How is the drive to seaworld in a.m rush hour using 35E? (Dallas: coupons, hotels)

[jerzstyle00]

Planning to go down to seaworld in san antonio this monday,tuesday and was wondering how bad rush hour will be.Planning to leave here(wylie)
6 a.m (should get past dallas before traffic starts).But not sure how bad it will become between south dallas and san antonio on 35E?

Anyone who experienced this trip please leave comments or suggestion as this will be my first time down there.And that includes hotels and coupons as well!

Thanks.

[momof2dfw]

I-35 between Dallas and Waco is under CONSTANT construction. Has been for about 20 years. Some areas will have 1 lane open and others will have 2. I'd check TXDOT's website for updates on any road construction going on and lane closures. It CAN be a brutal drive since this is the main interstate for most freight traffic thru Texas. Why oh why did they NOT make this 4-5 lanes in each direction Driving thru Austin is also a challange at times.

If you gotta stop for a pit stop between Dallas and Temple the gas station at the exit in Italy is fairly new and clean and on the "right side of the road" for your Southbound drive. (FYI - we say this town, IT-leee ). If you don't mind having to stop on the other side of the interstate when you go thru West get off and stop in at the Czech Stop for some kolaches . Be sure to stop there on your way back home as well . The frozen kolaches thaw out pretty darn well.

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

I always prefer taking 281 to San Antonio - it is much more scenic and the traffic is much lighter. It probably takes an extra half-hour, but if you get caught up in a jam on 35 it might be a wash.

To go this route, take the exit for 67 from I35 south of downtown Dallas, then stay on 67 through Glen Rose. About 7 miles past Glen Rose, take 220 down to Hico. In Hico, you'll hop over to 281 (just a few blocks, check it on Google Maps), then take 281 south all the way to San Antonio.

This will take you through some of the Hill Country, and it is mostly 2-4 lane undivided highway. Be sure and stop at the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls for lunch.

[jeffari-al-texani]

momof2 Makes a valid point about driving through Austin being a challenge. When I lived in Austin I could find no rhyme or reason to the traffic patterns on 35. If you leave Wylie at 6, that will put you in Austin around 9, and the traffic on 35 can still be pretty bad then. If you don't want to take Triumph's scenic route, you might consider jumping on 130 just before you get to Georgetown.

130 is a toll road that was built to allow people to bypass Austin on 35. You can take it down to 71 and then shoot west on 71 to get back on 35.

[jerzstyle00]

Wow who needs mapquest I'll just start using your guides instead.
Thanks for the replies,I'm really considering triumphs directions as it seems just about the same distance as using I-35E(and hopefully less cops hiding in bushes).I do have a question once I hit 1604 in san antonio.Do you guys suggest I stay on that highway till I reach Seaworld or do I take another route since Fiesta is right on that highway.Will there be traffic in that area?Or is it usually moving traffic?

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

I'd just take 1604 all the way around - once you get over on the west side, it changes from a freeway into a divided main access road with signals. I think it will keep moving since it will be the middle of the day when you get there. Fiesta Texas is a non-issue - it should be closed during the week. 1604 will have heavy traffic, regardless, but so will 410.

If you go 281, watch out for the local police in the small towns - I always keep strictly in the speed limit. Outside of town, you are more likely to see the DPS guys, but the speed limit is usually 70.

As far as hotels: I don't know what your budget is, but I've always heard good things about the Hyatt Hill Country and it is near SeaWorld. Cost = $$$, but nice amenities.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by TriumphOfTheSprint

If you go 281, watch out for the local police in the small towns - I always keep strictly in the speed limit. Outside of town, you are more likely to see the DPS guys, but the speed limit is usually 70.

As far as hotels: I don't know what your budget is, but I've always heard good things about the Hyatt Hill Country and it is near SeaWorld. Cost = $$$, but nice amenities.

SLOW DOWN TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN EVERY TOWN YOU GO THRU! I'm sure the DPS will be out in full force this week as well.

VERY NICE resort.

[jerzstyle00]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

SLOW DOWN TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN EVERY TOWN YOU GO THRU! I'm sure the DPS will be out in full force this week as well.

VERY NICE resort.

I think this is a good time to buy a radar detector i see....

BTW..I found out about 'Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch'(looking for coupons!)which is off 281.
Defenitly will be making a stop there as well.

Yes I try to keep myself on a budget(like most).I prefer a 3-star hotel that would preferrably have a complimentary breakfast and would not be over $75 for that one day.Might be hard to find but that's what 'Name your own price' is for on priceline.

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

If you have time for pitstops on the way or back, here are some other good options:

Fossil Rim Wildlife Park (Glen Rose) - Welcome to Fossil Rim Wildlife
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose) - TPWD: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park (Burnet) - TPWD: Longhorn Cavern State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City) - TPWD: Pedernales Falls State Park

[940]

281 all the way down is very scenic and you drive through a good bit of the hill country. Johnson City is interesting to check out due to all the attractions related to Pres. Johnson and his family homesite. My parents live near Sea World and I would take this route south when headed down to visit them...

35E headed south is an absolute nightmare...Momof2 is right as it seems it's been under construction since 1984...LOL...Austin is a big cluster **** so any way of avoiding that would be best...

281 to Loop 1604 and head west to either Hwy 151 or the Military Drive turn off. You can see parts of Sea World from 1604 so you can't miss it.