Hello Local SA Friends,

I am coming to visit for my sons Air Force BMT graduation and prefer to NOT rent a car if I don't need one. We're gong to stay near the Riverwalk and travel to Lackland AFB three of the six days that we'll be there. I understand that the only ubers or taxis allowed on base are vendors that have been cleared/issued base access. So are those readily available? Is there a way to find out? I don't really want to pay for a week long car rental if I don't need it. Please advise. Any other tips for me?

Thank you!

I cannot help you with what the Air Force allows.

I can tell you a little about driving in San Antonio. I went last summer. My husband had a work trip, and my son and I went along for a vacation. They drive fast on the freeways. It's Texas. Downtown and the Riverwalk were also relatively easy to drive in. Very normal city driving. The one difficult thing about driving in San Antonio was the front roads--not the actual freeways, but these boulevards that paralleled the freeways, lined with businesses and cross streets. Drivers on these front roads go pretty fast. It is an intimidating process if you are trying to pull into your hotel from one.

For details on the base itself, you might look at the FB page AF WingMoms for advice. There is also this website: BMT Visitors Guide & Travel Tips | AF WingMoms

Thanks so much 5live.

I'm familiar with the AFWingMoms and they have very valuable information!

I know exactly what you're talking about with those frontage roads being a challenge, I experienced that the first time I drove in Dallas. I will be careful! We've decided to go ahead and rent a car and just use it for the Lackland days and use Uber the rest of the time. Seems easiest. Again, thanks for your comments.

Sounds like a good solution.

I am not sure how long you are there. Besides the Riverwalk, we really enjoyed in the downtown as much or more. If you go to the Mercado by downtown, first stop at Mi Tierra Bakery and Cafe and put your name on a list for dinner. They will give you a buzzer. Go see the market and go back when your table is ready. By the way they are open 24 hours a day.

The cathedral was gorgeous, and the shrines in the chapel behind the altar were very different from what you usually see. As I recall, one was from the Canary Islands. The Governor's Palace is maybe a half-block from the cathedral and was only about $5 to see. I really liked this site, and Texas style (including Fixer Upper) all made sense to me after walking through this house.

Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery - Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio

The other missions were more interesting than the Alamo. They are all in a row. If you must pick only one, I would say San Jose. I would recommend driving on that day though, if you go.

I think it is a good idea to rent too. San Antonio is SO spread out. And it really isn't hard to drive in. And there's lots of stuff to do in lots of places.