River Walk Tour (Self Guided), San Antonio

Nestled along the picturesque San Antonio River Walk, the Arneson River Theater is a celebrated outdoor performance venue with a rich history and vibrant present. Built between 1939 and 1941 by the Works Progress Administration, its creation was overseen by architect Robert H.H. Hugman, often hailed as the "Father of the River Walk." The theater honors Edwin P. Arneson, the WPA engineer who secured project funding but passed away before construction. Years later, bells added to the stage’s arches were named for Hugman, who rang them two years before his death.

This unique amphitheater features a stage on the river's north side, with the audience seated across the water on grass-covered steps that can accommodate over 800 people in 13 rows. A charming stone bridge, now called Rosita's Bridge in honor of Tejano music pioneer Rosita Fernández, often becomes an integral part of performances. Fernández captivated audiences here for 25 years as the star of the summer-long Fiesta Noche del Rio.

The Arneson River Theater remains a lively hub of cultural activity, hosting over 200 performances annually. Its open-air charm attracts everything from folkloric groups, music concerts, plays, and dance shows to opera performances and even weddings. Many of San Antonio’s famous river parades are televised from this iconic spot, adding to its enduring appeal.

Towering above the seating area is La Villita Historic Arts Village, a beautifully restored district showcasing artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants. This proximity to one of San Antonio's oldest neighborhoods enhances the theater’s cultural significance.

The Arneson River Theater also gained cinematic fame as a filming location for the 2000 comedy Miss Congeniality, starring Sandra Bullock and Michael Caine. Its blend of historical charm and modern vitality makes it a cornerstone of San Antonio's artistic and community life.

Nestled in the heart of San Antonio's historic La Villita Village, the Little Church of La Villita is a non-denominational gem with a rich history and vibrant community presence. Established on March 2, 1879, with its Neo-Gothic cornerstone laid by European settlers, the church quickly became a focal point for worship, weddings, and baptisms in what was San Antonio's first settlement. Its charming limestone walls and original stained glass windows continue to captivate visitors today.

Despite its quaint appearance, the church comfortably seats up to 75 guests, making it a popular choice for intimate weddings and religious ceremonies. With modern amenities such as air conditioning, it offers both historical charm and contemporary comfort. Located steps from the bustling San Antonio River Walk and just blocks from the Alamo and Hemisfair Park, the church is perfectly positioned for visitors to explore the city's vibrant culture.

The Little Church of La Villita is more than a historic landmark; it’s an active community hub. Its ongoing initiatives include a food pantry, clothing distribution, and the annual Thanksgiving Basket project. The church also hosts the Annual Starving Artist Show every April, celebrating local creativity and craftsmanship. For art enthusiasts, its retail counterpart, the Starving Artist Art Gallery, is a must-visit in La Villita.

This picturesque venue welcomes all lifestyles and faiths, making it a top choice for intimate wedding ceremonies, often planned with Everlasting Elopements. Nearby, La Villita Village offers dining, art galleries, and shops, while visitors can enjoy a River Boat tour, the Tower of the Americas, or the King William Historic District. Convenient accommodations like the Grand Hyatt and Embassy Suites enhance the downtown San Antonio experience.

Sitting on the banks of the historic San Antonio River Walk, adjacent to the picturesque La Villita and the Arneson River Theatre, the Briscoe Western Art Museum brings to life the vibrant culture and heritage of the Western United States. With its permanent collection of Western paintings, sculpture, and mixed media depicting the American Cowboy, Indian, Vaquero, and the many other cultures that forged the American West as we know it, the museum preserves the region's history, educating visitors with engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.

One such exhibition is found in the McNutt Sculpture Garden, the museum’s lush public outdoor space, featuring a beautiful courtyard lined with bronze sculptures depicting iconic figures of the American West. Also, at the front of the museum campus, there are impressive works by the country’s leading Western artists to be found.

Also, The museum traditionally hosts the country’s premier Western artists and collectors to celebrate Western art during its annual Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, showcasing hundreds of new works by visionary artists.

One of San Antonio’s most loved watering holes, the Esquire Tavern is the oldest riverfront bar on the famous River Walk. Established in 1933 – the day after Prohibition ended, it has been operational ever since, with a short hiatus from 2006 to 2011.

At the time of opening, The Esquire was considered an opulent addition to downtown San Antonio, with its high ceilings covered in pressed copper, terracotta floor tiles and elaborate woodwork. Thanks to its central location, the place drew clientele from all walks of life, and eventually became an obligatory stop for visitors to the Alamo City who looked to enjoy an inexpensive drink. Also added to its popularity a whole new decorative concept, featuring taxidermy and patterned tile.

The storied bar has a bit of a reputation, with legends of gun fights, illegal gambling, and even a ghost roaming in the basement. Dark, cool, and redolent with history, it invoked a feeling of danger as you went through the doors, but more like reliving a movie scene in a seedy joint full of characters than fearing for your life. Old regulars perched at the bar smoking, a uniformed man frisking people at the door and the occasional over-served patron being escorted out just added to the charm.

