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The San Antonio River Walk is one of the top attractions in the entire state of Texas. It winds through downtown San Antonio along the San Antonio River.
History
The San Antonio River Walk had its origins in 1929, when local architect Robert Hugman (1902-1980) submitted a beautification and flood control plan for the downtown area. The plan was adopted in 1938 as the San Antonio River Beautification Project.
Work on the 2 ½ mile walkway began in 1939. Hugman designed 31 unique stairways as well as several bridges and other features.
In 1946, the first of several restaurants opened along the San Antonio River Walk, and the Hilton Palacio del Rio opened in 1968. The Hyatt Regency San Antonio followed in 1981 and the Marriott Rivercenter opened in 1988. Several other hotels and shops have also opened along the River Walk.
Since then, the project has expanded north and south of downtown, and there are always plans for further expansions. In addition, many buildings have created their own River Walk entrances separate from their street entrances. The River Walk sits one level below street level.
Recreation and Events
The San Antonio River Walk continues to be a place for both locals and tourists to gather. Tourist boats cruise down the river frequently and are a popular attraction. Interpretive panels also sit along the River Walk explaining important landmarks and architectural features.
Social and cultural events are held along the River Walk, including the San Antonio Spurs holding cruises to celebrate their NBA championships. Events for the Fiesta San Antonio take place there every April.
Torch of Friendship
I walked almost the entire length of the San Antonio River Walk circling the heart of downtown, passing a few points of interest just off the path. First, on the eastern side of the River Walk in the median at the intersection of Losoya, Alamo, and Commerce Streets is the Torch of Friendship (La Antorcha de la Amistad). It was a gift from the Mexican Consulate in 2002 and stands 65 feet tall. The intertwining beams represent the friendship and roots Texas shares with Mexico.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Near the southeast corner of the River Walk is the Briscoe Western Art Museum. It opened in 2013 in the building that once served as San Antonio’s first public library. The museum’s goal is to share stories of both Western heritage and the people behind it.
The museum is named for former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (1923-2010) and his wife Janey Slaughter Briscoe (1942-2000). Adult admission is US$14 (as of April 2024) and it’s open Thursday through Monday. I wasn’t able to visit.
La Villita
Finally, just south of the River Walk is La Villita. It’s a small arts district featuring about 25 shops and galleries as well as restaurants. The galleries feature jewelry, pottery, Mexican folk art, souvenirs, and other gifts.
La Villita was San Antonio’s first neighborhood. It was originally home to a Native American community, then housed Spanish soldiers and their families. In the late 19th century, the area was thriving with immigrants from Germany, France, and Italy. It was a cultural melting pot with a variety of different architectural styles, from traditional adobe to early Victorian.
La Villita deteriorated into a slum early in the 20th century, but Mayor Maury Maverick (1895-1954) led efforts to preserve and restore the district beginning in 1939. Today, the neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 27 notable buildings.
