Considering a vacation in Texas this year
Feb 13th, 2016, 11:39 AM
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Considering a vacation in Texas this year
We live in Central California (originally from SoCal), so we could drive, or get a flight direct from our limited local flights to DFW and then rent a car.
So assuming 10 days, including travel, I need an itinerary of cities (maybe a loop, if flying, to start/end in DFW) to visit. And what time of year is best, weather-wise?
Our interests are walking and seeing what's different from where we live, museums, etc. We're not into beer/wine or clubs. Husband DOES want to see AT&T/Dallas Stadium and we both love beef bbq.
I'll worry about specific sights, hotels, and restaurants after an itinerary.
Can I be vague enough? I really have no idea what to see and where to go beyond what I posted.
So assuming 10 days, including travel, I need an itinerary of cities (maybe a loop, if flying, to start/end in DFW) to visit. And what time of year is best, weather-wise?
Our interests are walking and seeing what's different from where we live, museums, etc. We're not into beer/wine or clubs. Husband DOES want to see AT&T/Dallas Stadium and we both love beef bbq.
I'll worry about specific sights, hotels, and restaurants after an itinerary.
Can I be vague enough? I really have no idea what to see and where to go beyond what I posted.
Feb 13th, 2016, 12:33 PM
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You can get a nice view of Central Texas in 10 days . . Depending on your interests, you can stay overnite or multiple days on this circle
After seeing as much of Dallas/Ft. Worth as you like, take I-20 West to TX 281 South thru Stephenville to San Antonio.
Places to stop along the way would be Luckenbach, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Johnson City
Fredericksburg was the home of Admiral Chester Nimitz and has a nice museum of the Pacific War
After San Antonio, you can return to DFW the same way, take I35 which can be very busy to Austin, then to DFW. Once you look at these places on a map, you can decide on more precise plan.
p.s. the best BBQ in Texas is in Luling . . 60 miles or so west of San Antonio just off of I-10
Post back if you have other questions
After seeing as much of Dallas/Ft. Worth as you like, take I-20 West to TX 281 South thru Stephenville to San Antonio.
Places to stop along the way would be Luckenbach, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Johnson City
Fredericksburg was the home of Admiral Chester Nimitz and has a nice museum of the Pacific War
After San Antonio, you can return to DFW the same way, take I35 which can be very busy to Austin, then to DFW. Once you look at these places on a map, you can decide on more precise plan.
p.s. the best BBQ in Texas is in Luling . . 60 miles or so west of San Antonio just off of I-10
Post back if you have other questions
Feb 13th, 2016, 01:00 PM
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Feb 13th, 2016, 04:35 PM
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Sounds great! I looked at a map, saw a triangle of Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.
And the other places you linked too (esp the bbq) will get some close examination.
We hoped to go to Rome/Paris this year, but parental frailties require our staying closer (at least the same continent) this year. And I never thought I'd go to Texas except for connecting flights, but I've changed my mind.
And the other places you linked too (esp the bbq) will get some close examination.
We hoped to go to Rome/Paris this year, but parental frailties require our staying closer (at least the same continent) this year. And I never thought I'd go to Texas except for connecting flights, but I've changed my mind.
Feb 13th, 2016, 10:37 PM
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I want to say you should visit Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, because each are unique, but in 10 days, perhaps that would not work. If it were me personally, I would skip San Antonio, but not being from Texas, you may want to visit there to get a real authentic Tex-Mex experience, in which case I'd say you should skip Houston. This also makes it easy because Interstate-35 connects Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Assuming 3 days in Dallas (including arrival), 2 days in Austin, 1 day driving to San Antonio, 3 days in San Antonio, 1 day driving to Dallas (including departure).
I'd recommend flying into DFW and renting a car. Spend the first few days checking out Dallas, then from there head south to Austin. Downtown Austin is known for its bar scene at night, but daytime activities include historical museums, world class bbq (Franklin's), quirky/weird shops, the state capitol, and leisurely strolls next to the beautiful Lade Bird Lake. Kayaks are available for rent if y'all are feeling adventurous! St. Edwards University apparently has the best view of the city skyline, while the top of Mt. Bonnell has the best view of the surrounding TX hill country.
