Things to Do on the San Antonio River Walk

15 Miles. Endless Discoveries. Most People Only Scratch the Surface.

The San Antonio River Walk offers 15 miles of attractions, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, restaurants, tours, shopping, and cultural experiences. Beyond the lively Downtown River Walk, Museum Reach and Mission Reach reveal even more things to do along San Antonio’s famous urban waterway.

Take a river cruise, kayak near the historic missions, visit the Alamo, explore the Pearl, or enjoy a performance at Arneson River Theatre. Whether you are planning a family outing, an evening for two, or an outdoor adventure, start exploring here.

Top 10 Things to Do on the San Antonio River Walk

• Board a Go Rio River Cruise – A cruise for every experience. Narrated cruises to learn about history and architecture, river shuttles to get from point A to point B, dinner cruises for an evening of great food and company, and specialty themed cruises throughout the year. 
• Walk, Bike, or Paddle the Mission Reach – Most visitors never make it south of downtown, missing eight miles of restored river corridor, ancient cypress groves, and a trail that connects four San Antonio Missions. Walk it, rent a bike, or kayak it. 
• Visit the Alamo – A short walk from the River Walk, it's one of the most recognized historic sites in the country. Take the time to go inside. The grounds, exhibits, and surrounding Alamo Plaza tell a story beyond the legend. And stay tuned: an all-new Alamo Visitor Center and Museum opens in 2028.
• Explore the San Antonio Missions – The San Antonio Mission, along with the Alamo, make up the first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.  Daily ranger-led programs make it easy to spend the day learning about these communities, which are still active today.
• Catch a Performance at Arneson River Theatre – Take a seat at an outdoor amphitheater built into the banks of the River Walk, where the audience sits on one side of the river, and the performers take the stage on the other. Throw in boats floating by during shows, and it's one of the most distinctive performance venues in the country.
• Spend a Day at the Pearl – What started as a 19th-century brewery complex is now one of San Antonio's most beloved destinations, and it sits right on the Museum Reach. The architecture alone is worth the trip: the original brewhouse, smokestack, and industrial bones have been transformed into a neighborhood of local restaurants, boutiques, a hotel, a culinary school, and a weekend farmers market that draws locals like nothing else in the city. 
• Discover the beauty of the Museum Reach –  The northernmost stretch of the River Walk connects downtown to the Pearl and beyond. Lined with public art installations, murals, sculptures, and quiet escapes, explore this self-guided experience that changes the way you see the whole corridor.
• Shop La Villita – Steps from the River Walk, La Villita is the oldest neighborhood in San Antonio. Stroll through a compact village of studios, galleries, and artisan shops set in restored 18th and 19th-century buildings. 
• Dine Waterside – The River Walk's restaurant scene has evolved well past Tex-Mex and margarita pitchers (though we strongly support both). From MICHELIN-recognized kitchens to longtime local institutions, waterside dining here is a category unto itself. There's nothing quite like a table on the river on a warm San Antonio evening.
• Go to a River Walk Event – The Day of the Dead River Parade honoring the spirit of Día de los Muertos. St. Patrick's Day, when the river runs green. Artisan shows, holiday lights, Pride celebrations. The calendar is packed year-round. Plan your trip around a spectacular river parade.

Things to Do on the River Walk FAQ