The Japanese Tea Garden, which is near the zoo, and the Antique Rose Emporium are two more great places for plant lovers. Rainbow Gardens is a wonderful nursery. The one on Thousand Oaks would be on the same side of town as ARE. See ya' around ... :-)

Shades of Green is a nice garden center close to the downtown area. There's more to the River Walk than the restaurants and bars, so if you have time try to get out to the Museum Reach to see interesting plants or the Mission Reach to see our beautiful history.

Market Square is fun for lunch or dinner too.

You've got a good list, enjoy your visit.

TPC Parkway.

TPC Parkway? Great landscaping with drought tolerant and native plants. Not sure a visitor would find it worth a special trip from downtown though.

The Shops at La Cantera mall is also a good destination for excellence in local landscaping. They even label the plants for you.

Well, I was thinking they might be coming in or departing via 281.

If one is interested in what can be accomplished in shade, Los Patios might be worth while. Wonder if that restaurant is still there?