San Antonio Sea World and New Braunfels, TX ???
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Ariel on Land
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2008
We were stationed last in San Antonio and LOVED it!!! We want to go back so badly!!!! I don't know much about tubing the river as we have small kiddos and that was never really an option, but Sea World is nice. They just re-did the kids section and it's a lot more kid friendly than it used to be. The water park is really good, definitely bring your swim suits.
Make sure you go down to the river walk-- the little boat river cruise is fun and relaxing. You see some very pretty areas and learn a lot of the history. There's some great restaurants down there too.
I recommend Alamo Cafe-- there's one on I-10 and there's another location somewhere I think.... but super yummy tex-mex, fresh homemade tortillas and it's very inexpensive!
For nicer dining, try Paesanos- there's 3 locations I think, I know one on the river walk and one off of 1604 on the northwest side of town. Their shrimp paesano is to die for!!!
The zoo is nice-- they've recently done a few areas, and it's reasonably priced. There's some great shopping at La Cantera and The Rim.
I'm afraid I'm not great at the hotel thing, since we never really stayed in hotels of course, but I can tell you the nicer areas of town would be the northwest side off of 1604 between 151 and I10, the north side of town near 281, and then right around the river walk has some nice hotels that are pretty heavily booked by tourists.
HTH!!!
Have a great trip!
Make sure you go down to the river walk-- the little boat river cruise is fun and relaxing. You see some very pretty areas and learn a lot of the history. There's some great restaurants down there too.
I recommend Alamo Cafe-- there's one on I-10 and there's another location somewhere I think.... but super yummy tex-mex, fresh homemade tortillas and it's very inexpensive!
For nicer dining, try Paesanos- there's 3 locations I think, I know one on the river walk and one off of 1604 on the northwest side of town. Their shrimp paesano is to die for!!! The zoo is nice-- they've recently done a few areas, and it's reasonably priced. There's some great shopping at La Cantera and The Rim.
I'm afraid I'm not great at the hotel thing, since we never really stayed in hotels of course, but I can tell you the nicer areas of town would be the northwest side off of 1604 between 151 and I10, the north side of town near 281, and then right around the river walk has some nice hotels that are pretty heavily booked by tourists.
HTH!!!
Have a great trip!sugarnspicex4
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 16, 2012
We live about 1.5 hours from San Antonio, so I can't speak for the hotels. You didn't mention how many days you're doing at Sea World. Frankly after two days our family felt like they had seen it all. I would highly recommend the Schlitterbahn water park, rated one of the best in the country. We also like Six Flags Fiesta Texas if you want to do another theme park. If you have time, go to downtown San Antonio to tour the Alamo and take a boat ride or stroll along the Riverwalk. As for restaurants, be sure to go to Rudy's BBQ. It's a very casual restaurant that's a big hit with the locals.
As for the zoo, it's okay but we were a bit dissapointed when we went last year. There are no giraffes anymore!
As for the zoo, it's okay but we were a bit dissapointed when we went last year. There are no giraffes anymore!
spectrum-turbo
<font color=purple>I must battle the troops<br><fo
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2005
I will second Paesanos and their shrimp. As a rule I do not eat seafood at a restaurant unless I am at the coast; this is the only exception. I prefer the location off of 1604 to the riverwalk location.
There are plenty of places to rent tubes in New Braunsfels and last year there were quite a few San Antonio Groupons for some of them, so you subscribe to the San Antonio Groupon emails. The only draw back is it can still be a bit chilly at Spring Break.
sugarnspicex4
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 16, 2012
Oops, just realized Schlitterbahn is not open until the end of April! So I guess that wouldn't be an option for you. Sorry about that!
dturner
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2003
There is a Hilton right across the highway from Sea World. We stayed there when it was the Radisson. Nice being that close, easy to take a break and go back to the hotel. They also have fire pits where you can buy a smores package at the front desk and make smores.
The Hyatt Hill Country is VERY nice - it's right down the street also from Sea World and has a lazy river that you can float down.
The Hyatt Hill Country is VERY nice - it's right down the street also from Sea World and has a lazy river that you can float down.
ajh88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2008
I second New Braunfels Smokehouse. I'm not much help otherwise as I've only been San Antonio once, back in 1996, but I definitely remember my lunch at that Smokehouse!
I was in college at the time and we went to the Alamo and RiverWalk - I enjoyed both, but I'm sure a lot has changed in 15+ years! Funny because just today I was thinking about planning a short trip to San Antonio!Have fun!
tikistitch
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2012
My family is also going to San Antonio for spring break. But since we have family in the area, we don't have much experience in staying at hotels. When we do, we normally stay at Embassy Suites or the Marriott a little off from the Riverwalk.
Depending on what area you're from, tubing might be too cold of an activity for spring break. We love New Braunfels but usually don't do any water activities until late April or May. It is a really fun way to spend a day if you don't mind it being chilly water, though!
In San Antonio, there's the Alamo to see along with the Riverwalk. In the main touristy area there, there's things like Ripley's Believe it or Not and a Wax Museum. You can also take the little boat that goes through the Riverwalk, it's pretty fun to do. There's also themed dining like Rainforest Cafe and I think Hard Rock Cafe at the Riverwalk. Our family lives about 5-10 minutes away from the Six Flags there and there's shopping/dining/movie theater right nearby in La Cantera that's really nice.
There's the zoo that my family enjoys seeing each year, and a botanical garden right nearby that's a good way to spend a few hours. There's Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, both of which are wonderful family theme parks. We also like going to San Marcos about an hour outside of San Antonio to go to the outlet mall there, and to see the Natural Bridge Caverns. They're so interesting to go down and see! There's also a drive through safari park at the same place, but we've never gone through that so I can't say how it is.
Depending on what area you're from, tubing might be too cold of an activity for spring break. We love New Braunfels but usually don't do any water activities until late April or May. It is a really fun way to spend a day if you don't mind it being chilly water, though!
In San Antonio, there's the Alamo to see along with the Riverwalk. In the main touristy area there, there's things like Ripley's Believe it or Not and a Wax Museum. You can also take the little boat that goes through the Riverwalk, it's pretty fun to do. There's also themed dining like Rainforest Cafe and I think Hard Rock Cafe at the Riverwalk. Our family lives about 5-10 minutes away from the Six Flags there and there's shopping/dining/movie theater right nearby in La Cantera that's really nice.
There's the zoo that my family enjoys seeing each year, and a botanical garden right nearby that's a good way to spend a few hours. There's Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, both of which are wonderful family theme parks. We also like going to San Marcos about an hour outside of San Antonio to go to the outlet mall there, and to see the Natural Bridge Caverns. They're so interesting to go down and see! There's also a drive through safari park at the same place, but we've never gone through that so I can't say how it is.
Chim Chiminy
stale marshmallows sting when they hit you
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2003
We have been living here in the San Antonio area for about 1.5 years now and love it. I have found a lot of info on the VisitSanAntonio website and tripadvisor.
Depending on when your spring break falls, it may be warm enough. Our Aquatica park will be opening in just a month, so we are eager for that as we became Seaworld AP holders last summer. Sea World is okay, we will go and let our daughter ride the roller coasters, maybe see a show. We enjoy the Aquatica park, except for the food. This Sea World has lousy food. So we bring in our own snacks and water now.
Six Flags we have avoided because we haven't enjoyed any SF park we have been to as adults.
People always talk about visiting the Alamo, but I would encourage you to visit all of the area Missions, depending on ages of any kids. There is a Mission Trail you can follow. Each has its own charms, and it is hard to pick a favorite. Most of our visitors have really enjoyed seeing Mission Espada and Mission San Jose. On Sundays many of them hold a Mariachi Mass.
There is a nice zoo at Brackenridge Park, as well as a train ride that circles the park.
Botanical Gardens are nice also.
Good places to shop abound. As mentioned by someone else, The Rim and La Cantera are nice shopping areas. We also like The Quarry.
There is a ton of construction on 1604 currently, so that may affect shopping in those areas. It's a nightmare currently.
The Witte Museum is a lot of fun. Free entry on Tuesday nights.
Right down the street is the McNay Museum, free entry on Thursday nights .
And the SA Museum of Art free on Tuesday nights.
Saturdays the Pearl Brewery Farmers Market is a happenin' spot, you can grab chicken and waffles for breakfast there.
Monster Mini Golf is lots of fun, we always take visiting family there. Indoor blacklight mini golf, and they play great music.
For food, we really enjoy Casa Rio on the Riverwalk. It is the original Mexican restaurant on the river, food and service have always been spot on. Some of the restuarants on the riverwalk are not so great.
At Market Square, we really like Mi Tierra. Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. Market Square is a huge Mexican market, lots of street vendors around.
On Broadway, we like a burger place called Cheesy Janes. Great burgers and shakes, fun diner like feel in a restored gas station.
Another local burger chain is Chester's Hamburgers. Fantastic burgers, onion rings and shakes.
If you are up for a drive, off of I-10 a few miles off of 1604 is a bbq joint called Texas Pride. http://www.texaspridebbq.net/ Great BBQ, and the line is always out the door. They also have a backyard area for kids to play in.
There are usually some good Groupons up for activities like mini golf, museums, and sometimes the attractions near the Alamo.
For New Braunfels, don't know if it will be warm enough to go tubing yet. If it is, there are tons of places to rent tubes. You can tube the comal, the guadalupe or San Marcos rivers.
We don't usually eat up that way though, so can't help to much with restaurants. Have heard great things about the Smokehouse though.
Depending on when your spring break falls, it may be warm enough. Our Aquatica park will be opening in just a month, so we are eager for that as we became Seaworld AP holders last summer. Sea World is okay, we will go and let our daughter ride the roller coasters, maybe see a show. We enjoy the Aquatica park, except for the food. This Sea World has lousy food. So we bring in our own snacks and water now.
Six Flags we have avoided because we haven't enjoyed any SF park we have been to as adults.
People always talk about visiting the Alamo, but I would encourage you to visit all of the area Missions, depending on ages of any kids. There is a Mission Trail you can follow. Each has its own charms, and it is hard to pick a favorite. Most of our visitors have really enjoyed seeing Mission Espada and Mission San Jose. On Sundays many of them hold a Mariachi Mass.
There is a nice zoo at Brackenridge Park, as well as a train ride that circles the park.
Botanical Gardens are nice also.
Good places to shop abound. As mentioned by someone else, The Rim and La Cantera are nice shopping areas. We also like The Quarry.
There is a ton of construction on 1604 currently, so that may affect shopping in those areas. It's a nightmare currently.
The Witte Museum is a lot of fun. Free entry on Tuesday nights.
Right down the street is the McNay Museum, free entry on Thursday nights .
And the SA Museum of Art free on Tuesday nights.
Saturdays the Pearl Brewery Farmers Market is a happenin' spot, you can grab chicken and waffles for breakfast there.
Monster Mini Golf is lots of fun, we always take visiting family there. Indoor blacklight mini golf, and they play great music.
For food, we really enjoy Casa Rio on the Riverwalk. It is the original Mexican restaurant on the river, food and service have always been spot on. Some of the restuarants on the riverwalk are not so great.
At Market Square, we really like Mi Tierra. Be prepared to wait, but it is worth it. Market Square is a huge Mexican market, lots of street vendors around.
On Broadway, we like a burger place called Cheesy Janes. Great burgers and shakes, fun diner like feel in a restored gas station.
Another local burger chain is Chester's Hamburgers. Fantastic burgers, onion rings and shakes.
If you are up for a drive, off of I-10 a few miles off of 1604 is a bbq joint called Texas Pride. http://www.texaspridebbq.net/ Great BBQ, and the line is always out the door. They also have a backyard area for kids to play in.
There are usually some good Groupons up for activities like mini golf, museums, and sometimes the attractions near the Alamo.
