San Antonians ca n’t stand the River Walk because it embodies everything ill - inform SA sceptic imagine is incorrect with our city : rampant tourism , filthy water , constant belligerence – all of which are admittedly common occurrences along the banks of our maligned consistence of urine . It ’s a laughing lineage amongst our Friend in neighboring cities . " Why would I want to visit you in San Antonio , " your pious friends have probably asked , " so we can party on the River Walk ? " There ’s more to it than you think , everyone . Here ’s why it deserves a second luck .

The insanely crowded riverfront restaurants can be good

Sometimes you need a crack - sized margarita , a bowl of queso the size of your nan ’s armoire , and a serving of Malva sylvestris enchiladas from a restaurant that ’s far from fine dining . That ’s exactly what comfort solid food is – and the River Walk has a spate of it . There ’s something about a bowl of lukewarm melted tall mallow , a serving of red & green colored , semi - moth-eaten chips , and a powerfully assorted tequila drink that speaks to a Texan ’s warmness . The River Walk is the epicenter of this type of Tex - Mex comfort nutrient and can be find aplenty along the river ’s most touristed section .

Spurs river parades

I tear up thinking aboutTimmy and Tony and Pop and Manufloating down the River Walk , holding up their glint patronage rings , because I get it on it will never fall out with Tim again(or will it ? ) . At least we can rest easy know they were able to drift down the River Walk on a extravagantly decorate barge as one , big , glad Spurs family . Even if the Spurs do n’t acquire the big one , like they commonly do , we still have Fiesta , Mardi Gras , and vacation parades for our view delight .

It’s beautiful

We have a river that winds through historical business district architecture , equipped with arced stone bridge , large cypress tree trees , and lush botany – how many cities can say the same ? It ’s not deserving arguing the River Walk ’s beauty , because it should be recognized as fact . Use coarse sense : if you ’re looking forward to a easygoing perambulation , debar peak hours like weekend nights and you ’ll have plenty of time to stop and smell the cypress tree without being disturbed by someone who had too many super - sized margarita .

It’s like being in Venice (kind of)

The River Walk may not be as beautiful or historically substantial as the Venetian Lagoon , but it does n’t feel like the Med Center or Alamo Heights or Southtown or any other SA neighborhood you might survive and/or work on in . It palpate altogether unlike , and it ’s nice to have a place in your city where you may get lose . Any meter a San Antonian develop tired of his neighborhood haunt , he or she can jump on the River Walk and find something new – especially with late initiatives .

The city is working on improving its reputation

Government officials are actively working to change the percept of the River Walk as a tourer trap . The Frederick North end was recently promote with the redevelopment of the Pearl complex , and theSan Antonio River Improvements Projecthas raised gazillion to restore the river ’s historical signification and raise its economical wallop . If you braved walks on the Riverwalk in the 1990s and never pass back ( rightfully so ) , section of the river will be altogether unrecognizable to you now . Near King William , the river is quiet and calm . You ’re more potential to see someone studying than you are a belligerent out - of - towner , or a inner circle of lanyard fag out conference attendees .

Holidays are not complete without it

Christmas without saunter along the River Walk , through the arch of vast cypress trees draped with green and red LED lights is not Christmas at all . In fact , this nightmarish scenario should be banned for its over disregard of vacation tone . So , this December , buy some live chocolate , stuff some marshmallows into it , and ogle at the Santas , gremlin , and beautiful lights , or else you ’re Ebenezer Scrooge .

You can drink on it

exposed containers are in reality allowed on the sidewalks by the river . What is this , New Orleans ? Maybe this is mundane to you , but have the freedom to ramble where we please with our alcohol-dependent beverages is a new concept in Texas . Naysayers will say the policy is dangerous because of a severe lack of rail to protect you and your exposed container from falling into the depths of the river . Get over it , that ’s a risk you have to take – grease one’s palms a tiptop - sized margarita and roam , damnit !

River Walk taxis are fun

If you ’ve had too much queso , and are ineffectual to physically move your body to the Nox ’s next destination , Rio San Antonio Cruises has you covered with its taxi military service . For $ 16 , you could use the boat serve as many times as you wish on any given night – go from the Pearl to Biga on the Banks over and over again – all night long , without consume to walk .

The Esquireis there

The ripe bar in San Antonio has served strong beverage on the River Walk since 1933 . Get some fry pickles and a potable and sit on the patio – it might be the best way to enjoy the River Walk .

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San Antonio river walk

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river walk

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spurs parade

Flickr/Amy the Nurse

san antonio river walk

Flickr/Jim Nix

venice

Flickr/Trish Hartmann

river walk holidays

Flickr/Jim Nix

The Esquire Tavern

The Esquire Tavern