Once you're done in Austin, head south to San Antonio. On the way though I would recommend stopping by Lockhart, San Marcos, Wimberley, and Gruene.
About 45 minutes south of Austin, is Lockhart. This is where you will find Black's BBQ, and is the main reason I listed this town. Many locals agree its worth the trip out there. 30 minutes West of Lockhart is San Marcos. This is a college town, but I recommend a stop here to go on a glass bottom boat tour. The glass bottom boats go over natural artesian springs in Spring Lake, and allow you to see what would otherwise not be visible! From San Marcos, you will take a scenic ranch road to Wimberley, about 30 minutes away. Wimberley is a beautiful little town on the Blanco River. Its' downtown has tons of unique shops that really capture the essence of small towns of Central Texas. From Wimberley you'll start heading west until you reach the historic German town of Gruene (pronounced Green). Here you will find nice dining, shopping and an overall laid back atmosphere. Don't be surprised if you hear someone playing country music! After an early dinner in Gruene, head to San Antonio, which is less than an hour away if there's no traffic.
In San Antonio, an entire day should be dedicated to just checking out the River Walk. If you like Tex-Mex food, you will have a great time here! Other attractions include a number of different historical sites, churches, and some beautiful parks.
Last day, drive 4-5 hours back to Dallas.
ALTERNATIVELY, if Tex-Mex food is not your thing, I would say skip San Antonio all together! Although the River Walk is really neat.
As a Houston native, I may be a bit biased when I say Houston is a littttle more interesting than San Antonio.
For a Houston alternative route, follow the above itinerary all the way to Lockhart.
From Lockhart you would head south to Interstate-10, and then on to Houston. Nothing too interesting to see on the way. In Houston there is really a lot to see and do! The Museum District could take up your 3 days there alone! Hermann Park is a lovely place to stop and relax between museum visits, and you can also rent paddle boats there! I like to take my friends from out town to the Galleria, our biggest mall in Houston. This too, could take up more than 1 day. Next to the Galleria is a popular scenic location, the Water Wall. Touring the Houston Ship Channel, visiting the Kemah Boardwalk, and the NASA Space Center are also fun things to do.On your way back to Dallas, make sure to stop in Hunstville to take a picture next to the giant Sam Houston statue standing 77 ft. tall!
Well sorry for including way too much info! Hope this helps plan your trip some!
p.s. The sooner you visit the better! Once mid-late April rolls around it can start to get pretty toasty! Late Feb, March, early April will be the months with the best weather.
Assuming 3 days in Dallas (including arrival), 2 days in Austin, 1 day driving to San Antonio, 3 days in San Antonio, 1 day driving to Dallas (including departure).
I'd recommend flying into DFW and renting a car. Spend the first few days checking out Dallas, then from there head south to Austin. Downtown Austin is known for its bar scene at night, but daytime activities include historical museums, world class bbq (Franklin's), quirky/weird shops, the state capitol, and leisurely strolls next to the beautiful Lade Bird Lake. Kayaks are available for rent if y'all are feeling adventurous! St. Edwards University apparently has the best view of the city skyline, while the top of Mt. Bonnell has the best view of the surrounding TX hill country.
Once you're done in Austin, head south to San Antonio. On the way though I would recommend stopping by Lockhart, San Marcos, Wimberley, and Gruene.
About 45 minutes south of Austin, is Lockhart. This is where you will find Black's BBQ, and is the main reason I listed this town. Many locals agree its worth the trip out there. 30 minutes West of Lockhart is San Marcos. This is a college town, but I recommend a stop here to go on a glass bottom boat tour. The glass bottom boats go over natural artesian springs in Spring Lake, and allow you to see what would otherwise not be visible! From San Marcos, you will take a scenic ranch road to Wimberley, about 30 minutes away. Wimberley is a beautiful little town on the Blanco River. Its' downtown has tons of unique shops that really capture the essence of small towns of Central Texas. From Wimberley you'll start heading west until you reach the historic German town of Gruene (pronounced Green). Here you will find nice dining, shopping and an overall laid back atmosphere. Don't be surprised if you hear someone playing country music! After an early dinner in Gruene, head to San Antonio, which is less than an hour away if there's no traffic.
