San Antonio, TX: Where I Was on a Pride Float

WHERE I WAS ON A PRIDE FLOAT!

River Walk

One of the highlights of my trip was strolling along the famous River Walk, an iconic destination that captures the heart and soul of San Antonio, Texas. Meandering through the heart of downtown, this enchanting urban oasis is a bustling hub of activity, culture, and natural beauty.

It is composed of a picturesque network of walkways lined with restaurants, shops, and lush greenery, coupled with the soothing sound of the flowing water of the San Antonio River. With over 100 restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from Tex-Mex and barbecue to Italian and seafood, the River Walk is buzzing with diverse dining, and there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your appetite.

After a delicious meal, explore the unique shops and boutiques lining the River Walk, where you’ll find everything from souvenirs and gifts to handmade crafts and artisanal goods. I highly recommend taking a boat tour to gain a unique perspective of this urban oasis, especially during the enchanting evening hours when the walkway comes alive with twinkling lights.

Go Rio San Antonio is the company that provides the riverboat tours along the River Walk, offering visitors a unique perspective of the city’s downtown area. Tours typically last around 35 to 40 minutes and cover approximately 1.5 miles of the River Walk. During the tour, passengers learn about the history, architecture, and culture of San Antonio while enjoying scenic views of the river and its surroundings.

As you wander along the River Walk, you’ll encounter a wealth of historical landmarks and points of interest. Highlights include the historic Aztec Theatre, the iconic San Antonio River Walk Arches, and the scenic Hemisfair Park. Be sure to stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Briscoe Western Art Museum to admire their impressive collections and exhibitions.

Once a year, during Pride Month, the River Walk Pride Parade is celebrated, highlighting San Antonio’s culture of inclusion. Visit San Antonio partners with key members of the LGBTQ+ community to commemorate the city’s diverse and thriving LGBTQ+ community with a unique expression of celebration with the River Parade. People start to line up along the river or sit at the Arneson River Theatre at around noon. The concerts start at 1 pm and the boat parade has two showings, one at 4 pm and one at 6:30.

This massive, colorful and proud celebration is produced by Visit San Antonio, and this time around, they asked me along with the other LGBTQ+ travel journalists to experience Pride from their float! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the middle of the festivities. I can honestly tell you that my heart was so filled with love and excitement to be part of this experience.

The fabulous San Antonio native, Ada Vox was the Grand Marshall. Ada sang her way into the hearts of viewers of Season 16 of American Idol and became the first drag performer to advance to the show’s finals, making the Top 10 of her season. Ada also finished as runner-up on Queen of the Universe, streaming now on Paramount+. She is not only talented and beautiful, but she is also a very sweet person. As we had a chance to chat for a bit, she mentioned her grandmother, who loves to collect all her news clippings, and my heart melted!

Whether you’re dining at a riverside restaurant, shopping for souvenirs, simply taking in the sights and sounds, watching the River Walk Pride Parade or being on a float, a visit to the River Walk is sure to be a memorable experience that showcases the best of San Antonio’s charm and hospitality.