Hot Well on the east side of the San Antonio River
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Hot Wells of Bexar County

4.6
·106 reviews·San Antonio, United States

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a historic San Antonio bathhouse and hotel, nestled along the scenic Mission Reach of the River Walk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Hot Well on the east side of the San Antonio River

Hot Wells of Bexar County

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a historic San Antonio bathhouse and hotel, nestled along the scenic Mission Reach of the River Walk.

4.6
(106 reviews)

"It's the ruins of what was a well known bath house that celebrities were known to visit. It's beautiful and not eerie like I thought it would be."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Mission Reach

Combine your visit with a stroll or bike ride on the scenic Mission Reach trail.

📸 Capture the History

The ruins offer great photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 106 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ruins

Historic Ruins

Main ruin site

Explore the remnants of the once-grand Hot Wells Hotel and bathhouse, a glimpse into San Antonio's glamorous past.

San Antonio River Walk (Mission Reach)

San Antonio River Walk (Mission Reach)

Adjacent to the ruins

Stroll or bike along the natural, wider section of the river, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Historical Plaques

Historical Plaques

Throughout the site

Learn about the celebrities and history that graced this unique San Antonio landmark.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While not overly crowded, the Hot Wells of Bexar County can attract local photographers and history buffs. Visiting during weekdays or early mornings can offer a more serene experience to appreciate the ruins and river walk.

Access and Amenities

Parking is limited, so consider biking or walking the Mission Reach trail. Restrooms are available, making it a convenient stop on your exploration of the San Antonio River. Be aware there's not much shade, so plan accordingly.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tag someone youd take to these ruins in San Antonio Texas! #sanantonio #satx #texas #sanantoniocheck #tiktoksanantonio #purosananto #datenight #dateideas #hotwells #parks #hikingtrail #riverwalksanantonio #riverwalk
@salunchador
2.8K likes • 59K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Mission Reach

Combine your visit with a stroll or bike ride on the scenic Mission Reach trail. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The ruins offer great photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. TikTok

Have y’all been to @camphotwells yet? Nestled among the historic ruins of the Hot Wells Hotel, this unique spot brings new life to its legendary past. Book a private soak in one of their spa tubs for the full experience, or simply kick back with a drink and dip your feet in the public sulfur water bath! The water is HOT, and you’ll feel absolutely amazing afterward. Who’s ready for a soak? #CampHo...
jessicalynnstrom
0 likes • 1.8K views
reddit.com

Best Off The Beaten Path?

Im doing all the typical stuff i usually do. Riverwalk, Alamo, Missions, Caverns. I know about Pinkertons BBQ, Ida Claire, Durty Nellys pub. I'm just looking for reccomended stuff that's new to me. Open to night clubs, day adventures, and eateries. LGBT friendly is a plus.…

💧 Limited Shade

Bring water and wear sun protection, as shade is scarce. Reddit

🚗 Tiny Parking Lot

Arrive early or consider alternative transport due to limited parking. Reddit

reddit.com

Hot Well Hotel Ruins at sunset

I was lucky to snap this photo on my bike ride tonight. I knew it would be appreciated here.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Mission Reach

Combine your visit with a stroll or bike ride on the scenic Mission Reach trail. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The ruins offer great photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. TikTok

💧 Limited Shade

Bring water and wear sun protection, as shade is scarce. Reddit

🚗 Tiny Parking Lot

Arrive early or consider alternative transport due to limited parking. Reddit

🚻 Restrooms Available

Convenient restrooms make it a good starting point for outdoor activities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(106 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Hot Wells of Bexar County to be a neat historical site, particularly for its atmospheric ruins and integration with the natural San Antonio River Walk. It's appreciated for its historical significance and peaceful setting, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the Mission Reach trail.

"If you like reading before your workout, this is a solid visit. Not too packed. Leads right into the river. There’s a few IG crowd type people around the historical plaques, but luckily they aren’t there to read so you can really take your time to soak in the history."

E S

"Hot Wells is worth walking around if you've got ten minutes and you're nearby and you live history. It's the ruins of what was a well known bath house that celebrities were known to visit. It's beautiful and not eerie like I thought it would be. The area is paved for walking or biking and well maintained with pretty bushes and flowers. You can't walk inside the ruins but it's still pretty cool to check out. The parking lot is tiny."

Nicole DeArman

"This place is so great the ruins of the OG hot springs resort was so cool. There is a walk along the San Antonio river and it’s pretty natural and wide unlike downtown. The old photos of celebs was pretty interesting."

Rodolfo Escobar

What People Like

Historic ruins
River Walk access
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited shade
Small parking lot
Not much to do

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hot Wells of Bexar County are accessible via car, with a small parking lot available. Many visitors also choose to bike or walk along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River Walk to reach the site. Reddit

While direct public transport to the immediate site might be limited, you can explore bus routes that get you close to the Mission Reach trail, from which you can access the Hot Wells. Check VIA Metropolitan Transit for specific routes. Reddit

The Mission Reach trail is ideal for walking and biking, connecting you to the historic missions and offering a scenic route to the Hot Wells. Reddit

Yes, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a key attraction along the Mission Reach trail, making it easy to plan a day of historical exploration. Reddit

From downtown San Antonio, head south on I-37, then take the exit for Mission Road. Continue south on Mission Road, and you'll find access to the Mission Reach trail and the Hot Wells site. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Hot Wells of Bexar County ruins and the surrounding park area is free. It's a public space managed by Bexar County. Reddit

The park and ruins are generally open from dawn to dusk, similar to most county parks. It's best to check Bexar County Parks and Recreation for any specific seasonal hours or closures. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Hot Wells of Bexar County ruins. It's a historical site open to the public for exploration. Reddit

Visitors cannot walk inside the actual ruins of the old bathhouse for safety reasons, but you can explore the grounds around them and view them from designated paths. Reddit

While official guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, you can find historical information on plaques around the site. Local history enthusiasts sometimes offer informal insights. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic ruins of the Hot Wells Hotel, walk or bike the adjacent San Antonio River Walk (Mission Reach), and read about the site's history from informational plaques. Reddit

Yes, the ruins and the natural river setting make it a popular spot for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

There is limited shade at the Hot Wells site. It's recommended to bring sun protection and water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available at the Hot Wells site, making it a convenient stop for visitors. Reddit

Families can enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride along the river. The historical aspect might appeal to older children, and there are Pokestops for Pokémon GO players. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at the Hot Wells site. You'll need to venture back towards downtown San Antonio or explore eateries along the Mission Reach trail for food options. Reddit

The surrounding areas offer a variety of dining, from casual BBQ joints mentioned by locals to more established restaurants in downtown San Antonio. Reddit

While there aren't dedicated picnic tables, you can bring your own food and find a spot to enjoy a picnic along the riverbanks, provided you clean up after yourself. Reddit

Exploring the Mission Reach trail might lead you to local spots, or you can head towards the historic King William District for diverse culinary options. Reddit

For local flavor, consider places like Pinkerton's BBQ or explore the diverse offerings in the King William Historic District. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The crumbling ruins themselves, the historic plaques, and the natural beauty of the San Antonio River Walk (Mission Reach) offer excellent photographic opportunities. TikTok

Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour' before sunset, provide beautiful lighting for capturing the ruins and the surrounding landscape. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check with Bexar County Parks. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and the river. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details and portraits. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in public parks. It's advisable to check with Bexar County Parks and Recreation for their specific drone policy before flying. Reddit

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