In San Antonio, an entire day should be dedicated to just checking out the River Walk. If you like Tex-Mex food, you will have a great time here! Other attractions include a number of different historical sites, churches, and some beautiful parks.
Last day, drive 4-5 hours back to Dallas.
ALTERNATIVELY, if Tex-Mex food is not your thing, I would say skip San Antonio all together! Although the River Walk is really neat.
As a Houston native, I may be a bit biased when I say Houston is a littttle more interesting than San Antonio.
For a Houston alternative route, follow the above itinerary all the way to Lockhart.
From Lockhart you would head south to Interstate-10, and then on to Houston. Nothing too interesting to see on the way. In Houston there is really a lot to see and do! The Museum District could take up your 3 days there alone! Hermann Park is a lovely place to stop and relax between museum visits, and you can also rent paddle boats there! I like to take my friends from out town to the Galleria, our biggest mall in Houston. This too, could take up more than 1 day. Next to the Galleria is a popular scenic location, the Water Wall. Touring the Houston Ship Channel, visiting the Kemah Boardwalk, and the NASA Space Center are also fun things to do.On your way back to Dallas, make sure to stop in Hunstville to take a picture next to the giant Sam Houston statue standing 77 ft. tall!
Well sorry for including way too much info! Hope this helps plan your trip some!
p.s. The sooner you visit the better! Once mid-late April rolls around it can start to get pretty toasty! Late Feb, March, early April will be the months with the best weather.
Feb 14th, 2016, 01:16 AM
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What great suggestions, rstradio!
I'm going to save this one for myself.
Houston has some famous art museums and interesting neighborhoods/architecture, but Houston is also famous for being spread out.
Assuming I am not interested in NASA or the Ship Channel, how hard would it be to see the museums and sample the rest?
I'm going to save this one for myself.
Houston has some famous art museums and interesting neighborhoods/architecture, but Houston is also famous for being spread out.
Assuming I am not interested in NASA or the Ship Channel, how hard would it be to see the museums and sample the rest?
Feb 14th, 2016, 06:05 AM
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The Museums are mostly in one area of Houston . . The museum District. Very easy access by auto or using the Houst0n metrorail.
http://houmuse.com/
http://houmuse.com/
Feb 16th, 2016, 09:31 AM
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Unless you're a teamster from 1850, it's hard to take "1 day driving to San Antonio" from Austin because the two cities are just over an hour apart.
That "day driving to San Antonio" could mean meandering around Central Texas. But don't think it actually takes a day to get from Austin to SA.
Unless you're a teamster from 1850, it's hard to take "1 day driving to San Antonio" from Austin because the two cities are just over an hour apart.
That "day driving to San Antonio" could mean meandering around Central Texas. But don't think it actually takes a day to get from Austin to SA.
Feb 17th, 2016, 02:16 PM
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I may throw in my two cents... it is a very personal view.
What I liked most about Texas:
- San Antonio. It is a microcosmos of Texas - you have all cultures here: the Native, the Spanish, the German, the Anglos. An extremely beautiful city - with a splendid river, lush tropical gardens, five missions, art museums, a latino district, a historic German district, excellent museums, a lively art scene - if you had just one day to spend in Texas, I would not hesitate to say, choose San Antonio.
- Austin. It is not just the Capital - it is a very unique city. It is America's capital of music, with live music everywhere. It has a beautiful town lake and park. It is walkable. It has excellent museums. And it has a motto: "Keep Austin weird!" - No kidding.
- Texas Hill Country. Fredricksburg, Luckenbach, Gruene etc. - really good places to breathe history. You must have been to America's most famous dance hall in Gruene. You must have been to Luckenbach, pop. 3, with musicians playing the guitar and old ladies serving pulled pork!
- Big Bend and Terlingua. Big Bend is a splendid National Park with a different kind of desert, and Terlingua is perhaps America's most interesting ghost town.
- Fort Worth. See the daily cattle drive and spend the night in one of the historic taverns. Perhaps the best place for Wild West feeling.
