San Antonio Weekend Walk

It was a lively sunny 88° day in San Antonio as we escaped the Riverwalk Downtown on our way to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Wandering along the embankment of the San Antonio River, spring had clearly sprung as the spring flowers, birds, and wildlife were all out in abundance.

Brooklyn Locks

We made our way along the beautiful embankment of the San Antonio River as several GO Rio Shuttles were out and about on the waterway. After a brief but wonderful stroll, we had made our way to the Brooklyn Locks, where we observed a river shuttle crossing from the lower to the higher end of the river.

The Luxury

Proceeding upriver, we entered the Luxury an outdoor bistro presenting American cuisine with rustic seating and activities. On this day we showed up too early as lunch service did not start until 11:30am. Still, we took a few moments to sit back and savor the panoramic view before returning to our journey up towards the Pearl.

The Grotto (artworks: sculpture)

We paused by the Grotto (artworks: sculpture) for an up-close view at the artist’s rendition of this concrete enclave. On our trip last year, 36 Hours in San Antonio, we merely observed this structure from the opposite face of the river.

The Pearl

Soon after we reached the Pearl, an old warehouse, restaurant and entertainment district on the banks of the San Antonio.

We milled around the area a while, browsing through a few of the charming shops. Later, we noticed a nice seat outside the food court where we sat back and observed the neighboring activity in the AstroTurf area and water displays.

La Gloria Street Foods of Mexico

Hungry, we decided on La Gloria Street Foods for some excellent Mexican food. We sat in the outside atmosphere which was west of the Pearl area, and enjoyed in Quesadillas, Tacos, and refreshing iced tea.

After lunch, we continued our walk to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This involved proceeding on the walk with no explicit path for a small distance, until we ultimately passed under I-281.

Brackenridge Park Golf Course

Trudging alongside the Brackenridge Park Golf Course, we helped a wayward golfer recover a vanished ball. Afterward, we made the trek around the East side of the course. Soon we had reached the oldest 18-hole public golf course in the State of Texas. We searched around the gift shop and its history room to grab a modest break from the heat before continuing on our journey.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

A ramble away from the Riverwalk brought us to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Admission this day was $12 for adults, which allowed visitation of all the garden courtyards.

We found particular interest in the Piney Woods back trail. A wonderfully wooded area enveloped by a lake and cabin within the gardens.

Return to Riverwalk Downtown

Having finished this 4.5 mile walk on such a warm day, we agreed to call UBER for the ride back.

After we got cooled off and refreshed, we were promptly back on the Riverwalk headed to the Esquire Tavern for our evening meal.

The Esquire Tavern

On this Friday evening, we stuck around the world’s largest wooden bar, sipping a refreshing drink while awaiting a table to open up on the outside veranda.

After about 20 minutes, we were seated and enjoying a splendid Anniversary Dinner as only San Antonio can furnish.

Day 2

We awakened this Saturday to rain and storms, but staring out upon the San Antonio Riverwalk made everything better. Now we headed downriver towards the King William historic district at the Riverwalk’s South End.

Kallison Love Lock Walk Bridge

We began our tranquil walk overlooking Kallison Love Lock Walk Bridge. Here people leave behind their latch (international symbol of Love) etched with initials and memorial dates.

Nueva Street Dam

We headed down river, reaching the Nueva Street Dam complex. The Nueva Street Dam provides floodgate control to the San Antonio River, which operates during abundant rain periods. The control incorporates a 3-mile, 24 ft diameter, 150 ft. flood tunnel flowing from the Brooklyn Street Lock & Dam Complex to the Alamo Street Dam. This sequence of a pump-house, locks, and gates, work to sustain dependable water levels between both the upper and lower channel inlets.

King William Historic District

Departing the Riverwalk at E Cesar E Chavez Blvd., we are within the boundaries of the King William historic district. This district comprises the areas of Cesar Chavez Blvd, South St. Mary’s Street, and South Alamo Street, including the Guenther House and Pioneer Flour Mills.

We perused up and down a few of the residentiary streets, appreciating the architecture. Later, seeking out shelter from a pop-up storm, we discovered the King William Gazebo at King William Park. After about an hour of probing around, we headed back to the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Stella Public House

Now we made hast to the Stella Public House to savor the wood-fired Pizza we’ve been hearing about. It’s best to turn up here on weekends at 1:30pm or after if the Pizza is what you crave.

They prepared our delectable pizza before our eyes and cooked it in the wood-fired kilns on premises. We sipped a few of the revolving IPAs that show up on the daily menu and, with some food and drink under our belts, browsed at the adjacent Arts and Crafts shops for a bit.

Making our way back to the Riverwalk, we headed somewhat further South absorbing the San Antonio river’s beauty and splendor.

Roosevelt Park

Getting off at Roosevelt Park, we pressed on a 45-minute deviation to the East, crossing underneath I-37.

Essex Modern City

Entering a defunct warehouse facility recognized as Atlas Pallet, we have reached the Essex Modern City. It is at this spot that local artists use what remains, as backdrops to recommission their street art. The originality of it all is overly surreal!

Although Essex Modern City is just a conception for now, information resides online about the proposed 150-million-dollar improvement to make it a reality. Learn more.

After about an hour’s stay visualizing the art works, we hiked our way back to the City Center via S. Cherry Street, halting only briefly for directions. Our route required crossing the Staff Sergeant William J. Bordelon Freeway bridge on foot, which was exceedingly windy at top. In all, it turned out to be rather an arduous task and I do not recommend it.

Tower of the America’s

However, we discovered some curious sights along the way and as luck would have it, we wound up at the foot of the Tower of the America’s.  A 750-foot observation tower in the heart of San Antonio.

A ride to the Tower’s Observation Deck is $14.50, however, you can visit the bar area at no charge provided you are eating or drinking.

We had incredible Chocolate Martinis here, while cherishing the view and munching on a side of fries. After about an hour, we headed down the Tower Elevator, accessing the Riverwalk from the rear of the facility.

Return to Riverwalk Downtown

Soon, we were back at the hotel and headed out for yet another enjoyable evening in San Antonio.

Cruise Port: San Antonio, Texas

Tour Name: San Antonio Weekend Walk

Accommodations: Embassy Suites Riverwalk San Antonio

Tour Guide: Self Guided