Sandwiched between Mission San Jose and Hot Wells locales in the heart of San Antonio's expansive wildernesses, this historical park was designated as a settlement for Catholic priests who were sent here as Spanish missionaries to spread the word of the holy bible among the natives. The park is spread over 948 acres (384 hectares) of blissful lawns that house the Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada; the four historical missions which constitute what is known as the Mission Trail, all possessing very distinct and beautiful detailing in their designs and constructions. The Espada Aqueduct, Rancho de las Cabras, and the Ethel Wilson Harris House are some of the park's other notable attractions.
Hemisfair
Originally created as the grounds for the 1968 Worlds Fair, this park is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Stroll through the park's 12 acres of fountains, pools and beautifully landscaped grounds or cavort on the Downtown All Around Playground. Built entirely by volunteers, this playground features wooden play areas designed by kids, including a space tunnel and a castle—perfect for letting little imaginations run wild. Also located on the park grounds are the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Tower of the Americas.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a unique safari experience, minus the trip to Africa. It features a petting zoo and a nursery, but is highlighted by the drive-through sanctuary. Park guests can purchase animal food to take with them on their journey through the park. Camels, along with 65 other animal species from six continents, roam freely throughout the park. The less timid animals will approach visitors and, if allowed, will stick their heads inside the vehicles and eat whatever they can find. Visitors can also encounter the endangered addax antelope, in addition to zebras, llamas, ostriches, giraffes and lemurs, among many other animals.
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Trek into this park and you will feel like you have wandered far into the hill country. Only a short drive up IH-10 from downtown, Friedrich Wilderness Park offers 5.5 miles of hiking trails, which vary in terms of their difficulty levels. The park also boasts the most improved handicapped trails in the region. The more difficult trails can be a great workout, while the lower levels offer an easy walk in a beautiful setting. If you choose the highest level and find yourself being passed quickly by kindly older men don't despair—they are likely retired military officers from the nearby army base. In addition to its hiking trails, the park hosts a bird population so diverse that it attracts even hard-core bird enthusiasts. Guided interpretive hikes are available. This place is open everyday from 7:30 am.
Located in northwest San Antonio, Eisenhower Park is a great place to go to get away from the noise and hurried pace of city life. The park spans 318 acres and offers approximately five miles of well-marked trails for hikers of all abilities. One of the trails is even paved, and is therefore friendly to those in wheelchairs who still want to experience the great outdoors. Because this is such a high volume park, and also due to the scorching South Texas summers, the best time to see the wildlife here is either early in the morning or near dusk. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, armadillos, raccoons and skunks, as well as many unique insects. Not the biggest or the best, Eisenhower Park is still a good place to visit, it is very busy at times and the observation tower does offer a grand view of the city when the conditions are right. This park is open to public on all days of the week from 6 a.m onwards.
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Comanche Lookout Park is a 96-acre public park that is frequently visited by the locals with their friends and family. In this park, you can walk your dogs, play with your kids or explore the natural trails all by yourself The canopy of trees and the abundance of natural greenery is a refreshing sight to your sore eyes and away from the hustle of the city, the Comanche Lookout Park gives you a place to relax. Take a stroll in lovely autumn evening and unwind yourself.
One of the city's largest parks, Brackenridge offers more family fun than one day can accommodate. Start with the musical carousel featuring 60 antique horses. Then try the Skyride, which consists of Swiss manufactured cable cars that lift visitors to enjoy the view of the park as well as the city skyline. If ground transportation is more your speed, opt for a ride on the miniature train that runs through a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) stretch of the park. For water travel, cruise around the upper part of the San Antonio River in paddle boats. Other facilities include a municipal golf course, a driving range, bike trails and picnic areas.
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Phil Hardberger Park sprawls across 330 acres (133.5 hectares) in San Antonio. This sustainable green space offers an array of outdoor opportunities in the vicinity of nature. Two basketballs courts surrounded by beautiful picnic areas and a playground are perfect for big families to enjoy a fun-filled day at the park. Children can have hours of fun with their friends at the blue playground, which features swings, climbers, slides, carousels, and more. The park is also home to a butterfly garden and vegetable garden, where the little ones walk amid beds of vibrant flowers and try hands-on farming activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers a network of trails to explore the Great Outdoors.
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