Years on, the Tavern continues to be the standard-bearer of bar excellence in San Antonio. It boasts the longest wooden bar top in Texas - over 100 feet of beer-soaked wood, rubbed smooth by the elbows of a zillion tipplers. In 1988, the bar top was spotlighted by “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” when, in a publicity stunt, it had 5,973 Lone Star bottles placed upon.

The bar offers a full menu of drinks (curated bubbles, ice cold beer, wine and swanky cocktails) and excellent pub grub (especially the lavish charcuterie plate). House specialties, like the Commerce Street Fix - blanco tequila, chartreuse, pineapple, lemon and angostura bitters shaken and served on crushed ice - have earned it a Beard nomination.

At the lower level, there is an intimate riverside lounge, called Downstairs at Esquire, which opens straight onto the River Walk and has a totally different concept, with a cool decor inspired by Victorian botanical and zoological collections.

The Aztec Theatre, nestled in the heart of San Antonio, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural grandeur of the 1920s. Officially opening its doors on June 4, 1926, this historic gem is one of the United States' most ornate movie theaters and a cornerstone of San Antonio's rich heritage. Built during the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties, the Aztec Theatre exemplifies the era's fascination with exotic-themed motion picture palaces, becoming a significant cultural touchstone for the city.

The Aztec Theatre's architecture is a dazzling tribute to Meso-American design, blending authentic Aztec-inspired elements with modern stylistic flourishes. Massive columns, intricate reliefs, sculptures, and artifacts echoing ancient Mexican temples are complemented by polychromed plasterwork and vivid murals. This meticulous craftsmanship creates a uniquely American aesthetic that leaves a lasting impression. A highlight of the theater's opulent interior is its three-ton chandelier, an architectural marvel standing two stories tall and 12 feet wide, once celebrated as the largest in Texas.

The Aztec Theatre, once a gem of San Antonio’s Theater District, faced decline by the 1970s, becoming the Aztec Triplex before closing in 1989. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, it underwent restoration and reopened in 2009 as a concert venue. Today, it stands as a cherished cultural landmark, celebrated for its Art-Deco design and lively events.

Today, the Aztec Theatre is not only a cherished historical site but also the second most visited Art-Deco landmark along San Antonio's iconic Riverside Walk, serving as a bridge between the city’s storied past and its dynamic present.

Pioneering San Antonio River Walk with classic Texan-Mexican fare, margaritas & outdoor dining since 1946, Casa Rio restaurant was the first business to open its doors to the river. The founder, Alfred F. Beyer, dug up the floor-deposited mud from the basement of his struggling appliance store and built steps down to the river.

The place itself sits on the land to which the King of Spain first granted title as far back as 1777. The Spanish Colonial period hacienda became the core of the new business. The cedar door and window lintels, the fireplace, and thick rock walls, are still present inside the building and largely add to its vibrant atmosphere.

Another key asset, undoubtedly, is the picturesque riverside location. Canoes, gondolas, and paddle boats, evolving into tour and dinner boats, began here and helped create the River Walk as it's known today.

Combined with the authentic Mexican food, it provides a perfect setting for any dinner party, banquet, reception, family gathering or celebration. Casa Rio offers a daily, kids, vegetarian and gluten free menus, as well as kid-friendly menu and a full bar service. The main menu features a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, small plates, large plates and enchiladas. Casa Rio's main fare includes carne asada, pollo asado, tamale plate, crispy or soft taoplate, chile relleno and flauta plate. Yummy!!!

The Shops at Rivercenter, formerly known as Rivercenter Mall, is a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination located in downtown San Antonio. Positioned along the iconic River Walk, this four-story mall—with an additional river-level floor—offers a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Its centerpiece is a lagoon extension of the River Walk, providing a seamless blend of shopping and scenic leisure.

Anchored by H&M and AMC Theatres, The Shops at Rivercenter also houses a 38-story Marriott hotel with over 1,000 rooms, catering to tourists and business travelers alike. Originally opened in 1988, the mall has undergone significant transformations over the decades, evolving into a modern shopping hub while preserving its historical roots.

Rivercenter Mall blends local history with modernity. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, built in 1871, famously resisted selling to Joske's Department Store in 1945, leading the store to be built around it. The mall once housed San Antonio’s first Lord & Taylor, an IMAX theater, and Dillard’s, which closed in 2008. The 1887 Joske's building, originally a 551,000-square-foot flagship store, was later redeveloped into retail and entertainment spaces, including an AMC theater.

Under the ownership of Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation since 2005, The Shops at Rivercenter has seen continuous revitalization. In 2016, the historic Joske’s building was reimagined as a modern wing featuring tenants like Dave & Buster’s, H&M, Starbucks, and Johnny Rockets. The same year, the mall was renamed to its current title, reflecting its updated identity.

The Shops at Rivercenter bridges San Antonio’s rich history and contemporary urban culture. With its strategic location, historical charm, and modern amenities, it continues to be a key destination for locals and visitors exploring the heart of the city.