River Walk/Paseo Del Rio

(210) 227-4262. Free.

Following the San Antonio River, the 15-mile-long River Walk is below street level and offers meandering walkways that connect to hotels, museums, sidewalk cafes, theaters, and more. You’ll hear mariachis serenading diners and see colorful river taxis carrying guests along the spring-fed river.

Only 5 miles of the walk runs through the heart of the city. From there, the Mission Reach section extends 8 miles from Lone Star Boulevard to the last of the missions--Mission Espada. This stretch features aquatic life, 15 miles of recreational trails, picnic and seating areas, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and access to four Spanish colonial missions. Another stretch in the Pearl connects to the San Antonio Museum of Art.

River Walk in San Antonio, Texas

colorful restaurant on River Walk in San Antonio, Texas

River cruise

$12, 60+ $9, 1-5 $6.

Flat-bottomed river boats leave regularly from several spots along the busiest part of the river. This relaxing half-hour narrated river cruise is the perfect way to get the lay of the downtown land and to check out waterside restaurants and bars.