2 days in SA: what would you do? (San Antonio, Austin: live, restaurants)

[OzzyRules]

San Antonio's main attractions are "boring"? Is that a joke? I live for the weekends just so I can visit them myself. And I am a resident.

I can't believe people have been suggesting amusement parks and chain restaurants. The parks are pretty mundane and away from the city. And you could eat at those restaurants anywhere. I feel like this is the twilight zone.

[L210]

The Alamo is boring, but I wouldn't recommend PF Chang's which is a restaurant you can find almost anywhere. Why not go a step further and recommend McDonald's?

[classic036]

If you're looking for a dining experience that's kinda weird, go to the Rainforest Cafe on the Riverwalk. The wife and I went there about a month ago, and it was fun! We really enjoyed the atmosphere, but our only regret was not getting the volcaaaaaannnnnnoooooooooooo! (we're going back just for that)

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by DexterCat

avoid the usual tourist traps (alamo, riverwalk). its boring, played out, not fun. sure, there are shops with gimicks, but there are better things to do.

with the heat, i would suggest something like splashtown, seaworld's water park that recently opened. lots of good shops and eateries at the quarry as well. PF changs is known for having exceptional service no matter what location you visit (if youre in the mood for decent chinese food)

Translation: Don't go to any place that makes San Antonio unique, the things you'll only find in San Antonio. Rather, go to mass-produced chains, things you can find in many cities.

OP: "must" sees, I'd agree with the Alamo and seeing the film. I love love love the Alamo, and I am not a local or a Texan. It's simple and beautiful and steeped in history. I see it as a type of historic cemetery, sacred ground. It's best first thing in the morning, or just seeing it from outside after dark when it's quiet.

I'd suggest either an historic walking tour of downtown (any of the downtown hotels should have the walk, if not, the Menger definitely does). Alternatively, visit the missions (unless you come from So Cal and have down the CA mission trail - our missions are wonderful and worth a visit, but if you've seen loads of missions, you may not get that excited by more). It's best to take a bike down the mission trail, but may be too hot if it's now.

I also agree with a visit to the Tower of the AMericas. You can go to the top and have a drink and see a spectacular view.

The Riverwalk is nice, but it is full of chains these days unfortunately. Still, it's a nice stroll. if you like history, I'd recommend reading the book "The Epic Story of San Antonio's River" by Lewis Fisher, *then* wander the riverwalk, including the section in King William. It'll have much more meaning then. The Museum reach is also fun, and you can take in some music or a film at the Pearl, depending on the night.

Food-wise, depends where you're coming from. We have a fabulous Italian restaurant (Il Sogno) but if you're Italy, you probably don't want to eat Italian. Loads of decent Mexican (Tex-Mex and a few interior Mexican), but if you're from an area overloaded with Mexican food, that's probably not too exciting.

Texas isn't much known for seafood, and while I've had a few good seafood dishes at restaurants, I can only think of Pesca's (Is that even still open?) dedicated to seafood. Texas is known for BBQ. not my thing so I won't try to recommend anything.

For Tex-Mex, I like Taco Haven on S. Presa. For Interior Mexican, I like Cascabel's on S. St Mary's. In the same area, Azuca Nuevo Latino is excellent, and for street food, try the menu at Friendly Spot Ice House.

[perticusrex]

Splashtown is GROSS.

Before my SIL moved to SA she visited and she wanted to visit places like the Alamo and Riverwalk, and while being a resident I find those places totally lame, I obliged her. We also ate at Mi Tierra because the atmosphere is enjoyable and you can have a good time.

I would also recommend the Pearl Brewery and if you are looking to shop, La Cantera or The Quarry. Visit Southtown as well and check out some more local fare, like Titos Mexican Restaurant, The Friendly Spot, and Franks Hog Stand.

[Bo]

San Antonio has 4 of the top ten tourist attractions in the state.

1. The Alamo
2. The Riverwalk
3. Sea World
4. Fiesta Texas

If you don't have an interest in amusement parks, it's easy to rule out two of them.

IMO, we do a disservice to visitors if we recommend that they not see the other two! What's the first thing they're going to be asked when they get back home? Either "Did you see the Alamo?" Or "Did you see the Riverwalk?"

IMO, if you're here for two days, see both AND do the boat tour of the Riverwalk. You'll never forget those aspects of your visit.

[Chanygirl]

You might also check out La Vilita..When I lived in San Antonio it had some art shops with handcrafted stuff. La Vilita is the oldest church in Texas...it's just off the RiverWalk and if you're going to be in town on a weekend you might see a wedding.
I agree with seeing the Imax film before the Alamo...then taking the guided tour... The stories the guides tell can be fascinating.
Tower of Americas... Market Square... and MiTierra definately
The Witte Museum..Is the Institute of Texan Cultures still open?? Thats good after the Alamo. I love seeing the Alamo at night...it's beautiful and if you are on foot you might see a ghost! Speaking of ..what about the downtown ghost tour??

[badhornet]

Take a drive to Austin

[janejanejanejanejane]

Tower of the Americas
Riverwalk
JW Marriott Resort

[OzzyRules]

Originally Posted by amandaspursfan

go to austin. its cleaner, safer and has stuff to do other than watching a lame movie about a lost battle and drinking beer

Austin is nice, but it also has some of the worst traffic in the entire country. It would take an entire day just to see one thing there, considering the drive. If a person had an entire week in SA that would be an easier option.

Maybe a day trip to Fredericksburg would be better if they were going to use up an entire day for one thing.

Personally, my least favorite thing is sitting in a car for any length of time. So I'm not big on traveling all day in the car.