Top Rated Parks to Visit in Calaveras Lake

"The San Antonio River Walk is the most visited tourist attraction in Texas. Running along the San Antonio River, the area is lined with businesses and upscale hotels that are located one story lower than the streets that run near the river."

"The River Walk (Paseo del Rio) is San Antonio’s #1 attraction. It is one of the most romantic and scenic attractions in San Antonio. See people from all over the world, dine at delicious restaurants or sit and watch the passing scene."

"Easily one of the city’s most popular hangouts (and widely considered to be the crown jewel of San Antonio's urban park scene), Brackenridge Park makes full use of its lush 343 acres—there are multiple hiking trails, over 100 picnic tables and grilling areas under giant, gnarled live oak trees, three pavilions available for rent, a playscape, and even a mini-train that runs through the park. Plus, Brackenridge is close to several major attractions, like The Witte museum and The DoSeum."

"With 343 acres of well-planned land, Brackenridge Park is a hub of outdoor activities in San Antonio for natives and visitors alike. Home to the lush Japanese Tea Gardens, the Brackenridge Golf Course, playgrounds, swimming pools, picnic areas, fishing, trails, the Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, and more, there's lots to be found within the park's boundaries. Getting in: Brackenridge Park is free and open to the public."

"This park is huge and brings together several attractions in one place for you. It has a San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden and much more!. You can walk around and enjoy the scenery at no cost."

"With a 60-foot waterfall, gleaming ponds filled with koi, stone bridges, lovely shaded walkways, a Japanese pagoda, and a verdant garden and floral display, the Japanese Tea Garden offers a slice of peace that feels far away from the commotion of the city. It’s a romantic dreamscape (and a great location for a first date, might we add)."

"Gardens3800 N. Saint Mary's St, San Antonio, TX MoreLess Info. Visitors to San Antonio can walk on the shaded paths of the Japanese Tea Garden and feed the Koi fish. The garden also has a 60-foot waterfall, stone bridges, and a Jingu House Cafe."

"What used to be an abandoned limestone rock quarry donated by the 1899 president of the San Antonio Water Works Company was transformed into a charming Oriental garden in 1918."

"Built to host the 1968 World's Fair, which aimed to celebrate the civilizations in the Americas and the cultural diversity of San Antonio, Hemisfair Park is a local historic district of the city of San Antonio. Built on the site of a historic neighborhood, Hemisfair Park features numerous beautifully preserved and renovated buildings and structures in various architectural styles, from simple adobe homes of the Mexican era and exquisite haciendas from the Spanish Colonial Era to elegant mansions from the late nineteenth century. Many of the charming buildings have been designated as State Archeological Landmarks, and visitors to the district can also see structures that were built specifically for the World’s Fair, including the Tower of the Americas, an iconic feature of the San Antonio skyline."

"Nestled in the heart of downtown, Hemisfair Park is the home of Tower of the Americas, cultural centers and several fountains. Hemisfair Park is an especially great park for families with young kids—the park’s 4-acre Yanaguana Garden is unlike any other playground in the city, with its huge splash pad, a slide made from trampoline-like material, climbing structures, and massive sandbox, plus a gaming area with a bocce court, ping-pong tables, and foosball."

"The Hemisfair area is pretty much where most of the action happens during festival times in San Antonio. It is fairly close to the midpoint of the city and gets packed with people who come to see the Tower of Americas. Near that area, there is a manmade San Antonio waterfall that is similar to the famous Fort Worth Water Gardens in that it has a similar tiered structure with water flowing down the sides."

"This tiny but mighty spot is smaller than many parks in San Antonio, but it has the benefit of being located right in the city center. First established in 1870, Travis Park has since undergone several rounds of renovation. Now, it is home to picnic tables, patio seating, and historic features like an authentic cannon."

"If you have been to Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Travis Park is very similar. It is a smaller green area against the urban, concrete jungle. It is a popular space for food trucks, lawn games, and picnic dates."

"Travis Park is one of the most happening places in the city, with food trucks, ballet, and spring break activities for the whole family to enjoy."

"Another top shopping destination in San Antonio is the Ingram Park Mall conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 410 and Ingram Road. This super-regional shopping center opened its doors in 1979 and has ever since attracted many shopaholics. Spend a pleasant family outing by shopping at Ingram Park Mall, where you’ll find a mix of retail shops which consist of H&M, American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret, James Avery Craftsman, and the Disney Store."

"The shopping mall features more than 150 stores ranging from men's & woman's fashion, jewelry and shoes. Ingram Park Mall features distinct department stores and specialty stores. Visit Ingram Park Mall Online"

"After touring The Alamo, hop back on the bus and hop off at the next stop: The Pearl Brewery. Although it’s not actually the site of a brewery today, it is a culinary and cultural destination along the river and is the perfect spot to belly up to for lunch."

"Stop #3 – Pearl Brewery & Entertainment Complex Hop off at the very next stop: The Pearl Brewery, a culinary and cultural destination along the river, is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat."

"The newly revitalized Pearl Brewery, now known as The Pearl was originally established in the 1880s by the Pearl Brewing Company, a Texas…"

"La Villita, one of San Antonio’s most historic neighborhoods, has been transformed into a Historic Arts Village, featuring an eclectic assortment of galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as one Little Church. Though small, there’s a beautiful simplicity to the Little Church’s subdued take on the Gothic Revival style, especially as lit by the central, stained-glass window. The church was built by German Methodists in 1879, and credit for much of the craftsmanship within it is given to a Norwegian sailor named Olaf."

"La Villita was originally settled nearly 300 years ago as one of the city’s first neighborhoods. Nestled on the south bank of the San Antonio River Walk, this historical district has been lovingly restored, with charm oozing out of every building's nook, cranny, and crevice. You’ll find nearly 30 shops and galleries offering distinctive handmade crafts from some of San Antonio’s most renowned artists."

"Within the historic district of La Villita lies some of the best shopping and dining right in the heart of San Antonio. Located on the south bank of the River… Read More"

"The oldest fort at Sam Houston does the job of multitasking better than any place, it is an active military post for the United States army North division as well as an open zoo where visitors can take a stroll on the lush green gardens while bumping into deer’s, peacocks and rabbits. The Quadrangle was built in the year 1876 and legend says the Apache leader Geronimo was imprisoned here in 1886 and numerous deer’s were brought in order to make him feel comfortable."

"Constructed in 1876, the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston stood as the original limestone fort structure that hosted housing supplies before the US Army used it as an arsenal. Apache leader Geronimo was once imprisoned here and it is rumored that the deer and other wildlife roaming on the property were brought for the Apaches. Furthermore, visitors can walk around the Fort Sam Houston Museum on base to view the history of the fort dating back to 1845."

"1405 East Grayson StreetBuilding 16Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234(210) 221-1886. Fort Sam Houston has been around since 1845, keeping within its walls the stories of war and conquest. On the other hand, the quadrangle was constructed in 1876 as the Quartermaster Depot and Headquarters."

"Now, it’s home to a museum and garden filled with fine and decorative art. The artworks come from the last owner who had a collection of over 12,000 items. Stroll through the beautiful grounds to enjoy the historic view.Where: 401 King William St, San Antonio, TX 78204"

"Check out this restaurant located at the Quarry for a three-course Easter brunch filet menu available Saturday and Sunday. The menu features hand cut filet mignon that can be paired with crab-stuffed shrimp or lobster tail scampi. The meal comes with a roasted golden beet salad as the starter, and a choice of New York Cheesecake, key lime pie, or Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake for dessert."

"FInally, check out Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, which has earned four stars out of 219 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself at the local outpost of the nationwide chain by heading over to 255 E."