Cowboy1968

Hello everybody,

I'll be in Austin for a week (on business), and may have one day off for a trip down to San Antonio.
As I will be kinda flexible if that day will be a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, I was wondering if there are any pros or cons regarding which day to choose. Like more tourists on Sundays, longer lines, full parking garages, etc. - but maybe less commuter traffic on the interstate into downtown?

On my to-do (or must-see) list:
- The Alamo
- Briscoe Western Art Museum
- Riverwalk
- maybe the Buckhorn Saloon / Texas Rangers Museum
- possibly also one of the missions, e.g. San José

Any other advice is also greatly appreciated. Thanks.

lynni

I've only been there once but to my recollection, the old town area where the Alamo, Riverwalk and Texas Rangers Museum is located is several miles from the downtown or "real" part of San Antonio. (I had to drive miles to find a shopping center with a bookstore on my trip.) I don't recall any parking garages either.

I can't answer your questions about the interstate but I am going to guess that there would be less interstate travel on the weekend but perhaps more people and longer lines at the places of interest.

Have a great trip!

darlenef17

With the exception of the missions, everything you want to see is located in downtown San Antonio and can easily be done in one day. It's all close and walkable, but parking for the day can be expensive. Avoid the garages, and look for a lot instead.

You didn't mention your travel dates, but if you'll be there during Fiesta (April 20-30, this year), then you definitely want to go on Monday. The same goes if you will be there during Spring Break.

Also, if the Spurs are playing at home, it's a zoo. I don't think they play on Mondays, but it would be wise to check their schedule.

San Antonio is a huge tourist town, and it's always busy, but Monday will definitely be less busy than the weekend. Depending on where you are staying in Austin, it will take you about 1.5 hours to get to SA, even with some morning traffic.

Regarding the mission, you've chosen a good one with San Jose. I think you've got just about all you can fit into a day, with your must-sees, so I won't add anything else to the list. However, if you do find yourself with a little extra time, El Mercado, La Villita, and Hemisphere Plaza are nice outdoor places to wander on a pretty day.

Parking tip: Park in a lot on the end of downtown close to El Mercado (Market Square). It will be about 1/2 of what the lots cost closer to the Alamo. You can walk (about 1 mile) to the attractions or take the trolley for $1.

Here's a link to the map for the route. You can see the attractions as well. http://hcwiwebpreview.com/texas-meet...r-brochure.pdf

SA is a great city - be sure to have some Tex-Mex while you're there!

Cowboy1968

Thanks Darlene, very much appreciated!
I have been busy the last three days so I could not respond any sooner.
Well, it looks as if the weather gods made the decision - as tomorrow will still be cool and cloudy but Monday is said to be nice and sunny, I'll be heading to San Antonio on Monday.
And thanks also for the great parking tips!

darlenef17

You're welcome. Glad I could help, and yes, Monday does look like a perfect day to wander around SA.

There is a garage that's reasonable and close to El Mercado, but there are also lots in the Dolorosa/Nueva/Flores Street area (wish I could be more specific, but you'll see them) that are very reasonable as well. From there, you can walk or take the trolley to the Alamo (red line). Note: The drivers don't make change, so if you don't get a day pass, have exact change.

Cowboy1968

Just as a feedback:
I had a great (Mon)day in San Antonio - though I wish I had thought of Monday being the usual closure day for the Briscoe museum.
But I found a very small but cheap parking lot, considering its prime location on Market @ the riverwalk for $10 flat fee.
San Antonio sure is one pretty city.
And the missions had also been great - though the auto trail from the Alamo is not THAT clearly signposted as I thought it would be ;-)

Daniel_Williams

I've been to San Antonio 5 times--the city has always been a stopover for me on the way to Mexico (and once going from New Orleans to Austin). They might be tourist central but I have enjoyed the Alamo and Riverwalk--I like the Spanish colonial beauty of the Alamo and the Riverwalk charms me with its sort of hybrid American energy with undertones of Mexico. Glad you decided to check out SA and thanks for the report--San Antonio to me has a unique energy in the USA!