Budget vacation??? Near San Antonio?

[paysensmom]

We live in San Antonio and were planning a trip to Yellowstone. Seems gas will cost more than we can really afford this summer. Plus, it would take most of his vacation time just driving there. Any ideas for something we can do closer to San Antonio besides Sea World, river walk, six flags or Schlitterbahn? Maybe another state park or something similar? I am at a loss, hubby wanted to go to Yellowstone so I would like to make a similar type vacation any way. Please help!!

 

[mom2val]

We love the state parks in Arkansas. We spend every Spring Break there. Our fave parks are Devil's Den, Petit Jean and Mt. Nebo. Arkansas State Parks have awesome cabins to rent. All you need is your clothes and groceries- linens & and all kitchen stuff is provided. The parks are very pretty and have great hiking trails. If you like water there are several parks on lakes.

 

[TexasTodds]

I live in the Houston area, and I think it is really under-rated as a travel area. I think you could spend a week and still not see everything. Some travel options are:

--Galveston -- Moody Gardens, the Strand, the seawall
--Kemah Boardwalk
--NASA/Space Center Houston
--The Museum District -- especially Children's Museum and the Museum of Natural Science
--Houston Zoo
--Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto Monument
--George Observatory and the George Ranch, both near Brazos Bend State Park which also has lots of Alligators

I know there are lots of other things also, but those are the more well known attractions.

 

[TexasTodds]

Sorry I didn't read your post completely. I haven't been to Yellowstone, but there are alot of great State parks in Texas, several in West Texas that have lots of canyons and mountains. Check out the state parks website, and maybe plan a tour of sorts?

 

[natcat117]

I'm living in San Antonio, too. I attend Incarnate Word.

I remember we used to go to Garner State Park when I was little and have family reunions. I think it's just a couple of hours from San Antonio. Oh and to plug my hometown, we have a casino in Eagle Pass!

 

[HunnyPots]

Sorry I didn't read your post completely. I haven't been to Yellowstone, but there are alot of great State parks in Texas, several in West Texas that have lots of canyons and mountains. Check out the state parks website, and maybe plan a tour of sorts?

Excellent idea! Palo Duro canyon is amazing, as well as Fort Davis and Balmorhea state Park. Tons of nature trips in west Texas. Check out Texas Parks and Wildlife at this site: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

 

[branv]

I agree about west texas. I haven't been, but my sister goes every few years, and my brother (on her recommendation), took his family last year and they loved it. They've been up to the top part with Palo Duro and to the left part with Davis Mountains. I admit I was skeptical...I pictured flat and arid, but it's supposed to be quite lovely in many spots.

As mentioned by PP, they like to visit Balmorhea which has a natural springs pool. And don't forget a visit to the McDonald Observatory. Also, my sister has incorporated a trip to Carlsbad Cavern while she was out there.

Or if you want to drive even further west, there's Ruidoso, NM. I've never been but I know it's a skiing spot, and is supposed to be pretty in the spring.