Sometimes you just need some fresh air. And sometimes you want to get that fresh air while employing pedal power. Here are some of the best spots for you to explore across the Alamo City on your bike.

Medina River Greenway sanantonio.gov The Medina River Greenway is about a 3.5-mile trail connecting the Pleasanton Trailhead to Mattox Park, which is located along McAllister Freeway outside of Loop 410 on the South Side. Because it hugs the edge of Mitchell Lake, you can expect to see some cool sights. When the weather is nice, you’ll see seasonal birds, lakeside wildlife and healthy vegetation. This greenway has paved areas, so it’s perfect for someone who prefers paved rides to rough terrain rides. If you’re intrigued by this shot, head to the greenway near the Palo Alto trailhead. Photo via Instagram / texasbyair
Pearsall Park 4838 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov Though one of the more popular parks on this list, Pearsall Park still does not get the credit it deserves compared to more-frequented green spaces in the city. In the southern sector of the city, this park is all about wide open spaces and getting active. There’s a playground, skate park, splash pads and even an outdoor gym — and a 18-hole golf course. Yep, you can get moving here. Photo via Instagram / zlara_photography
Cathedral Rock Park 8002 Grissom Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov Looking for a spot that gives serious nature vibes, but you don’t have to go far to get them? You’ll appreciate Cathedral Rock. Here you’ll be able to enjoy trails — whether you choose to bike or walk them — as well as big grassy areas and picnic tables too if you’re looking to sit back for a bit. There’s also playgrounds so the kids can run around. Photo via Instagram / nic_is_nicole
O. P. Schnabel Park 9606 Bandera Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov O.P. Schnabel Park, formerly known as Bandera Road Park and occasionally still known as “the cleanest little park in Texas,” is a gorgeous place to bike ride if you find solace in nature. A trademark of the park is the natural and native vegetation that grows plentifully within. Though O. P. Schnabel Park is quite a popular destination for San Antonians, the park isn’t any less beautiful because of it. Still, you will definitely have to dodge the occasional slow pedestrian on your rides. Photo via Instagram / howdydoodietx
King William Historic District/Southtown sanantonio.gov Biking around Southtown and the King William Historic District will open your eyes to a lot of sights – just keep in mind that bikes are largely only permitted south of the Blue Star Arts Complex. On one hand, you’ll see a ton of restaurants that you want to try (and a ton that we’ve already tried for you — there’s no shame in a self plug). On the other hand, you’ll see a lot of beautiful homes to admire on your ride. Because this entry is a part of SA and on roads frequented by cars, bikers are advised to have some street experience while riding. Photo via Instagram / xrays_in_use
Phil Hardberger Park 13203 Blanco Road, (210) 492-7472, philhardbergerpark.org For those who don’t know, or who have never realized it while they were visiting, Phil Hardberger Park is divided into two sections, East and West, by Wurzbach Road. For bikers (and pedestrians!), the East section has almost three miles of paved trails, and the West section has more than four miles of trails. The trails on the east side of the park connect to the Salado Creek Greenway, which is also on this list. Biker beware — the trails do not have amenities such as water fountains or trash cans, so the park recommends that you bring water and implores you not to litter. Photo via Instagram / john.a.dickinson.6.8
Fire up those muscles by exploring the Museum Reach. Museum Reach is a great way to experience basically a variety pack of famous Alamo City sites. It’s an extension of the River Walk that touches the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardens, Brackenridge Park, the Pearl, the Witte, the DoSeum and SAMA. It’s like part exercise and part exploring, but not so much exercise that you’ll be too tired to explore. Photo via Instagram / ryanibarra24
Stone Oak Park 20395 Stone Oak Pkwy, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov More like a hike-and-bike park, Stone Oak Park has paved and unpaved trails totaling to about three miles. While it’s perfect for moving around and staying active, it also has pavilions, playgrounds and open areas to stay and play or rest for a bit. Located near Canyon Ridge Elementary School, Stone Oak Park is a great place to take your kids and yourself for a walk to unwind in the cooler weather. Photo via Instagram / psychadelic_bee
