Outdoor Activities San Antonio

Outdoor Activities San Antonio

The outdoor activities San Antonio offers are endless for visitors of all ages. From serene river cruises to thrilling rock climbing adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For boating enthusiasts, Canyon Lake Marinas offers a variety of marinas with boat rentals, fishing charters, and scenic cruises. You can also make your way to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, an iconic granite dome that is a hiker’s paradise, offering challenging trails with breathtaking views.

Perfect for a day of tubing or kayaking, Guadalupe River State Park provides a relaxing escape with crystal-clear waters. For pedestrian-only walkways along the San Antonio River, the River Walk offers a unique and charming experience with shops, restaurants, and boat tours. Of course, you can explore the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country at Cibolo Nature Center, which features hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and educational programs.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Also, check out our posts on Treehouses in San Antonio, Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio, and  Best Patio Restaurants in San Antonio!

Outdoor Activities San Antonio

Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Water Activities

San Antonio Outdoor Activities in Parks

Outdoor San Antonio Activities – Camping

Shopping as an Outdoor Activity in San Antonio

Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Sights to See

Outdoor Activities in San Antonio TX – Water Activities

Elmendorf Lake Park

outdoor activities san antonio

Image credit: San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department

This hidden treasure on the west side of San Antonio features a large lake that makes for a beautiful day outdoors. People may kayak in the lake, play in the jungle gym, and more. There is also a bird sanctuary where ducks can be seen swimming.

Boerne City Lake Park

This park has it all which is why it’s one of the best places to explore outdoor activities San Antonio. It’s the ideal site to spend a summer day, with a fishing pier and a boat dock. You’ll have plenty of areas to set up a picnic or lie in the sun since there’s lots of space and spots.

Medina River

Medina River is a seven-mile-long natural environment area with pathways. This river is ideal for fishing, camping, and even a quick dip. You may even enjoy a picnic under the shade of a huge covered pavilion.

Landa Park

This riverfront park has a lot to offer. It’s a lovely park to visit when the weather is nice, with its 51 acres of enormous oak trees! Check out any of the three playgrounds, the miniature train, or the Comal Springs.

Canyon Lake Marinas

outdoor activities in san antonio tx

Image credit: Canyon Lake Marina

With its gentle waters and various outdoor activities in San Antonio TX, choose from hiking to camping, renting out a boat, and even checking out the striped bass here!

Brackenridge Park

One of the greatest spots to fish and enjoy other San Antonio outdoor activities is Brackenridge, conveniently located near downtown. There are always events here like yoga, concerts, and Family Fishing Day, so stay updated with their socials!

Aquatica

outdoor activities san antonio

Image credit: Aquatica San Antonio

Visitors at Aquatica may cool down by sliding near stingrays, experiencing the adrenaline of water slides, and relaxing on beaches. This is one of the San Antonio outdoor activities, that has a heart-pounding water slide that incorporates enclosed aqualung tubes!

  • Cost: $7.99 – $32.99
  • Best For: Families, Friends, Children
  • Where: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • Hours: Monday – Friday CLOSED | Saturday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort has a 5-acre waterpark with a lazy river, golf course, pool, and hot tubs.

Pearsall Park

This is San Antonio’s largest splash pad and one of the coolest places to enjoy outdoor activities in San Antonio! Picnic tables, a new playground, a skate park, and magnificent vistas beyond the playground are all near the splash pad.

Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Parks

Mcallister Park

Not sure what outdoor activities San Antonio TX are pet-friendly? There are several hiking and bike paths in this park. It’s a dog-friendly walking track since it’s one of the less mountainous climbs. If your canine companion becomes thirsty, there is a covered dog park with water for them to drink.

Eisenhower State Park

san antonio outdoor activities

Image credit: Eisenhower State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Eisenhower is a popular choice among locals when they think about the different outdoor San Antonio activities to do. The hiking paths, which range from simple to challenging, will have you working up a sweat. If you have any breath left, there is a viewpoint at the summit where you’ll get a beautiful view.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and under) | $5 per person
  • Best For: Families, Friends, Children
  • Where: 50 Park Rd 20, Denison, TX 75020
  • Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Speaking of overlooks, this park in Fredericksburg has gorgeous views and cool hiking spots around. The scenery is so beautiful, you’ll be enchanted by one of the best outdoor activities San Antonio has to offer.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

This creek in the middle of the city has been carefully landscaped, making it one of the most interesting outdoor San Antonio activities. You can take a stroll or see if you can hop across the stones to the other side. Local artists have created murals, tiled benches, and more just for you.

