What’s not to love about the outdoors, assuming the South Texas sun isn’t in full blast mode? Whether you’re seeking a rugged hike, a mountain bike adventure or just want to take a nice stroll to soak up natural surroundings, San Antonio’s parks and greenways offer excellent options to enjoy the Texas landscape.
Here’s a look at some amazing public spaces in and around the Alamo City that can contribute to your fitness, mental health and appreciation of nature.
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Mission Reach
2639 De Sague St., (866) 345-7272, sariverauthority.org
We know the Missions are a popular tourist destination, but this doesn’t make the trails any less worthwhile. With 16 miles of trails, Mission Reach is a great spot for pedestrians and bikers alike. The paved paths and gentle slopes make it perfect for beginners. Stroll around and take in the beautiful views of the historic missions, or if the sun’s getting to you, dip in the paddling trail for canoeing and kayaking.
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Brackenridge Park
3700 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 826-1412, brackenridgepark.org
The one and only Brackenridge Park has been a gathering place for over 12,000 years, and it remains one to this day. The park has paved trails for beginner bikers and off-road opportunities for you adrenaline junkies. Bring your bike, pack a picnic and wander around the rich historic grounds right in the heart of Alamo City.
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Salado Creek Greenway North
Multiple trailhead locations, (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
With 10 points of entry, the northern section of the Salado Creek Greenway makes it easy to get on and off the trail. Connecting to six different parks, you can enjoy your outdoor time across the city. And no matter how long you plan to wander the trails, you can take in the huge pecan trees, cliffs and limestone along the way.
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Pearsall Park
5102 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 207-3047, sa.gov
Pearsall Park is a catch-all. It has wide, open fields to throw a ball with your pup or play frisbee, sports fields to get in that bit of extra practice, and tons of trails to peruse on. Plus, there’s a skate park if you want to drop in and hit quarter pipes. There are over 500 acres to explore in Pearsall, so start walking.
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Cibolo Nature Center
140 City Park Rd, Boerne, (830) 249-4616, cibolo.org
There’s plenty to do at Cibolo Nature Center, and the trails are short enough for you to explore the entire center in a day. Hike through marshes and open meadows, and float through the creek while you take in the gorgeous views or learn about their dinosaur tracks. Plus, the center has events and volunteering opportunities weekly.
Credit: Medina River Greenway sanantonio.gov The Medina River Greenway is about a 3.5-mile trail connecting the Pleasanton Trailhead to Mattox Park, which is located along McAllister Freeway outside of Loop 410 on the South Side. Because it hugs the edge of Mitchell Lake, you can expect to see some cool sights. When the weather is nice, you’ll see seasonal birds, lakeside wildlife and healthy vegetation. This greenway has paved areas, so it’s perfect for someone who prefers paved trails to rough terrain. Photo via Instagram / eandrade_351
Medina River Greenway
Multiple trailheads, (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
The Medina River Greenway has over 17 miles to explore. Stretching from the Medina River Natural Area to Mission Espada, you can take your time strolling through paved trails or race down the switchbacks and steep slopes. Take in the trees dipping over the river, and bring your binoculars during migratory seasons.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / tflaughergalindo
Olmos Basin Greenway
651 Devine Rd., (210) 207-3047, sa.gov
Olmos Basin runs along Olmos Creek and offers two short trails and many different fields for you to get your practice in. The trails are almost entirely shaded, too, giving you relief from the hot Texas sun during the summer, or let’s be real, any time of year.
Credit: Stone Oak Park 20395 Stone Oak Parkway, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov Stone Oak Park is located off of Loop 1604 and can be accessed using the Stone Oak Parkway exit, though there are many ways to get there. The park itself has areas for adults to exercise and for children to play, but for bikers and runners, there are almost three miles of paved trails. The trails are split up into a few main parts, most of which are suitable for almost all types of bikes. Photo via Instagram / sir.david.asher
Stone Oak Park
20395 Stone Oak Parkway, (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
Located off of Loop 1604, Stone Oak Park has areas for everyone. With exercise equipment and an outdoor classroom for the kiddos, you can find a place for your needs at Stone Oak. For runners and bikers, too, there are almost three tiles of paved trails to cycle through.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / Texas Parks & Wildlife
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, (512) 389-4800, tpwd.texas.gov
There’s a reason climbing Enchanted Rock is a Texan rite of passage. Those willing to make the drive and trek up to the top of the rock will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country in addition to Enchanted Rock’s own lovely pink granite. There are trails to nearby rock formations, too, for those extra special views. Just be sure to get a day pass in advance.
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Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa Dr, (210) 207-3780, sa.gov
The seven trails through Friedrich Wilderness Park give you plenty of options to explore the area, and we have to recommend the Main Loop Trail and the Water Trail. All are perfect for serious hikers who want to work their muscles and maybe enjoy a little birdwatching. There’s a reason we’re only saying hikers, though — bikes and other wheeled vehicles are not allowed in the park.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture
Elmendorf Lake Park
3700 W. Commerce St., (210) 207-3047, sa.gov
When taking a relaxing walk or bike ride in this park, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Elmendorf Lake and a scenic view of Our Lady of the Lake University’s campus across the water.
