Hemisfair

A Stroll Through San Antonio’s Changing Heart I was on assignment downtown at the Convention Center, and during a break, I decided to take a walk. I knew the whole area was in the middle of a big redevelopment, but seeing it up close made me excited for what’s coming. You can already spot a new hotel rising right next door, and who knows—maybe one day a sports arena will join the skyline. It took me back to being six years old in 1968, when San Antonio hosted the World’s Fair. Back then, the area had this dazzling, futuristic feel. Today, it’s a vibrant blend of the past and the future—apartment buildings, charming little restaurants, and playful spaces for kids. I wandered past a splash area where children laughed and played in the water while parents relaxed nearby, and I couldn’t help but smile. Once the redevelopment is finished, this place is going to be something special. But honestly, it’s already worth a visit. Whether you live here or you’re just in town, take a stroll, grab a bite at a local spot, and if you’ve got kids, let them burn some energy in one of the play areas. There are hidden gems tucked around every corner. San Antonio is changing—and it’s beautiful to watch.

What an amazing place that has lots of history and plenty of enjoyment for the kids! Everything is absolutely free so make sure you bring sunscreen, sandals and snacks! It costs $15 to park all day. Park is constrained due to construction.

This is a very nice park for hanging out, grabbing food or coffee or other treats. The playground is very cool, an artistic dreamscape. Fun vibes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Charming Return to San Antonio’s Cultural Heart I recently made a return visit to La Villita Historic Arts Village and nearby Hemisfair Plaza, and it was every bit as delightful as I remembered — with a few important notes for fellow visitors. La Villita continues to shine as a gem of San Antonio’s cultural scene. The cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant artisan shops make it feel like stepping into another time. Every shopkeeper we encountered was not only friendly but genuinely enthusiastic about sharing the history and craftsmanship behind their wares. Their warmth added a personal touch that elevated the entire experience. Parking can be a challenge (a LOT of CONSTRUCTION EVERYWHERE!) especially during weekends or events, but , with a bit of patience and a careful search, we managed to find affordable, well-lit, and secure parking within walking distance. I recommend checking side streets and smaller lots just outside the main tourist corridor. Planning ahead definitely pays off. AVOID the HOTEL (3rd party contracted) friendly, but Super Expensive Valet Parking ($65 * overnight! YIKES!) One key tip: wear comfortable walking shoes. Much of the area is best explored on foot, and between La Villita, Hemisfair Plaza, and the scenic River Walk, you’ll cover more ground than you think. Safety tip: While most of the area is lively and well-trafficked, it’s wise to stay alert — especially after dark. There are a few dimly lit, desolate spots on the outskirts where the atmosphere changes noticeably. I recommend carrying a small, bright flashlight, sticking to well-populated, well-lit areas, and avoiding secluded spaces where vulnerable or potentially unstable individuals may linger. Trust your instincts and stay aware. A special highlight of any San Antonio trip: take a boat ride on the River Walk! It’s relaxing, informative, and gives you a whole new appreciation for the city’s layout and charm. It’s the perfect way to end the day. In summary: La Villita and Hemisfair Plaza are beautiful, welcoming, and culturally rich destinations that are absolutely worth the visit, Remember the Alamo and the River Walk! . Just come prepared, stay aware, and soak in the unique energy of this historic part of San Antonio. Stay safe — and enjoy every moment!

Always amazing , it fun, you get a piece of mind and it’s very relaxing. Went for the last movie in the park, we will miss you until next summer

LOVE My Hemisfair park, Been coming here since I was a Kid and it still puts a smile on my face. Thanks San Antonio for Beautiful places like this so we can come out and Enjoy with Our Loved ones and make core memories 🌞😁💕

Place where all the events happen! Great for kids & Dogs. Bring your chairs, bug spray, wagons, blankets & chill, read, play & enjoy. That’s the vibe for this place. There’s also a great playground and little pool (free) . So take advantage ( but clean up after yourself) .

Hemisfair Park is hands-down one of the best places in San Antonio for kids to burn off energy, make new friends, and just be kids! The playground is super interactive with creative structures that spark imagination—from climbing towers and splash pads to swings and slides that keep them entertained for hours. What I love most is how social it is—my kids always end up playing with tons of other children, and it feels like one big playdate every time we visit. The atmosphere is welcoming, and there’s plenty of space for parents to relax nearby while keeping an eye on the fun. Bonus: There are shaded areas, restrooms, and even little food and drink options close by. It’s our go-to weekend spot!

