As if the San Antonio River Walk weren’t magical enough already, it’s harboring a secret that looks like something out of a fairy tale. There’s a mystical grotto tucked away along the riverbank, and its whimsy is sure to enchant all who enter. Read on to learn more about this epic San Antonio River Walk Grotto, an enchanting hidden cave in Texas.

Located between the Camden and Newell Street bridges, The Grotto is an immersive installation designed by artist Carlos Cortés.
TripAdvisor management
It looks like something out of a fairy tale, with waterfalls and craggy rocks that bear an uncanny resemblance to the real thing.
If you peer closely enough into the three-story structure, you'll see a face staring right back at you.
TripAdvisor/Samantha S.
The water almost appears to pour out of its mouth - what do you think?
A black abyss takes you into the mouth of a jaguar before descending a staircase that leads to the cave.
TripAdvisor/Greg S
Get ready to leave reality behind and enter a dream world that you just may never want to come back from.

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Winding passageways lead through a series of underground chambers, and stalactites and stalagmites hang from the ceiling.
TripAdvisor/Samantha S.
Even more eerie faces are carved into the walls, watching your every move as you explore all the nooks and crannies of the cavern.
At night, the scene becomes even more magical, with dim lights casting an ethereal glow throughout the cave.
Google/Ryan Kelly
Perhaps you'll notice things that go unseen during the day...
...like the cave walls reflecting on the grotto pool.
San Antonio River Foundation
There's whimsy around every corner at this special place!

Here’s a cool walk-through video of the Grotto by YouTuber 1DayInLife.

Be sure to visit the San Antonio River Foundation website to learn more about The Grotto.

Did you know about the magical San Antonio River Walk Grotto? If so, have you seen it in person? Tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another hidden cave in Texas that’s so worth exploring.

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More to Explore

SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK GROTTO & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | April 21, 2023

Besides the San Antonio River Walk Grotto, what are some more hidden gems in Texas?

The Lone Star state is filled with countless hidden gems, and here are 10 of the most beautiful hidden gems in Texas: 

  • Inner Space Cavern, Georgetown
  • Blue Hole at River Riding Ranch, Leakey
  • Dragon Garden, Dallas
  • The Blue Lagoon, Huntsville
  • Cave Without A Name, Boerne
  • Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Round Mountain
  • Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio
  • Jacob's Well Natural Area, Wimberley
  • Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
  • Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange


Here’s a previous article with more information about some of these hidden gems in Texas. 

What are some fun things to do at the San Antonio River Walk?

There is so much to do and see at the San Antonio River Walk. Here are some of the fun things to do at the San Antonio River Walk:

  • The Alamo - National Historic Landmark
  • Hemisfair and the Tower of the Americas - park, restaurant, observatory
  • Casa Navarro State Historic Site
  • La Villita Historic Arts Village
  • El Mercado - largest Mexican market in the US
  • San Fernando Cathedral - Oldest continuously functioning religious community in Texas
  • The Pearl Historic District - Landmark featuring shops, dining, amphitheater, and more
  • Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise
  • San Antonio Museum of Art
  • Marriage Island and Love Lock Bridge


Be sure to check out this previous article with a cool tour with some fun things to do at the San Antonio River Walk. 

What are some unique attractions in Texas?

The San Antonio River Walk is a great place to visit, but there are lots of other unique attractions in Texas. They include: 

  • Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
  • J.B. Buchanan Windmill Park in Spearman
  • Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre House, Kingsland
  • Stonehenge II at the Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram
  • North Star Mall Cowboy Boots, San Antoni
  • Big Tex, Dallas
  • The Munster Mansion, Waxahachie
  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Austin
  • Texas Eiffel Tower, Paris
  • Old Jarrell Gas Station, Jarrell


Here’s a previous article with more information about these unique attractions in Texas.

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The Grotto, N River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA