25 hidden gem parks in San Antonio everyone should visit
When it comes to parks, San Antonio has more to offer than San Pedro Springs, Brackenridge and Phil Hardberger. Indeed, the city has plenty of lesser-known — yet similarly breathtaking — public spaces, not to mention miles of greenway trails that interconnect many of its parks. If you're looking to go a little further off the beaten path, these 25 hidden gem parks will let you enjoy nature, along with some top-notch amenities and outdoor activities.
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tflaughergalindoOlmos Basin Park
651 Devine Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Often overshadowed by the nearby Brackenridge Park, Olmos Basin Park is a beautiful place to relax and play outdoors. The park has various picnic areas and fields for sports including baseball, soccer, football and rugby, and also connects to the scenic Olmos Basin Greenway, which runs from Devine Road to Jones-Maltsberger Road. There's even a LARP group that meets at the park.
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jeffreywdyerElmendorf Lake Park
3700 W. Commerce St., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
When taking a relaxing walk in this park, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Elmendorf Lake as well as a scenic view of Our Lady of the Lake University's campus across the water.
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adm_xanderHot Wells
5503 S. Presa St., bexar.org
Back in the day, Hot Wells hot spring resort was a hotspot for some of the hippest celebs of the silent film era, including director Cecil B. DeMille and actors like Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Sarah Bernhardt. Furthermore, the 1911 film
The Immortal Alamo was partially shot across the river from the property at Star Film Ranch. The remains of the once-famous resort are now a park, where visitors can soak in the landmark's unique history.
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cooperandmarzBamberger Nature Park
12401 Babcock Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
If you’re seeking a park that feels all natural, you’ll be happy heading to Bamberger Nature Park. This hidden gem of a park is filled with trees, letting you feel like you’re in a legitimate state park (though it is a city park). There’s even trails to walk or bike, so get that heart pumping and endorphins going.
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kennyh113815Nani Falcone Community Park
8716 Mystic Park, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
While not the most spacious, this community park is a small, but isolated oasis that will let you kick back in nature without going far. In addition to a mile-long walking trail, the park also features playgrounds and a disc-golf course so kids of all ages can have some fun and get active.
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siouxi.vCathedral 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.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture
Tom Slick Park
7400 Texas 151 Access Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Don’t let the location right off the highway fool you — this park offers some space to play basketball, football or soccer, as well as the green space to simply just walk around. The park also has a fun homage to its namesake Tom Slick's passion for cryptozoology: a statue of the Loch Ness Monster made by artist Elizabeth Carrington.
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runningmanflPanther Springs Park
22635 Wilderness Oak Road, (210) 207-8480, sanantonio.gov
Also known as Panther Springs Natural Area, this park features 2.5 miles of paved trails and a large dog park.
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ivanolivo_81Pearsall 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.
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besweeetLady Bird Johnson Park
10700 Nacogdoches Road, (210) 599-0122, sanantonio.gov
In addition to its scenic trails, Lady Bird Johnson Park has a skate park and a large pool perfect for cooling down during the summer months.