Hays Street Bridge/East Side 803 N Cherry St, (210) 207-0970 Doesn’t everyone know where Hays Street Bridge is? It’s been there basically since before any of us can remember, although renovations were completed on it in the past decade or so to transform it into an attraction. It’s great for photo opportunities and sometimes even proposals, yoga events, walking, jogging, and of course, biking. Using the bridge will get you downtown in minutes, which can be useful if you’re biking for a commute and not just exercise. Photo via Instagram / trickzillla
Salado Creek Greenway sanantonio.gov The Salado Creek Greenway runs between Jack White Park and Southside Lions Park. At a distance of 7.2 miles, this trail is perfect for a biker who loves long … looooong rides through nature. As you pass, you’ll see several species of trees, like pecan trees, and at the points where it hugs the Salado Creek more tightly, you’ll get views of creatures that make water sources their homes. While Salado Creek Greenway isn’t the most popular site on this list for bikers, it’s still perfect to hit on a hot summer day where you can be shaded by the towering trees on either side of the path. Photo via Instagram / _._snap
Brackenridge Park 3700 N St Mary’s St, (210) 207-7275, brackenridgepark.org Brackenridge Park is located near Alamo Heights, the Witte Museum and the San Antonio Zoo. It’s also home to the Sunken Gardens Theater and the Japanese Tea Gardens, as well as some of the thiccest (hehe) trees you’ve ever seen. It’s a shady spot — in a good way. Brackenridge Park is named so from being donated in 1899 by a philanthropist named George Washington Brackenridge, who was an advocate of women’s suffrage and education for minorities. Hell yeah. Photo via Instagram / peterbnyrenphoto
Huebner Creek Greenway sanantonio.gov Huebner Creek Greenway runs along Huebner Creek (duh!). It extends for about one and a half miles between two other trails, Crystal Hills Trailhead and Leon Creek Greenway. If you’re into a more private ride, Huebner Creek Greenway is probably the way to go since it’s much less known than the Leon Creek Greenway that it connects to, but you’ll probably still run into some people. Just make sure that you’re ready and geared up for some rough terrain. Photo via Instagram / ramonhg81
The Historic Pearl 303 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 212-7260, atpearl.com The Historic Pearl isn’t as much of a park as it is a bike-safe and bike-friendly area — just look out for the loads of people if you’re in the thick of the complex. Ride around the outskirts and enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of places to ride and park too. Once you park, there are plenty of places to eat and get a little tipsy. *hiccup* You might end up having to Uber home. Photo via Instagram / lcsschwnts
Leon Vista 8561 Rochelle Road, (210) 207-8480, sanantonio.gov Just because alcohol is prohibited at Leon Vista Park (like most other parks in SA) doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. This park is more of a hike-and-bike park than a sit-and-picnic park, which makes it perfect for the biker in you. The trails aren’t super well-known, so if you want to spend some time alone in nature, this is probably the park/trailhead for you to hit. Photo via Instagram / coldpizzatx
Leon Creek South Greenway sanantonio.gov Leon Creek South Greenway, not to be confused with the Leon Creek Greenway, runs near Pearsall Park on the city’s South Side. It is located near Quintana Road, and is multi-use friendly, meaning that it is mostly paved and safe for joggers, walkers, bikers and maybe even roller bladers, so be aware that you might encounter a variety of other people using this trail. There are also seating areas for when you get tired or need a break, but that also means that there are some spectators if you do something wrong and fall off your bike. We’ve all been there. Photo via Instagram / epicmtbsatx
Olmos Basin Greenway sanantonio.gov The Olmos Basin Greenway Trail runs between Jones-Maltsberger Road and Devine Road and is about a mile or so long. Because of the mature trees in Olmos Basin Park, the greenway trails are almost entirely shaded, offering relief from the hot Texas sun on sweltering days. If you decide to go during the summer, or let’s be real, any other season in Texas, the shade doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be cool. Luckily, it runs along Olmos Creek. Photo via Instagram / cmcpuma
McAllister Park 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov McAllister Park has a lot to offer: pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, ample parking and dog parks, but the reason it made it on this list is the trails. The park has around five miles of paved trails, perfect for biking. As far as unpaved trails go, you’ll find about 10 miles of them winding through the 976 acres of McAllister Park between Jones-Maltsberger and Wetmore roads. Because McAllister Park has so much to offer and so much parking, don’t expect to be alone too much. Photo via Instagram / mcallisterpark