Best of 21 outdoor activities in San Antonio
Outdoor activities in San Antonio provide numerous opportunities to enjoy the city's natural beauty. From scenic walks to bike rides, there's something for every nature enthusiast. Discover the top 5 locations including San Antonio Botanical Garden, McAllister Park, San Antonio River Walk, Brackenridge Park, and Hemisfair, where you can escape the urban landscape and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
- 1. San Antonio Botanical Garden
- 2. LiggettVille Adventure Center - San Antonio
- 3. Mission Adventure Tours
- 4. Hemisfair
- 5. Morgan's Wonderland
- 6. Every Day Adventures Co.
- 7. The Amazing Mirror Maze
- 8. River City Run
- 9. Brackenridge Park
- 10. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
- 11. Outdoor Classroom In Comanche Lookout
- 12. Pearsall Park- Adventure Course
- 13. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- 14. San Antonio River Walk
- 15. McAllister Park
- 16. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
- 17. Confluence Park
- 18. Comanche Lookout Park
- 19. San Pedro Creek Culture Park
- 20. Stone sculpture garden
- 21. Civic Park at Hemisfair
1. San Antonio Botanical Garden
Features a conservatory with tropical plants and a popular children's vegetable garden

The garden offers a stunning array of beauty that changes with the seasons, showcasing a variety of colors and textures in the plant world. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant hues and fragrances of the Rose Garden, which is a popular attraction for many. Another must-see feature is the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, where tropical plants and flowers thrive in a carefully controlled environment.
Beyond these highlights, the garden boasts a diverse collection of plant life, each with their own unique charm and beauty. The peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings make it an ideal location for a relaxing day out, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Visitors are sure to appreciate the ever-changing beauty of the garden, making it a destination worth visiting again and again.
2. LiggettVille Adventure Center - San Antonio
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, providing both adventure and convenience

San Antonio, Texas is a hub of outdoor activities that cater to adventure-seekers of all ages. From local to international waters, SEA LIFE San Antonio offers a unique and educational experience that showcases a variety of underwater creatures. This all-new aquarium, located in downtown San Antonio, is a fun and family-friendly attraction that is sure to amaze and educate visitors about the beauty of our oceans.
If you're looking for things to do outside of San Antonio, there are plenty of options to choose from. This vibrant city is the perfect starting point for a range of outdoor adventures that are sure to get your heart racing. From exploring the amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE San Antonio to discovering all the other exciting activities the city has to offer, there's something for everyone in this Texas gem.
3. Mission Adventure Tours
Unique and thrilling experiences in breathtaking locations

Take the opportunity to kayak on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, if you get the chance. Mission Kayak Go Rio provides guided tours on tandem kayaks along the river. The city may not allow kayak tours for much longer, so it's worth doing soon.
Mission Adventure Tours offers various guided and self-guided tour options around the San Antonio Missions. There are three guided bike tour options along the Mission Reach Trail. In addition to bike tours, the company also provides guided walking tours, as well as kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) rentals.
4. Hemisfair
Revitalized urban park in the heart of San Antonio

Enjoy outdoor movies and live music events, suitable for all ages. Participate in fun games such as Mega Chess. The park features colorful mosaics, sculptures, and a unique arched pergola, perfect for families to explore. At night, the park is beautifully lit, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
This vibrant park offers various activities and amenities. During the day, visitors can enjoy outdoor movies and live music, and participate in games like Mega Chess. The park's unique and colorful design, including mosaics, sculptures, and a distinctive arched pergola, create a visually stimulating environment. Families can enjoy the park during the day and appreciate its beauty at night when it's lit up.
5. Morgan's Wonderland
A unique and empowering theme park experience for all, especially catering to individuals with special needs

Morgan's Wonderland and Inspiration Island were incredible places to visit for a family adventure. The park catered to all ages, with rides and attractions that were enjoyable for everyone. Our family, including four children under the age of 8, felt welcome and included during our visit. The park's inclusive atmosphere was a refreshing change, as our neurodivergent children felt comfortable stimming, pacing, and running freely without any judgment or mean looks from others.
The conference building at Morgan's Wonderland was perfect for our rare disease family conference. The attached gymnasium provided a great space for kids to cool off from the heat and engage in indoor activities. The sensory village area offered a nice break from the heat, with a variety of indoor activities that catered to different sensory needs. Our group also spent a day at Inspiration Island, where the water activities were a hit. The park's inclusive and welcoming atmosphere made it the ideal location for our conference, and we look forward to returning in the future.
6. Every Day Adventures Co.

