In addition to the Botanical Gardens, another popular expanse of public green space is Brackenridge Park (3910 N. St. Mary’s St., 210/734-7184). This century-old, 344-acre park is a busy place on weekends, but there’s plenty to do, so crowds are well dispersed; however, most tend to congregate in the three main areas—the San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Golf Course, and the Japanese Tea Gardens.

The Tea Gardens are well worth visiting. This natural oasis contains lush foliage, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, carp ponds, and shaded walkways. The name was changed to “Chinese Tea Gardens” during World War II and it was also known as Sunken Gardens before reclaiming its original name.

Other park highlights include a 3.5-mile miniature train known as the Brackenridge Eagle, the Skyride—a cable car system providing aerial views of the city and zoo—and a 60-horse carousel. Otherwise, the park offers standard features such as hike and bike trails, plenty of sport courts and fields, playgrounds, and picnic facilities.