I am a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions and one of my mine, for 2014, is to play tourist more in my own city of San Antonio! For crying out loud, it is the #1 ranked tourist destination in all of Texas!
After eating dinner on the river almost a year ago, my five year old has been begging me to take her on a River Boat Cruise Tour, a 35 minute boat ride along the historic San Antonio River. The great thing about San Antonio’s winter, is you can probably find a sunny 70 degree day to enjoy our river walk. So we loaded up and headed down town during the week and I was pleased with how simple and relaxing the experience was. With young children, I recommend going during the day so they can see more things around them.
Where To Park & Possibly Park For Free?!
There are several parking garages around downtown but since it was not crowded during the week, we drove south on 281/Hwy 37, exited Commerce Street, turned right (or West) and quickly found several open spots along Commerce Street across from Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steak House and The River Center Mall. They have parking meters that take debit/credit cards for two hours max, at a cost of $3.60. ($1.80/hour.) We then headed straight down the stairs to the river and the Clearwater River Boat Ticket Station at Commerce and Bowie, one of the three places to get tickets and board a barge. I loved how short of a walk it was with a five and seven-year old in tow. TIP: If you can go on a Tuesday afternoon, you can park free at most parking garages down town after 5PM! The weather is supposed to be warmer and beautiful this weekend so maybe you can get out and enjoy part of our beautiful city.
River Boat Tickets
*Our key learning was to have your driver’s license out and ready to show before you request adult tickets, as they didn’t ask if we were San Antonio/Bexar County residents and therefore charged us, adults, the “General Admission” of $8.25 instead of the “Bexar County Resident” price of $6.00! **And they will not do refunds or price adjustments.
Our individual fares are:
$8.25 – General Admission
$6.00 – Bexar County Residents
$2.00 – Children (1-5 years)
$6.00 – Senior Citizens (60 & older) & United States Military
All prices are tax inclusive. Discount prices require picture ID.
The Boat Tour and Trivia
Usually, there are fun and knowledgeable drivers telling you all about the river and facts about San Antonio. My kids were obsessed with finding things in the water (the natural part of the river is clear.) They found credit cards, forks, sun glasses and much more! Our boat even rescued a black lab that had jumped in the river after several ducks and couldn’t find a way out. In the midst of all that, here are some facts that you can print out and take with you for the ride and ask your children if they can listen to find out the answers about our great city’s history.