Best Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Image Credit: Hill Country State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook Page
Are you ready for the great outdoors? There are so many fun things you can do outside in San Antonio. You can lounge in the gardens, sweat in the park- and a WHOLE lot more! Don’t worry about trying to find free and cheap things to do outdoors in San Antonio. We’ve checked out them all and we’re sure you’ll love the list.
Read more below for our list of the Best Free and Cheap Things to do Outside in San Antonio:
Best Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Lakes
Are pool days becoming boring? Then why not spice it up by going to one of San Antonio’s many lovely lakes for some outdoor activities.
Image courtesy: City of San Antonio
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.
Hours of Operation: 5 am – 11 pm
Where: 3700 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207, United States
Boerne City Lake Park
This park has it all. It’s the ideal site to spend a summer day, with a fishing pier and a boat dock. You’ll have plenty of area to set up a picnic or lie out in the sun since there’s lots of space and spots.
Timings: Mon – Sat: 5 am – 10 pm
Location: 21 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd, Boerne, TX 78006, United States
Medina River
Image courtesy: Trip Advisor
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.
Where: 15890 State Highway 16 S, San Antonio, TX 78264
Check out the 10 Best Lakes in and Around San Antonio if you’re looking for more places to enjoy nature.
Outdoor Things to do in San Antonio – Hiking Trails
Hiking is a fun and inexpensive activity that you can enjoy alone, with friends (including furry ones) and family!!! Luckily, there are some great options and hike trails in the San Antonio area. Check out some of our recommendations below.
Mcallister Park
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.
Hours of Operation: 5 am – 11 pm
Location: 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, United States
Eisenhower Park
Image Courtesy: sanantonio.gov
Eisenhower is a popular choice among locals. 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 may get a beautiful view.
Timings: 7 am – 9 pm
Where: 19399 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78257, United States
Comanche Lookout Park
This is one of the most pet-friendly hiking pathways. And, despite its diminutive size, it is San Antonio’s fourth-highest point, making the view from the summit noteworthy.
Hours of Operation: 5 am – 7:15 pm
Location: 15551 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, United States
Looking for more outdoor hiking trails? Check out the Best places to Hike in San Antonio.
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Fishing Spots
Have you ever wanted to go fishing in San Antonio but didn’t know where to start? There are lots of parks, ponds, and other places to visit!
Landa Park
Image courtesy: 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! You can only fish if you use a standard rod since there will be no disturbances.
Timings: 6 am – 12 am
Where: 164 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Canyon Lake Marinas
Canyon Lake’s waters include salt, which attracts a wide variety of fish. You’ll want to come back here every time you go fishing because of the amazing view of the waves and sunset.
Hours of Operation: 9 am – 5 pm
Location: 280 Marina, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, United States
Brackenridge Park
One of the greatest spots to fish in San Antonio is Brackenridge, which is conveniently located close to downtown. This municipal pond is stocked with channel catfish as part of the Neighbor Fishin’ program.
Image courtesy: Brackenridge Park
Timings: 5 am – 11 pm
Where: 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
If you’re looking for more fishing spots, check out the Best places for fishing in San Antonio.
Best Outdoor Events in San Antonio – Water Activities
Looking to cool down this summer by getting into the pool? Fortunately, there are several excellent water parks, splash pads, and pools in the San Antonio area.
Aquatica
Visitors at Aquatica may cool down by sliding near to stingrays, experiencing the adrenaline of water slides, and relaxing on beaches. The first of its type in Texas, this heart-pounding water slide incorporates totally enclosed aqualung tubes that give an exciting sight and sound experience.
Where: 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
Image Courtesy: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa Facebook Page
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort has a 5-acre waterpark with a Ramblin’ River, a 22-foot water drop, and the FlowRider wave coaster, which is a thrill–seeker’s dream.
Location: 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Pearsall Park
This is San Antonio’s largest splash pad! Picnic tables, a new playground, a skate park, and magnificent vistas beyond the playground are all close to the splash pad, as are clean, modern restroom and changing room facilities.
Timings: 6 am – 11 pm
Where: 4838 Old Pearsall Rd, San Antonio, TX 78242, United States
Looking for more water parks, splash pads & pools? Check out the best water parks in and around San Antonio.
Outdoor Activities in San Antonio – Camping
At state parks, overnight camping is permissible, and it may be the most convenient way to vacation while maintaining social distance. Below are some of the greatest camp sites in San Antonio:
Hill Country State Natural Area
Image Courtesy: Hill Country State Natural Area – Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook Page
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.
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Location: 10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003, United States
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.
Hours of Operation: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070, United States
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Image Courtesy: 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.
Timings: 8 am – 10 pm
Location: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, United States
Check out our list of the Best Overnight Camping Places in San Antonio if you’re looking for more state parks for camping.
Other Things to do Outside in San Antonio
Still can’t seem to discover the perfect outdoor activity in San Antonio? Here’s another list of things you can do if you want to go out and have a great time.
San Antonio Zoo
Image courtesy: 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. Check out our detailed Guide to Visiting the San Antonio Zoo
Hours of Operation: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio is a 250-acre marine mammal park in the city of San Antonio. It also functions as an animal theme park and an oceanarium. There are roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions in the park. You can enhance your SeaWorld experience by checking out our 5 San Antonio SeaWorld Upgrades That Can Take Your Adventure to the Next Level!
Timings: Thurs, Fri & Sun: 10:30 am – 6 pm | Sat: 10:30 am – 9 pm
Location: 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Tickets: Save big on admission to Sea World
What are your favorite things to do outside in San Antonio? Tell us in the comments:
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