7. The Amazing Mirror Maze
Features a vortex tunnel that creates an illusion of swirling

If you're looking for a fantastic family fun destination, the mirror maze and the outdoor activities near it are not to be missed. Located near Alamo Plaza, this spot is perfect for a day out with kids.
The mirror maze is an absolute blast, providing entertainment for both kids and adults. Once you've explored the maze, there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding area. From Alamo Plaza, visitors can take advantage of the many attractions that the plaza has to offer, making this a well-rounded and enjoyable destination for families.
8. River City Run

9. Brackenridge Park
Spanning over 343 acres, it's home to numerous historic sites and natural attractions

The 343-acre riverside park is a beautiful and spacious place to visit, offering a variety of activities and sights for visitors. While there is no off-leash area for dogs, it still makes for a great walk for pets. The park features approximately 3 miles of walking trails, public art displays, and open fields for softball and other recreational activities.
In addition to its walking trails and recreational spaces, the park also boasts a municipal golf course, concessions for food and drinks, and several notable sights. These include the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Antonio Zoo, which add to the park's appeal as a destination for both locals and tourists. Overall, the park is a wonderful and scenic place to enjoy a picnic, a walk, or a day out with the family.
10. Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
Historic site with cultural significance

Yanaguana Garden, located at Hemisfair, is a wonderful destination for outdoor activities, offering a range of events that promote community bonding, from live music concerts to yoga sessions on the lawn. Open to the public since 2015, this beautifully landscaped outdoor space caters to kids and adults of all ages and abilities.
The Sand Play area and Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad are popular attractions for children, providing them with endless fun and a way to cool off. Adults can enjoy some friendly competition in the shade while playing ping pong or cornhole, or simply relax with drinks in hand.
11. Outdoor Classroom In Comanche Lookout

12. Pearsall Park- Adventure Course

13. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Four of the five missions are still active Catholic parishes today

The park provides a range of outdoor activities for visitors, such as hiking and biking. A notable option is the Mission Reach Trail, which boasts beautiful scenery and well-kept maintenance.
A highlight of our visit was the self-guided historical missions electric bike tour. This tour offered an enjoyable and distinctive method to explore the missions while learning about their historical significance.
14. San Antonio River Walk
Historic riverfront area with a rich cultural heritage and diverse range of attractions

The first location is an indoor LEGO playground situated near the Alamo and River Walk, two of the most well-known landmarks in Texas. This attraction is a must-visit for both LEGO enthusiasts and families looking for a fun and educational activity. The playground offers a variety of interactive and hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to build and create their own LEGO structures. Additionally, the playground features a variety of pre-built models and displays that showcase the endless possibilities of LEGO bricks.
15. McAllister Park
An urban oasis for outdoor activities and family gatherings

McAllister Park is a nature lover's paradise, featuring numerous trails and picturesque picnic spots. It is particularly well-regarded for its outdoor activities, including bike riding, due to its excellent trails which are considered the best in the city.
As a lover of outdoor exercises like biking and running, McAllister Park is my personal favorite in SA. It boasts an impressive network of dirt trails that cater to varying levels of difficulty, all while being shaded by a generous canopy of trees.
16. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Designated Important Bird Area by National Audubon Society

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center offers a variety of activities for individuals to connect with nature. Visitors can explore the center's seven miles of trails, take in the beauty of the native gardens, and observe hummingbirds and pollinators. For bird enthusiasts, the center is a prime location for birding and bird photography, with several man-made marshes and various habitats that attract a wide range of bird species.
The road leading to the lakes is paved for the first mile, with an initial pavilion located at this point. If there has been no rain in the past week, visitors can continue on the dirt road to reach the lakes. The center is known for being one of the best birding and bird photography locations in South Texas, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
17. Confluence Park
Historic site with a rich cultural background and picturesque landscape

Confluence Park is an ideal destination for those who love outdoor activities. It offers a variety of recreational options, such as biking and hiking, making it a perfect place for nature enthusiasts. In addition to these activities, Confluence Park also provides opportunities for wildlife watching.
The park's offerings go beyond recreation, with educational programs available for visitors. For those looking to give back to the community, there are also volunteer opportunities. Overall, Confluence Park is a great place to enjoy nature, learn something new, and get involved in the local community.
18. Comanche Lookout Park
Historic site with a rich cultural background and a stunning observation tower

A walk in a natural setting offers the opportunity to explore easy trails with some elevation changes, approximately 200 feet, making it possible for people of various fitness levels to enjoy the experience. These trails are ADA compliant, wide, and paved with concrete, featuring switchbacks to minimize the impact of the grade. The tower serves as the main destination, and not far beyond, there is a lookout point with stunning views of San Antonio.
The paths cater to a range of terrain preferences and offer a pleasant elevation rise, allowing hikers to challenge themselves or take it easy. The lookout loop provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. The cleanliness of the trails enhances the overall experience, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the setting.
19. San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Revitalization project connecting history, culture, and nature

San Pedro Creek Culture Park is an excellent destination for outdoor activities, featuring well-designed walkways suitable for a leisurely stroll. The park's art installations, created by local artists, provide a unique and interesting aspect to the whole experience. This creek, located in the heart of San Antonio, has been thoughtfully landscaped, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and even try to hop across the stones to the other side.
Art plays a significant role in the park's appeal, with murals and tiled benches enhancing its beauty. The local artists have made a valuable contribution to the park's charm and character, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate local culture.
20. Stone sculpture garden

21. Civic Park at Hemisfair
