Outdoor activities San Antonio – over 25 fun things to do outside & adventures near you
Are you ready to soak up the sun and embrace the great outdoors in San Antonio? Look no further! This vibrant city in the heart of Texas offers a variety of outdoor activities in San Antonio that can make adventure-seekers of all ages happy — and we have the list of things to do outside San Antonio to help you decide on your next San Antonio adventures!
Pack your sunscreen and get ready to explore the many outdoor things to do in San Antonio. The blend of urban charm and natural beauty of the city truly makes it the perfect destination for your outdoor activities in Texas. From leisurely river walks to thrilling underground adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, check out our list of outdoor activities San Antonio and plan your next adventure!
Editor’s Note: Our staff tries their best to bring you the latest and up-to-date information. However, as always, please call ahead to confirm.
Also check out our posts on San Antonio Water Park, Splash Pad, Hotel Resort, and Playground Pool, Free Museum Days San Antonio 2023, Summer Camps San Antonio 2023, & Best Bakeries in San Antonio!
Deal Alert: Save Big on San Antonio Area Attractions with POGO Pass
The Standard South Central Texas Pogo Pass (San Antonio/Austin/Waco) provides admissions to 35 different entertainment venues in the San Antonio, Austin and Waco area.
Perfect for families, the Pogo Pass gives both adult and child pass-holders 50+ visits to some of the best things to do that San Antonio, Austin and Waco have to offer. The Pogo Pass nearly pays for itself with a visit to one or two venues alone!!!
Pass Features the following Attractions in San Antonio
- One visit to the San Antonio Zoo
- One visit to the Witte Museum
- One visit to the Buckhorn Museum
- One visit to Wonder World Park
- One visit to the San Antonio Aquarium
- One visit to Rush Fun Park
- Six tickets to the University of Texas – San Antonio athletic events (multiple sports)
- Two visits to Pump It Up
- Two visits to Monster Mini Golf & Laser Tag for a round of Mini Golf
Check out the POGO pass and SAVE Big on San Antonio Attractions!
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Lakes
Elmendorf Lake Park
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.
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.
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 Activities San Antonio – Hiking Trails
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.
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.
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
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Fishing Spots
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.
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.
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.
Deal Alert – Save Big on 50-Minute Massage, Facial, or Body Treatment at Windflower!
Save Big at Windflower – The Hill Country Spa with this offer. A spa professional will perform services including massages, facials, and pedicures to provide guests with pampered treatments.
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa resides on 300 acres of a family-owned ranch that has been running since 1887. And, amid the Hill Country wildflowers and meadows, its Windflower Spa doesn’t forget its roots.
Save big with this up to 27% discount offer!!!
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Water Activities
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.
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 San Antonio – Camping
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.
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.
Where: 3350 Park Rd 31, Texas 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.
Location: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, United States
Check out the highly-rated San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket
Visit the San Antonio Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals from around the globe. Check out the largest collection of birds in the world; large animals including tigers, hippos, zebras, and elephants; a number of different monkeys; and daily talks by the experts. Ride a train around the beautifully landscaped grounds, or let the kids take a spin on the carousel, which features colorful native Texas animals.
Get more information and book your San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket TODAY!!!
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Parks
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
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.
Location: 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
San Pedro Creek Culture Park
This creek in the middle of San Antonio has been carefully landscaped. 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.
Where: San Pedro Creek Culture Park, 715 Camaron St, San Antonio, TX 78204
Cibolo Nature Center
Image credit: Cibolo Center for Conservation Facebook
Here, you can go birding, listen to a book reading, learn about composting, or attend a farmers market. They have an upcoming outdoor concert series as well as festivals during the Spring!
Where: Cibolo Center for Conservation, 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, TX 78006, United States
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.
Where: Camanche Lookout Park, 15551 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Speaking of overlooks, this park in Fredericksburg has the best views and the best hiking around. The scenery is so beautiful, you’ll be enchanted.
Where: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Image credit: San Antonio Botanical Garden Facebook
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. Admission is just $12 for adults.
Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
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.
Where: Hemisfair, 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Check out the highly-rated Go City: San Antonio Explorer Pass – Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 Attractions
Set your own pace as you go sightseeing with the San Antonio Explorer Pass by Go City, valid for 60 days after your first use. Select two, three, four, or five top attractions, tours, or activities and get incredible savings of up to 45 percent compared to buying individual tickets. Enjoy the freedom to choose and visit popular sites such as the Texas Ranger Museum, San Antonio River Cruise, or Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Get more information and book your Go City: San Antonio Explorer Pass – Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 Attractions TODAY!!!
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Art & Shopping
Southtown
This is the art capital of the city and it deserves the title. Here, you’ll find the Blue Star Art Complex, galleries, museums, pubs, food truck parks, B&Bs, and a whole bunch of history. Be sure to check out the sidewalk chalk artists at Artpace.
Where: Southtown, San Antonio, TX 78210
The River Walk
Image credit: The San Antonio Riverwalk Facebook
Tourists flock to the River Walk all the time but locals know what’s up– ride there, then walk around! Besides getting in your steps, the people-watching, shopping, and events are great.
Where: San Antonio River Walk, 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Farmers’ Markets
There are tons of farmers’ markets in and around San Antonio. Grab a bike and head to the best San Antonio farmers markets near you for fresh produce, locally sourced honey, and handmade art. Or, you can bring your bike with you and explore the main streets in awesome cities near you!
Outdoor Activities San Antonio – Best Attractions
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Image credit: National Park Services
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. Bring a picnic and plenty of water- you could spend the day here, for free!
Where: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
Ride the River
There are dozens of companies you can rent tubes and buy passes from, or you can try to buy your own tubes and enter the river for free! Look up the river rules, pack snacks and drinks, and drench yourself in sunblock. You can ride the river for free or cheap if you know the best tips and tricks. It’s one of the best outdoor activities in San Antonio!
Historic Market Square
Image credit: Historic Market Square
If flea markets are your scene, San Antonio has plenty of them. The Historic Market Square alone has tons of boutiques, antiques, and contemporary shopping spots. You don’t want to miss the free events they have all year long!
Where: Historic Market Square, 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
What are your favorite things to do outside in San Antonio? Tell us in the comments!
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