There are so many San Antonio parks that to make a list of just 20 was fairly difficult. And although that sounds slightly ridiculous, this area may be the most prolific in terms of parks in the US!
The San Antonio parks system is incredibly impressive, and locals and tourists alike make good use of it.
San Antonio is in Texas and it boasts the typical Texas climate. That means that this area experiences fairly mild winters and very hot summers.
Although heat can be exhausting, it is absolutely ideal for exploring the outdoors and making the most of the parks. I found that spring and fall were the best seasons to visit as the weather was milder.
So, I have compiled a list of 20 of the best San Antonio parks. Each has its own unique characteristics and reasons for making the cut. I have also noted which ones are best suited to families and individuals with small children. Enjoy!
Top 20 San Antonio Parks
This list captures the essence of San Antonio, Texas through its parks and the outdoor activities they offer. There are so many to choose from that it should be fairly easy to find one that suits your needs.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, hiking trails, or waterfalls, you’re bound to find the perfect park.
1. Concepcion Park
I’m going to kick off this list with one of the smaller San Antonio parks and that is Concepcion Park. If you’re interested in history but also like a bit of outdoor fun, then this is the park for you!
The park has a fantastic sports arena including a whole lot of fun and creative fitness equipment. It also features a covered basketball court, softball fields, and several multi-purpose fields.
After you’ve worked up a sweat, you can cool off in one of the many picnic areas. Or take a dip in the swimming pool!
The park is right next to Mission Conception and this is for the history buffs!
Mission Concepcion was constructed in the 18th century and is one of many missions along the San Antonio River. It was built by Spanish missionaries and is ideal as part of a sightseeing tour.
Getting There: 600 E. Theo Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78210
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, facility use may incur fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
2. Woodlawn Lake Park
In keeping with the theme of an active and outdoorsy day, next on the list is Woodlawn Lake Park. And as you may have guessed from the name, it’s one of the few San Antonio parks with a lake.
The park is very popular among locals and it is a great place to catch the 4th of July fireworks. However, there are also several facilities where you can work up a sweat.
This park offers dance classes, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and no less than eight outdoor, interactive fitness stations. There is also a hiking trail, athletic fields, and a gymnasium.
Those that love the water can either explore the lake by canoe or sit back and cast their fishing lines.
Getting There: 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, facility use will incur fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
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3. Comanche Lookout Park
The Comanche Lookout Park is very large at 96 acres and it’s steeped in history and therefore interesting to visit. The park is home to the fourth-highest point in Bexar County and that elevation is 1340 feet.
This hill was once used by Native Americans like the Comanche and Apache, from there the name. They used it as a vantage point for warfare and hunting.
Nowadays, history is still visible in the park in the form of a four-story stone tower on this very hill. The tower attracts many visitors, but there is a lot of other things to do as well.
Children will enjoy the playground and stationary fitness equipment. There are is also 4.5 miles of trails scattered in the park for runners or hikers to enjoy.
Getting There: 15551 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78247
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
4. San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory is definitely one of the prettiest places in the city. I always say that no visit to any city is complete without popping in at the local Botanical Garden.
This beautiful facility is 33 acres large and houses plants from various regions and climates. You will find desert plants and rainforest plants, all housed in climate-controlled glass areas.
There is also a tropical lagoon and sunken courtyard. I particularly enjoyed the specialty collections and was astounded at the tropical fruit collection. There is also a Japanese Garden, children’s garden, and garden for the blind at this facility.
Getting There: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Adults $15, Children $12
Contact the Park: (210) 536-1400
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5. San Pedro Springs Park
This is the second-oldest park in the US and it has been drawing people since the 17th century. The San Pedro Springs Park, as you may have guessed from the name, is home to a natural spring.
Soak in the large swimming pool on the site of the original springs, or simply enjoy the park itself. The park is home to 46 acres of trees with a couple of walking trails and space for BBQs.
Getting There: 2200 N Flores, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free but facility use, electricity, and gazebos are available at an additional cost
Contact the Park: (210) 732-5992
6. San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
It is fairly rare to have a National Park right inside a city and you won’t often see it. But that is what the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is.
This inner-city park is a fascinating place filled with more than 572 plant species and 318 animal species. But that is not all that this park has to offer.
The park is best known for the four historic Spanish colonial missions in its limits and these still regularly offer mass. The missions are also not close together but connected via hiking and biking trails.
This means that you can get active, experience history, and explore the missions all in one go!
Getting There: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 534-8875
7. Japanese Tea Garden
This is one of the San Antonio parks that are perfect for taking photos and spending a leisurely afternoon. It feels like something from a movie because it is enchanting and magical.
It seems like the perfect place for declaring your love for someone, and I am sure many choose to do so here!
The Japanese Tea Garden is restored and features many flowers, shaded walkways, a 60-foot waterfall, ponds full of Koi, stone bridges, and a verdant garden.
This is perfect for those that would like an after-dinner walk or a special place to take their significant other.
Getting There: 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 559-3148
8. Crownridge Canyon Park
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If you don’t have a lot of time to spend exploring the San Antonio Parks, this one is for you. The Crownridge Canyon Park is your best bet for an easily accessible and beautiful natural park. It is fairly small and just a 30-minute drive from downtown San Antonio.
The hiking trails in this park are short and well-marked, and won’t take you all day. The trails wind through forested areas and grasslands and there is even a wheelchair-accessible trail.
This is a natural preserve, so no dogs are allowed because they will disturb the wildlife. But be sure to bring your binoculars to view some of the beautiful bird species that call this place home.
Getting There: 7222 Luskey Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78256, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-5320
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9. Converse City Park
The Converse City Park is not too far from northeast San Antonio, and ideal for a day trip. I highly suggest taking an entire day to visit this park because it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.
The park has a pond, playground, ball field, and a number of BBQ grills. This makes it the ideal place for a cookout.
There are also several paths in the open green space of the park for walking and cycling. The trails here are easy and suitable for most skill levels.
Getting There: 307 School St, Converse, TX 78109, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 658-1965
10. Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park
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Walker Ranch was added to the San Antonio parks system in 1999 and it has been fascinating ever since. This particular park is part of an impressive site that is archaeologically significant because hunter-gatherers lived there for years.
The park is ideal for exercise because it has a half-mile trail that is paved and a mile of the nature trail. People therefore often come to this park to walk or cycle, but unfortunately, you cannot BBQ here.
Getting There: 12603 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, facility use may incur additional fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-3000
11. Medina River Natural Area
The Medina River Natural Area is on the southern side of San Antonio and it is fascinating for several reasons. The first is that it is the only riparian natural area within the natural areas system currently in existence.
It showcases more than 500 acres of rich landscape with pecan and bald cypress trees by the river. It also has cactus and honey mesquite along the upland trails.
There are level one to four trails with one being wheelchair-accessible and easy, and level four having steep slopes.
Visitors need to bring their binoculars as the birdlife and wildlife are equally amazing.
See if you can spot the Green Kingfisher on one of the many trails! The park also offers several river access points where avid fishermen can cast their lines.
Getting There: 15890 TX-16, San Antonio, TX 78264, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, amenities available for rental at extra cost
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
12. Bamberger Nature Park
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The Bamberger Nature Park is a city parks in San Antonio and it is a favorite among hikers and bikers. Although this park is fairly small, it is filled to the brim with trees and plants, and is ideal for an outdoor adventure.
There are two main trails and the first is best to use as a warm-up for the second one. The first one is paved and easy whereas the second winds through the woods.
This is a nature park through and through and visitors should keep their eyes open for birds and wildlife.
Getting There: 12401 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX, 78249, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
13. Robert L.B. Tobin Park
The Robert L.B Tobin Park is one of the beautiful San Antonio parks with multiple trails for hiking and biking. The trails here are particularly fun because they include bridges, small water crossings, and amenities.
The park was named after Robert L.B. Tobin, and he was a philanthropist who charitably gave to the arts. He used to ride in the woods and swim in the creek on this property.
There are several trailheads in this park and they are fascinating mostly due to the functional artwork on display. The trailheads feature false wood elements that reproduce natural elements to form garden furniture and other pieces.
There is also a statue of Robert L.B. Tobin himself at the trailhead off Loop 410. There are picnic tables here so that hikers can rest and have lunch.
Getting There: 150 Ira Lee, San Antonio, TX, 78218, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
14. Nani Falcone Community Park
The Nani Falcone Community Park is ideal for families with children because it has so many facilities. The entire family can enjoy a day out at this park because it is dog-friendly.
If you do decide to take your dog, I highly suggest going either early morning or late afternoon. This is because there isn’t a lot of natural shade and it can get quite hot.
