Woodlawn Lake Park
A beloved San Antonio park featuring a scenic lake, walking trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and city skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & great light
Woodlawn Lake Park
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved San Antonio park featuring a scenic lake, walking trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and city skyline views.
"This park is like the beating heart of San Antonio! It’s filled with so much history and warmth."
🚶♀️ Stay Right on Trails
Be mindful of others! Keep to the right on the walking paths to ensure smooth flow for everyone.
📸 Insta-Worthy Shots
Capture beautiful photos with city skyline backdrops and serene lake views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Loop
Around Woodlawn Lake
A picturesque paved trail offering city skyline views and a peaceful escape. Perfect for walks, runs, or cycling.
Abundant Wildlife
Woodlawn Lake
Spot turtles basking, ducks gliding, and other local birds. A delight for nature lovers and families.
Playgrounds & Sports Facilities
Various locations within the park
Two playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a baseball field offer fun for all ages.
City Skyline Views
Along the lake trail
Catch glimpses of the iconic Tower of the Americas and downtown San Antonio skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Stroll
Check Pool Status Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stay Right on Trails
Be mindful of others! Keep to the right on the walking paths to ensure smooth flow for everyone.
📸 Insta-Worthy Shots
Capture beautiful photos with city skyline backdrops and serene lake views.
💧 Pool Status Check
Confirm the swimming pool is open and not under construction before visiting.
🐢 Wildlife Watch
Keep an eye out for turtles and ducks; they can sometimes be slow-moving on paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stay Right on Trails
Be mindful of others! Keep to the right on the walking paths to ensure smooth flow for everyone.
📸 Insta-Worthy Shots
Capture beautiful photos with city skyline backdrops and serene lake views.
💧 Pool Status Check
Confirm the swimming pool is open and not under construction before visiting.
🐢 Wildlife Watch
Keep an eye out for turtles and ducks; they can sometimes be slow-moving on paths.
☀️ Shade Seekers
Bring sun protection, as some workout stations lack shade. [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Woodlawn Lake Park is widely praised as a vibrant community hub with beautiful lake views and ample recreational facilities. Visitors love the scenic walking trail, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and sports courts. Some minor concerns include occasional path obstructions and maintenance issues like missing shade.
"Nice park and trail around park, and some great photo ops. Nice pool too. We use the workout station, but darn it when the heat is intolerable. Would be nice if they ever fix the missing sun shade. I submitted a ticket June 27 2025 and no response, or fix to date. When they fix, I will upgrade my review to 5 stars."
I AM
"The park is nice. But what's the reason for the brown looking ducks? Not only are they defecating on the basketball court to the point were you can't use it they also cause a traffic hazard. I almost crashed into some lady after she suddenly stopped cause these ducks they decided to walk on the road. And not only walk on the road put stay put on the road. You literally have to go around them because they don't move. I call them Dodo Birds"
Gabriel Maldonado
"Woodlawn Lake is a great spot for walking, relaxing, or watching ducks by the water. The trail is scenic with views of the city skyline, and there’s a playground for kids. Peaceful, clean, and perfect for a quick escape in the middle of San Antonio."
William Caldera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodlawn Lake Park is located at 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201, a short drive from downtown. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available within the park. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, there is parking available within Woodlawn Lake Park. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving earlier is recommended.
The park has park police and emergency call boxes, which contribute to a feeling of safety. However, as with any public space, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
Yes, biking is a great way to access Woodlawn Lake Park, and the paved trails are excellent for cycling. Ensure you follow local traffic laws when approaching the park.
The paved walking trail around the lake is the primary way to navigate the park. It connects most of the key areas like playgrounds and sports fields.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Woodlawn Lake Park is a free public park, making it an accessible and popular spot for San Antonio residents and visitors.
Woodlawn Lake Park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like the pool or sports courts, may vary. [^review]
No, there are no tickets required to enter Woodlawn Lake Park. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
While the park itself is free, the Woodlawn Lake Park swimming pool may have an admission fee when it is open and in season. It's best to check with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation department for current pricing.
Information on reserving picnic areas or cabanas is not readily available online, but it's advisable to contact the San Antonio Parks and Recreation department for details on rentals and availability. [^review]
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk, run, cycle, fish, picnic, play on playgrounds, use sports courts (basketball, tennis), and swim (seasonally) at Woodlawn Lake Park. It's also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
Yes, there is a scenic paved walking trail that circles Woodlawn Lake, offering beautiful views and a pleasant experience for exercise or a leisurely stroll.
Absolutely! Woodlawn Lake Park features two playgrounds, providing fun spaces for children to play.
Yes, Woodlawn Lake is a popular spot for fishing, with a dedicated fishing pier available for visitors.
Visitors often see turtles basking in the sun and various species of ducks. The park's natural setting makes it a haven for local wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Woodlawn Lake Park does not have on-site restaurants. However, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding San Antonio neighborhoods. [^review]
Yes, the park offers picnic tables and barbecue pits, making it an ideal location for a family picnic or gathering. [^review]
While not a permanent fixture, occasional events or food trucks might be present. It's best to check local event listings or social media for Woodlawn Lake Park for any scheduled vendors.
The park is close to downtown San Antonio and various neighborhoods offering diverse culinary experiences, from casual eateries to more upscale dining.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park's picnic areas or while relaxing by the lake. [^review]
📸 📸 Photography
The walking trail around the lake offers stunning views of the water and the San Antonio skyline, including the Tower of the Americas. The natural setting with wildlife also provides great photo opportunities.
Yes, the park's scenic beauty, lake views, and city skyline backdrop make it a popular and beautiful location for engagement and family photos.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best lighting for photography, providing soft, warm light and fewer crowds.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation department for any permit requirements.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted or requires special permits. It's recommended to check the San Antonio Parks and Recreation regulations regarding drone operation before flying. [^review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The paved walking trail is perfect for strollers, and the chance to see turtles and ducks is always a hit. The park's open spaces also provide room for kids to run around and play freely. [^review]🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
You'll also find workout stations throughout the park for a full-body exercise session. [^review] Additionally, the park features basketball and tennis courts, providing options for various sports activities. 📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+1 Look for opportunities to photograph the local wildlife, like turtles and ducks, for unique content. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lake and Trails
+1 Many visitors appreciate the peaceful ambiance, noting it as a perfect spot for a quick escape. [^review]While the trail is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted occasional issues with groups blocking the path, emphasizing the importance of courtesy and staying to the right.
Family Fun and Recreation
Beyond the playgrounds, the park is equipped with a basketball court, tennis courts, and a softball field, catering to sports enthusiasts. The park's swimming pool is another major attraction during the warmer months, providing a cool respite, though it's important to check its operational status as it can sometimes be under construction or have seasonal closures. Picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits are scattered throughout the park, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings and outdoor meals. [^review] The combination of play areas, sports facilities, and open spaces makes Woodlawn Lake Park a vibrant hub for community activity and family bonding. [^review]
Photography Opportunities
The San Antonio skyline, including the prominent Tower of the Americas, is visible from various points along the walking trail, creating stunning urban-meets-nature shots. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the 'golden hours,' are particularly recommended for their soft, flattering light, enhancing the park's natural beauty and minimizing harsh shadows. Beyond the landscapes, the park's abundant wildlife, such as turtles and ducks, offers unique subjects for close-up photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit