Texas vacation help

[Tink3815]

Hi all, my husband and I need to be in Houston for business in early October. We would like to add on a week and see parts of Texas. We have seen most of the Houston area attractions from past visits. We did a weekend trip with our kids about 10 years ago to San Antonio to the Alamo, Sea World and quick visit to the Riverwalk. We are thinking of doing San Antonio again, but for adults this time. Does anyone have recommendations for a good hotel in the area. I want to try to stay in $75-125.00 area. Also looking for things to do that are with in driving distance (1-2 hrs) that would get us the true flavor of Texas and the west. Recommendations for good B-Q or Mexican food would be great.

Thanks for the help

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

We go to San Antonio quite abit. I love to get a hotel on the Riverwalk & walk to things from there.
For the hotel we always priceline & are always happy. However, only check the Riverwalk area & only go for a 4 star! We have stayed in at least 6 different ones there. You do pay parking each night & that isn't cheap but we average paying $70. a night. Sometimes I'm lucky & get a $50 price though. Sometimes you do get one off the Riverwalk but has always been in walking distance.
You can walk to the Alamo, & there are several museums in walking distance. B. Hall of Horns in pretty good. There is also Riley's Museum & Guiness World book of Records across the road from the Alamo. You can walk to Hemifair Park & see the film there & go up the Tower also. There is also the RiverCenter Mall to shop at. Isn't the best mall but is handy.
We always eat at Casa Rio..Totally best mexican food! I get the big plate..can't think the name right now but it has alittle of everything on it & it less than $10. I love eating there on the Riverwalk & watching the boats go by.
I love to ride the riverboat & usually try to get a ride after it is getting dark. Is pretty when the lights come on.
There is the Mexican Market to go to which is interesting. Also, Sea World just check the hours for that time of the year. San Antonio also has a good zoo & lots of shopping, etc.
Also, Houston is close to Galveston. We haven't been there in quite awhile as we usually go to Port Aransas.
However, there are rides the ducks, a free ferry ride & Moody Gardens at Galveston. Plus, lots more.
And if you come as far as Waco we have the Cameron Park Zoo, Mayborn Museum & Dr. Pepper Museum. And We have Niafa's Mexican Food which is so good.
Have fun!

 

[Tink3815]

Thanks for the advice. How much do you usually end up paying for parking as we will have a rental car and is it with the hotel or in public parking garages. Also how far out do you start to bid on price line for the hotel to get those great prices. Did you feel safe at night walking around the River walk.

thanks again

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Seems like parking is about $15 to $20 day - more or less. You can self park but it isn't much difference.

I'd start bidding now. Start low about $50 max. to begin with as you can bid again in 24 hours.
Remember only bid on the Riverwalk area & Only a 4 star! Go up about $5 each time.
We just got the Hyatt Regency for $77 a night for Sept. last week. We've stayed here 4 or 5 times & I love the location.

We always walk here at night. However, we do stick to the area that everybody else is walking at night. There is usually so much going on here it is always full of people. And the boats go along all the time. We also walk the road part alot as it is faster to get around but at night I don't like that as much.

I'd look online if I were you & get some information sent to you on the San Antonio area. There is so much to do here. I love the city.

There is also now a Rain Forest Cafe on the Riverwalk too & I love to eat there!

 

[AustinTink]

I'm just a bit partial to Austin.

If you have stayed in San Antonio before, you should give Austin a try. We are like no other city in Texas. And, if you are doing an adults only trip, this would be the perfect time to try our fair city.

If you want any info just let me know.

 

[Tink3815]

Thanks

Do you know how far a drive it is from San Antonio or Houston to Austin?

We are looking for a a ranch to viist. We do not want to spend the night, possibly just a tour and a " real bq". Do you know if Austin has anything like this in the vicinity.

I also love Mexican pottery, and special places to go for this?

Thanks again

 

[Mimi1965]

Before you get to Austin-driving from Houston-you have to stop in Lockart TX

http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/visitors/bbqcapitaloftexas.asp

They have been featured on many shows on the FoodChannel

Lots of REAL BBQ "joints"

Austin or San Antonio are about 4 hours from Houston