San Antonio/New Braunfels/Austin, TX
 

Looking for "do not miss" things to see around San Antonio (2 adults). Also good places to eat at reasonable price within walking distance of the Riverwalk.
Is New Braunfels worth a visit and what to see. Any dining or lodging recommendations? What is "don't miss" in Austin?

Have you been to San Antonio before? If not, you will find lots to do once you arrive. Explore the Riverwalk and dine where it looks good. King ...what? George? Frederick? A Historic district supposed to be most interesting; definitely on our To Do list the next time we're there. It's a delightful town, with plenty to do. The Mercado worth a visit. Also Mission Trail..... Be open...explore...

If you want to stay on the Riverwalk, you are definitely
going to pay over $100 per night. If that's in your
range, or if you are splurging, I'd recommend La Mansion
Del Rio, or the Fairmont (not on the Riverwalk). If
that's too high then you could try The Crockett (which
is now a Holiday Inn) right behind the Alamo or the
Emily Morgan, which is a Ramada. Sometimes the Hilton
Palacio Del Rio has those bounce back weekends for $99
or so. There's a boat ride that takes you around the
river which is very touristy, but hey, you're tourists
and the guides tell you lots of interesting stuff
about the area. Down past the Hilton, there's an area
called La Vallita, which is a sort of artists village
with galleries, shops, etc. Beyond that is the Institute
of Texas Cultures and the Tower of The Americas. The convention
and visitors center in directly across from the Alamo
and you can get maps etc, and the staff is helpful in
recommending restaurants. They have walking tour maps of
the King William district, and you can catch a trolley which
will take you there as well. I'd recommend you take
the trolley over to the Market and eat at La Margaritas.
Also, there are several hotels near the market, and
numerous B&B's in King William. Now, about New Braunfels, follow
the signs to the Greune (pronounced green)historic district.
It's a very cool place. There are several shops, restaurants,
a dance hall, and places to rent inner tubes to float
down the Guadalupe River. Have Fun!

I live in San Antonio. The historic district is King William. Only B&Bs there. I agree that you should stay at La Mansion on the river. You will get the flavor of SA. They have a great restaurant called Las Canarias. Other good restaurants downtown are Rio Rio and Mi Tierra.

As for New Braunfels: it is a quaint German town with alot of ambience. Go to Gruene, but also visit Schlitterbahn (open in fall on weekends). This is a unique waterpark. It is on the banks of the Comal River and is lovely in every way. Many mature trees and pristine river. You can also go tubing on the Comal or the Guadalupe Rivers.

One other alternative would be to stay at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort. It is about 30 minutes NW of downtown. It is charming and in a natural relaxed setting. The pool, river (for intertubes) and gardens are fabulous. We love it. You will feel like you are in our TX Hill Country. THe architecture is wonderful. It is near Sea World and Fiesta Texas (our two theme parks).

Enjoy!

I don't really know where to stay. But, if you looking for a great restaurant, try Boudros (sp?). Incredible food and even better margaritas. Try the prickly pear margarita!

All above are good advice, but my choice for best restaurant in San Antonio is BIGA on Locust & Mc Cullough - well worth the drive! If not, Boudros on the riverwalk is good. Don't miss the "Hall of Horns" at the Lone Star Brewery. Gruene is great. the General store is the place to go for all things Texan. Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, was featured in several movies, most recently Michael with John Travolta. New Braunfels is where you go tubing down the Guadalupe river. I highly recommend it. (You can start in Gruene-there are tube rentals right on the river there.) We usually end up at "Peppers at the Falls" for a burger afterwards. As for Austin, where should I begin? I've been here 8 years now and it's grown tremendously. Barton Springs pool - a natural springs is a main attraction. The Capitol, newly renovated even features a new restaurant that's good
Foodwise, don't miss Cental Market on 38th & Lamar. Not just a gourmet warehouse, but fresh produce, cafe with live entertainment on the deck, cooking school and more. Restaurants: Bertram's chef Miguel Ravago is the jewel in our culinary crown. Coyote Cafe and for a casual favorite Tex-Mex is Chuy's now celebrating the Hatch Green Chiles! Yum! I prefer the Chuy's on N. Lamar, near Kramer. I also like the Granite Cafe at 29th & san Gabriel - it's laid back, yet upscale and moderately priced. it also has great bread. And try Sullivan's if you want some Texas beef and a martini (but call ahead, way ahead)and if you're still awake to go two-steppin' ther's "The Broken Spoke" which is the most authentic dance hall or "Dance Across Texas" if you like it big & glitzy.