I went to the Diwali festival that was not inside of Hemisfair, but in the large area behind/adjacent to it. The food, culture and entertainment was so spectacular that I can't wait to attend next year! I found out about this event through a coworker who was born and raised in India. The event was filled with people in their cultural and ceremonial attire. There were group dances presented by the people from various states in India. There was also various booths set up for photo ops. And of course my favorite is the food! There were numerous Indian food vendors and the lines were extremely long. I did wait in line to get a taste of the food that smelled so good! Although the parking fee was unwarranted ($20), the entire experience was totally worth it. I can't wait until next year to attend once more.

Hemisfair park is one of my favorite places in San Antonio! This amazing park is located right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. It started with just the Tower of the Americas and a couple government buildings, but now they have an amazing playground for childrens of all ages, multiple restaurants, a fitness studio, an apartment complex, wine bar, children's theatre, and so many other things! Hemisfair Park is truly the perfect place for people of all ages. The park has a parking garage located next to the apartment complex. Please note that their fee changes depending on the day. During "special events" they have a ridiculos $20 fee for parking no matter how long you are there. So make sure to look at the sign outside the garage with their current prices before you go in. Whether you are a local looking to explore the city, or an out of towner looking to get a taste of the local scene, Hemisfair is the perfect place for you!

The park is central to San Antonio and both Southtown and downtown which makes it a great place to meet up and hangout. There's a playground, chess, ping pong, foosball, corn hole, splash pad, and restaurants. anright in front of the Tower of the Americas with access to the riverwalk. For options to go eat there's Commonwealth coffee, Box St. Social, Dough Pizzeria, and new restaurants in process of opening in the coming year. There's also Lick Ice cream, Paleteria San Antonio, and Rerooted 210 winery. It's always well maintained with staff cleaning and working on the grounds to keep it looking great.

Another great place to spend the day with family in Downtown San Antonio! Near the tower of the Americas the Bank of America Promenade offers a great place to relax, eat your paleta from San Antonio Paleteria for on a hot summer day or a hot-cozy cup of coffee from Commonwealth. The park has a large modern playground, splash and sand park for the kids. There are plenty of lounge chairs, benches and tables. There are many food options such as Dough and a Boutique winery. Come stroll along!

There are so many fun things to do at Hemisfair Park! We had such a good date day wandering around the beautiful park and checking out some of the businesses in the area.

Such a cute park! Deff worth going to. Bring a swim suit and change of clothes has a great splash pad. They have chess tables. Ping pong tables.

We didn't know about this place, and stumbled upon it while getting popsicles. They have splash pads and probably the coolest playground I've ever seen, all for FREE. The grounds are clean and well maintained. Great for kids of all ages. If you're in downtown looking for family fun, this will be worth your while.

This place was AWESOME!! I have been living in San Antonio since October but have frequented many many times for shopping, food, etc. I had NO IDEA the Yayaguana Garden existed. It's a modern playground with a splash pad. It was clean and beautiful. A lot of children at the splash pad. I loved the design and how big it was. My nephew had a blast! There is also a paleteria right by the splash pad. I will be coming back throughout the summer for sure!

A terrific park at the city center. Hemisfair Park originally opened as the site of the 1968 World's Fair. The 750-foot Tower of the Americas was its theme structure and remained the tallest observation tower in the US for 28 years. There's much to see in the park including the iconic tower, picturesque waterfall fountains, sculptures and playgrounds. Every corner has something different to offer, and the park also connects with the famed River Walk. There are paid parking lots, with the money going to support the park. But if you can, I'd recommend finding free street parking further away and doing a walking tour of the River Walk and Hemisfair Park. We spent several hours walking around and exploring the sights, and it made for a very enjoyable part of our trip to San Antonio.

Hemisfair gives me a "boutique park" feel. It's a park but with pizazz. Awesome area that offers plenty of fun for kids....even overgrown ones like myself who still love to climb, swing, jump, handstand, fall, run & watch the water fall as I catch my breath. The park is small but packs a mighty punch. It has all of the amenities needed to make a short day of it...not a full day. I say pack a light lunch, engage in a few activities, grab a sip of water, take some pics & bounce. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jungle Gym, cool structures throughout & the peaceful waters located closer to the Tower. Enjoy, ~Christy

It's almost a hundred acre park at the edge of downtown SA. In 1968 it was the site of the World's Fair that coincided with SA's 250th founding anniversary. Almost 100 acres large it sits near the Riverwalk and the Grand Hyatt hotel. There are only a handful of pavilion buildings left from the fair today. The most prominent one is the Tower of the Americas - this 750-foot-tall tower, is San Antonio's tallest structure. At the top of the tower theres a revolving restaurant, lounge, and outdoor observation deck. It's $12 to go the observation deck. Free if you go the the restaurant or lounge. An incredible view of the city and the HemisFair park. Take a little time and wander the grounds- you'll discover unique statues, fountains and various restored buildings. We used a small portion of the park for our YSB Sunday Funday.

