San Antonio on a Budget

[Chicago]

Please help me with any information on planning our San Antonio vacation on a budget. Yes, we are driving all the way from Chicago! Two adults and 2 teenaged daughters.
1. Where do you suggest we stop half way - Branson, MO?
2. Sea World - is it the same, better, or not as good as the one in Orlando. Where is the best place to order tickets? Online they are $58.99 each!
3. Wildlife Ranch - worth it?
4. Tower of Americas - worth it?
5. Any other advice?

Any and all suggestions are VERY much appreciated!

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

The Sea World in San Antonio is way better than the one in Orlando. The have a whole water park inside the park itself. I would suggest a two day ticket. They have fabulous shopping in San Marcos outlets. It's about 30 min. from San Antonio. Don't forget to see the Alamo and to walk the River Walk. We used to live there, and would move back in a heartbeat. Have fun!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

There is so much to do there.

I dont know about the wildlife park, do you mean fossil rim in Glen Rose, the San Antonio Zoo itself is pretty nice, they have a park right next door too, Brackenridge park and a museum too.

In the Riverwalk area you can take one of the boat tours, its pretty interesting, they also have a neat imax film about the alamo and a strange place to visit is The Buckhorn Museum, I think they have a ripleys too (that was not very impressive).

They also have Fiesta Texas, so if you have a season pass from any of the other 6 flags parks, like mid america, you can use it there too I think. Our family enjoyed that park.

You might want to check out El Mercado too.

 

[vicb]

I would second the suggestion to go to El Mercado and eat at Mi Tierra www.mitierracafe.com/default.html

We did not care for the zoo when we visited a number of years back, no offense to anyone but unless it was upgraded in recent years it did not live up to the zoos we have been to in other big cities.

We also ate inexpensively at a German deli near the riverwalk called Schilos which was good and had some musical entertainment at night as I recall.

Dining on the Riverwalk is awesome. Alamo neat to tour.

We had planned to have lunch at the restaurant in Tower of Americas but it was foggy that day so we skipped it but did go to the observation tower later in the trip. We enjoyed it.

We did Seaworld and Six Flags.

 

[ckey]

There is an amazing waterpark less than an hour north of San Antonio in New Braunfels called Schlitterbahn. It is right on your way, right off I-35. We drive down from Dallas at least once a year to go. We tried Fiesta Texas a few years ago and didn't really like it.

 

[ckey]

Oops, I was forgot to suggest that you check out San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau's website. They have a visitor package and lots of coupons and discounts.

 

[kaywoody]

My family goes to San Antonio at least once a year. We love Sea World (their season pass is the same price as a one day ticket right now!), and usually go one day to the shows and one day to the water park every time we go.

Last year we went to Natural Bridge Caverns (just a little ways outside SA) which was really cool! We enjoyed the zoo, and the riverwalk is always kinda fun.

Best of all we love the food. We eat Mexican food every night- we have several favorites, especially La Fonda. I like Mi Tierra at El Mercado as well plus you can visit the market when you finish eating.

 

[driftwood]

Sorry, I don't know where to stop between Chicago and SA.

Wildlife Park? The only one I know is near Natural Bridge Caverns. I like this cave, but it doesn't come close to Carlsbad Caverns. I've been there several times on field trips and then taking my kids.

San Marcos is good outlet shopping. They have a Bare Escentuals outlet for people like me. We stop there to stretch our legs before getting into SA. We stop for lunch at the New Braunfels Smokehouse. They tore down the old-timey type restaurant and in the back lot, they put up a deli type place. It's just a block west of the I35.

Sea World is good there. But it can get hot because of all the concrete in the park. Fiesta Texas is pretty close to there. Last time into town, we stayed at the newest Drury Inn near La Cantera Parkway. It is off I10 West and 1604 (don't know if it's a highway or loop or what, because it just used to be a two lane Farm to market road when I went to UTSA. It was a bit hard to get to the hotel, you can see it right off the interstate, but navigating under the highway and around was crazy the first time then we got it down pat the 2nd time. The hotel is near Fiesta Texas, kinda close to Sea World, but it's closest to the outdoor mall, La Cantera (higher end stores and fun just to walk around and look in the windows).

Have to do the Alamo, but I'd ride a bus straight to downtown from one of the parking lots around I410. Riverwalk is relaxing stroll, there is a church where Davy Crockett is buried (forgot the name). Maybe there is a trolley bus still there that takes you around downtown easier.

