Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
Sport & OutdoorFreeLocal GemDate Night

Japanese Tea Garden

3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212 · San Antonio, TX

Why you should go…

In 1918, San Antonio turned an abandoned limestone quarry into this sunken wonderland of stone-arch bridges, a pagoda, koi-filled ponds, and a 60-foot waterfall. The faux-wood concrete torii gate by artist Dionicio Rodríguez marks the entrance, and shaded walkways wind past year-round floral displays. Restored in 2008 after decades of wear, the garden sits on the edge of Brackenridge Park near the zoo, and it's completely free, open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

  • #garden
  • #free
  • #waterfall
  • #koi
  • #brackenridge park

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Japanese Tea Garden, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    San Antonio Zoo

    $25–$50

    A beloved 100-year-old zoo in Brackenridge Park with 3,500 animals, a mini train, and giraffe feedings.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    The Witte Museum

    Under $25

    Texas nature, science, and history under one roof, dinosaurs, cattle drives, and hands-on galleries.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    The DoSeum

    Under $25

    San Antonio's hands-on children's museum, spy academy, robots, water works, and pure play for under-11s.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family favorite

    San Antonio Botanical Garden

    Under $25

    38 acres of Texas wild, native trails, a glass conservatory complex, a family adventure garden, and seasonal blooms year-round.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    History Buff

    San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

    Free

    Four UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial missions linked by a scenic riverside bike trail, free to explore.

    6.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Natural Bridge Caverns

    $25–$50

    Descend 180 feet into Texas' largest show caverns, then hit ziplines and the ropes course up top.

    18 mi awayMore like this