From Strolling the City’s Famous River Walk to Exploring Some Caverns, Here Are Some of the Best Ways to Get Outside This Summer
Brackenridge Park
Walking and bike riding are both great ways to stay active and get outdoors in the summertime, but sometimes it can be hard to find the ideal place to do it. Brackenridge Park is a wonderful place to do all of these fun outdoor activities and more, all while enjoying the scenery of the park. This park is the largest park in all of San Antonio and has many pathways made specifically for walkers and bike riders. You can even take your dog for a walk if you like. It's also a great place to go if you want to have a picnic with friends and family, with lots of space for this purpose. It’s also a great area for kids — there’s even a miniature train they can take a ride on. If you like to golf, there’s the Brackenridge Park golf course nearby. Be sure to check out the Texas Golf Hall of Fame while you’re there! Another perk is its proximity to both the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Gardens, which means you can easily do multiple activities in one day if you wish!
Visit the Japanese Tea Gardens
If you’re looking to take in some nature and go for a walk, the Japanese Tea Gardens is a great place to do it. Considered a historic Texan landmark, this tea garden is filled with luscious plants, gorgeous flowers, and a 60-foot waterfall. Visitors have said that, beyond its beauty, the Tea Gardens is a very peaceful place to spend some time outdoors. While you’re here, you can see lots of koi fish in the ponds located throughout the garden. The gardens have a rich 90-year history, so you’re sure to learn something new while you enjoy its beauty. It’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to take your dog on a walk here!
Visit the San Antonio Zoo
Are you an animal lover? If so, the San Antonio Zoo is a great way for you to get outside this summer. This zoo is home to a huge variety of different animals, with exhibits like:
â– Bear Corner
â– Cat Grotto
â– Savanna
â– Outpost Amazonia
â– Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot
â– Big Cat Valley
â– Gibbon Forest
â– Africa Plains
â– Friedrich Aquarium
â– Hixon Bird House
â– Reptile House
â– And more
As you can see, there’s a lot you can see here while taking in some San Antonio sunshine. There’s also a kiddie park, which makes this a perfect way to get the whole family outside this summer! Visit their website for information about how to plan your visit and check out the special exhibit, including the new Dragon Forest exhibit taking place this summer.
Go on the San Antonio River Walk
You won’t want to miss the iconic and historic San Antonio Riverwalk. A trip to the Riverwalk is a great way to get outside this summer, go for a walk, and see the sights on the river. Boutiques, shops, and restaurants surround the riverbanks, so if you feel like taking a quick break from the outdoors, feel free to take some time to check those out while you’re there! The river walk also hosts many different events on a seasonal basis, including the Ford Mariachi Festival! The festival will consist of high school Mariachi bands playing music from the boats on the river. At this festival, you’ll have the opportunity to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and listen to some great music!
The river walk is beautiful at night when all the surrounding buildings and stores light up the river. Day or night, San Antonio’s River Walk is a great way to spend some time outdoors and to take in some Texan history this summer.
Visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden
There are lots of sights to see at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which is home to a diverse range of plants and flowers. Its beauty attracts 170,000 visitors a year! While you’re here, you will see lots of different types of nature, including 13 rare and endangered plant species that the garden helps conserve and protect. It is a great place to take a walk and see something new, and if you wish, you can even go on a guided tour with a guide who will tell you about everything you’re seeing. It's a great place for people of all ages.
If you’re taking kids, be sure to visit the Family Adventure Garden, which contains a play zone where kids can have fun and interact with nature. If you’re visiting the Botanical Garden this summer, be sure to check out their Frida Kahlo Oasis exhibition, which is only on display for a limited time. This exhibit is inspired by the artist and her connection to Mexico. You’ll be able to see plants that are native to Mexico in this exhibit, as well as some animals that were frequently featured in Kahlo’s artwork, such as a dog, a deer, a monkey, a butterfly, a parrot, and a hummingbird. Check out their website before you visit to plan your trip to the garden this summer!
Go on a Guided Bike Tour
San Antonio is a beautiful city full of history, and one great way to explore all the sights of the city is by going on a guided bike tour. Going on a bike tour will give you the opportunity to see everything from San Antonio’s downtown area to the vast amount of nature and wildlife. Your guide will also tell you about the sights as you ride by them, so it’s a great way to learn about the history of the area, all while staying active and having fun. There are also many tour options to best suit your needs, so if you’re looking for anything from an hour-long tour to a whole day of bike riding, there is something for you. Check their website to see the full list of options and book a tour!
Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns
Looking for something adventurous and exciting to do outdoors this summer? Exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns may be just the thing for you! You can take a guided tour of the caverns and see large rock formations that are truly an amazing sight to see. The size of the caverns is even greater than a football field, so there are a lot of spectacular rock formations to behold.
There are multiple different tours you can go on, including the Discovery Tour, the Twisted Trails, Hidden Passages Tour, or the Adventure Tour. After exploring the underground caverns, you can visit the Natural Bridge Mining Company to find a variety of rocks, minerals, and gems. Trek through the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup, a giant outdoor maze that is around 5000 square feet.
That’s not all — there’s also the opportunity to take part in a four-story obstacle course that's over 60 feet high or go ziplining to get an unbeatable view of Texas Hill Country. This is great if you’re looking to discover something new and unique, take some pictures, or experience some thrills!
Want more of the San Antonio Outdoors?
San Antonio’s beautiful outdoor space attracts many to move to the area. If you’re looking for real estate in the San Antonio area, contact Denise Graves. We can help you find your dream home in San Antonio, Texas!
