HomeProtected PlacesBrackenridge Park
Brackenridge Park adventures

Brackenridge Park Adventures

Brackenridge Park is a historic urban park in San Antonio, Texas, offering a blend of natural green spaces, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities within city limits.

343
Acres Protected
5
Miles of Trails
1,200,000
Annual Visitors
1899
Year Established

About Brackenridge Park

 

Brackenridge Park, established in 1899, covers approximately 343 acres located along the San Antonio River in the city of San Antonio, Texas. The park provides a verdant escape within an urban environment, featuring large oak and pecan trees, sprawling lawns, and a variety of recreational facilities. Ecologically, the park is home to native flora and fauna representative of South Texas riparian habitats. Historically, Brackenridge Park has played a significant role in the city's development as a public space for relaxation, play, and cultural events. Notable landmarks within the park include the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Garden with its stone bridges and koi ponds, and the Sunken Garden Theater, a popular outdoor concert venue. Visitors can enjoy walking and jogging trails that wind through shaded areas along the river, picnic spots, playgrounds, and a miniature train that runs year-round. The park also serves as a location for festivals and community events, making it an important gathering place for residents and tourists alike. Brackenridge Park combines natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering diverse experiences right in the heart of San Antonio.

Highlights

Highlight

San Antonio Zoo – a major regional zoo with over 750 species

Highlight

Japanese Tea Garden – beautifully landscaped with pagodas, waterfalls, and koi ponds

Highlight

Sunken Garden Theater – outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts and events

Highlight

Brackenridge Park Miniature Train – a family-friendly scenic ride around the park

Notable Natural Features

San Antonio Zoo

A 35-acre facility housing a wide variety of animals, one of the oldest zoos in Texas.

Japanese Tea Garden

A serene garden featuring stone bridges, bronze statues, tranquil waterfalls, and colorful koi ponds.

Brackenridge Park Miniature Train

Operating since 1957, this popular miniature railroad offers scenic rides around the park.