Los Patios is a serene setting in San Antonio, Texas that is a sheer delight to all of one's senses. Anyone wanting to escape the feel of being in a large city can seek out this natural setting where one can feel closer to nature while also having the opportunity to shop and dine.

We have a great fondness for that place and have enjoyed the ambiance in more ways than one.

In 1968, Los Patios started out as a nursery helping people with their landscaping needs.

My mother-in-law hired them to plan and execute a landscape design for her backyard. From a personal perspective of having enjoyed their planted design through the years as it matured, I can say that an excellent job was done.

My mother-in-law's home was on a corner lot and she had quite a bit of land for subdivisions of that age. The backyard was fenced as are most yards in city lots, at least in Texas.

What the planners at Los Patios achieved was a slightly curved design with a backdrop of loquat trees with green pittosporum shrubbery in front of the trees and variegated pittosporum shrubs to the very front. Thus, it was a three-tiered effect with various shades of green that was worked around other existing elements and trees already in place.

Birds of many different types as well as squirrels loved that backyard!

The birdbath was fun to watch from her house or covered patio as her favorite red feathered cardinals and others frequently cooled off and refreshed themselves in this park-like setting.

Thus the nursery from the early days at Los Patios had long lasting effects that were enjoyed on a daily basis at my mother-in-law's home in San Antonio.

Salado Creek...

Los Patios was established on about 20 acres of land that runs along the banks of a portion of the 38 mile long Salado Creek which empties into the San Antonio River.

The address of Los Patios is 2015 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78217.  Taking the Starcrest exit on the north side of Loop 410, the access road dips down to the entrance into Los Patios. 

Immediately one feels separated from the busy comings and goings on the highway one just left.  The large and old moss laden oak trees with their spreading branches welcome one into a much more quiet environment with the Salado Creek bordering one side.

White and black swans can be viewed dotting the creek with their magnificent forms.

Other birds such as wood ducks, mallards, white egrets, blue herons and an occasional cooper's hawk can also be spotted depending upon the time of day and time of year.

For certain one will see some type of wildlife in this quiet environment.  Peacocks and other birds are omnipresent on the grounds at Los Patios as are the playful squirrels which can be seen chasing one another around the trunks of the many trees gracing the grounds.

Los Patios opened The Gazebo for lunches in 1970.

The Gazebo continues that tradition today offering refreshments and food from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Mondays to Saturdays, expanding the hours on Sunday for a brunch buffet from 11 AM to 2:30 PM.

Diners could sit inside or on the patio under the shade of the magnificent old oak trees which is what we most often chose to do.

When The Gazebo first opened they had volunteers who served as the wait staff. The original menus had limited choices and one would circle the items desired with a wooden pencil. The volunteers would then pick up the paper menus that had been marked, and bring the drinks and plates of food. All tips in those days went to the charity of the day for which the volunteers were offering their services.

That was an ingenious plan to not only have the friendliest of wait staff but diners could also feel very good about being generous with their gratuities knowing that the identified charity each day would also be served.

Later on it appeared that professional waiters were employed.

Additional restaurants were opened as time passed. One of them called the Brazier was built adjacent to the Salado Creek and specialized in Mexican food entrees.

We ate there one time just to experience something different, but we always returned to The Gazebo on the many occasions throughout the years that we decided to spend some time at Los Patios.

Part of the fun was strolling the beautifully landscaped grounds. One could sit on benches spaced throughout different areas and simply enjoy the ambiance.

Of course the businesses that were allowed to operate there all added to the enjoyment.

One could find everything from antique furniture to quality leather goods, clothing, jewelry and unique gifts of all types. One could also be pampered in a hair salon or have one's portrait taken.

Speaking of portraits...

Many brides and grooms have chosen Los Patios as a destination spot to have their wedding photos taken. And who could blame them? Perhaps the pictures that are included in this hub give the reader some idea of why Los Patios makes a perfect backdrop for bridal parties.

In addition to bridal parties, all types of special group events are also held at Los Patios.

Los Patios is one of our most favorite of places in San Antonio.

Undoubtedly the signature landmark structure of man-made design at Los Patios is the old Katy Railroad Window which was moved to this location many years ago.

The intricately designed window now adorns the Boutique Galeria and Fine Leather store.

After seeing the Original Linoleum Cut Art Print ( linocut ) that I had created of that same window, the owners asked my permission to have it enlarged for a sign to be used on the grounds directing people to their store.  I gave them permission for it's use.

So if you see my linocut on the grounds of Los Patios...that is the connection. 

Los Patios has much to offer a visitor to San Antonio, Texas as well as being a wonderful venue for locals.  Whether one wants to purchase some plants for one's house or yard, enjoy some delightfully prepared food, do some shopping for unique items or simply relax and unwind, think of Los Patios the next time you are in that region.