San Antonio
 

2 newly retired teachers are visiting SA in mid-September for 4 days. We like to shop, eat, go to the spa, site-see, but not do a lot of physical activities. What do you suggest for activities, hotels, & day trips?

I assume you will be staying on the Riverwalk? I've stayed at the Riverwalk Mariott and I do recommend that. The boat ride is fun and informative. If you walk along the river you can go thorough the Hyatt and just outside you will find the Alamo. There's the River City Mall and the IMAX on the river. I'm sure there's a lot I'm not thinking of right now but someone else will jump in and help.

Day trips: Fredericksburg if a popular fave, it's an old German town in the Hill Country. Shopping is great in Fredericksburg especially if you like antiques and the German food is even better. Along the way you could stop at the LBJ Ranch. Even if you are not a fan of LBJ it's still worth seeing. It's free to visit the grounds, make sure to see the small village with homes from years past. There is a small charge for the tram tour but I think it's worth it.

http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com/

http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/hours.htm

I hope this is enough to get you started.

If you don't have rooms secured, there are some cool BandB's near downtown.

The King William area is full of lovely historic homes.

Everyone thinks of the Alamo and it's a must of course. But there are 4 other (I think) missions within the SA area that are National Park areas and are absolutely charming. Definitely worth checking out.

For mall-experiences the Rivercenter Mall is fine; so is North Star Mall up on the 410 loop (many of same stores but I like North Star atmosphere better--less "touristy"--but the Rivercenter Mall is so convenient if you're staying downtown.)

Two good places to eat on the Riverwalk are Budros and Biga on the Banks. Probably need reservations (definitely for Biga).

The Quarry is a cool shopping area.

Gruene is also great day trip.

There is outlet shopping between San Antonio and Austin.

Here's the outlet mall mentioned by texasbookworm, it's huge.

http://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/san-marcos.aspx

Ditto the recommendation of the King William District -- lovely walk in a lovely neighborhood. Stop at the Mad Hatter for a cup of tea.

My advice for San Antonio is to find out if there are any conventions ending when you are going home. If so, you should probably get to the airport 2 hours in advance even for domestic flights. The security lines can be very, very long.

Have fun!

San Antonio has too many charming, more local options than staying in a high-rise Marriott, IMO. Omni La Mansion del Rio, Watermark, St. Anthony, Gunter and Menger represent San Antonio charm.