Stroll along the prominent River Walk. Explore the iconic Alamo. Enjoy awesome views of the city from the observation deck of the 750-foot (228.6-meter) Tower of the Americas. San Antonio offers so much to make any visit to this south-central Texas city memorable. Besides tourist sites, San Antonio highlights wonderful outdoorsy fun. From lush green city parks to hiking and biking trails that stretch into the sloping terrain of the Texas Hill Country, this town is undeniably a nature lover’s dream. In order to enjoy an array of things to do under the expansive Texas sky, you must scroll down to see the top outdoor activities in San Antonio, Texas.
1. Kayak along the San Antonio river and take in the beautiful views (from USD 40.0)
Spend time on San Antonio’s River Walk waterway that you’ll never forget. This wonderful kayak adventure is ideal if you want to experience the iconic River Walk from a different perspective. Kayaking newbies needn’t worry because the waters are calm and you’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind water recreation escapade. Participants get a great mix of intimate views of the city’s bustling downtown neighborhoods as well as a more peaceful stretch of the San Antonio River Walk, that many do not get to experience.
Kayak the Riverwalk
Duration: 1 hour
2. Indulge in a delightful scavenger hunt via smartphone (from USD 20.0)
Take the classic scavenger hunt to a new level with this fun interactive adventure through San Antonio. Uncover many of the tourist hot spots - and little known gems as well - as your group makes their way through this unique and exciting sightseeing/scavenger hunt excursion. See the popular River Walk, the famed 18th-century Spanish mission the Alamo, the grandeur of the San Fernando Cathedral, and so much more as you compete to solve curious clues and accomplish challenging tasks. The groups are small: only two to five participants are allowed.
San Antonio Scavenger Hunt Adventure 3-Hour Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
3. Take a bike tour of San Antonio (from USD 70.0)
Hop on a bike, see some amazing architecture and taste local mouthwatering fare on the incomparable VeloGuide’s Discover San Antonio Tour. This exploration begins at the center of downtown San Antonio and covers two hour’s worth of the city’s terrain: scenic open trails and expansive roads. Drink in the various cityscapes San Antonio has to offer, from beautiful Spanish-colonial building designs to modern-day breweries and distilleries. Plus, each participant receives a pair of stylish VeloGuide socks!
VeloGuide's Discover San Antonio Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
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4. Canoe down the tranquil San Marcos River (from USD 60.0)
Taking place on the Upper San Marcos River, this adventure is not only great for canoeing fans but nature lovers as well. This river is one of the most pristine and picture-perfect bodies of water and the upper section showcases eight different endangered varieties of plants and animals - some of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Marvel at pretty waterfalls and captivating wildlife. If you have never paddled a canoe, don’t let that stop you from enjoying this incredible trip. The expert river guide is knowledgeable and more than happy to instruct newbies during this excursion.
Canoe The San Marcos River
Duration: 2 hours
5. Peaceful Hill Country adventure on horseback (from USD 125.0)
If you’re in Texas, you have to ride a horse. So enjoy this experience to the utmost by exploring the wondrous Texas Hill Country on horseback. If you’re a novice, no need to worry, because the horses are expertly trained and very friendly. The hosts are professionals and show riders everything they need to know for a memorable adventure. This guided-trail tour takes participants through scenic landscapes that highlight Texas’ far-reaching territory. Enjoy hilly terrains and seasonal pretty ponds and babbling creeks. There will be plenty of chances to take snapshots along the way.
Explore the Hill Country on Horseback
Duration: 1 hour
6. Bike around the beautiful Greenbelt of Austin (from USD 99.0)
Tour one of the Austin area’s most cherished gems while onboard a top-grade mountain bike. Explore Barton Creek Greenbelt - a top biking and hiking trail - with this fabulous cycling adventure. The entire tour runs about five hours round trip and boasts spectacular wildlife sightings and an overload of abundant greenery. This bike tour is led by a local, so you’re sure to experience first-hand knowledge about this gorgeous area. Participants are supplied with a nutritious and energy-fuelled snack like protein bars and trail mix as well as bottled water.
Greenbelt Mountain Bike Adventure
Duration: 3 hours
7. Grab a SUP and explore Austin's waterways (from USD 49.0)
Enjoy a SUP experience with a fantastic twist: sightings of Mexican free-tailed bats! Austin boasts the biggest urban bat colony and guests of this expedition get to see these mystifying winged creatures intimately with this incredible activity. Each summer, millions of bats descend on the town from Mexico City and make their temporary home under Austin’s Congress Avenue bridge. Hundreds of spectators watch every evening from the bridge, but this adventure affords participants a different and thrilling perspective. This is definitely worth a spot on your bucket list.
Sunset Paddle Board & Urban Bats-SUP
Duration: 2.5 hours
8. Go tubing on San Marcos River (from USD 69.0)
Enjoy a floating party like no other with this marvelous tubing adventure. The San Marcos River is a lovely body of water in a picturesque setting, complete with shimmering water, large shaded Cypress trees, and collections of turtles soaking up the sun’s rays along the banks. The river is delightful: boasting 70° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) every day of the year. A convenient shuttle is provided for worry-free transportation to and from the river. From buoyant inner tubes to necessary river permits, supplies and gear for the three-hour floating event are provided.
River Tubing Float
Duration: 6 hours
9. Find the catch of the day at splendid Canyon Lake (from USD 400.0)
This guided fishing tour is ideal for avid anglers. Known as the jewel of the Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake is a superb scenic spot for spending a leisurely afternoon fishing. This approximately four-hour tour offers plenty of time to hook that prized trout you’ve been dreaming about. The expert local will also show you the places around the lake. Participants are supplied with fine fishing gear and refreshing bottled water
Guided Fishing Trip on Canyon Lake
Duration: 4 hours
10. Go rock climbing at Austin Greenbelt (from USD 164.0)
If you ever dreamed of scaling towering walls of rocks, here’s your opportunity to learn how in a safe environment. This excursion offers the ultimate setting for rock climbing in Texas: the beautiful Austin Greenbelt area. This adventure is perfect for beginners and the professional guide shows participants the must-know techniques, like how to tie a figure-eight knot and proper procedures like how to communicate effectively with each other. This tour is geared toward everyone having an exciting and safe time on the rocks. Rock climbing teams are divided into five to seven members.
Austin Guided Outdoor Climbing Experience
Duration: Flexible
San Antonio's fabulous outdoor fun
San Antonio boasts an enticing atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in taking a bicycle tour through the heart of the city or kayaking down the lovely San Antonio River, this city is a place that easily charms. Spend the day enjoying one of these great outdoor activities and your time in San Antonio can only be extraordinary.
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