November 28, 2012 - River Walk South (YRE)

We entered an amazing urban sanctuary across the street from the start point. I was immediately struck by how pleasant the River Walk was. There was a beautifully landscaped path on both sides of the river. There were flowers, green plants, and trees. There were benches all along the River Walk, many of them calling out, "Sit on me!" There were ducks and fish and even an egret. Each bridge was different and most of them had beautiful mosaics underneath. There were frequent access points to the River Walk - many of them leading straight from hotels. There were interpretive signs to explain the flood control project and various historical aspects of the River Walk. There were also a number of "Rio Taxi" stops.

On the River Walk near the start of the volkswalk

San Fernando Cathedral

When we reached the River Park, we took the steps up to the street level to visit the Main Plaza and the San Fernando Cathedral, which boasts the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the U.S. The original part of the church was built between 1738 and 1750. Jim Bowie was married there in 1831. Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie are buried there.

Bexar County Courthouse

Another noteworthy building in the Main Plaza area is the red sandstone Romanesque Revival Bexar County Courthouse (1892-1896).

Historic home in King William District

Back on the River Walk, we continued past the site of the San Antonio Arsenal to the Guenther Street Bridge. At this point we wandered into the King William Historic District, an elegant residential neighborhood created in the late 1800's.


Returning to the River Walk, we proceeded to River Bend. The River Bend is a horseshoe shaped loop of the river. This is the most developed section of the River Walk. At the curve of the bend we left the River Walk and entered La Villita, the oldest part of San Antonio. It is now home to art galleries and touristy shops.

Federal Courthouse

Our walk continued to HemisFair Park, a redeveloped area built to house the 1968 World's Fair. (When did they stop having World's Fairs?) At HemisFair Park you will find the Tower of the Americas (think Space Needle), the Institute of Texas Cultures, the Convention Center, historic buildings, and more. The unique round building that is occupied by the Federal Court House was originally the United States pavilion.

Back to the River Walk, past more hotels, and on to the River Center Mall. At the next bridge we exited the River Walk to the highlight of today's walk: the Alamo! I grew up watching The Davy Crockett Show on TV and watching Disney movies about Davy Crockett, so the Alamo was larger than life in my imagination. In reality, it's not that big. But it was still very cool.

Passing through the Hyatt lobby, we returned again to the River Walk and we came to the section with all the restaurants with seating on the edge of the water. When it gets chilly in the evening, some places provide provide blankets, others provide gas heaters. You can even get guacamole made tableside.

Our 11k walk ended after passing some war memorials and the Municipal Auditorium.

If you decide to do this walk, there are a few things you should know before you go. Fist, there is metered parking right near the start point at 25 cents an hour. Bring lots of quarters and park for at least 6 hours so you will have plenty of time to shop, eat and sightsee during your walk. Second, the part of the River Walk with all of the restaurants is after the Alamo. Don't give in and eat at the food court at the River Center Mall - hold out for a waterside table during the last part of the walk.

Walk Route: A+

Walk Instructions: B