I will be traveling to SA this Saturday for a week, as my boyfriend will be there for a convention.

I think I've got most of SA mapped out: things to see and do, places to eat, etc. But, we currently don't have it planned to rent a car. It doesn't seem necessary if just staying in SA area. But, then again, from what I've been reading, 6 full days is a long time in SA.

I have read recommendations about the Hill Country. Is it worth renting a car and heading that way? How far from SA is it? What exactly is there? I enjoy wine and think I have read that there are vineyards up there. Any suggestions?

Also, a few friends, also visiting Texas from Hawaii, will be heading to the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels. The place looks rather amazing (for waterpark standards). --We have a rinkie-dinkie one out here on Oahu, but then again, who needs one here!-- So, is it necessary to rent a car to get there? How far about is NB from SA?

Thanks for the help!

Although we didn't go, the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is consistently ranked as one of the best waterparks in the US, if not No. 1. You do need a car to get there, I guess, unless you're willing to spring for a cab (it's about 30-35 miles from San Antonio). While you're out that way, you could visit Gruene, and the Natural Bridge Caverns, and I think Fredericksburg might be in the same general direction.

I would check the Shlitterbahn (www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/) schedule because I would imagine it might only be open right now on weekends, if even that. It is the BEST water park I have ever been to. Totally a blast, but pretty cool, now cold, water. You should rent a car because things are spread out in TX. You will want to drive out to Fredericksburg. The back roads are wonderful that way. Be sure to drive on the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg. There is a nice Wildseed Farm (http://www.wildseedfarms.com/) that way and LBJ's Ranch (http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm) is intersting to vist for some history. Fredericksburg also has The Admiral Nimitz Museum (http://www.nimitz-museum.org/). There are many great bar-b-que restaurants in the Hill Country. If you are interested I will send you the names of some. Just let me know. If you go toward Kerrville check out the James Avery store (http://secure.jamesavery.com/index.jsp). Austin would also be a fun day trip with lots to do in that city.

Thank you for your responses.
@kkukura: I am not much of a BBQ eater (I'm a vegetarian) but because my boyfriend is not, a few BBQ recommendations would be appreciated. The veggie I am...isn't there good BBQ to be had at Rudy's in SA?

Wine, though, does tickle my fancy. Any wine tasting up that way in Hill Country. I swear I read that somewhere.

Also, do you know if it is possible to rent a car near within bus/walking distance of the Riverwalk. We will be staying there and won't be renting a car when we first arrive.

Keep the good info a'comin'!

P.S. Just for your info, all but the Schlitterbahn and The Admiral Nimitz Museum websites currently exist.

Texas Hill Country wine trail info,

http://www.texaswinetrail.com/index.html

I don't know specifically where, but you won't have a problem finding a place to rent a car near the Riverwalk. Despite the existence of the Riverwalk, which is peaceful and serence, on the "other side" it's a urban area (and a tourist area at that)

Sorry the links they must have been off- www.nimitz-museum.org and www.schlitterbahn.com/nb. Try those. There a plenty of wineries along the way to and from Fredericksburg. I am not a fan of wine, but I know many people (my parents included) who enjoy going to the Hill Country to stop at the wineries. In Spicewood try Opie's Barbecue; in New Braunfels try Cooper's; in Lockhart try Kreuz Market or Smitty's Market. If you venture up to Austin try Kerbey Lane for all types of food (nice vegetarian plates too).

Fredericksburg is a lovely little town. My hubby has lots of family in SA and we always go for a drive through Hill Country when we visit.

And you should also be sure to stop at Luckenbach, just to say you've been there. ;-)