Got some paletas from Paleteria San Antonio and had tons of fun at the Hemisfair park! If you're visiting San Antonio, this combo is a must (they're only 5 minutes walking distance from each other). P.S The Hemisfair park is the best park I've ever been to, hands down! It's a modern playground that's integrated with amazing art and they have a really cool artificial "beach"!

Came here for the first time during the 2018 Coffee Festival and I have to say, the Hemisfair is an ideal place to get lost in thought, conversation, or exploration. Parking downtown, in general, let's be honest, can be a huge pain. To keep it simple, I personally just try to park in the nearby neighborhoods and take time to walk and enjoy the streets of San Antonio. After you find your parking, make sure your car is locked, and then just start walking towards the towering tower of a tower, the Tower of the Americas (redundant, no?). The fun part is figuring out which way you're going because the paths zig-zag in many directions, with plenty of open grassy areas. There are plenty of tree coverings so that on days where the temperatures soar, you can still enjoy the outdoors without burning to a crisp. On my way to the festival, there were was a bridge crossing near a water area for kids to play at which leads towards the tower. Incredibly spacious, there is a main pathway near the childrens park area that has older American styled houses that fall into the environment naturally and add depth to the scenery. The playground is modern in look and still fun for people of all ages and I found myself climbing all over the ropes, and enjoying the swings. Walls abundant with contemporary art, concrete table tennis and bean bags for sack toss, Hemisfair boasts an incredible amount in community interaction it's no wonder people enjoy hosting events here. Explore some more and you'll find sand pits for the kids and the classic CommonWealth chickens running around in their cages and enjoying the outdoors. If you want to zoom around you can also just rent out the electric scooters scattered throughout the immediate vicinity but one thing is for sure, you don't ever really feel cramped. Again, the Hemisfair is a great area to come to with kids, friends, or yourself, so come one come all! --- Currently there is construction next to the playground so it's a little noisy and hopefully this doesn't negatively affect the area in the near future.

Hemisfair is THE park of parks in San Antonio (and I'd put it up against any city for that matter)! The grounds are well maintained, almost manicured, and has a lot to offer its visitors. Waterfalls, playgrounds, fountains, ample things to climb on, festivals, a museum, and more! As a historical site for the World's Fair (history buffs rejoice) in the 60's Hemisfair and the Tower of the Americas is not to be missed!

Perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the outdoor air, and enjoy the serenity of the water features.

Only 1 fountain was running. Most fountains were completely dry and many of the pools were covered in algae and stagnant. There was a strong smell of yucky stagnant water and the fountain that was running was full of foam which means the water hasn't been treated in a long time. I visited these fountains in the 90s and it was amazing. What a disappointment today.

Love it. I tend to bring my kids during weekends and they always have a great time. Hemisfair is well maintained and swings are structurally sound. There's a splash pad in it as well. Family friendly atmosphere.

Incredible! Every inch matters as some would say. Great example of that Additions of housing and food vendors make it that much more appealing. Looking forward to the new developments

Great place for affordable family fun. Always great family friendly events that allow the whole family to be active and enjoy spending time together. Every city should model Hemisfair.

Why is this not on the top rung of tourist attractions for the city? This is at least as nice as the Worlds Fair site in New York City. The plant life feels reinvigorating and if I were a little younger I'd be happy to play on the awesome jungle gym.

Home of the 1968 World's Fair, this is a great spot to bring a date or the family to. Between the Tower of Americas, the Wooden Park, and the Mexican Cultural Institute (plus more), one can definitely make it a worthwhile afternoon here. During the summer you'll find a lot of people wading and swimming in the waterfalls at the base of the Tower.... and who would've thought the concrete archways in this area are what's left of the monorail from '68? This is definitely one of my top spots to practice my photography and just kick back, relax, and think!

