25 hidden gem parks in San Antonio everyone should visit
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, May 12, 2023 at 1:31 pm
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.
Tags:
- San Antonio,
- Texas,
- parks,
- parks and recreation,
- San Antonio parks,
- hidden gems,
- lesser known,
- city parks,
- nature outdoors,
- outdoor activities,
- sports,
- hiking,
- trails,
- biking,
- Southside Lions Park,
- Cathedral Rock Park,
- Converse City Park,
- Pearsall Park,
- Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park,
- Millers Pond Park,
- Crownridge Canyon Park,
- Crownridge Canyon Natural Area,
- Medina River Natural Area,
- Bamberger Nature Park,
- Mud Creek Park,
- Concepion Park,
- Friesenhahn Park,
- Tom Slick Park,
- Nani Falcone Community Park,
- Martin Luther King Park,
- Culebra Creek Park,
- Raymond Rimkus Park,
- Elmendorf Lake Park,
- Gold Canyon Park,
- Heritage Duck Pond Park,
- Lady Bird Johnson Park,
- Olmos Basin Park,
- Panther Springs Park,
- Panther Springs Natural Area,
- Stone Oak Park,
- Hot Wells
Scroll down to view images
Photo via Instagram / tflaughergalindo
Olmos 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / jeffreywdyer
Elmendorf 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / adm_xander
Hot 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / cooperandmarz
Bamberger 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / kennyh113815
Nani 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / siouxi.v
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.
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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / runningmanfl
Panther 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.
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.
Photo via Instagram / ivanolivo_81
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.
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 / besweeet
Lady 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.
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.
Courtesy Photo / City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture
Martin Luther King Park
3503 Martin Luther King Dr., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
If the only time you’ve hit up the city park is when taking part in the MLK Jr. March in January, consider paying this East Side park a visit any other time of the year. The park is decently-sized, bringing residents a seasonal outdoor pool, sports facilities, picnic areas as well as lots of room to run around. In early 2022, the park debuted the sculpture Spheres of Reflection by artist Kaldric Dow, which celebrates African American culture.
3503 Martin Luther King Dr., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
If the only time you’ve hit up the city park is when taking part in the MLK Jr. March in January, consider paying this East Side park a visit any other time of the year. The park is decently-sized, bringing residents a seasonal outdoor pool, sports facilities, picnic areas as well as lots of room to run around. In early 2022, the park debuted the sculpture Spheres of Reflection by artist Kaldric Dow, which celebrates African American culture.
Photo via Instagram / naturalistteacher
Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park
12603 West Ave., (210) 207-3000, sanantonio.gov
Up in north San Antonio, you may stumble upon this grassy, tree-filled park that will have you feeling like you’re actually miles away from city limits. This hidden park, that’s actually jam-packed with lots of history, has all that you need to get some fresh air, like walking trails and areas to feast on a picnic.
12603 West Ave., (210) 207-3000, sanantonio.gov
Up in north San Antonio, you may stumble upon this grassy, tree-filled park that will have you feeling like you’re actually miles away from city limits. This hidden park, that’s actually jam-packed with lots of history, has all that you need to get some fresh air, like walking trails and areas to feast on a picnic.
Photo via Instagram / jenivee18
Culebra Creek Park
10919 Westwood Loop, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Just outside Loop 1604 and Culebra Road, you’ll be able to run around this spacious park. Mostly flat, the park features areas to take part in sports with the family, as well as walking trails and wooded areas for you to indulge in some much-needed time in nature.
10919 Westwood Loop, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Just outside Loop 1604 and Culebra Road, you’ll be able to run around this spacious park. Mostly flat, the park features areas to take part in sports with the family, as well as walking trails and wooded areas for you to indulge in some much-needed time in nature.
Photo via Instagram / picturesby.sxvxnnx
Millers Pond Park
6175 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 623-2900, sanantonio.gov
As the spot where the O.G. Shea Serrano spent time balling up as a kid, Millers Pond Park should honestly be considered a national landmark. Even if that doesn’t happen, you should definitely head to this intimate, 42-acre park to take advantage of the fishing pond, basketball court, football field and picnic areas.
6175 Old Pearsall Road, (210) 623-2900, sanantonio.gov
As the spot where the O.G. Shea Serrano spent time balling up as a kid, Millers Pond Park should honestly be considered a national landmark. Even if that doesn’t happen, you should definitely head to this intimate, 42-acre park to take advantage of the fishing pond, basketball court, football field and picnic areas.
Photo via Instagram / eddie.millard.ok
Concepcion Park
500 Theo Pkwy., (210) 207-8480, sanantonio.gov
Located on the South Side, this 21-acre park is seriously an oasis among the bustling city life. Among the sprawling space you’ll find a playground, lots of sports courts and a swimming pool, meaning there’s plenty to do here. No matter what you get into, you can be sure that this space will make for a refreshing day out of the house, and without going too far.
500 Theo Pkwy., (210) 207-8480, sanantonio.gov
Located on the South Side, this 21-acre park is seriously an oasis among the bustling city life. Among the sprawling space you’ll find a playground, lots of sports courts and a swimming pool, meaning there’s plenty to do here. No matter what you get into, you can be sure that this space will make for a refreshing day out of the house, and without going too far.
Photo via Instagram / penarealtygroup
Stone Oak Park
20395 Stone Oak Pkwy., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Located in north San Antonio, Stone Oak Park has nearly 3 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking and biking.
20395 Stone Oak Pkwy., (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Located in north San Antonio, Stone Oak Park has nearly 3 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking and biking.
Photo via Instagram / ope_itsheather
Crownridge Canyon Natural Area
7222 Luskey Blvd., (210) 207-5320, fosana.org
Crownridge Canyon has around 200 acres and has a variety of hiking terrain — from level 1 ADA-accessible trails all the way up to level 4 difficulties. If you’re into birding, it’s also a pretty cool spot since the golden cheeked warbler nests there.
7222 Luskey Blvd., (210) 207-5320, fosana.org
Crownridge Canyon has around 200 acres and has a variety of hiking terrain — from level 1 ADA-accessible trails all the way up to level 4 difficulties. If you’re into birding, it’s also a pretty cool spot since the golden cheeked warbler nests there.
Photo via Instagram / danielcarmony
Converse City Park
307 School St., Converse, (210) 658-1965, conversetx.net
If you live out in the Northeast part of San Antonio, you won’t have to go too far to hit up Converse’s park. The open green space features paths for walking and cycling, a playground, ball fields, a pond and lots of barbecue grills for your next cookout.
307 School St., Converse, (210) 658-1965, conversetx.net
If you live out in the Northeast part of San Antonio, you won’t have to go too far to hit up Converse’s park. The open green space features paths for walking and cycling, a playground, ball fields, a pond and lots of barbecue grills for your next cookout.
Photo via Instagram / jfostahoo
Gold Canyon Park
18402 Corporate Woods, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Golden Canyon Park, or Golden Canyon Natural Area, is a small oasis of nature on the north side with a scenic walking trail.
18402 Corporate Woods, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Golden Canyon Park, or Golden Canyon Natural Area, is a small oasis of nature on the north side with a scenic walking trail.
Photo via Instagram / anyoneseenmyhead
Friesenhahn Park
15701 O'Connor Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Though you may want to have your next family party underneath the pavilion here, you can stroll into Friesenhahn Park any old day to hit up the concrete trails. Go on and get moving, y’all.
15701 O'Connor Road, (210) 207-7275, sanantonio.gov
Though you may want to have your next family party underneath the pavilion here, you can stroll into Friesenhahn Park any old day to hit up the concrete trails. Go on and get moving, y’all.
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