Walk the Walk in San Antonio

A Guide to the Best Attractions along San Antonio’s River Walk

Tucked between downtown San Antonio and its eponymous river, the five-mile San Antonio River Walk is certainly Texas’ longest attraction.

Bars, restaurants and shops dot the banks of the San Antonio River; the Walk links many of the city’s prime tourist landmarks.

One such landmark is Pearl Brewery, which while no longer brewing beer, is now home to several cool boutiques; another is Aztec Theater, home of the famous San Antonio Rose Show, which showcases classic country music.

This picturesque promenade is getting even prettier, thanks to the San Antonio River Improvements Project, which includes over $350 million in environmental and economic restoration.

There’s so much to experience along the San Antonio River Walk that newcomers might wonder where to start! We asked the Marketing Director at the nearby Menger Hotel to provide a few tips on the best places for shopping, eating and drinking.

Holiday Events

If you’re lucky enough to visit San Antonio in the days leading up to Christmas, you’re in for a treat. During the holidays, the River Walk is illuminated by well over a million LED lights, which line the bridges and snake up into the trees along the Walk.

San Antonio’s party spirit doesn’t fade after the New Year. The yearly River Walk Mud Festival takes place in early January (its name is due to the river being drained at that time; various events related to the festival help raise money for charity). The Stock Show and Rodeo is in February; while Luminaria, a celebration of San Antonio art and artists, is in March. Fiesta San Antonio is April’s biggest event, with parties, festivals, food tasting, parades, art fairs and much more.

Restaurants

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic rendezvous or a fun family feast, the River Walk has you covered.

Boudro’s is the perfect choice for a cozy bistro-style dinner, heavy on surf and turf with a Tex-Mex flair. Boudro’s wine list is among the best on the city. The restaurant also offers dinner cruises for large groups on its river barges; inquire at the hostess stand for details.
Bella On The River serves Mediterranean food and made-to-order Sangria. Live Jazz at the restaurant’s piano bar provides a festive accompaniment to your meal.
The Fig Tree Restaurant has been the pinnacle of River Walk fine dining for 40 years. If you’re looking for linen tablecloths, elegant menu options (think chilled lobster and bananas foster) and a stunning villa setting, Fig Tree is your place.

Acenar offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in a modern, hip environment. Diners rave about the guacamole and enchiladas; the restaurant’s bar is packed with patrons sipping fresh-squeezed margaritas.
La Gloria Ice House is as authentic as it gets. Situated near the aforementioned Pearl Brewery, it serves Mexican “street food” – tacos, tortas, quesadillas and more – all prepared on a spectacular handcrafted copper grill.

Bars

Stop for happy hour or settle in for the evening at one of these River Walk favorites.

With a name like Swig Martini Bar, you know it’s going to be fun. And indeed, this Rat-Pack-inspired haunt has been known to, in the words of one happy customer, “turn that frown upside down”. The martini list is epic – everything from the standard dirty to special concoctions involving fruit or chocolate. Cigars are available too.
Ocho Lounge at the Hotel Havana favors tequila and rum in its cocktail recipes, which are billed as “reinvented old school recipes”. Grab a bite from the Latin-infused menu to accompany your drink.
Esquire Tavern can lay double claims to being the oldest bar on the River Walk and having the largest wooden bar top in the entire state. The beer list is large and varied, and the food is simple pub grub, made to perfection.

Clubs and Nightlife

From dancing to live music, the River Walk offers plenty of entertainment options.

Arneson River Theater is an outdoor venue in the artsy La Villita area of the River Walk. Catch an outdoor concert or play here, and watch the barges float by on the river.
Howl at the Moon is known for its featured “dueling pianos” show; this venue’s high-energy atmosphere makes it a favorite for birthday parties and other group events.
Acapulco Sam’s is four stories of good old-fashioned dancing to the hits of the 70s through today. Not surprisingly, it’s a favorite spot for birthday and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Barriba Cantina showcases live music almost every night, in addition to tasty Mexican food and fresh, innovative cocktails.

Shopping and Museums

The Rivercenter Mall is home to dozens of stores (including department stores), as well as a movie theater and several eateries. This is your one-stop shop along the River Walk for pretty much any purchase you need to make.
If you’d rather window-shop, check out the many galleries within La Villita, the noted art community along the Walk.
Pearl Brewery’s Adelante Boutique is worth a visit, specializing in funky, Mexican-inspired clothes and jewelry.
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum will delight everyone in your family. A San Antonio landmark for well over 100 years, it features over 500 species of wildlife, including a thousand-pound black marlin.

The Menger Hotel offers Victorian-style accommodations and modern amenities including the elegant Colonial Room Restaurant and Alamo Plaza Spa. Host your meeting or banquet here, and take advantage of the Menger's proximity to many San Antonio attractions.

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