For New Braunfels, don't know if it will be warm enough to go tubing yet. If it is, there are tons of places to rent tubes. You can tube the comal, the guadalupe or San Marcos rivers.
We don't usually eat up that way though, so can't help to much with restaurants. Have heard great things about the Smokehouse though.
branv
<font color=blue>The safety feature in my parents
- Joined
- May 20, 2005
Agree, it may be quite cold if you try to tube this time of year. But if you do, the Comal is more family friendly than the Guadalupe. The Guadalupe, tubing wise, is better, but draws a lot of the area college students, and can be a bit of a drunk fest at times. If you're going to eat in New Braunfels, I recommend Grist Mill in Gruene (it's a teeny very quaint town sort of inside New Braunfels), which has great chicken fried steak. I can no longer recommend the Smokehouse. In our opinion, it has really, really gone downhill (and had a turkey recall in 2010 for listeria!). One great place a little outside town is the Clear Springs Restaurant -- great fried catfish, and the best onion rings we've ever had. You also have to stop at Buccees. It's kitschy fun. Seems like the world's biggest convenience store, but it's a destination in its own for fun road trip food and souvenirs. Their freshmade jerky is out of the world. You can't miss the gigantic beaver sign from the highway Rudy's is good bbq, we like it a lot. But if you want GREAT bbq, travel over to Lockhart and go to Smitty's (some people like Kreuz's too...we're Smitty people.) Just be prepared for no sauce!
San Antonio is really neat -- definitely the Riverwalk. You can buy passes for the river taxis, even arrange to have dinner on one. I can't say I've cared for the food on the Riverwalk, but it's passable (just high volume tourist food). They did just finish the Museum Reach leg of the River Walk. They have the old Pearl Brewery Complex over there, which does have some very good restaurants (pricier, though). I haven't been over there since they completed the river section, but it's supposed to be lovely. We aren't huge fans of Sea World, but for kids it's a nice day out. The Missions are pretty neat, as is the Market. I wouldn't do the zoo. If you're local, it's an okay way to pass the time. But it's dismal compared to some of the great zoos (the elephant enclosure is downright depressing).
You can also go up the road aways, and visit Austin if you want some rafting. You can at least canoe in the Colorado there without worrying about getting wet (well...don't rock the boat!) Austin is beautiful. Though depending on when your spring break is, may be full of SXSW'ers. In which case, you have no hope of getting a hotel, and it will be a madhouse.
Definitely do a driving tour of the Hill Country -- Fredericksburg, etc. Very pretty, and hopefully the bluebonnets will have started to emerge.
Rudy's is good bbq, we like it a lot. But if you want GREAT bbq, travel over to Lockhart and go to Smitty's (some people like Kreuz's too...we're Smitty people.) Just be prepared for no sauce!San Antonio is really neat -- definitely the Riverwalk. You can buy passes for the river taxis, even arrange to have dinner on one. I can't say I've cared for the food on the Riverwalk, but it's passable (just high volume tourist food). They did just finish the Museum Reach leg of the River Walk. They have the old Pearl Brewery Complex over there, which does have some very good restaurants (pricier, though). I haven't been over there since they completed the river section, but it's supposed to be lovely. We aren't huge fans of Sea World, but for kids it's a nice day out. The Missions are pretty neat, as is the Market. I wouldn't do the zoo. If you're local, it's an okay way to pass the time. But it's dismal compared to some of the great zoos (the elephant enclosure is downright depressing).
You can also go up the road aways, and visit Austin if you want some rafting. You can at least canoe in the Colorado there without worrying about getting wet (well...don't rock the boat!) Austin is beautiful. Though depending on when your spring break is, may be full of SXSW'ers. In which case, you have no hope of getting a hotel, and it will be a madhouse.
Definitely do a driving tour of the Hill Country -- Fredericksburg, etc. Very pretty, and hopefully the bluebonnets will have started to emerge.
My2CrazyGirls
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2010
When is your spring break?
My2CrazyGirls
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2010
AckermanPartyof6
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2011
San Antonio's spring break starts in March 11th. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Harters2WDW
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
I lived there for seven years and agree with Alamo Cafe and Rudy's! My mouth waters thinking about both. The mango margaritas at Alamo Cafe are incredible. A boat ride through the Riverwalk was always a great activity when i had family in town. Boudreaux's on the Riverwalk is fun -- especially the table side guacamole! Breakfast burritos from Taco Cabana are always easy and cheap. Lulu's Bakery is great for chicken fried steak. Chris Madrid's is incredible for burgers.
I realized I gave you a lot of food options....but there are so many great restaurants there!
I realized I gave you a lot of food options....but there are so many great restaurants there!
sugarnspicex4
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 16, 2012
Well next to Disney of course there is no comparison! But ride-wise there are more options at Six Flags vs. Sea World. There's enough to keep my thrill-seeking DH happy as well as a decent kiddie area and plenty in between for everyone else.
One thing I forgot to mention is that San Antonio has its very own Earl of Sandwich restaurant, in fact there are three locations! We went to the location on Loop 1604 a few months back and I tried to imagine I was really at Downtown Disney. It's the closest I can get to the Disney magic until my vacation fund is replenished, LOL!
ktlm
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2008
Our Spring Break is March 18-22, so yeah maybe too clold for tubing.Thank you for all your wonderful tips. Can't wait for our trip now!!
I don't know how old your kids are, but if you have smaller ones, I wouldn't take them tubing down the Guadalupe anyway. There is no way I would take my 7 year old. I agree with the PP as to the "mood" on the river. I haven't been in years and I've only been once, but from what I recall it was a drunkfest of wild 20 somethings with lots of language and shouting (good humored), and some pretty risque behavior. That said, my biggest concern would be safety for a smaller kid. I'd say the time we went there was a decent crowd, but it wasn't packed like I have seen in some photos. We went on what was supposed to be a 3 hour ride, but it wound up being about 4 hours. Be aware, there is no way to shorten it or get out of the water if you have a smaller kid who has had it and wants out. When we went, the river was considered fairly low. We found ourselves hitting the rocks with our bottoms when we went over the little rapids. It was painful and we were a bit bruised up the next day. There was one area of the rapids were people were consistently having trouble and some men had decided to just park their tubes up on the shore and sit on the rocks and help people for a while because they thought it looked like a dangerous situation. The tubes were kind of bottlenecking and there was one spot where the water was moving the tubes quickly and people were knocking into each other and some of the people were getting flipped out of their tubes by the combination of the water moving and the impacts. I was thankful for those guys because I got hit by some other tubes that were behind me, got separated from DH, and got knocked into a rock and flipped. Other people were going over me in their tubes (they couldn't help it) and two of those guys reached in and pulled me out of the water. It was a bit scary for a minute. I know most of the tube places have an age requirement of 5 years, and I think they raise that sometimes depending on the river conditions. Just based on my experience (which may be unusual- I don't know), I don't think I would take a kid under 10.
If you plan on going to Six Flags, Fiesta Texas, check their park calendar. I think they are only open on Saturday and Sunday the week you are there, since San Antonio's spring break is the week before that.
I was born and raised in San Antonio and now live about 2 hours away. We usually go to San Antonio for part of our Spring Break and it's a good thing your Spring Break is later than most of the Texas schools. When we have gone to the big tourist spots like Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the zoo the crowds were so huge we had a better time just spending low key time with family. The big Sea World water park may not be open in March but I believe the Sesame Street Bay of Play area should be open. We like to stay at the resorts that have small waterparks (lazy rivers) within them. The JW Marriott, Hyatt Hill Country and Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch come to mind. But if you spend the big bucks to stay at one of those, I would make sure you plan to spend the time at the resort to enjoy the amenities. So even though the room rate is high, if you spend one night there, factor in that you won't have to pay any admissions to any parks for those one or two days. Usually there are lots of free resort activities as well. We like the Hyatt Lost Pines near Bastrop as well.
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