Hot Wells of Bexar County
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a historic San Antonio bathhouse and hotel, nestled along the scenic Mission Reach of the River Walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Hot Wells of Bexar County
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
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.
"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."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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)
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
Throughout the site
Learn about the celebrities and history that graced this unique San Antonio landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
Best Off The Beaten Path?
💧 Limited Shade
Bring water and wear sun protection, as shade is scarce.
🚗 Tiny Parking Lot
Arrive early or consider alternative transport due to limited parking.
Hot Well Hotel Ruins at sunset
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.
📸 Capture the History
The ruins offer great photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
💧 Limited Shade
Bring water and wear sun protection, as shade is scarce.
🚗 Tiny Parking Lot
Arrive early or consider alternative transport due to limited parking.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Convenient restrooms make it a good starting point for outdoor activities.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, the ruins and the natural river setting make it a popular spot for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
There is limited shade at the Hot Wells site. It's recommended to bring sun protection and water, especially during warmer months.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Hot Wells site, making it a convenient stop for visitors.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The surrounding areas offer a variety of dining, from casual BBQ joints mentioned by locals to more established restaurants in downtown San Antonio.
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.
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.
For local flavor, consider places like Pinkerton's BBQ or explore the diverse offerings in the King William Historic District.
📸 📸 Photography
The crumbling ruins themselves, the historic plaques, and the natural beauty of the San Antonio River Walk (Mission Reach) offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour' before sunset, provide beautiful lighting for capturing the ruins and the surrounding landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check with Bexar County Parks.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with younger children, the nearby parks along the Mission Reach offer playgrounds and open spaces for them to run around. The availability of restrooms is also a plus for family outings. It's a good spot for a relaxed afternoon, especially if combined with a visit to the nearby San Antonio Missions.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
Urban explorers will appreciate the atmospheric ruins and the opportunity to capture unique photographs. The integration of the ruins into the natural setting of the Mission Reach trail adds another layer of appeal. It's a less-trafficked historical gem that rewards those who seek it out.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
Hot Wells serves as an excellent waypoint or starting point for your activity. You can easily incorporate a stop to explore the ruins before continuing your journey along the trail. The availability of restrooms adds to the convenience for those undertaking longer excursions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hot Wells
Despite its popularity, the hotel eventually fell into disrepair and was largely destroyed by fire. What remains today are the evocative ruins, preserved by Bexar County as a testament to San Antonio's past. The county has done a commendable job restoring the accessible parts of the ruins and integrating them into the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk, allowing visitors to connect with this piece of local history.
Walking through the site, you can still feel the echoes of its grander days. Informational plaques scattered throughout the area provide context, detailing the hotel's heyday and its eventual decline. It's a fascinating stop for anyone interested in local history and the evolution of San Antonio as a tourist destination.
Exploring the Mission Reach Trail
Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking along the paved trails that wind through scenic landscapes and offer beautiful views of the river. The trail is well-maintained and dotted with public art installations, benches, and access points to the surrounding parks. It's a perfect way to combine a visit to the Hot Wells ruins with a broader appreciation of San Antonio's natural beauty and historical significance.
For those looking for an active outing, the Mission Reach is a prime location. You can rent bikes or bring your own to cover more ground, easily linking the Hot Wells with the various missions and other points of interest along the river. The presence of restrooms and the relatively peaceful environment make it an enjoyable experience for all ages.
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