This park has a skate park, golf course, and playground. It is the ideal place to spend a leisurely day outdoors.
Getting There: 8716 Mystic Park, San Antonio, TX 78254, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, facility use may incur additional fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
15. Friesenhahn Park
The Friesenhahn Park is a favorite spot among locals to rent a pavilion and host family gatherings. There are also loads of picnic tables in the shade for an outdoor lunch if you don’t need a pavilion.
However, it also has a half-mile, concrete trail and this is accessible to all. The fact that the trail is concrete means that it is wheelchair-accessible as well. It is also suitable for any person looking to spend some time outdoors, whether they be elderly or young.
Getting There: 15701 O’Connor Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, pavilion hire at an additional cost
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
5 San Antonio Parks for Families with Children:
There are many San Antonio parks on this list, but the following five are best suited to families with children. Many parents enjoy allowing their children time outdoors because it is so good for them.
Spending time outside does the world of good for the body, it’s healthy, and it keeps you active. Make the most of the family holiday, or the weekend, by exploring these parks:
1. Pearsall Park
When it comes to San Antonio families, Pearsall Park tops the list of favorites. It is 505 acres large, so there is more than enough space for everyone. There are a lot of trees for shade and space to play, and beautiful art installations for the adults to enjoy.
Pearsall Park also has a disc golf course, fitness zone with a Zipline, skate park, and basketball court. There is even a dog park, so Fluffy is welcome too. The two water splash pads are always teeming with children laughing in the sun.
Getting There: 4838 Old Pearsall Rd, San Antonio, TX 78242, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
2. Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park actually borders some of the other San Antonio parks on this list and is very old. It started drawing visitors 11 000 years ago and it features some of San Antonio’s biggest attractions.
The park houses the oldest municipal golf course in Texas and the San Antonio Zoo. And it also borders the Botanical Garden and Japanese Tea Garden on my list of San Antonio parks.
This park is 343 acres big and beautifully green. The San Antonio River is lined with trails and trees flows through it. But you’ll also find softball fields, playgrounds, and wildlife in this beautiful park!
Getting There: 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, facility hire may incur additional fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
3. Phil Hardberger Park
The Phil Hardberger Park was created by the San Antonio mayor, Hardberger, who has a knack for art and beauty. The park is fairly new and therefore a favorite for return visitors to San Antonio.
The park offers many trails, dog parks, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and playscapes for children. The playscapes are all brand-new and will delight children for hours.
It is also a favorite among families because of the state-of-the-art Urban Ecology Center and Makin’ Hay Art Exhibit.
Getting There: 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78230
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 492-7472
4. McAllister Park
Of all the San Antonio parks, McAllister Park is one of the most interesting ones. It is popular with families because of all it has to offer.
There are excellent bike trails, beautiful views, lots of plants, and several activity fields. Children will delight in the soccer fields, baseball fields, rugby fields, and play park.
There are also fitness stations, 200 picnic tables, and a dog park. It is easy to see why so many families choose to spend time here on the weekend!
Getting There: 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free, amenity rental may incur additional fees
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
5. Cathedral Rock Park
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Cathedral Rock Park is the last one on my list of San Antonio parks. It is ideal for those with active little ones and those that love the outdoors. It is one of the few parks with a multitude of trails for all skill and age levels. There are paved and unpaved trails, so take your pick!
There are also playgrounds and picnic tables where the entire family can unwind after a leisurely walk. This is the perfect way to spend a day outdoors in San Antonio, Texas.
Getting There: 8002 Grissom Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Map: Download
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact the Park: (210) 207-7275
Exploring the Parks in San Antonio Texas:
There are many San Antonio parks, not all of them are national parks, but they are all worth a visit. It is worth noting that if you choose to visit one of these parks during the holidays or on weekends, there are a few things to remember.
The first is to always pack sunscreen and a hat, particularly for children. Also, remember to take along a reusable water bottle and enough water for everyone.
It can get very hot and muggy in San Antonio and spending time being active outdoors can dehydrate you. It is best to be prepared and take the necessary precautions.
I would also pack a light lunch or a picnic because so many of these parks have fantastic picnic facilities. The adults can sit back and enjoy all that the San Antonio parks have to offer while the kids play.
Of all the San Antonio parks on this list, I have to say that the Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Gardens were my favorite. And I do hope you visit some of these parks for yourself.
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