The best parks in San Antonio

It’s not often you find a national park inside a city, but that’s the case with the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This urban national park contains 318 species of animals and 572 plant species from the Blackland Prairie and South Texas Brush Country. What makes this national park special are the four historic Spanish colonial missions within the limits that still offer mass regularly. Though spread far apart, the missions are connected by a hiking and biking trail which allows visitors to explore the park actively. 

San Pedro Springs Park is the second oldest park in the United States, but that’s not the only reason to visit. As the name suggests, San Pedro Springs Park is also home to natural springs that have drawn people to soak since the 17th century. Today, visitors can swim in a large swimming pool where the springs once stood or enjoy the park’s 46 acres full of trees as they barbecue with family and friends or stroll along a few walking paths.

This 96-acre park is home to a tall hill that once attracted Native Americans like the Apache and Comanche, who used it as a vantage point for hunting and warfare (hence the name). In the early 1920s, an army colonel named Edward H. Coppock built a four-story stone tower atop the hill, which still stands today. In addition to the tower, take advantage of a playground, 4.5 miles of trails, and outdoor stationary fitness equipment.

Brackenridge Park attracted humans to its green pastures as far back as 11,000 years ago—archeologists have the artifacts to prove it! At 343 acres large, this is a massive park where you can find some of San Antonio’s biggest attractions like the oldest municipal golf course in Texas, the Witte Museum, the San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, and the Sunken Garden Theater. Visitors will also find 2.2 miles of the San Antonio River lined by trees and trails, home to playgrounds, softball fields, and wildlife. 

In 1971, Norma Friedrich Ward donated 180 acres of hilly land to the City of San Antonio with the intent that it would be protected and maintained for all to enjoy. Since then, Friedrich Wilderness Park has expanded to 600 acres and features some astounding wildlife. The 10 miles of hiking trails wind through orchids, canyons, hills, trees, and perfect areas for bird watching. Keep an eye out for two endangered birds in the park: the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.

Confluence Park was designed as an outdoor classroom where students on field trips can experience hands-on science experiments in nature. The public is welcome to explore all the park offers on 45-minute guided tours. It is accessible by biking, hiking, and paddling trails and is distinguishable by a pavilion designed with eye-catching architecture. 

Sometimes the best parks are the ones that keep it simple, like Eisenhower Park. Visitors escape their busy lives and bathe in fresh air and greenery as they walk along the park’s 6.35 miles of trails. A small viewing tower invites people to enjoy expansive views of San Antonio and the Hill Country, and a playground acts as a gathering point for families. 

Pearsall Park is a favorite among San Antonio families, and with 505 acres, there is enough room for all. Trees and art installations make for charming scenery, though many visit Pearsall Park for the active amenities it offers, like an 18-hole disc golf course, a dog park, and a fitness zone outfitted with a zipline, multi-exercise stations, a forty-yard sprint timer, and 5K walking and running trails. The skate park and basketball courts call to all ages, while the playground and two water splash pads are overrun with smiling kids. 

Check out 202 acres of oak trees and other natural vegetation at the O.P. Schnabel Park in northwest San Antonio. Known as the “cleanest little park in Texas,” most visit O.P. Schnabel Park to de-stress, take pictures of deer, and enjoy the natural scenery with a walk or run along 8.22 miles of trail. You can end your outdoor exploration with a picnic in the park’s pavilions or by playing a pick-up game on the baseball fields and basketball courts. 

Woodlawn Lake Park has something for everyone. Sit back and relax as you fish on the lake, hit the paved walking trail and enjoy the views, test out your serve at the tennis courts, or exercise on the outdoor stationary equipment. Woodlawn Lake Park’s Community Health and Wellness Center also offers a pool and a gym with a basketball court. If all that wasn’t enough, the park also has a Community Room with free Wi-Fi, spaces to work, and literacy programming for kids and adults.