Riverwalk & Riverwalk Mall, San Antonio

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UPDATE: Celebrating New Year's with our family from Chile was alot of fun. Naturally, we had to sample the river cruise, so a few of us took to the water. (picture 2).

One can't visit San Antonio without noticing boat after boat floating up the narrow river channel alongside the River Walk. We couldn't wait to take a ride!

We had been eyeing the boats all afternoon, but they weren't covered and the hot, hot sun just beat down mercilessly. That evening, we stood in a quickly moving line and had the pleasure of a meandering ride on the San Antonio river. We eased our way along the River Walk, passing colorful restaurants and shops as tourists wandered along the walkway beside us. Our guide made humorous remarks during his time with us while handing out tidbits of information about this historic town.

Rio San Antonio Cruises offer a 30-35 guided tour departing every 15-20 minutes. The charge for adults is $6.50; children 1-5 $1.50. I believe we caught it near the Hilton Hotel.

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The Riverwalk is truly the heart of San Antonio. It takes a bit of imagination to realize that this stretch of river and walkway, lined with restaurants, shops, apartments, hotels and parks - and always busy with people having a good time - had its inception in a devastating flood that caused the death of 50 people.

From the earliest days the river was the region's main thoroughfare, used by everyone living in the area. Even then it was prone to flooding but, thanks to the ingenuity of the flood control works put in place during the 1940s, the city has been spared any further disasters and today most of the people enjoying themselves along the Riverwalk probably have no idea of the real purpose behind it.

Boat cruises operate along the river all day and into the night. They're quite short - only 35-40 minutes but you get a commentary and the view of the buildings lining the river is very attractive from water level. Check the website here for details of price, times, etc.

There are plans currently afoot to extend the Riverwalk for at least another two miles through the city.

This was originally made in an effort to control downtown flooding. It has turned out to be one of the prime tourist draws of the city. It's mostly restaurants and night clubs, but a portion runs past the River Center Shopping Mall as well. Some sections are are not heavily frequented so just be aware of where you're walking, especially if you're alone at night. You can pay to take a barge ride around the area, and dinner cruises are offered as well. The ticket booth is opposite the Hilton "Palacio del Rio" hotel.

To me these tours are always fun and educational. I do not care how many maps or information you may find about your current travel destination, local tours are usually the best because they are filled with fun facts and some facts only locals will really know. So make a point to take a tour and have some fun. I enjoyed it because of the information and was able to click off some neat photographs also!

Welcome to the River Tours!
Rio San Antonio Cruises River Tours and Rio Trans Taxi Services are available daily.

Individual fares are:
$6.50 - Adult
$4.50 - Bexar County Residents
$1.50 - Children (1-5 years)
$4.50 - Senior Citizens (60 & older) & Military

All prices are tax inclusive. Discount prices require picture ID.
Group rates are available. We offer a 10% discount on tickets purchased in bulks of 25. This rate is not available at our ticket booth. When requesting tickets through our online Ticket Form, you'll receive information about group rate discounts if the number of tickets you request qualifies for a group rate.
Hours of Operation »
Open Daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Most everyone that visits San Antonio wants to go see the riverwalk.

You can walk on both sides of the river. The sidewalks are lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels.

A marvel of nature and inguinity, it has inspired and enriched the lives of its neighbors as well as its visitors for centuries.

It gets very crowded on week-ends plus it is hot and humid down below street level.

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Known as Americas Venice, the River is one of San Antonio’s crowning jewels of Texas. It served the missionaries that arrived here in 1691 and it still serves San Antonio with its beauty and entertainment. This two and half mile stretch of flanking cobblestone walk ways, romantic arches bridges that calming emeralds waters that are a natural serene backdrop painting for restaurants, clubs, hotels, boutiques, and theatres that line the river. At night, the sounds of music and laughter can still be heard and provide couples a romantic path to stroll along all awhile enjoying the beauty of the evening.

LOL, ok enough of my poetic description, but I enjoyed the Riverwalk for its historical value and beauty. I made a point to eat at a restaurant along the Riverwalk and thoroughly enjoyed the meal and atmosphere. I loved doing all the lookie-looing I could do. Loved it!

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The Riverwalk is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio and walking along the river you can easily understand why it has become so famous. Both sides of the river are filled with historic buildings, restaurants and shops, and the beautiful walkways are shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants.

A pretty unique spot along the Paseo del Rio is "Marriage Island", located across from the CPS building. It is very tiny and it might seem like a weird spot for a wedding, but legend has it that couples who get married there stay together forever.

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To me famous San Antonio Riverwalk was just like taking a nice walk along the town's area that is bordering the San Antonio River. But yes, there one can indeed find out how San Antonio is a romantic, never-ending celebration.

From the waters of the San Antonio River spring forth a vibrant city rich in over three centuries of tradition. According to legend, a Spanish missionary traveling through Texas came upon a tribe of Payaya Indians who lived among the wild grapes and Cypress Trees upon the banks of a sparkling oasis. The oasis they had found was named Rio Saint Antonio de Padua, from whence The San Antonio River derives its name.

http://www.alamocity.com/riverwalk/

Cruises on the Rio San Antonio start at the Rivercenter Mall and take you on a 40 min tour of the River Walk area. Along the way, your guide will give you lots of information about the history of the city and things to do along the River Walk so although it might not be the most exciting thing you get to do on your trip, it's still a pretty good way to kick off your visit to San Antonio.

one way to see the river walk is to take a boat tour on the san antonio river. the boat captain will point out the sights and history of downtown san antonio. you can board the boats at crockett & navarro streets, market street between presa and alamo streets, and at commerce street at the rivercenter mall.