San Antonio for a few days. Do we need a car?
 

Hubby and I are headed to San Antonio next week. We will be there from Saturday to Wednesday and staying at the Grand Hyatt. I'm there for a conference on Mon and Tues. the other days are free. I'm wondering how easy it is to get around the city on the trolley system? Is there enough to keep us busy in the city or might we need a car? I don't have a clue as to what we want to see other than the basics...River walk...Alamo....I also read something about Brackenridge park that sounded interesting. Anything else? Thanks!

For sites downtown and the Riverwalk, walking and the trolley are fine. Brackenridge Park is worth a visit (the Zoo is there) and can be reached by bus. I don't know the schedule, but you could google their metro system and get some ideas.

There are 4 other missions besides the Alamo (which most people forget and are well worth a visit) and can be reached via a 6 mi Hike and Bike Trail. But in July I wouldn't hike/bike that. I presume there are organized tours available and the SA Tourist Bureau likely has info on that.

With the time you've got, I'd rent a car at least for 2-3 days. SA is easy to get around. You could do the Mission Tours on your own. There's also Natural Bridge Caverns - about 10 north of SA just west of I 35. Very interesting and welcome relief from summer heat. You could also venture up Hwy 281 or I 10 to the Hill Country.

Just a few thoughts.

San Antonio is HUGE. And lots to do far beyond the River Walk. I can't imagine not having a car.
Don't forget to go shopping at Central Market if you are not from Texas and have one available.

We always get a car; things are pretty spread out. We like to go to Boudro's on the River Walk for dinner. They have a yummy tableside guacamole and good prickly pear margaritas. There are barge tours that you can take on the river that are pretty fun. We did a Segway tour that was great, and it took us through the beautiful King William historic district. Guenther House was a cute litte place for brunch. We like Natural Bridge Caverns too, and there's also one of those animal parks you can drive through. Sea World is also pretty popular. If you want to visit a cute little town and go shopping, Gruene is charming, and the Grist Mill is a fun place to eat right on the river.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Looks like we are getting a car. I didn't realize there was so much outside of downtown.

I realize the OP has already taken the trip but I thought I would add to this thread that we just did 3 days, 2 nights in San Antonio without a vehicle. We walked and used the trolleys. We ate breakfast at Guenthers and walked the King William historic district (blue line), shopped at El Mercado (yellow or purple line), and everything else was close enough to the Riverwalk to walk to (Alamo, other restaurants).

We did not stay busy the whole time, however. Afternoons were rather hot so we returned to the hotel for a siesta.