If you like seafood, there's local Sea Island restaurants. You place your order at the counter then they call your number. They are always busy. The fish, shrimp etc come from the coast fresh. And I think they are a little cheaper than Red Lobster these days.

 

[hmdavid]

If your girls are shoppers check out La Cantera. All of the shopping you could ever want in a really nice outdoor setting. It is right next to Fiesta Texas (Six Flags) and there is a Bass Pro Shops up there that your hubby may enjoy. We enjoy the zoo. They have just opened a new Africa exhibit. Sea World is definitely worth it. I believe you can get slightly discounted tickets if you purchase them online. There are rides and a water park within the park. They have a new dolphin show that just debuted opening weekend. Someone mentioned the Schlitterbahn, it is one of the country's biggest water parks. The Riverwalk has tons of restaurants that you can eat outside along the river, walking paths and boat tours. There is so much to do here! Have fun!!!

 

[gabriellyn]

You can probably find coupons locally for Sea World - we just got one in our Houston paper for something like Child's rate for Adult tickets? Not sure, but we plan on actually going this weekend. I haven't been in years - really not since it first opened!

I do have fond memories of the zoo, but it may not be as sophisticated as some other ones.

The tower is pretty neat the restaurant is very nice, but very expensive, at least last time I checked it out about 3 years ago. It is not very far from the Alamo, but I wouldn't recommend walking - use your car for sure. The Riverwalk is absolutely amazing and you can walk from the Alamo to the Riverwalk without a problem.

Do you mean Natural Bridge Wildlife park? I haven't been in years and years, but I seem to remember it was pretty cool - it's a drive-thru safari (with your own car.) The other half of it is Natural Bridge Caverns, which has some really beautiful formations - sort of like a mini-Carlsbad. I really think that is worth it absolutely.

Schlitterbahn - absolutely FANTASTIC! It's a must-do if you can manage it!

The Outlet stores in San Marcos are amazing if you like shopping. That might be 2 days in and of itself!

El Mercado is awesome and Mi Tierra is fabulous as is La Margarita. Located near each other - so you can decide which one you want when you get there. Mi Tierra used to be open 24 hours but I am not sure if they still are. I can remember many delicious late night meals there...

Also try to visit La Villita - it's right off of the Riverwalk and is a must-see.

My parents still live there and we visit pretty often, but don't always get to do the "touristy" stuff since we are visiting them, but we love it when we get a chance! Have fun - San Antonio is great and fun and the people are friendly - you will love it!

 

[Nette]

There is an amazing waterpark less than an hour north of San Antonio in New Braunfels called Schlitterbahn. It is right on your way, right off I-35. We drive down from Dallas at least once a year to go. We tried Fiesta Texas a few years ago and didn't really like it.

Yep I was going to suggest Schiltterbahn as well if you are going during the summer. And I'd also avoid fiesta texas at all costs (at least if you are as spoiled by Disney as I am). Sea World is great though!

Oh and if you want to do Schiltterbahn budget, you could hit the outlet malls in the morning, and Schlitterbahn in the afternoon. After 3pm there is a discount to get into the water park. They are open until dark -- Which in the summer can be later than 8pm.

 

[Planogirl]

You could stop in Branson if you want a busy active place or nearby Eureka Springs Arkansas if you want a peaceful beauty.

Sea World Texas is definitely better because of the waterpark. You could spend a lot of time in just that area but get there early. If the park is crowded they close off the waterpark when it reaches capacity.

We haven't been to the Tower of the Americas in years and you may want to google it. It's a nice view if it's still open.

Schlitterbahn is a must do if you like waterparks. Again get there early! San Antonio itself has a Splashtown which used to be decent.

Ripley's has six attractions on Alamo Square including the usual museum and wax place. I do NOT recommend the Tomb Rider 3D or the haunted attraction unless they've changed a lot. They were both hokey a few years ago.

 

[Chicago]

Thanks for all the information. Yes, I meant the drive thru safari. It looked like fun until my hubby searched it on Youtube and we saw an ostrich attacking a car It was kind of funny, but I hope our car will be ok.

With all the shopping suggestions I'm not sure this will be a budget trip

Hotel suggestions? Would love something new and nice for at least 1 night.

 

[ekatiel]

Last time we went to Sea World, we bought discounted tickets at HEB (a local grocery store chain). There are several "on the way" to Sea World off of 1604 on the Northwest side of town (try 1604 and Culebra). We were there two years ago, and the tickets at HEB were cheaper than the online tickets then. I'm not sure if they are still cheaper, but it's worth checking out.

Like everyone else said, Schlitterbahn is WONDERFUL!! I'd definitely go if you have the time and budget to do so. You can also tube down either the Comal or the Guadalupe (the comal is a shorter, calmer ride), which is always fun.

Eating on the Riverwalk can be pricey. The least expensive place to eat on the Riverwalk (at least the last time we were there) is the Mexican restaurant with the different colored umbrellas (I can never remember the name, but it's hard to miss!).

Have a fun trip! --Katie

 

[Donaldswife]

I would second the suggestion to go to El Mercado and eat at Mi Tierra www.mitierracafe.com/default.html

We did not care for the zoo when we visited a number of years back, no offense to anyone but unless it was upgraded in recent years it did not live up to the zoos we have been to in other big cities.

We also ate inexpensively at a German deli near the riverwalk called Schilos which was good and had some musical entertainment at night as I recall.

Dining on the Riverwalk is awesome. Alamo neat to tour.

We had planned to have lunch at the restaurant in Tower of Americas but it was foggy that day so we skipped it but did go to the observation tower later in the trip. We enjoyed it.


I second Schilos for an inexpensive and great place to eat downtown, we had breakfast there and it was delicious and our most economical meal that trip! Also, be sure to budget in one of the boat tours of the riverwalk area, very fun and informative. The Alamo is also right in that area and was free.

 

[hmdavid]

Thanks for all the information. Yes, I meant the drive thru safari. It looked like fun until my hubby searched it on Youtube and we saw an ostrich attacking a car It was kind of funny, but I hope our car will be ok.

With all the shopping suggestions I'm not sure this will be a budget trip

Hotel suggestions? Would love something new and nice for at least 1 night.

We recently moved to San Antonio and spent several weeks in the Staybridge Suites Sea World while our house was being finished. It is about a 5 minute drive to Sea World, 20 to La Cantera/Six Flags, 20 to the Riverwalk/Downtown. It is all suites with kitchenettes and a full breakfast included, just opened in December. VERY reasonable and Tuesday-Thursday the manager hosts a free evening recption with a light dinner and FREE beer and wine. Right across the road is Rudy's BBQ which is yummy and very reasonable. HEB at 1604 and Culebra (as someone else mentioned) is right down the road. I highly reccommend this hotel. We had a very nice stay while there!

 

[gabriellyn]

We recently moved to San Antonio and spent several weeks in the Staybridge Suites Sea World while our house was being finished. It is about a 5 minute drive to Sea World, 20 to La Cantera/Six Flags, 20 to the Riverwalk/Downtown. It is all suites with kitchenettes and a full breakfast included, just opened in December. VERY reasonable and Tuesday-Thursday the manager hosts a free evening recption with a light dinner and FREE beer and wine. Right across the road is Rudy's BBQ which is yummy and very reasonable. HEB at 1604 and Culebra (as someone else mentioned) is right down the road. I highly reccommend this hotel. We had a very nice stay while there!

I second Rudy's BBQ - it rocks!

The Hyatt Hill Country Resort is very very nice and they often have specials and/or AAA discounts.

 

[Belle5]

Schilos Deli
Rudy's BBQ
Earl of Sandwich has several locations in the San Antonio area

Alamo
Missions tour if you're into that sort of thing (there is one that has a movie, etc.--it's the nicest)
Riverwalk (There is an Alamo movie Imax to view there--but I would just rent the Disney Alamo movie before your trip--Dennis Quaid)
Schlitterbahn
Caverns

 

[travelgirl06]

Schlitterbahn is a must if you'll be there in the summer. Another option is river "toobing", it's lots of fun and the water is so refreshing to beat the heat. If you do Schlitterbahn, I would go on a weekday if at all possible, it gets VERY crowded and weekends are especially busy.

Gruene is a fun old town near New Braunfels. If you visit, you should go to the Gristmill. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is a lot of fun (I'm sure you are noticing a lot of suggestions for tasty food on this thread...)

We also like the boat tour around the Riverwalk which I think someone recommended, it's about 20-40 minutes long and very informative and interesting. We've done it several times when we have guests in time and learn something new each time (I think its like $8.50/person or so, so it's not too expensive either).

Sea World is fun, and while we haven't been in the summer yet, the shows and non-water rides are most enjoyable. It's a fairly large park (even though we haven't been there when the water park is open yet) and there is plenty to do. Check for online deals and maybe google to find deals.

I know H-E-B (grocery store) has some sort of discounts, likewise I think H-E-B has Schlitterbahn tickets on discount too (probably other places too like Six Flags, etc.)