The top outdoor experiences in San Antonio for every traveler

In the heat of South Texas thrives a city where the echoes of a rich cultural heritage are interlaced with a pulsating modern spirit. San Antonio, the Lone Star State’s second-largest metropolis, harbors a treasure trove of outdoor pursuits waiting to be unearthed.

Renowned for its festive River Walk, Spanish-style missions, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine, this Southern jewel is also a verdant oasis, teeming with adventure-laden attractions—all cradled within the warm embrace of its year-round mild climate.

From gorgeous gardens and striking street art within the city limits to the postcard-perfect natural landscapes of Texas Hill Country, here are 12 outdoor experiences that reveal why San Antonio is an awesome, one-of-a-kind destination. Here's how to get outside and explore.

1. Head out into Hill Country

What is it?

Traverse the enchanting landscapes of Texas Hill Country, adorned with wineries, lavender fields, and lush peach and pecan orchards. Journey back in time as you explore the famed LBJ Ranch, aka the “Texas White House,” replete with an intriguing hangar containing former president Lyndon B. Johnson’s plane and captivating exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the charm of Fredericksburg, indulging in local wine tastings, and savoring its German- and Mexican-inspired cuisine. Continue the adventure as you uncover the magic and melodies of Luckenbach, one of Texas’ oldest and most impeccably preserved towns. And check out Texas’ surprisingly brilliant wine industry with a visit to the award-winning Sister Creek Vineyards, where winemakers share their passion, craft, and delicious produce.

Highlights

Lyndon B. Johnson’s car collection, including a vintage Corvette and the amphibious Amphicar which the former US president used to cruise into the nearby lake.

How to experience it

For the ultimate convenience, a full-day tour offers complimentary pickup and drop-off at downtown San Antonio hotels, entry fees, and a guided tour of the LBJ Ranch. Tours start at $109 per person.

Address

1472 State Park Rd 52, Stonewall, TX 78671

2. Experience the atmosphere of a Saturday night rodeo

What is it?

There are few things more Texan than a Saturday night rodeo. The mouthwatering smell of Texas BBQ, the twang of toe-tapping country tunes electrify the air, and the mechanical bull is saddled up and challenging you to test your bucking skills. After a good amount of fun and a Texan feast, the grand opening ceremony starts with a horse-drawn chuck wagon and longhorn cattle, followed by an award-winning drill team performance. Watch fearless competitors risk it all in heart-stopping events, and cheer for the young’uns in mutton busting and calf scrambling. As the dust settles and victors emerge, unleash your inner cowboy on the dance floor, stomping to the rhythms of a live country band beneath the pavilion.

Highlights

Booking the Saturday night rodeo gives you the chance to meander through the Western-themed marketplace, snagging iconic cowboy hats, fine leather goods, or unique jewelry, as well as the dinner and show. Feeling extra daring? Test your mettle on the formidable mechanical bull — eight seconds is legend status.

Address

401 Obst Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163

Price

Starting at $30 per person

3. Bike through the Spanish Missions

What is it?

Set off on a 13-mile bicycle odyssey through Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the San Antonio Missions. As you cycle through the architectural relics of the 18th-century Spanish Colonial epoch, unravel the transformative power these missions once wielded over their inhabitants and the region. Marvel at the intricate stonework, ornate frescoes, and solemn bell towers that whisper tales of a bygone era at Mission Espada, Mission San Juan, and Mission San Jose. As your journey unfolds, bask in the serenity of the surrounding parklands and savor the distinctive local flavors of from one of the many food trucks en route.

Highlights

A photo op at the dazzling Espada Aqueduct, a marvel of Spanish engineering that once irrigated the mission lands, and witnessing the artful harmonization of the iconic Rose Window at Mission San Jose.

How to experience it

Squeeze the most out of this experience with a four-hour bike tour, which includes the rental of your bike and helmet, water, and an experienced guide who will lead you through the storied past and vibrant present of these historic gems. Tours from $75 per person.

Address

3502 Mission Rd San Antonio, TX 78214

4. Go underground at Natural Bridge Caverns

What is it?

Plunge into the subterranean realm of Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest known commercial cave system in Texas. Traverse the otherworldly chambers filled with whimsical formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate soda straws, all sculpted by Mother Nature over millions of years. Squeeze through narrow passageways or challenge your agility on the Canopy Challenge, an aerial adventure course that tests your balance, strength, and nerve.

Highlights

This expedition presents you with the unique opportunity to explore North America's only cavern illuminated by programmable pure white LED lighting, intensifying the allure of this enigmatic underground world.

How to experience it

A tour of the cavern led by a knowledgeable guide is the best way to experience the wonders hidden beneath Texas soil, and understand the science and history behind them. Tours cost around $34 per person.

Address

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

5. Experience the highs of Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes Course

What is it?

Ignite your adventurous spirit at Natural Bridge Caverns’ Twisted Trails Zip Rail and Ropes Course — an electrifying escapade for the entire family. Scale the vertiginous 60-foot ropes course, tackling up to four levels of daring challenges in 45 adrenaline-pumping minutes. You can test your courage on vertical rope ladders, double beams, lily pads, weave walks, squid steps, and twisted rope. Start slowly to build your confidence or charge straight to the top for the ultimate rush — the choice is yours.

Highlights

Glide seamlessly between the ropes course and one of the seven thrilling zip rails. With over 685 feet of suspended track, there’s plenty to see as you swoop through the treetops. You’re in charge of the challenges and routes to reach the zip rails, but one ride and you’ll be hooked.

Address

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Price

Starting at $42 per person

6. Learn the secrets behind San Antonio's street art, murals, and hidden gems

What is it?

