dogs allowed on the River Walk?
Leashed dogs are allowed on the River Walk. Many outdoor restaurants and shops welcome dogs on their patios while you dine.
Please call ahead to check if the specific business you wish to visit allows dogs.
Please remember to clean up after your pet.
Can I feed wildlife along the River Walk?
Please help protect the San Antonio River Walk's wildlife by not feeding ducks, fish, or other animals. Human food can be harmful to wildlife, disrupt natural feeding habits, and contribute to water-quality problems.
Enjoy watching the animals from a respectful distance and help keep the river healthy for everyone.
Can the River Walk flood?
The Downtown River Walk has flood-control infrastructure designed to help manage changing river levels, but conditions can still become hazardous during severe weather.
Flooding can also occur along Mission Reach. If a trail or walkway is covered by water, or if barricades are in place, turn around and choose another route. Always follow posted warnings and guidance from local authorities.
When are the San Antonio River Walk holiday lights on?
The San Antonio River Walk traditionally welcomes the holiday season with thousands of sparkling lights around Thanksgiving, in connection with the Ford Holiday River Parade. The lights typically remain on through the holiday season and into early January.
For confirmed lighting dates and seasonal events, visit the River Walk's current holiday lights and events information.
Photo by San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk
River Walk Mission Reach
Ready to Explore the San Antonio River Walk?
Now that you've got the answers, it's time to discover what's waiting along the river. Explore lively Downtown dining and attractions, take in the arts and culture of Museum Reach, or enjoy the scenic trails and historic connections of Mission Reach.
From boat tours and local restaurants to upcoming events and unforgettable San Antonio experiences, there's always something new to discover.
Explore the River Walk by area, find things to do, and start planning your visit.