San Antonio’s River Walk is one of its top sites, alongside the Alamo.
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The River Walk is a pedestrian street that runs alongside the San Antonio River. It defines one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, called Villa de Bejar. The outpost was first established in the early 1700s before eventually becoming a World Heritage Site.
But you might know the River Walk as a scenic, walkable area that’s home to some of San Antonio’s top hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. It’s where you can find all five Spanish Colonial missions, sites like the Petty House and Arneson River Theatre, and even long-established haunts like the Pearl.
The River Walk is broken down into two areas, called ‘reaches’. You’ve got the busier museum reach to the north, then the mission reach to the south. You can find a solid breakdown online from San Antonio City.
If you prefer to stay at hotels, I recommend booking a room right on the River Walk. If you’re more of a private rental person, choose from the Airbnbs and Vrbos listed below. They’ll put you close enough that you can stroll to the River Walk.
Vrbos & Airbnbs close to the River Walk: short list
- Great for couples: Clean and simple one-bedroom with great amenities
- Perfect for families: Two-bedroom unit near River Walk
- Something special: One-bedroom with a Texas feel
Vrbos & Airbnbs close to the River Walk:
One-bedroom apartment with River Walk views
This quaint, cozy one-bedroom apartment comes with direct River Walk views from each and every window. The building is historic, as well, which you’ll notice through small design features. The décor also has a charming BnB feel, while the rental also gives you access to an outdoor dining area.
If this rental is booked but you like the vibe, check out another offer from the same host, named Angela. (Here’s another one-bedroom available on Vrbo.) From what I can tell, she runs a few properties in the same historic building that all offer that upscale BnB feel.
One-bedroom with a Texas feel
You don’t have direct River Walk views at this one-bedroom apartment—instead, you have views of the 1755 San Fernando Cathedral and the 1897 Bexar County Courthouse. (And the River Walk is just a few blocks away.) This apartment comes with an eclectic Texan flair, making it perfect for those who seek out style. There’s also a king-sized bed in the bedroom, and a queen sofa bed in the salon, letting you sleep four comfortably.
High-design one-bedroom near other landmarks
Just steps away from the River Walk and close to other hotspots like the Historic Pearl, this apartment has a stellar location. It’s also housed inside San Antonio’s original YMCA building, completed in 1907. There’s plenty of historic charm and character in this place, from original metalwork and woodwork—although the distressed walls might not be for everyone. This rental also doesn’t come with free parking. Rates are around $20-40 across the street.
Clean and simple one-bedroom with great amenities
You’re located right in the heart of the River Walk at this one-bedroom, which comes with condo amenities. On the fourth floor of the building, you can enjoy a lounge terrace with a grill area, along with a fitness center and a soaking pool. The apartment comes with a king-sized bed and blackout curtains, too, letting you get a great night’s sleep. If you like those hotel-style amenities, look no further.
One-bedroom high-rise directly on the River Walk
This lovely one-bedroom gives you soaring views of the River Walk and downtown San Antonio. It’s in the same building as the previous rental, giving you access to the same lounge area, grill area, soaking pool, and fitness center. There’s just one exception: you also get free robot parking, which I would describe as a robotic vending machine-style parking garage. Don’t worry—the host offers plenty of instructions so the parking process isn’t confusing.
Private home in Mission Reach
Looking for a full home to rent? This one-bedroom home is located in the Mission Reach of the River Walk, a stone’s throw from downtown. In just three blocks, you’re at the River Walk. This historic home was built in 1910 and has plenty of charm, along with modern features. There’s also a porch where you can unwind with a drink after a long day, along with a private garage for free parking.
Lux apartment with amenities
This one-bedroom sleeps up to four with a sofa bed in the living room. The apartment is located in a modern building with a few luxury amenities, including a large outdoor pool with a poolside bar, a rooftop lounge, a coffee bar, a game room, a courtyard, and more. Inside the apartment, expect lush perks like a memory-foam mattress and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
Two-bedroom unit near River Walk
This warm, welcoming apartment is just steps away from the River Walk. It’s also a true two-bedroom, making it perfect for small groups. There are also two air mattresses that you can use to sleep up to seven, including a spot on the couch. Recent guests have also shouted out the host’s guidebook, which gives you a rundown of everything that’s in the immediate vicinity of this downtown rental.
Second-floor unit close to all the action
Shack up on the second floor of this renovated 1950s home. It’s got two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and plenty of space for hangout sessions. You’re a little further removed from the downtown area, but not by much, giving you a slightly quieter stay—that’s still only 1.5 blocks from the River Walk. There’s also an array of hand-painted furniture, in case you like a little whimsy.
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