Brackenridge Park
San Antonio, Texas

Sea lion and handler at the San Antonio Zoo
25k JPEG

Located adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo, 343.7-acre Brackenridge Park is a focal point for outdoor family activities. The picturesque San Antonio River, which originates from artesian springs north of the park, meanders by paved, tree-lined paths suitable for bicycling and walking. Additional recreational opportunities include picnicking, pedal boating, fishing, birding and nature study. Facilities include athletic fields, playground, concessions and a 3.5-mile miniature railway. Brackenridge Golf Course, the oldest municipal golf course in Texas, is also located within the park.

The park's primary tourist attraction is the San Antonio Zoo, home to the third largest animal collection in North America, including several endangered whooping cranes. The Zoo is open 7 days a week year-round. There is an admission fee. Call (210)734-7184 or email zoodev2@sazoo-aq.org for more information.

Another popular attraction are the Japanese Tea Gardens -- a lush year-round garden and floral display featuring shaded walkways, stone bridges, 60-foot waterfall and attractive ponds. The gardens mesmerize and delight visitors to this natural oasis in Brackenridge Park. The Gardens are open 7 days a week from 8 AM until dusk. There is no admission fee. Call (210)821-3120 for additional information.
NOTE: The gardens will be closed from October 22 through January 1 for renovations.

In addition to the exotic and captivating birds and animals on display at the Zoo, Brackenridge Park itself attracts a variety of wildlife. Squirrels and wild birds such as green herons, great egrets, great blue herons and black-bellied whistling ducks, mallard ducks and cormorants are often observed in the park or on the Zoo grounds.

Park Rating Explanation of Symbols
Campsites/Overnight Facilities	0
Leashed Pets Permitted?	YES
Picnic Areas/Playgrounds
Solitude
Trail System	0
Water Recreation	0
Wildlife
Ratings are based on a scale of 0 to 4.

Shannon's Notebook

As an urban park situated near many of downtown San Antonio's prime tourist attractions, Brackenridge Park can be quite busy, especially during holidays and weekends. Nevertheless, the park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic or leisurely stroll after visiting the nearby sights.

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Location

Brackenridge Park is located two miles from downtown San Antonio at 3700 North St. Mary's Street.
Map of Park's Location

For GPS Users: N 29° 27.34' W 098° 28.37' (WGS84/NAD83)
Convert to another coordinate sytem or map datum (Courtesy of Jeeep.com)

Hours

Open 7 days a week year-round from 5 AM to 11 PM. Daytime visits to the park are recommended.

Fees

There is no entrance fee for the park or the Japanese Tea Gardens.
The Zoo charges admission. Call (210)734-7184 or email zoodev2@sazoo-aq.org for rates.