Awesome visit every time Equipment for small kids and older ones even the adults lol. My daughter has always loved this park plenty of photo opps

The city has poured millions into this park, the recent expansion provides some nice landscaped grounds but as a park it leaves a little to be desired, it really needs more of a loop track - as it is the space is more suited for weekend events or farmers market than it is a park space. Especially noticeable was the odor from the water. There is a huge water feature that's pretty to look at but I swear SAWs (local utility) is using it as a waste water aeration space - think raw sewage smell, while we were there it was simply overwhelming and we had to rush to leave. If you have family coming to town and they have asthma be sure to bring an inhaler! The water was full of foam as well so I wouldn't want to go near it for photos for fear of it splashing on me. The tower here is the main attraction. There's an info booth on the 1st floor, go talk to them and get an informational book - there's coupons in there, one for a discount on an elevator ride to the observation deck in the tower.

Love the fountains! I wish the playground, climbing structure had more to it. It seems limited, and hot no one was on it during the day. The fall zones were excellent and squishy. Very safe. I loved the playground before because it was shady and had lots of places to hide and ways to climb. I think they could use some slides and step-like structure for kids. The aesthetics of the play area is beautiful.

As a NYer I was so impressed with this park and especially the children's area with staff, a water park and organized events. Every city should have a park like this for their kids.

This park centrally located in the heart of downtown has revitalized a huge part of San Antonio history. What once was the side for the World Fair is now a beautiful multi-dimension park. From a children's park to upcoming living and businesses, it's been a pleasure to see this all expand. This truly is one of the nicest Pena anyone can take their friends and family too. You can also reserve certain sites for events! If you haven't already, definitely go check it out.

HemisFair Park is probably the most under utilized park in San Antonio. Located right in the heart of downtown lays an oasis of large mature trees and beautiful landscaped gardens. There is also a great playground for the kids. There is also a portal between the park and Paseo del Rio. The Tower of the Americas lives here. Around the tower is a beautiful fountain comprised of cascading waterfalls. you can go to the observation deck for a fee or eat in the restaurant or have a drink in the bar and just pay for what you consume. Also in the park is the Mexican Cultural Institute where admission is free. It hosts a great exhibit of art created by Mexican artists. I like it because I get to see great art without fighting crowds. The park was created for the 1968 World's Fair. There are many beautiful houses here from the 1800's, but they are mostly vacant and boarded up. There are so many things that could be done with them. I keep hearing about plans to revitalize this park to attract more usage. I hope what ever the plans end up being it does not detract for out little urban oasis. This could be our own little Central Park.

HemisFair park is a potentially nice piece of greenery near the center of the city. I say potentially because, when I visited, all the water was shut off due to the drought conditions. This left mostly some sun-baked desiccated grass and dry concrete monuments throughout the place. It was mostly empty, a bit like an old West (or Scooby Doo) ghost town. There is a museum and a few buildings, but other than a few kids playing on a jungle gym, these grounds weren't really being utilized. A shame, really, because you can see the potential for a nice park within the center city.

Not the prettiest of the parks I've been to but it was nice. The grass is certainly not greener over here. Not a lot of green grass but some cool spots. Nice looking gazebo. The springs were cool and would be great on a hot hot day. Lots of people traveling by segway which was different. Solid park, hope it's prettier at other times of the year.

Been here twice in last month. There was Diwali night and luminiara. The place is amazing. And there are plenty of parking lots around. You will have to look for them and you will find parking in less than 100 feet for most times. Haven't been there during day yet.

Such a great park! It's historic- It's all from the World's Fair. It's so beautiful, especially at night, when all the lights are lit. They often have festivals and movie nights there, which is always fun! It's a shame that you're not supposed to swim or wade in the fountains, but on hot days, that's usually ignored. There's a really neat garden over by the Federal Courthouse that's run by volunteers, which shows off some of the area's best flowers, and native flora. There's public bathrooms that are well kept, and graffiti free. There's water fountains too. I love all the waterfalls that surround the base of the tower, which is really amazing when approached at night. My secret Yelper trick- park on the streets to the south of the Fed Courthouse paid parking. It beats the paid parking for that place, $8!

I just wish that the street extended more with more beautiful old homes. HemisFair Park is an old neighborhood that dates back to the mid 1800's. The homes here are beautiful. Large unoccupied homes that truly is a shame. Although I heard from a local that the city is going to do something with the homes. This area is not a far walk from the downtown tourist trap. I found it while on my walk headed down The Jive Refried. There is a park in the area along with a Latin cultural museum. forgot the name) Anyhoo.. If you are a fan of architecture then you will like to see the homes in this neighborhood. Many are boarded up but you can take a peek in some of the windows... Also, visit the King Williams District for more amazing architecture.

This place it great for walker, has the relaxing waterfalls, it also has the art museum nearby which several art sculpture. Relaxing area. Must do while in San Antonio, there no fee.