You wanted to see something different from California. Therefore, I have not included Dallas and Houston in my list.
What I liked most about Texas:
- San Antonio. It is a microcosmos of Texas - you have all cultures here: the Native, the Spanish, the German, the Anglos. An extremely beautiful city - with a splendid river, lush tropical gardens, five missions, art museums, a latino district, a historic German district, excellent museums, a lively art scene - if you had just one day to spend in Texas, I would not hesitate to say, choose San Antonio.
- Austin. It is not just the Capital - it is a very unique city. It is America's capital of music, with live music everywhere. It has a beautiful town lake and park. It is walkable. It has excellent museums. And it has a motto: "Keep Austin weird!" - No kidding.
- Texas Hill Country. Fredricksburg, Luckenbach, Gruene etc. - really good places to breathe history. You must have been to America's most famous dance hall in Gruene. You must have been to Luckenbach, pop. 3, with musicians playing the guitar and old ladies serving pulled pork!
- Big Bend and Terlingua. Big Bend is a splendid National Park with a different kind of desert, and Terlingua is perhaps America's most interesting ghost town.
- Fort Worth. See the daily cattle drive and spend the night in one of the historic taverns. Perhaps the best place for Wild West feeling.
You wanted to see something different from California. Therefore, I have not included Dallas and Houston in my list.
Feb 17th, 2016, 06:57 PM
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This was all great information. I'm thinking 2 weeks, including travel (flight and rental car).
While I gave a (very) short list of interests, while we love bbq, we've realized in the recent past that we eat MUCH less than we used to. It's sad in a way, but better than having an upset stomach from trying to eat as we used to.
While I gave a (very) short list of interests, while we love bbq, we've realized in the recent past that we eat MUCH less than we used to. It's sad in a way, but better than having an upset stomach from trying to eat as we used to.
Feb 18th, 2016, 04:03 AM
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I never considered going to Texas for vacation as I'd only visited Houston and Dallas and I didn't care for either.
Last year, we spent a month in Austin including long weekends in Hill Country (based in Fredricksburg) and San Antonio.
We had a wonderful time. And yes, you will find barbecue.
Probably the highlight was biking the mission trail south of San Antonio (we used the city bike service and could lock our bike at each mission).
We also enjoyed all the LBJ sites--his museum in Austin, his birth place and ranch in hill country--As well as the lady bird wildflower center south of Austin (and on the way to Salt Lick).
Enjoy!
Last year, we spent a month in Austin including long weekends in Hill Country (based in Fredricksburg) and San Antonio.
We had a wonderful time. And yes, you will find barbecue.
Probably the highlight was biking the mission trail south of San Antonio (we used the city bike service and could lock our bike at each mission).
We also enjoyed all the LBJ sites--his museum in Austin, his birth place and ranch in hill country--As well as the lady bird wildflower center south of Austin (and on the way to Salt Lick).
Enjoy!
Feb 18th, 2016, 04:51 AM
#16
I assume, perhaps incorrectly that the flights would be on American, correct?
Why not do an open jaw itinerary by flying through DFW or starting in Dallas and ending up in San Antonio and flying back home from there?
Is there some reason you simply must do some sort of loop and if so, why?
You can easily compare prices of looping with a rental car vs. a drop off at another airport.
Personally, I think you might be wasting some time if you don't at least consider doing this.
Why not do an open jaw itinerary by flying through DFW or starting in Dallas and ending up in San Antonio and flying back home from there?
Is there some reason you simply must do some sort of loop and if so, why?
You can easily compare prices of looping with a rental car vs. a drop off at another airport.
Personally, I think you might be wasting some time if you don't at least consider doing this.
Mar 2nd, 2016, 07:00 PM
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Thanks again for the suggestions! I WILL look into open jaw.
Oddly, when I looked on expedia, although there ARE nonstop flights from FAT to DFW, it was (not sure if it still is) cheaper to go through LAX. Huh.
Oddly, when I looked on expedia, although there ARE nonstop flights from FAT to DFW, it was (not sure if it still is) cheaper to go through LAX. Huh.
