My work travels took me through San Antonio’s River Walk area, where I was able to experience the San Antonio River Walk. The San Antonio River Walk river winds through the heart of old downtown San Antonio beneath the streets that make up the central business district. Starting off with a GO RIO River Cruise, I would get oriented with the area. I later followed up with a self guided walk through the river promenades.

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This post is one chapter on a work trip from Canada to San Antonio, Texas, United States of America. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. For parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Explore the San Antonio River Walk: a Unique Experience

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During my three day visit to San Antonio, I had the opportunity to experience the San Antonio Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is unique in terms of a city attraction and, outside of a visit to Venice, Italy, I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.

About the San Antonio River Walk:

The San Antonio River Walk is a city park and special-case pedestrian street in San Antonio, Texas, one level down from the automobile street level. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting the major tourist draws such as the Shops at Rivercenter, the Arneson River Theatre, Marriage Island, La Villita, HemisFair Park, Petty House, the Tower Life Building, the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Pearl, and the city’s five Spanish colonial missions, which have been named a World Heritage Site, which includes the Alamo. During the annual springtime Fiesta San Antonio, the River Parade features flowery floats that float down the river.

The area within the circumference of the River Walk is the heart of the original 1700s Villa de Bejar outpost, which would eventually become the City of San Antonio.

GO RIO Cruises on the San Antonio River Walk:

The San Antonio River Walk is connected to many hotels in the downtown San Antonio area. It was conveniently located outside of the back door of the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk; mere steps from my hotel.

In my case, the easiest method of experiencing the San Antonio River Walk was on a GO RIO Cruise. GO RIO Cruises operates dozens of barge river boats on the River Walk.

The GO RIO Cruises depart when full. During peak hours in the evenings and weekends, there can be occasional waits for a river cruise.

Getting Underway on a GO RIO Riverboat Cruise:

After being in a convention hall for a full day, it was time to get out and enjoy some of what San Antonio had to offer by experiencing a GO RIO Riverboat Cruise. There are several embarkation points situated around the River Walk. After paying for a ticket near the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, we headed out on the newest portion of the Riverwalk.

The first major extension of the Riverwalk occurred in 1988 with an extension towards the Rivercenter Mall and the Grand Hyatt. This portion of the Riverwalk featured a more natural setting, without the corresponding shops and hotels down on the water.

The cruise set out with host narration, pointing out the features of the area. These included pointing out some of the sculpture features in the newer portion of the area.

Our cruise took us towards the left circle of the River Walk, passing the famous Casa Rio restaurant. Taking a left turn at the “T”, we headed clockwise around the River Walk.

The trees and sculpture surrounding the River Walk, giving the area a bit of personality.

We looped back from the main river at dusk, with coloured spotlights starting to light the area.

The GO RIO River Cruise dropped us off at the place of embarkation after about 45 minutes.

Wandering through the River Walk:

After the GO Rio Riverboat cruise, I wandered the upper and lower streets around the San Antonio River Walk. There were some neat angles and opportunities for watching the river that was found underneath the city streets of San Antonio.

With something happening during all hours on the San Antonio River Walk, the area was everything that you might need as a convention traveller visitor.

I have to recommend visiting the San Antonio River Walk while staying in San Antonio. While you can experience by walking on foot, it’s much more fun to experience in on a GO RIO Cruise where you can sip an iced tea and enjoy some narrated guide entertainment.

My Thoughts on the San Antonio River Walk :

Every great convention town needs a solid attraction to keep it’s visitors engaged. The San Antonio River Walk is a great feature of the town that attracts visitors from all around the area.

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If you’ve visited the San Antonio River Walk, did you enjoy a River Walk cruise ?

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