River Walk (El Paseo del Rio)

Mariachi musician at a cafe

Lined with colorful cafés, the beautiful Paseo del Rio, or River Walk, is the most visited place in San Antonio and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. The central area is vibrant, with mariachi bands playing and tourist-filled barges motoring down the river. Located 20 ft (6 m) below street level, the River Walk feels like a world apart, with picturesque footbridges and fountains lining the walkway as it passes by some of the city’s most prominent hotels and clubs.

Top 10 Features

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Boat Cruise on the River

A boat cruise is one of the best ways to experience the River Walk. The tour motors gently past the bustling cafés while the guide explains the history of the River Walk.

Aztec Theatre

This magnificent silent movie theater has been restored to its 1920s grandeur, with sculptures, murals, and the two-story chandelier restored.

The Worm

This jazz venue for about 50 years, changed hands in 2012. The Worm offers an outdoor seating area and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, accompanied by Texas country music.

Arneson River Theatre

In this intimate open-air theater the river flows serenely between audience and stage. Walk up the mosaic steps to La Villita.

Statue of Saint Anthony

This bronze statue of San Antonio’s patron saint, by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, was presented to the city by the Portuguese government at the 1968 HemisFair.

Bowen’s Island

This beautifully landscaped section of the River Walk is quiet, offering public benches in shaded spots. Originally a low-lying peninsula owned by the Canary Islanders who settled in San Antonio, it became a farm in 1845.

Convention Center and HemisFair Park

The H.B. González Convention Center on the River Walk Extension was built for the 1968 HemisFair. Behind the center, glass-walled elevators rise 500 ft (152 m) to the Tower of the Americas’ observation deck.

Restaurants and Cafés

Dozens of fine restaurants and cafés line the River Walk, many offering riverside dining as well. Casa Rio Mexican Restaurant, is the oldest restaurant here, dating from 1946.

Rivercenter Mall

With 70 stores, an IMAX theater, and the Rivercenter Comedy Club, this huge mall is also one of the few places on the River Walk with several chain eateries and an excellent food court.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

This stunning 1929 Art Deco building once held the Carnegie Library. Galleries exhibiting Western art and artifacts are housed in the former library and the pavilion building (For further details see Briscoe Western Art Museum)

Tip: Parking is most convenient at the Rivercenter Mall, but if you are parking for most of the day the small parking lots north of the Alamo are less expensive.

Tip: Casa Rio serves great Mexican food at the river’s edge.

River Walk History

In 1921, a devastating flood killed many people in the downtown area. A flood control system was installed to protect the river bend. Robert H. H. Hugman proposed a walkway along the river and the River Walk was completed in 1941. Having fallen into disrepair, the walk was revamped in time for the HemisFair in 1968. Anticipating big crowds, new businesses opened, which regenerated the area.

Visitor Information

210 227 4262
Dis. access is good, but not complete
www.sanantonioriverwalk.com

River Boat Cruises
210 244 5700

Aztec Theatre
210 481 1200

The Worm
210 354 1418

Arneson River Theatre
210 207 8610

Rivercenter Mall
210 225 0000

Tower of the Americas
210 223 3101