Credit: Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio
Comanche Lookout Park
15551 Nacogdoches Rd., (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
Though it encompasses 96 acres, Comanche Lookout Park is best known for having one of the highest elevation points in the city. You can take in the beautiful views of San Antonio, and while the kiddos wander on the playground, drop by the medieval-style stone tower from 1923.
Credit: Phil Hardberger Park via Facebook.com
Phil Hardberger Park
8400 NW Military Hwy., (210) 492-7472, philhardbergerpark.org
Divided into East and West sections, Phil Hardberger park has over 7 miles of trails for bikers and pedestrians alike. You can also leave the ground behind and traverse the park’s skywalk, or cross over Wurzbach Parkway on foot using the park’s land bridge.
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Cathedral Rock Park
8002 Grissom Road, (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
Cathedral Rock Park — not to be confused with Cathedral Rock in Arizona — lies on the west end of the Leon Creek Greenway. With nearly two miles of paved trails, the space is a perfect place to bike and walk.
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Guadalupe River State Park
3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, (830) 438-2656, tpwd.texas.gov
Guadalupe River is a must for all San Antonians. Take a dip in the gorgeous – but shallow! – waters, and wander around the 13 miles of trails throughout the park. In certain areas, you can even ride your horse or traverse the rough Bauer Unit.
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McAllister Park
13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 207-7275, sa.gov
McAllister Park has a lot to offer: pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, ample parking and dog parks, but the reason it made it on this list is the trails. The park has around five miles of paved trails, and about 10 miles of winding unpaved paths to follow. Wade through the 976 acres between Jones Maltsberger and Wetmore roads, but don’t expect too much alone time. The park is a hot spot for bikers, walkers and dog talkers alike.
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Leon Creek Greenway North and Central
Multiple trailheads, (210) 207-6000, sa.gov
The Leon Creek Greenway has 20 — count ’em, 20 — miles of paved trails and park connections. The North and Central section connects to Bamberger, O.P. Schnabel, Pearsall and Cathedral Rock Parks, as well as UTSA’s north campus. Whether you’re at a walking, running or cycling speed, you can enjoy views of the natural landscape and hop in from five different trailheads.
Credit: Instagram / Instagram, governmentcanyon
Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd, (210) 688-9055, tpwd.texas.gov
You won’t have to travel far to enjoy the wide open spaces at Government Canyon. The natural area offers more than 40 miles of trails, ranging from gentle rolling grasslands to rugged terrain. Choose your path wisely. You’ll have to decide between unbeatable views and dinosaur tracks.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / _dmg_daily_
Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Hwy, (210) 207-5323, sa.gov
Take advantage of the over six miles of trails at Eisenhower Park and get to exploring. No wheeled vehicles are allowed on the trails, but you should still take the opportunity to peruse the paths. Choose from both manmade and natural trails, though the natural Hillview trail will take you around the entire park.
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O.P. Schnabel Park
9606 Bandera Rd, (210) 207-7275, sa.gov
O.P. Schnabel Park, formerly known as Bandera Road Park and occasionally still known as “the cleanest little park in Texas,” is a gorgeous place to visit if you find solace in nature. A trademark of the park is the natural and native vegetation that grows plentifully throughout the area. Enjoy the flora and fauna at Schnabel from one of six trails and loops throughout the park.
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Panther Springs Park
22635 Wilderness Oak., (210) 207-8480, sa.gov
Panther Springs Park is one of the smaller parks on this list, but it’s still worth a visit. If you’re looking for a spot to release the hounds, this park has a 1.5-acre dog park right next to the park entrance, and throughout the park, there are nearly three miles of trails perfect for a moderate hike, bike ride or run.
Credit: Photo via Instagram / mtbofsa
Southside Lions Park
3100 Hiawatha St, (210) 207-7275, sa.gov
Southside Lions Park, also known as Hi-Lions Park for its proximity to Highlands High School, is a 600-acre plot of land that was actually originally going to be used in part as a landfill. Instead, the land has turned into two miles of trails, a community center, tennis courts and a swimming pool to use at your leisure.
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Leon Vista
8561 Rochelle Road, (210) 207-8480, sa.gov
Though there’s not a true picnic spot throughout the park, the trails are perfect for a quick bike ride to fill your morning. They aren’t super well-known, either, so if you’re wanting some alone time to sit with nature, this is the place for you.
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McClain Park
15700 O’Connor Rd., (210) 207-3000, sa.gov
Brian McClain Park, named for a student who was killed in the Texas A&M bonfire collapse of 1999, is one of the lesser-known parks in SA. What it’s most known for, actually, is the 18-hole disc golf course. Even still, it boasts paved trails for biking. Because it’s known mostly for the course, you might not encounter too many other people enjoying the trails.