San Antonio Parks and Gardens

Brackenridge Park

The 343-acre park features the San Antonio zoo, miniature railway, carrousel, horse trails, skyride, golf course, polo field, bike trails, picnic area, Japanese Tea Gardens, Sunken Gardens Theater, and paddle boats. Horses are available for rent to ride in the park. Location: Main entrance in 2800 block of North Broadway. Park open daily 8 am to 11 pm. Free. Brackenridge Stables is across from the golf driving range, 840 Mulberry Ave. For hours and rates, call (210) 732-8881. The carousel, train and sky ride operate daily (weather permitting). Winter hours Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 5 pm and to 5:30 pm Saturday, Sunday and holidays. (210) 734-5401. Admission for each ride: $2.17 adults, $1.62 children age 11 and under. Paddleboats $5 for 30 minutes or $8 per hour (plus refundable deposit). Park located between U.S. 281 and Broadway. Most attractions concentrated on N. St. Mary's just east of U.S. 281 (follow signs to zoo).

MAP 3910 N. St. Marys
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 821-3000

Tower of the Americas

Reservations are recommended at this restaurant that takes about an hour to turn the full 360 degrees. The view of San Antonio from this location is the best in the city. There is an observation deck and a waterfall and pond at the towers base. Located in HemisFair Park the tower is open daily 8 am to 11 pm. $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children ages 4-11. Between Bowie and South Alamo Streets.

MAP (210) 207-8615

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden has a conservatory, a children's garden and a hilltop gazebo with a great view of the city. The garden is situated on 33 acres of a wide variety of flora from all over the world. Open Tuesday-Sunday and holidays except Christmas and NewYear's from 9 am to 6 pm. $3 adults, $1.50 seniors, $1 children. Northeast of downtown near Fort Sam Houston.

MAP 555 Funston Place
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 821-5115

San Antonio Zoo

With over 3,000 animals representing 700 species, The San Antonio Zoo maintains one of the largest animal collections in the United States. Located in Brackenridge Park, the Zoo is situated at the headwaters of the San Antonio River, and is surrounded by scenic limestone cliffs. The San Antonio Zoo's captive breeding success is recognized throughout the zoo community. The Zoo was the first to hatch and rear Caribbean flamingos, produce the first white rhinoceros born in North America, and is internationally acclaimed for its breeding success of the rare snow leopard. Ticket office open daily September-May 9:30 am to 5 pm with grounds open until 6 pm Sunday-Thursday and to 6:30 pm Friday-Saturday. The ticket office is open until 6:30 pm. Grounds open to 8 pm. $6 adults, $4 seniors and children ages 3-11. In Brackenridge Park, off Tuleta.

MAP 3903 N. St. Mary's
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 207-7819