We are planning a family trip to Austin right after Christmas (3 days) and New Year's Eve (about 3 days) in San Antonio with our 16 year old daughter. We like exploring cities and getting a general feel for them. I've read about both cities and they sound fun, but is 3 days in the winter too long for them? Also, is the hill country fun in the winter?

Thanks, Winnie

I think a 6 day trip with 2 nights in Austin, 1 in the hill country and 3 in San Antonio would make a great trip. Do a search on this sight for ideas on what to do, there's lots. I think the only thing you will miss going at that time of year would be the bats at the Congress Ave. bridge in Austin as I think they winter in Mexico. Have fun!

I agree with Barblab--it can be one of the more beautiful times of year to be here. On New Years Eve, 1999, we hiked to the top of Enchanted Rock, just outside of Fredericksburg in the hill country--it was a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon and we stayed to watch the sun set...it was a wonderful way to ring in the approaching new year. There is so much to see and do in this area you won't be bored!

Yes, you defintiely won't be bored!

Be sure and do the Mission Trail in San Antonio. It is run by the National Park Service and is a driving tour of the other 4 missions (besides the Alamo) that founded San Antonio. The visitor's center is at Mission San Jose.

In the Hill Country, one of the best things to do is shopping, and that is good year-round! Fredericksburg is excellent for this, and so is Boerne. I agree that Enchanted Rock is a wonderful park to go for a hike, and Buchanan Dam and Lost Maples are also very nice. Depending on the weather, you might catch the end of fall color at Lost Maples.

In San Antonio the Riverwalk is especially pretty at that time of year because all the old cypress trees lining the river are festooned with colored lights which reflect in the water. Instead of the river cruises, catch the river shuttle bus (looks just like the cruise boats but has a sign saying shuttle on it) and you can buy an unlimited, all-day pass. Unlike the cruise boats, you can flag it down anywhere along the river plus those boats go to parts of the river that the regular cruises don't access. When we stayed down there, we used the shuttle to get to a restaurant for dinner and then flagged it down again after dinner to just cruise around some more and enjoy the lights.

I think someone mentioned staying 3 nites San Antonio, 1 night in Hill Country, and 2 nights Austin. That would really give the flavor of what the region has to offer. Enchanted Rock would be nice that time of year. You could also go north on 35 from SA and stop in Wimberley or Gruene. They are both really neat hill country towns which are on rivers. Gristmill Inn is a restaurant in Gruene that is has atmosphere and good food. I am partial though to Fredericksburg. It is a wonderful German town with lots of history, food and shopping. Austin is a great place even in the winter. Some ideas include- The Capitol, Bob Bullock Museum, Zilker Park, Laguna Gloria. It is always fun to check out the funky shops around South Congress Ave. and Barton Springs Road. If the weather is not so hot, we have an awesome movie theater- Alamo Drafthouse. They serve food (great pizza), beer, coffee all while you are watching your movie. It is a really neat Austin experience. I don't think you should have problems getting your daughter in since she is with her parents. If you have any other questions please ask.

Thanks so much for all your helpful replies. We were thinking of trying day trips to the hill country and coming back to Austin at night. Would that work?

Winnie

I don't see why not--we live in San Antonio so we've not done it. Getting to the hill country, depending on where you're going of course, is pretty much a straight shot out of S.A.; not sure how it works coming from Austin...topping for anyone who has experience.

ttt
Best of Texas ex maybe the wonderful Big Bend and surrounding areas.
M

If you want day trip, I would recommend a day trip from San Antonio if you want to go to Fredericksburg or Boerne. If you decide to go to Wimberley, Gruene or New Braunfels it might be slightly closer from San Antonio but can easily be done from Austin too.

You've gotten some great advice. Be sure to tour the Capitol Building and see the Governor's Mansion. When in San Antonio be sure to see all the missions, not just the alamo (VERY crowded, and not much there anymore). Also, a good place to eat after touring is Mi Tierra. Good food, live music and just plain FUN!

Thanks a lot for your great tips. I love this board.

Winnie