Phil Hardberger Park and Land Bridge
A sprawling urban oasis featuring the largest wildlife crossing bridge in the U.S., offering trails, nature education, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful walks, great light
Phil Hardberger Park and Land Bridge
Best Time
Peaceful walks, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban oasis featuring the largest wildlife crossing bridge in the U.S., offering trails, nature education, and family fun.
"A wonderful little place to escape the city and relax, with great facilities and well-maintained trails."
🚶♀️ Walk the Land Bridge
Don't miss the Tobin Land Bridge! It's a unique experience connecting the park's sides and offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
☀️ Best for Sunrise/Sunset
Many visitors love this park for sunrise walks. The light is beautiful and crowds are minimal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge
Connects both sides of the park
The largest wildlife crossing bridge in the U.S., offering stunning views and a chance to see wildlife.
Skywalk
Phil Hardberger Park
An elevated walkway offering a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty and canopy.
Urban Ecology Center
Phil Hardberger Park
An educational hub with exhibits and classes focused on local flora and fauna.
Dog Parks
Phil Hardberger Park
Dedicated areas for both small and large dogs to play off-leash.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Crossing
Park Entrances & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Land Bridge
Don't miss the Tobin Land Bridge! It's a unique experience connecting the park's sides and offering wildlife viewing opportunities. +1
☀️ Best for Sunrise/Sunset
Many visitors love this park for sunrise walks. The light is beautiful and crowds are minimal.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
The park has separate dog parks for small and large breeds, making it a great spot for furry friends. 
🚲 Bike on Trails, Not Bridge
Bikes are welcome on trails but dismount and walk them across the Land Bridge. No bikes on the Skywalk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Land Bridge
Don't miss the Tobin Land Bridge! It's a unique experience connecting the park's sides and offering wildlife viewing opportunities. +1
☀️ Best for Sunrise/Sunset
Many visitors love this park for sunrise walks. The light is beautiful and crowds are minimal.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
The park has separate dog parks for small and large breeds, making it a great spot for furry friends.
🚲 Bike on Trails, Not Bridge
Bikes are welcome on trails but dismount and walk them across the Land Bridge. No bikes on the Skywalk.
📍 Multiple Entrances
The park has several entrances; the NW Military side has playgrounds, while Wurzbach leads to the Land Bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Phil Hardberger Park as a beautiful urban oasis, praising its well-maintained trails, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and dog parks. The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge is a major highlight, offering unique views and a connection to nature. Some minor points of improvement mentioned include parking visibility and occasional trail dampness.
"If you want to experience a wide array of fauna and flora this is an excellent little oasis in an urban environment. So accommodating. Great facilities as far as restroom and places to sit and relax. Very family friendly with well maintained trails and well marked. A excellent dog park for taking your furry family to have a great time. Picnic tables that are right next to the playground for the kids or a nice lunch. Just a wonderful little place to escape the city and relax."
Gene “Gino” Mavoides
"Cool park close to home. Little shaded playground and nature play area at the NW Military entrance. Tons of walking paths and an open field with hay men art to run your kids or dogs."
Kayla Ketterer
"A lot of Shade for my Toddler Grandson to ride his Bike👍 he loved it here. This is a Very Clean well kept no trash Park❤️ Loved It🫶"
Albert Mata
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phil Hardberger Park has multiple entrances. The NW Military Highway entrance is often cited for its playgrounds and picnic areas, while the Wurzbach Parkway entrance provides direct access to the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge and the Urban Ecology Center.
Yes, parking is available at various points within the park, though it can sometimes be a bit hidden amongst the trees. It's generally ample for visitors. [^Rreviewparking]
Information on public transportation routes to Phil Hardberger Park can be found on the official City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation website or by using local transit apps.
The well-maintained trails and paved paths, including the Land Bridge, are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a family-friendly destination. [^Rreviewaccessibility]
The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge is accessible from both the east and west sides of the park, connecting the trails across Wurzbach Parkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Phil Hardberger Park and the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge are free to enter and open to the public.
Park hours are typically from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for any specific closures or event-related hours.
The Urban Ecology Center generally offers free admission, though special events or programs may have associated fees. Check their schedule for details.
Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger gatherings, inquire about event reservations with the park conservancy.
The park is open to the public, but standard park rules apply regarding hours, pets, and behavior. Bicycles must be walked on the Land Bridge and are not allowed on the Skywalk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's the largest wildlife crossing bridge in the U.S., designed to reconnect habitats and allow safe passage for animals across Wurzbach Parkway. It also serves as a scenic trail for visitors.
You can hike and bike on the extensive trail system, explore the Urban Ecology Center, enjoy the playgrounds, visit the dog parks, have a picnic, and walk across the Land Bridge and Skywalk.
Absolutely! The park is an urban oasis with diverse flora and fauna, making it excellent for spotting deer, birds, and other local wildlife. [^Rreviewwildlife]
Yes, there are playgrounds and picnic tables, particularly on the NW Military side of the park, making it very family-friendly. [^Rreviewpicnic]
Yes, the park features dedicated dog parks for both small and large dogs, and dogs are allowed on trails when leashed.
📸 📸 Photography
The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge offers unique architectural and nature shots. The Skywalk provides elevated views, and the trails are great for capturing wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light are ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Check park regulations for specific rules.
You have a good chance of photographing deer, various bird species, and other small urban wildlife that inhabit the park. [^Rreviewwildlife]
Yes, the Skywalk offers a unique vantage point for capturing the park's canopy and surrounding landscape from above.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's well-maintained trails are also suitable for strollers, and the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge offers a unique and safe walking experience for all ages. Keep an eye out for wildlife; spotting deer can be a highlight for children. The park is generally clean and offers plenty of space for kids to run and explore. [^Rreviewfamily]
🐶 Dog Owners
+1Dogs are also welcome on the park's trails, provided they are kept on a leash. The extensive trail system offers plenty of opportunities for long walks, and the Land Bridge provides a unique scenic route for you and your leashed pet to explore together. Remember to bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Runners
The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge and the Skywalk add unique dimensions to your run or hike, offering elevated perspectives and a chance to connect with nature. The park's peaceful atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a refreshing workout away from urban noise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering and Nature
For visitors, the Land Bridge offers a unique pedestrian and cycling experience. It's not just a functional piece of infrastructure but also a scenic viewpoint. Walking or biking across provides panoramic views of the park and the surrounding city. Many visitors report seeing deer and other wildlife from the bridge, especially during quieter times of the day. It’s a testament to how urban development can coexist with and even enhance natural environments.
It's important to note that while the Land Bridge is open to cyclists, there's a specific etiquette: visitors are asked to dismount and walk their bikes across to ensure safety for all users and to minimize disturbance to wildlife. This thoughtful approach ensures the bridge serves its dual purpose effectively.
Exploring Phil Hardberger Park's Trails and Amenities
Beyond the trails, the park is equipped with excellent amenities for families and individuals. The NW Military Highway entrance is particularly noted for its large playground area and ample picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for family outings or casual gatherings. There are also dedicated nature play areas that encourage imaginative exploration for children.
For pet owners, Phil Hardberger Park offers two distinct dog parks – one for small dogs and another for larger breeds. These off-leash areas are well-maintained and provide a safe space for dogs to socialize and exercise. The park's commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities makes it a cherished green space in San Antonio.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit