Big-city life definitely has its perks – but what about parks? When living in a vibrant metro, it’s important to consider the little slices of nature that the city offers in order to have a place to relax, exercise, enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with your loved ones. The good news is that the best parks in San Antonio check all the boxes and are the perfect green sanctuary for both residents and tourists.
So, if you’re looking for apartments in San Antonio and green spaces are important for you, check out our list of the best parks in San Antonio!
Brackenridge Park
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Brackenridge Park has a rich history, originally established in 1899 and delighting San Antonio residents and tourists ever since. A true oasis in the heart of the city, this lush park benefits from an ideal location, as well as 343 acres of fishing, golf, picnic areas, playgrounds, museums and a Japanese tea garden. Here, there’s zero chance of getting bored in such a well-developed park that combines the best parts of nature with visitors’ favorite entertainment activities.
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
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This fairly large park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, which preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio (except The Alamo) and represents the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. History buffs can walk across the eight-mile stretch of the River Walk’s Mission Reach to explore recreational trails, pavilions, bridges and portals to the four Spanish colonial missions — Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada.
Woodlawn Lake Park
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Home to the man-made Woodlawn Lake, this idyllic park is the perfect place to be on a hot summer day. Originally established in 1880 as an adjacent parkland to a residential subdivision, the park is now a well-rounded outdoor entertainment area where visitors can enjoy tennis courts, dance studios and the highly popular Woodlawn Lake Pool. In fact, San Antonio residents can take a break from the heat at this regional pool that offers free swimming from May through September.
Hemisfair Park
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This little green oasis in the heart of downtown San Antonio is the definition of “something for everyone.” Here, you can find the most diverse and fun features and activities — from human-sized checkers to climbing structures, giant slides and even a splash zone. Previously home to the tallest building in San Antonio, Hemisfair Park is now the perfect place to admire a panoramic view of the city, as well as the interactive pieces and murals in the art gallery — because, yes, this park checks that, too.
Japanese Tea Garden
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A contributing feature of Brackenridge Park — but a notable standalone area in and of itself — the Japanese Tea Garden is one the San Antonio’s most beautiful, lush and tranquil parks. With more than 90 years of history, the garden previously served as a rock quarry. Nowadays, it’s home to a Japanese pavilion, a gorgeous lilypond, a waterfall and a Japanese café. Weddings and other celebrations take place in the serene atmosphere of the Japanese Tea Garden and, as a visitor, you can enjoy its surroundings every day of the year — even with your furry best friend in tow.
Conception Park
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Take in a healthy share of history along with your dose of exercise and fresh air at Conception Park. This popular location is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the Spanish colonial missions, but also those who simply want to destress and enjoy the great outdoors. Conception Park is just south of downtown San Antonio and offers a sports complex with a basketball court and a swimming pool, as well as hike and bike tours that run across all of the city’s missions.
Denman Estate Park
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Located in the northwest part of San Antonio, Denman Estate Park spreads across 21 acres and offers numerous serene picnic areas with benches and tables; a half-mile walking trail; and a labyrinth. And, because San Antonio is a sister city to Gwangju, Korea, Denman Estate Park is best known for its beautiful, hand-crafted Korean monument — a pavilion gifted to the people of San Antonio as a token of peace and friendship.
