Top San Antonio Bike Trails for Families

San Antonio is often recognized for being the home of the Alamo, but its rich history goes much deeper than that. With all the sights to see, and 219 days of sun each year, San Antonio is the perfect place to take a family bike ride. Our very favorite San Antonio bike trails are below. After you find the perfect path for your family grab your gear and head out the door!

Leon Creek Greenway

This tranquil greenway winds along Leon Creek for 13 miles in western San Antonio. The paved trail has a few gentle slopes but is mostly flat. The scenic view is dotted with ponds which are home to a variety of birds and wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your camera and a bird book to help you identify each species you see along the way. There are several trailheads along this bike path – use this map to find your starting point.

Medina River Greenway

This out and back trail runs for 7 miles near the Medina River. The concrete trail doesn’t parallel the river for the whole length, instead winding through the trees. Don’t worry – there are plenty of viewing points for you and the family to enjoy beautiful views of the waterway. The path varies from easy to moderate intensity however, there are at two hills that are quite challenging. Expect your thighs to be burning at the top of these inclines! Check out this map to see an overview of the route and plan your trip.

San Antonio River Walk Bike Path

The San Antonio River Walk Bike Path is not only beautiful but truly functional as well. With over 30 miles of paved trails, you and the family can easily bike around the city. The northern section of the trail runs from Bracken Ridge Park south towards Mission Park. The southern portion of the bike trail runs from Concepcion Park down to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Learn about several Spanish frontier missions at this historical location including the oldest mission in Texas, Mission Espada. See both sections of trail with this handy map.

Brackenridge Park

Home to the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, the San Antonio Zoo, and several ball fields, this park has just about everything a family needs! There are several concrete trails running through the park with the longest measuring 1.5 miles. This is the perfect distance for beginning cyclists or those who aren’t sure how their kiddos will handle the ride. If you want to extend your ride, just go around the loop once or twice more. Make sure to bring snacks – it’s easy to spend the whole day in this beautiful location. Get park resources and map here.

Salado Creek Greenway

The northern segment of this trail runs for about 5 miles and is the most scenic part of the trail. Riding through the bluffs and forest, the view will have even your littlest family member in awe. Highlights along the route include the Voelcker farmstead and the Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park. The park is a perfect place to stop for a picnic or bathroom break. View a map and plan your bike ride today.

O. P. Schnabel Park

This 202-acre park has a natural beauty and was named for O. P. Schnabel in 1977. One of his favorite phrases was “be a beauty bug, not a litter bug” which explains why this park has been called  “the cleanest little park in Texas”. With multiple trails ranging from 1 mile to over 7, there is something for every rider and family. The surfaces of the trails vary between concrete, asphalt, and hard pack soil. The playground is limited, so if you have older kiddos bring a Frisbee or ball to toss around. Check out the different trails with this map.

With so many places to see in San Antonio biking is the perfect way to get around. Many of the San Antonio bike trails connect to each other or pass by parks and historical locations. This makes for foolproof outings and functional travel for those looking to commute by bike. Whatever your reason for biking, make sure your most precious cargo is in good hands.

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image sources:

Leon Creek Greenway – Yvette S.

Medina River Greenway – Paul P.

San Antonio River Walk Bike Path – Angela F. W.

Brackenridge Park – Vernon C.

Salado Creek Greenway – Jimmie R.

O. P. Schnabel Park – Jacob M.