Doing a small road trip in March/April Ft Worth/Dallas, Houston/Galveston, San Antonio via Goliad, & Austin. Have everything set except for a couple of itinerary items. Have decided to get a hotel in Galveston but not sure whether the Seawall area or The Strand area is best for seeing the attractions in Galveston. Does anyone have any recommendations? Enroute to Galveston we are going to visit San Jacinto Monument. From Galveston going to visit the Space Center Houston & Kemah Boardwalk. Going to do the Mission Trail in San Antonio & would like to do it via rental bike. Is there a bike trail from downtown that travels to all the missions? I don't want to travel via auto unless absolutely necessary & also do not want to bike on the highways. Lastly has anyone stayed at an Extended Stay American Hotel? They have one located on Gaudalupe & Sixth Ave, Austin. Looks like a good location. Does anyone have any knowledge concerning this facility? Thanks.

Seawall or Strand in Galveston depends on whether you prefer a view of the ocean or not. You will have a lot more activities in walking distance in the Strand area, but the seawall might be better if you are going to be doing a lot of beach activities.

Each has their positives.

For info on the Mission Trail: http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

"Roadways connect each site in this mostly urban park. The Mission Trails project, presently under construction, includes a hike and bike trail, and driving route from downtown to Espada, the southernmost mission site in the park. Some sections of the trail and are presently open and parallel the San Antonio River in some places."

Sounds like a great trip!!

I am SO glad to see you'll be doing the Mission Trail in San Antone. It is really neat! I honestly don't know if there is a way to get to the start of the Trail from downtown via bike, though. Maybe someone who has done this before will come along???

Use Priceline for the hotels. Check www.biddingfortravel.com before bidding.
You can get great deals for Texas hotels.

Regarding your visit to Austin, that's a great location, especially if you're going to be here on a Friday or Saturday night. The street closes down to traffic -- nothing but clubs, clubs, clubs. Good location for walking back to hotel!

Welcome -- and don't forget to eat some BBQ while you're here! If you have a car, there's lots of places to go. But if you don't, downtown there's Stubb's.

Happy travels!