16. Travis Park
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 301 E. Travis St.
Description: This small downtown greenspace across from the St. Anthony Hotel was originally part of a farm supporting Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) and later sold to Samuel Maverick, who deeded it to the city in 1870. It was named for Col. William Barrett Travis, who commanded the Alamo defenders. It frequently hosts outdoor concerts, and it’s a popular place with downtown employees, who like to take a picnic lunch and enjoy a little quiet time here.
17. Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 12603 West Ave.
Description: Opened in May 1999, the Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park is located on the city’s northwest side. This park may be new, but the site was used by hunter-gatherers 8,000 years ago. Later the park site was part of the Monte Galvan, a ranch that supplied the Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo.The long-standing popularity of the site is due to its location near the confluence of Panther Springs Creek and Salado Creek. Today it offers hiking, an exercise trail, a pavilion, and information stations. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
18. Blanco State Park, Blanco
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (830) 833-4333
Address: 35 miles north of San Antonio via
Description: Located along the Blanco (locally pronounced “BLANK-oh”) River, this park once drew early explorers and settlers who used it as a campsite. Modern-day developments arrived when the Civilian Conservation Corps made the first improvements. Blanco State Park today includes a variety of amenities and is located near several other attractions, including the Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park. Admission is $4.
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 84 miles north of San Antonio
20. Guadalupe River State Park
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (830) 438-2656
Address: 47 miles northwest of San Antonio
Description: The star of this park is the clear, cold Guadalupe River. This park stretches along 4 miles of riverbanks and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country. On Saturday mornings, take an interpretive tour of the Honey Creek State Natural Area to learn more about the plants and animals of the region. Call ahead to confirm tour schedules. Admission is $7.
21. Landmark Inn State Historic Site
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (830) 931-2133
Address: 20 miles west of San Antonio via US 90
Description: The historic Landmark Inn and museum was first a home and general store before becoming the Vance Hotel. Robert E. Lee and Bigfoot Wallace, a famous Texas Ranger, were said to have stayed here on the banks of the Medina River. Located in Castroville, this site today offers overnight accommodations at the inn as well as activities for the day visitor. A museum contains displays illustrating Henri Castro’s early efforts to recruit settlers to this region as well as exhibits covering early Castroville life. On the river, visitors can swim, fish, or canoe.Guest rooms contain antique furnishings but no televisions or telephones. All rooms are nonsmoking and include air-conditioning; some rooms offer private baths.
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 90 miles northeast of San Antonio via Hi
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 77 miles northwest of San Antonio via
24. Palmetto State Park
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (830) 672-3266
Address: 63 miles northeast of San Antonio via
Description: Along the banks of the San Marcos River, Palmetto State Park is a topographical anomaly amid gently rolling farm- and ranchland. According to scientists, the river shifted course thousands of years ago, leaving a huge deposit of silt. This sediment absorbed rain and groundwater, nurturing a marshy swamp estimated to be more than 18,000 years old. Now the swamp is filled with tropical dwarf palmettos as well as moss-draped trees, 4-foot-tall irises, and many bird species. Nature trails wind throughout the area. Located near Gonzales, the park has full hookups and tent sites. There’s also picnicking, but during the warmer months bring along mosquito repellent. Admission is $3.
25. Little League District 19
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 78209
Description: District 19 encompasses northern San Antonio as well as the northern portions of Bexar County. Operated by a volunteer crew, the organization is composed of 11 programs covering various portions of the region. Player registration is held in mid-Jan.
26. San Antonio Parks And Recreation Department
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (210) 207-3000 or (210) 207-31
Description: You may not be San Antonio Spurs material, but if you enjoy a little hoops, consider participating in the adult men’s or women’s basketball leagues. Games are played weekdays at Jesse James Leja Gym, 319 W. Travis St., and at Woodlawn Gym, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
27. Greater San Antonio Usbc
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (210) 490-6010
Address: 13307 San Pedro Ave.
Description: As the local affiliate of the US Bowling Congress, the national organization that promotes bowling nationwide, the GSAUSBC takes an active role in the sport by sponsoring tournaments and encouraging adult and youth bowling programs around town. The GSAUSBC website includes a comprehensive list of bowling centers in the San Antonio area.
28. Britton’S Bicycle Shop
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (210) 656-1655
Address: 16636 N. US 281
Description: This shop rents bicycles by the day, week, or weekend. To rent, you must have a credit card and/or valid identification. Rentals for high-end road bikes or mountain bikes are usually $35 per day or $55 per weekend, with helmets supplied if necessary.
29. San Antonio Wheelmen
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (210) 241-3479
Description: San Antonio’s local bicycling club, the Wheelmen, has been in existence more than 3 decades and has a membership list of around 600 men and women. The club plans evening rides as well as weekend rides through the Hill Country and along the Mission Trail. Throughout the year, at least 2 organized weekend rides are planned, along with other events. Helmets are required.
30. Via Metropolitan Transit
City: San Antonio, TX
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (210) 362-2020
Description: Take your bike for a ride, literally, aboard one of the VIA buses. VIA now has 460 bike racks on all its vehicles except the downtown streetcars, making it easier than ever for bicyclists to take their wheels out to the less-traveled reaches of the city. Bike lockers are available at select VIA locations (see website for the latest listing).