Lady Bird Johnson Park

Park Overview

Positioned in San Antonio, Texas, Lady Bird Johnson Park spans 330 acres of recreational space. Whether you're looking to break a sweat or simply soak in some nature, this versatile green space offers a variety of activities. The gates are open daily from 5AM to 11PM, giving you plenty of time to explore the park.

Trails and Greenway

Lacing through the park is a 0.6-mile paved walking trail that hugs Salado Creek, meant for those morning jogs or evening strolls. The Salado Creek Greenway doesn't just stop at the park boundaries - it connects to San Antonio's broader trail system, including McAllister Park, letting you extend your adventure as far as your legs will take you.

The trails here are well-kept and mostly paved, making them accessible for all skill levels. While you're out and about, keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife - deer often make appearances, cardinals add splashes of color to the trees, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a wild turkey or two. One of the trail's highlights is a scenic boardwalk that offers a unique vantage point for watching planes take off and land at the San Antonio airport.

Sports Facilities

The park offers numerous options for sports enthusiasts. The Alva Jo Fischer softball complex is a hub of activity, hosting local leagues and tournaments across its multiple fields. Beyond softball, you'll find basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds scattered throughout the grounds.

During summer, the Olympic-sized swimming pool is particularly popular. Open from 10AM to 5PM daily (though it takes a breather on Tuesdays), this free public pool includes a shallow splash pad with a maximum depth of 4.5 feet. You'll come across lifeguards keeping a watchful eye, and they even provide free water vests and goggles if you need them. Just remember that only water, electrolyte drinks, fruits, and vegetables are allowed poolside - save those snacks for a post-swim picnic.

Skate Park

As San Antonio's first public skate park, this corner of Lady Bird Johnson Park attracts many skaters. The 7,000-square-foot skate bowl dips between five and nine feet deep, offering challenges for skaters of all levels.

Right next door, an 1,800-square-foot deck with a five-foot quarter ramp provides even more skating possibilities. The park has become a favorite for both skateboarders and BMX riders, with an unspoken but well-understood traffic flow that keeps everyone safe while they're shredding.

Community Amenities

At the heart of the park stands the Lou Hamilton Community Center, a gathering place where locals come for fitness classes, indoor sports, and various community programs.

For the little ones, there's a securely fenced playground with equipment that caters to different age groups. A sweet touch is the Little Free Library near the playground - grab a book to read under a shady tree or leave one behind for the next visitor to discover.

Picnic and Recreational Areas

When hunger strikes, you'll find plenty of picnic tables and pavilions dotted around the park. The BBQ grills scattered around make it easy to turn an ordinary outing into a proper feast with family and friends.

Four-legged family members aren't forgotten either - the park includes a dog park with separate sections for small and large dogs, giving them space to run and play safely off-leash. And throughout the rest of the park, leashed dogs are welcome to join in on the adventures.

With its mature trees providing shade and open spaces great for impromptu games of frisbee, Lady Bird Johnson Park offers a nice setting to spend time outdoors. You'll find plenty of parking across the grounds, so accessibility is never an issue.

Special Features

If cycling is your thing, you'll appreciate the professionally designed cyclocross course that even includes lighting for night rides. The park also serves as a starting line for numerous 5K races and community events throughout the year.

Lady Bird Johnson Park offers many amenities where San Antonians can play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.