Uncover San Antonio’s buzzing street art scene with a fun bike tour that’s equally breathtaking and enlightening. As you see the city on two wheels, you’ll stop to see all the details of the stunning murals that punctuate the urban landscape. A street art expert guide will lead you through downtown San Antonio’s most impressive murals, celebrating the masterpieces of renowned street artists. Skip the hushed tones and stern security guards of a traditional museum visit and embrace the fresh air and unbridled creativity of this cool outdoor gallery (of sorts).

Highlights

Explore hidden gems in areas like the Pearl District, Travis Park Church, Paseo De Houston, and Southtown. Learn about the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, a non-profit that has produced over 60 murals while continuing to support emerging artists.

How to experience it

A two-hour bike tour costs around $45 and guarantees a top-notch experience where your expert guide will fill you in on the charming stories and juicy gossip behind the art, the artists, and the organizations painting the town.

Address

302 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

7. Take the plunge in Texas's crystal-clear rivers

What is it?

Don your swimsuits, fasten your water shoes, and dive into a quintessential Texan pastime: river tubing. Float along the tranquil waters of popular rivers within an hour’s drive from downtown San Antonio — Guadalupe, San Marcos, Comal, or Frio — and revel in the great outdoors in the most relaxed manner imaginable.

Highlights

Local operators at each river provide tube rentals and shuttle rides to the parking lot. Some offer boozy libations for your leisurely drift down river, so don’t forget your ID!

Address

Various locations

8. Relax and recharge in Brackenridge Park

What is it?

Tucked away a little north of downtown San Antonio, near Trinity University, the historic Brackenridge Park is a treasured retreat for the city’s residents and visitors alike. For over 12,000 years, the 343-acre park nestled around the headwaters of the San Antonio River has served various communities, from indigenous peoples relying on its resources to present-day visitors seeking relaxation and recreation. Today, you can unwind by the river, let your kids splash around in the shallow spring waters, and uncover the rich history of the park and some of San Antonio's most beloved attractions. The Sunken Garden Theater, Lambert Beach, and the Tony "Skipper" Martinez ball fields are among the park’s highlights.

Highlights

Don't miss the enchanting Japanese Tea Garden. Once a gaping quarry, this tranquil haven now boasts a Japanese-style garden replete with stone bridges and a 60-foot waterfall. Its year-round beauty peaks in spring when flowers burst into a kaleidoscope of color.

Address

3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

9. Learn Native American folklore at Yanaguana Garden

What is it?

Yanaguana Garden, in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is a lively and colorful park born from the HemisFair '68 site. The park is part of a 37-acre redevelopment project established in 2009 to revitalize the city's historic core. Its name is inspired by a Payaya Native American folktale about a blue panther chasing a bird through the night sky, a drop of water from the bird's wing creating the blue hole that became the source of the San Antonio River. This captivating tale is mirrored in the park’s design, with mosaic tile benches, a panther sculpture, murals, and a meandering path of blue paving to represent the river.

Highlights

In 2023, Hemisfair will welcome a slew of globally inspired food vendors to Yanaguana Garden, from German beer and bratwurst to jerk chicken to American classics.

Address

434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

10. Be inspired by San Antonio Botanical Garden

What is it?

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a meticulously maintained 38-acre oasis showcasing native Texan flora. This diverse garden complex, which opened in 1980, also boasts a stunning rose garden and an impressive conservatory, exhibiting a variety of plant habitats from equatorial rainforests to arid deserts. Special events such as concerts under the stars, yoga classes, bird walks, and summer programs for children are often on the schedule, so check online to choose the best day to visit. The Strolling Garden is one of the highlights, designed and created by a 26th-generation Japanese gardener considered a living national treasure. Hailing from the city of Kumamoto, this master gardener has incorporated elements from one of Japan's most loved traditional gardens, Suizenji Park, into the design.

Highlights

The recently expanded Rare and Endangered Garden is now home to unique species like South Texas Ambrosia, Chandler's Craglily, Anacacho orchid trees, Texas snowballs, and Manfreda succulents.

Address

555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209

11. Hike through Lost Maples State Natural Area

What is it?

The awe-inspiring beauty of Lost Maples State Natural Area peaks in fall, when its foliage rivals that of New England. From October to November, you can see the astonishing transformation of big-tooth maple trees into a vivid mosaic of gold, red, yellow, and orange. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Sabinal River. The area offers hiking trails that lead through rugged limestone canyons and expansive grasslands, where you might spot wildlife such as bobcats, javelinas, and gray foxes.

Highlights

Bird-watchers will appreciate the presence of green kingfishers, which can be found in the park year-round. For those looking to camp, the park features both backcountry tent sites and more convenient locations equipped with water, electricity, and shower facilities.

Address

37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885

12. Make the most of nature at Friedrich Wilderness Park

What is it?

Friedrich Wilderness Park is an idyllic destination for nature lovers seeking adventure and serenity. Spanning 600 acres, the park features over 10 miles of well-maintained and well-marked trails catering to most ability levels. Hike through diverse ecosystems, including wooded canyons, grasslands, and oak forests, while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. Whether you prefer challenging hikes with steep hills and canyons or more leisurely walks on Level 1 and Level 2 trails, Friedrich Wilderness Park offers an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you're truly in the wild.

Highlights

As a nature preserve dedicated to conservation, Friedrich Wilderness Park is internationally recognized for bird-watching and is a nesting site for endangered species like the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. This park is a haven for rare birds, terrestrial orchids, and diverse wildlife — the perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature.

Address

21395 Milsa Dr, San Antonio, TX 78256

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Produced in partnership with Visit San Antonio