DK Travel : San Antonio and Austin : Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park

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This park has been a city favorite since its opening in 1899. Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists enjoy the trails that run through the 343-acre scenic park, while children can ride on the miniature Brackenridge Eagle train and families find picnic spots near the playground or along the river. Stone bridges, shaded pathways, and tranquil ponds are highlights of the verdant Japanese Tea Gardens. Nearby, the San Antonio Zoo exhibits more than 3,500 animals from around the world, and the Witte Museum exhibits Native American, Texan, and natural science treasures.
The Picante Grill is very popular and known for Mexican dishes as well as Tex-Mex cuisine. Plan to visit the zoo in the morning when the animals are more active. The hours at the Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum may be irregular.

Top10 Features

1. San Antonio Zoo

One of the top zoos in USA, it is also one of the most innovative (see San Antonio Zoo ). Leading in conservation, it participates in breeding programs for 60 species.
2. Brackenridge Eagle

2. Brackenridge Eagle

This miniature railroad runs for 2.5 miles 4 km through the park. Trains are powered by propane replicas of the 1863 Central Pacific Huntington steam engines.
3. Japanese Tea Garden

3. Japanese Tea Garden

These beautiful gardens were built in an old rock quarry. Limestone walls with vines, tall palms, lush greenery, and flowers surround pools carpeted with lily pads and filled with vivid koi fish.
4. Sunken Garden Theater

Opened in the 1930s with a performance of The Bohemian Girl by the San Antonio Civic Opera, this old-time favorite is still the venue for summer concerts, and jazz, dance, and drama shows.
5. Brackenridge Golf Course

5. Brackenridge Golf Course

This historic golf course was the original site of the PGA Winter Tour and opened for play in 1916. The challenging course requires accurate tee shots on the tree-lined front nine, while the back nine is open, with tricky wind conditions.
6. Playgrounds

Parents can choose from a small playground at the corner of Mulberry Avenue, or a bigger one behind the Witte Museum.
7. Kiddie Park

7. Kiddie Park

Pure Americana, this original 1920s-style amusement park is a big hit with kids, and offers rides on a merry-go-round carved in 1918 that plays calliope music.
8. Walking Trails and Bird-Watching

The best walking trails are found in the main section of the park, while the best birding area is found along Avenue A, where sightings of red-shouldered hawk, herons, and black-crested titmouse are common.
9. Witte Museum

9. Witte Museum

San Antonio’s favorite family museum exhibits present Texan history, science, and ecology with interactive opportunities. The HEB Science Treehouse and the Hertzberg Circus Collection are popular (see Witte Museum ).
10. Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum

10. Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum

This memorial honors the Texas Rangers, the first law enforcement agency in Texas, pioneer families who settled in Texas, and the cowboys who drove longhorn cattle north to the railroads.

Practical Information

The Picante Grill is very popular and known for Mexican dishes as well as Tex-Mex cuisine. Plan to visit the zoo in the morning when the animals are more active. The hours at the Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum may be irregular. Brackenridge Park main entrance (see San Antonio Zoo ) 2800 N Broadway 210-207-3000 San Antonio Zoo 3903 N St. Mary’s St 210-734-7184 Japanese Tea Garden 3800 N St. Mary’s St Sunken Garden Theater 3975 N St. Mary’s St Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum 210-822-9011 Brackenbridge Golf Course 2315 Ave B Kiddie Park 3015 Broadway