tips- driving to Sea World (Houston, San Antonio: coupons, amusement parks, hotels)

[chicagomama]

We might take the kids to Sea World- San Antonio for the day. How far is it from Houston (we are in SUgar Land). Any tips??

[zebrashoes]

I live in houston But I am from San Antonio, so I have made that trip atleast 20 times. I live in NW houston/champions forest area. It takes me 3 hours exactly. So from sugarland I would say probably 3 1/2 -4 hours depending if you stop or not. I never stop, I just go straight through.
Just take 1-10 and its a straight shot there. I made the mistake of going through Austin once. It took me an additional hour because of all the Austin traffic. So whatever you do dont try short cutting through Austin.
Also, since sea world is off 1604 anyways just take the 1604 exit, which is about 10-15 miles before you even get to San Antonio, so you have to keep your eye out for it. Then you dont have to drive through downtown San Antonio since their road construction is really unpredictible. Plus exiting 1604 before S.A. is 10 min faster anyways. My husband and I tested it when we were driving seperate cars once. Hope this helps.

[catfancier]

Originally Posted by zebrashoes

I live in houston But I am from San Antonio, so I have made that trip atleast 20 times. I live in NW houston/champions forest area. It takes me 3 hours exactly. So from sugarland I would say probably 3 1/2 -4 hours depending if you stop or not. I never stop, I just go straight through.
Just take 1-10 and its a straight shot there. I made the mistake of going through Austin once. It took me an additional hour because of all the Austin traffic. So whatever you do dont try short cutting through Austin.
Also, since sea world is off 1604 anyways just take the 1604 exit, which is about 10-15 miles before you even get to San Antonio, so you have to keep your eye out for it. Then you dont have to drive through downtown San Antonio since their road construction is really unpredictible. Plus exiting 1604 before S.A. is 10 min faster anyways. My husband and I tested it when we were driving seperate cars once. Hope this helps.

Doesn't sound like a "day trip" to me...even if you (the OP) left at 6 or 7 a.m. (and would the kids cooperate in getting up that early?) Not a lot of time to enjoy the park before another three-hour-plus drive back... It's a long haul for the kids and you and your husband. But I admit I am not a fan of TX interstate driving, much less six hours in one day!

Why not at least do an overnight, a Motel 6 or somesuch, or search for coupons for family vacation lodging? Sea World probably has some partnerships with local hotels....

[chicagomama]

Good idea, maybe we will spend the night. I thought it was a little closer. THank you!

[tstone]

Hmm, dunno if 1604 is the best way unless you know traffic is definitely bad through the heart of town. Some parts of 1604 are a 2-lane farm road with stop signs last time I was there. It can also get pretty busy on the far north side of town. Also look at the mileage it adds on to your overall trip vs driving straight through. I try to avoid 1604 and use 410 if I must use a loop, now that the east and north sides' construction is finished.

3.5 hours one way sounds about right since you're driving to the west side of SA.

[zebrashoes]

1604 gets busy but it has always been faster than driving downtown, trust me thats where I am from. As long as its not rush hour you should be perfectly fine.

[Topaz]

Personally, I would wait until November when the weather is pleasant but not scorching!

[Mom2Feebs]

This is just me, but I love this time of year to go to Sea World. It's not death-like hot yet, and there are TONS of ways to cool down there if it does get to be a bit too much. Go in the mornings and if you can swing it, get a 2 day pass, just so you're not shoving everything in one day. It's actually a big park with lots of stuff to do. They just opened a Fairfield Inn (Marriott's most inexpensive chain) about a mile or so from the park, if you are on a budget. There's also the Hyatt Hill Country Resort (awesome!) which is also just about a mile east of Sea World...if you're not on a budget!

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

This is just me, but I love this time of year to go to Sea World. It's not death-like hot yet, and there are TONS of ways to cool down there if it does get to be a bit too much.

Really? Like what? My friend took her two children there and didn't stop complaining for a week about how hot it was. So I assumed there was no shade and no way to cool off. If that isn't true, my children would love to go this summer.

[buffy888]

1604 can get backed up - depending on day of week and time - especially 1) the stretch of 1604 from the exit from I-10 up past Boysville and 2) for a mile or two before and after Stone Oak/281 areas... and for me, driving through downtown has always been faster than 1604... but it really does depend on specific times, I guess. 1604 wouldn't be a bad bet for you, but not the only option. (If you do take 1604 around, you will pass by Fiesta Texas area, so might be something to avoid if you didn't plan on taking the kids there and they are compelled by amusement parks...) Currently no construction on the interstates around the downtown that I can picture right now, nor any on 1604 at least from the exit from I-10 (coming in from Houston) up around through at least a bit past Stone Oak (haven't taken 1604 much past that recently, so can't say if there is any construction further on). 410 still has construction off and on plus narrow lanes in parts around northeast area to past airport.

We take the trip from San Antonio to Galveston at least every one or two months and I agree with the other posters about the time estimates S.A. to Houston. An overnight stay might make it less stressful. You will find lower hotel rates plus less people at Sea
World weekday v. weekend. Also, if you stay in a hotel around Sea World, they may have a free shuttle, which will save you the ridiculous parking fee at the park (around $15, I think?). Check the Sea World website to see if they are running any admission deals. If you are military/retired military/know someone military, you might be able to get a better price on base.

If the kids aren't up to the 3+ hour drive without stopping, you could stop in either Schulenburg or Flatonia as they are somewhere near the halfway point. Buc-ee's (in Luling) is closer to San Antonio (and you will see billboards for it starting not far out of Houston) - gas station w/quite large convenience store that has bakery, gifts, plus sandwiches/tacos you can order via computer and ready in a couple of minutes if you want to eat in the car...

Enjoy the trip.