Camanche Lookout Park

All roads lead to… the lookout? This park has an abundance of trails, trees, an amphitheater, and a lookout from the Colonial period. You can’t go up to the top but the area has a pretty high elevation- in some spots, you can see for miles.

Hemisfair Park

One of San Antonio’s favorite public hang-out spots, this park has free workouts, children’s programming, nearby shopping, and delicious eats. Put this on your list of places to for outdoor activities San Antonio.

San Antonio Outdoor Activities – Camping

Hill Country State Natural Area

In the country’s Cowboy Capital, Bandera, TX, this natural area spans over 5,000 acres featuring canyons, creeks, and plateaus. It’s also a fantastic location for equestrian riders.

Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe State Park, located in Spring Branch, is ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and tubing. There are also more than 13 kilometers of hiking and bike trails making it easy to do different outdoor activities in San Antonio TX.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

outdoor san antonio activities

Image credit: Lost Maples State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool is a fantastic summertime getaway as well as a great fall foliage attraction. There’s lots of shade, water fun, wildflowers, and more at this park on the Sabinal River.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $6 per adult
  • Best For: Friends, Solo, Couples
  • Where: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
  • Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Shopping

Southtown

This is the art capital of the city. Here, you’ll find galleries, museums, pubs, food truck parks, B&Bs, and a whole bunch of history. Be sure to check out the sidewalk chalk artists, it’s one of the outdoor San Antonio activities you can’t miss out on!

The River Walk 

Tourists flock to the River Walk all the time but locals know what’s up– get a ride there, then walk around! Besides getting in your steps, the people-watching, shopping, and events there are so many outdoor activities San Antonio visitors can find here.

  • Cost: Varies
  • Best For: Families, Friends, Solo, Children
  • Where: San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Hours: Daily 24/7

Pearl Farmers Market

outdoor activities san antonio

Image credit: Pearl Markets – San Antonio, TX

Discover the vibrant Pearl Farmers Market, a local gem in San Antonio, Texas. This bustling market offers a delightful array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music.

Historic Market Square

If flea markets are your scene, San Antonio has plenty of them because they’re some of the best outdoor activities San Antonio has. The Historic Market Square alone has a ton of boutiques and contemporary shopping spots. You don’t want to miss the free events they have all year round!

Outdoor Activities San Antonio TX – Sights to See

San Antonio Zoo

Although it may not seem so from the entrance, the Zoo is 56 acres in size and home to 750 different species! There are signs placed around the Zoo to help regular or new visitors navigate the Zoo. Strollers and wheelchairs may also use the ramps at the Zoo.

SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio is a 250-acre marine mammal park in the city. It also functions as an animal theme park and an oceanarium. There are roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions in the park making it one of the best outdoor activities San Antonio has to offer.

  • Cost: $7.99 – $34.44
  • Best For: Families, Friends, Children
  • Where: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 10:30 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Cibolo Nature Center

Here, you can go birding, listen to a book reading, learn about composting, or attend a farmers market. Check out their other outdoor activities San Antonio visitors and locals can enjoy by following their socials!

San Antonio Botanical Garden

This garden is dedicated to keeping nature alive. You’ll be wowed by the cherry blossoms, ready to run through the open fields and picnic near the flowers.

  • Cost: FREE for children (2 years old or younger) | $13 – $15 per child (3 years old – 13 years old) | $18 – $22 per adult
  • Best For: Families, Friends, Solo
  • Where: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
  • Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

There’s no better way to spend the day than learning about our culture and history. Visit the numerous historical missions and preserved buildings- you get to see more than just the Alamo with these San Antonio outdoor activities. Bring a picnic and plenty of water- you could spend the day here!

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Emma B
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