Was looking for some fresh air after being cooped up in the convention center all day... Walked out a door and happened upon Hemisfair Park. It's a nice area adjacent to the Tower of the Americas, courthouse, and Mexican culture museum. It would have rated 5 stars is not for the immense amount of construction occurring. I'm sure it normally would be very peaceful but with the noise and all the blocked off paths, it was loud and difficult to get around. About half of the fountains were turned off as well. Seems like it would be a good place to picnic if it were a little more serene and wasn't 40 degrees outside.

Awesome late night park. Cops patrol often in the area on foot, as well as bike and vehicles. Establishment is Clean. Even the bathrooms. The only complaint I have is that it was full of teenagers whom were inconsiderate of smaller children.

Charming, spacious outdoor seating in the green space. The best iced latte I've had the pleasure of drinking. My husband ordered the breakfast sandwich --enormous! My kids and I enjoyed the pain au raisins, a chocolate croissant, and another pastry that looked like a chocolate Madeleine (can't remember the name). My daughter had the yogurt parfait, which was wonderful, but more like a bowl of fresh yoghurt with cherries and granola Crumble on top (delicious!). We will return when we're in SA again!

Really fun rope playground for kids of all ages! Super cool, never seen one like this before!

Eclectic, fun, fresh, interesting! Great for a picnic and a different playground. Hard to park but worth the travel.

This is a long overdue review from July of 2014. This is a great place to head at the end of a long road trip! The kiddos loved it, ran off all that pent up energy form being trapped in the car. The history is interesting enough to keep the grown ups' attention, if the beautiful scenery isn't enough on its own. The signs indication the city's plans for the future of this park caught my eye, and I hope to come back once those plans become a reality.

Definitely take your kids to the playground while you sit and relax and the various adirondack chairs scattered all around!

Love it!! The splash pad was a blast-for every age kid there. The bathrooms were nice. There are privacy cubes to change into dry clothes near the splash pad. Well-shaded. Plenty of areas to picnic! Bring cash for parking.

Cute park with amazingly helpful staff. ID fell through the cracks in the wood, so we called the park and they quickly came to our rescue! They crawled underneath and got the ID! cute gardens and activities as well.

Downtown Kickball on #DowntownTuesdays is where it's at! Hemisfair is really doing a great job of bringing the community together for fun and culture. We are so blesses to live in this amazing city!!! GO SOUTHTOWN DEFLATABLES!!! Spring 2013 Champs!

I lost my id between the floorboard cracks at the commonwealth but Jane and Jeff from the park staff were absolute angels and helped me out! :) In addition, the park itself had many fun obstacles for kids of a wide variety of range to play

Nice place to run in the mornings! I was told SA is trying to make this park more of a destination which is a great thing. Right now it's kind of surrounded by concrete buildings so you don't get the full effect of being in a park but...it'll get there. There is a lot of nice artwork around along with the Tower of Americas which serve as some nice eye candy. The location is convenient to all the other attractions in downtown so I give it a thumbs up!

Not much going on here but the waterfalls outside the tower are nice and the cultural institute is right there.

A great huge park in the middle of or surrounding downtown area that close to the edge has The Tower of Americas. Park is lovely, you can rent bikes from kiosk bike racks (not sure if it is a city thing or not,but a bonus to venture around downtown and not get too tired). Old homes is what you see when you first walk in and you stroll for a while until you arrive to the Tower, huge children playground for the kiddies. Convention center is on the same land, and a few buildings that I did not take the time to really see, throughout the park I did notice a lot of statues from local Texas hero's to Aztec / Mayan sculptures, I found it very interesting. Plenty of walking space and to me it did not seem over crowded, but a friend mentioned that come New Years or 4th of July they place gets really packed.

On a holiday weekend, the Hemisfair was underwhelming, understaffed and pretty annoying. The wait was for no apparent reason long. The elevator monitors made no sense as they let on 10 people then next round 4 people. The views were great but the wait was way too long to get a ticket and to get on the elevator up and on the elevator down. All for about 10 minutes of good view. Not worth it. Would not recommend.

Nice place. I will return . Clean friendly place. Just like a remembered it when. I was a kid

I love the new upgrade!! BUT the people suck! There's only 4 swings two baby swings and two bigger kid size swings ... My kids patiently wait 20 mins for a turn which is BS and then the kids and parents have no manners and don't know how to share!!! If you want a place to upset u go here!! Kids have no manners nor do the parents might go home in a cop car!