Outdoor Activities
Cycling
Cycling in San Antonio
The best biking routes are along the river on the Mission Trail, and in urban parks such as Brackenridge Park. The San Antonio Wheelmen offers weekend rides into the Texas Hill Country.
Golfing
Golfing greens
Many of the 50-plus golf courses in San Antonio are open to the public. Choices include Brackenridge and the Quarry Golf Club, with shots across limestone chasms. Contact the city’s Visitors Center for information.
- 800 447 3372
- www.visitsanantonio.com
Fishing
Fishing spots are near the city, such as Calaveras Lake southeast of town, Canyon Lake north of New Braunfels, and Medina Lake south of Bandera. For surf-fishing, head to Padre Island National Seashore. Fishing licenses are required for all non-residents.
Swimming
Most hotels have pools, but you can also go to the Parks and Recreation Department pools in summer. For year-round swimming there is the Aquatic Center at Palo Alto College.
- Parks & Recreation Dept
- 210 207 8480
- Aquatic Center
- 210 486 3000
River Sports
Tubing on a Hill Country river on a summer’s day is a great pastime. From Guadalupe River State Park, go down the river as it winds under limestone bluffs, or head to Garner State Park and tube beneath the cypress trees bordering the River Frio.
- Guadalupe River S Park
- 830 438 2656
- Garner S Park
- 830 232 6132
Hiking
Hiking is a favorite pastime in the hills northwest of the city. Friedrich Wilderness Park is close to town. The hike to the granite rock at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers panoramic views.
Tennis
One of the best public tennis facilities in the US, McFarlin Tennis Center, is in San Pedro Park. Reservations are required. The Parks and Recreation Department also manages 140 courts throughout the city.
- McFarlin Tennis Center
- 1503 San Pedro Avenue
- 210 207 5357
Hockey
The official practice facility for the Rampage, San Antonio’s American Hockey League team, is open to the public. Northwoods Ice Center has two ice-sheets, a pro-shop, and restaurant.
- Northwoods Ice Center
- 210 490 9550
- www.northwoodsice.net
Bird-Watching
The San Antonio Audubon Society lists 25 birding spots on their website, including Friedrich Wilderness Park and Brackenridge Park. The Texas Coastal Birding Trail tour maps link over 300 birding sites.
WaterParks
San Antonians love to get wet, and with four huge waterparks, this is easy. At SeaWorld, the Aquatica waterpark offers thrilling slides, while Six Flags Fiesta offers a Texas shaped pool. Splashtown and Schlitterbahn have many exhilarating slides.
Top 10 Spectator Sports
Football
Texas Longhorns play from August to November.
- Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium
- 512 471 3333
Baseball
Minor league San Antonio Missions play from April to September.
- Nelson Wolff Stadium
- 210 675 7275
Basketball
The San Antonio Spurs play at the AT&T Center.
- 210 444 5050
Collegiate Sports
Four colleges have championship teams such as soccer, baseball, and tennis.
Golf Tournaments
The Valero Texas Open and the AT&T Championship are held at TPC San Antonio.
- 23808 Resort Parkway
- 210 491 5800
- www.tpcsanantonio.com
Soccer
The San Antonio Scorpions made their debut in the North American Soccer League in 2012.
- 201 495 8686
Horse Racing
At Retama Park from late April through early November.
- 210 651 7000
Ice Hockey
The San Antonio Rampage plays at the AT&T Center from October to April.
- 210 444 5554
Rodeo
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a highlight, and rodeos are held near Bandera.
Running/Marathons
Each fall, runners attend the YMCA sponsored marathon.