San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the USA, currently the 7th-largest. The city is rich with historic landmarks from different eras, including 17th-century missions, the San Fernando Cathedral, and the Alamo.
The city is massive and fairly industrial, but there are a plethora of options for running in local parks, greenways, and historic areas. However, runners should be prepared for the brutally hot weather, especially from June through September. If you are ready for the challenge, dive into our list of the 10 best places to run in San Antonio.
1. San Antonio Downtown
You generally want to avoid running downtown in bigger cities, but San Antonio is a pleasant exception. Have a runseeing tour of downtown San Antonio; see the San Fernando Cathedral, the River Walk, Market Square, the University of Texas-San Antonio campus, Tower of the Americas, Blue Star Arts Complex, HemisFair Park, the King William Historic District, and the Alamo.
You can start anywhere downtown to see all the landmarks. You can also add some of the historic neighborhoods to your run, including Southtown and Lavaca.
Why is it great?
- Mostly flat.
- Historic sights.
- Great for runseeing.
- Well-lit at night.
- Crowded and safe.
- Many options to expand the route.
2. The River Walk
The River Walk is the biggest tourist attraction in the city. Yes, even bigger than the Alamo. In the early 20th century, the area was flooded, but after the construction of the Olmos Dam and a bypass channel, it became the talk of the city. You can find boat tours, pubs, restaurants, and hotels here.
You might be a temporary resident of one of those hotels or a patron at one of the establishments and start wondering: “Huh, this is such a nice place. I would love to have a run here someday. Are there any jogging trails near me?”
Yes, yes, there are. The River Walk, with a few extensions, goes for over 15 miles, which can be seen on the map of the area.
If you grow tired of the main loops, we also recommend exploring the adjacent neighborhoods, such as the King William neighborhood.
Why is it great?
- Flat course.
- Near water.
- Well-lit at night.
- Crowded and safe.
- Many establishments to visit after a run.
3. Mission Reach Trail
The Mission Reach trail, just two miles from downtown, is an extension of the previously mentioned River Walk. It trails past 18th-century missions, including Mission San Juan and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
The trail is a massive standout from the many downtown and even park areas of San Antonio. With over 16 miles of bike and hike trails going around the San Antonio River, it boasts an all-natural landscape, with many groundskeepers working tirelessly to preserve this pristine patch of land. The course is also a prime spot for birdwatchers as there is a bird clinic in the area.
The trail is also a frequent host to fun runs in San Antonio, so if you plan on participating, you can familiarize yourself with the route.
Why is it great?
- Great natural views.
- Near water.
- Water fountains.
- Restroom.
- Highly-visible mile markers.
- Bird-watching opportunities.
4. Brackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park (or the Brak, as the locals call it) is a 343-acre public park with something for everyone, including running trails, public fishing spots, birdwatching areas, kid’s parks, gardens, and more. This park is home to the Japanese Tea Gardens, Botanical Garden, and the San Antonio Zoo.
The run of the perimeter of the park is around 3 miles, but you can incorporate some of the internal trails as well as the River Walk trail or the Mahncke Park neighborhood for longer runs.
Why is it great?
- Great natural views.
- Marked trails.
- Birdwatching spots.
5. Olmos Basin Park
Olmos Basin Park is a fantastic park with lots of paved and dirt trails, many leading to the famous Olmos Dam. The park also has a few 100-foot climbs, perfect for stamina training.
To extend the run, we recommend visiting the Alamos Heights and the Terrell Hills neighborhoods.
Why is it great?
- Amazing green views.
- Trail to the famous Olmos Dam.
- Running near water.
- Slightly hilly.
6. McAllister Park
McAllister Park is popular for San Antonio trail running and mountain biking, with 5 miles of asphalt trails and over 10 miles of unpaved cross-country trails. Green scenic views will follow you every inch of the trail. The trail also has good access to water fountains and restrooms.
To extend the run, we recommend going to the Salado Creek Greenway through a paved multi-use path both to the south and north of the park.
Why is it great?
- Green scenic views.
- Paved and unpaved paths.
- Water fountains.
- Restrooms.
7. Salado Creek Greenway
Many San Antonio, TX trails and parks go through the Salado Creek Greenway. This 28-mile paved multi-use path connects Eisenhower Park, McAllister Park, Southside Lions Park, and many other parks along its way. You can run this trail on its own or add one of the many parks it goes through to your routine.
As the name suggests, the Salado Creek Greenway is reasonably green in most parts, with some limestone outcropping along the path.
Why is it great?
- Green scenic views.
- Running near water.
- Long trail.
- Many connections to other trails and parks.
8. Hills and Dale Run
The Hills and Dale Run is one of the most famous San Antonio runs. It starts at the Hills and Dale biker bar, next to Aguascalientes Taqueria, famous for its breakfast tacos. The run has many great views of the city, and the Six Flags amusement park is also nearby, so you can drop your kids there while you run.
Why is it great?
- Great city views.
- Close to a few establishments.
- Well-lit at night.
- Crowded and safe.
9. Leon Creek Greenway
Like Salado Creek Greenway, many San Antonio running trails go through Leon Creek Greenway. The Greenway is a system of paved multi-use paths up to roughly 20 miles. It is the O. P. Schnabel Park, Bamberger Nature Park, Fox Park, and many others. You can also visit the University of Texas campus to find additional trails.
Why is it great?
- Great green scenery.
- Long flat course.
- Connection to other routes and parks.
10. Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is amazing for calm runs. It features 5 miles of wild unpaved trails exclusively for hikers. The park also connects to the Salado Creek Greenway. You can check out the map here.
Why is it great?
- Great green scenery.
- Unpaved trails.
- No bikes allowed.
Conclusion
With so many beautiful scenic areas and historical sights to choose from, the San Antonio running scene is a joy to be a part of.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 best running trails in San Antonio. Did we forget your favorite running trail? Let us know in the comments!
