DK Travel : San Antonio and Austin

A colorful history, as well as a dazzling array of world-class attractions and lively festivals, make San Antonio one of the most popular destinations in Texas. It is also frequently listed as one of the top ten places to visit in the United States. The city’s rich cultural mix of early Spanish mission beginnings, German settlement, cowboy heritage, and strong ties to Mexico has created a warm and progressive city. It also boasts four of the most visited attractions in the state, including the River Walk, the Alamo, Missions National Historical Park, and SeaWorld. Plenty of sunshine also makes San Antonio a year-round favorite with all visitors.

Do not miss the beautiful courtyard with the Renoir sculpture, accessible from inside The McNay Art Museum.

311 Club

With live blues seven nights a week, this revered bar still brings in some of the greatest names on the rhythm and blues circuit.
A Drive to the Sights Along Broadway

Morning

Start your day at the San Antonio Zoo at 9am when the animals are active, and before the crowds arrive. After about two hours, leave the zoo and get on to N St. Mary’s. Turn left on E Mulberry to Broadway and turn left again. Turn right on Funston and turn left into the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Enjoy the beautiful flower gardens and stunning conservatory for an hour or two, and then have a relaxed lunch at the fabulous Carriage House Kitchen .

After Lunch

Turn right out of the parking lot and drive to Broadway and turn right. Drive north on Broadway to the Witte Museum, turn left and park. Take an hour to see the HEB Science Treehouse and the interesting exhibits here. Next door is the Texas Pioneers, Trail Drivers and Rangers Museum . Continue heading north along Broadway and branch off to the right at Austin Hwy, then turn left on to New Braunfels and immediately turn right into the parking lot of the McNay Art Museum . Enjoy the museum exhibits, relax in the courtyard, and see the sculpture in the grounds. Return to Broadway and continue north to E Basse and turn left, driving past the popular Quarry Golf Club. Turn right into the Alamo Quarry Market to browse and shop. Canyon Café serves Southwest-style food and is a great place for a snack or dinner.
A Driving Tour of the Padre Island National Seashore

Morning

Start early at Padre Island. See the exhibits at the Visitor Center, then walk along Malaquite Beach. Back on the highway, drive northeast on the Texas Coastal Birding Trail, TX-P22, which becomes Park Rd 22/JFK Memorial Causeway. Turn right on TX-361 and drive north toward Port Aransas for 17 miles 28 km. The drive along Mustang Island, named for wild horses brought by the Spanish, offers splendid views of Corpus Christi Bay. Explore the Mustang Island State Park . Continue into town on S Alister St to Pelican’s Landing for lunch.

Afternoon

Continue along N Alister St and turn left on W Cotter Ave. Stop at the Visitors’ Information Center at 421 for information on the hot birding spots nearby. Continue to the ferry terminal and cross to the mainland. Stay on Hwy 361 into Aransas Pass and try a piece of home-made pie at the Bakery Café . Continue on Hwy 361 to the intersection with Hwy 181 and turn left toward Corpus Christi. Just after you cross the long bridge, exit at Burelson St and turn left under the overpass, right on Surfside and follow the signs to the Texas State Aquarium. Take an hour to see the exhibits, and then drive north on Shoreline for two blocks to relive World War II Pacific War history aboard the USS Lexington. Dine at Landry’s Seafood in Corpus Christi.
A River Walk to La Villita and the Alamo

Early Morning

Start at the Torch of Friendship, and walk down the stairs on to the River Walk . Head south to the Arneson River Theatre. The arched bridge ahead links the theater’s stage on the opposite bank to the audience seating on this side. It is named Rosita’s Bridge for singer Rosita Fernandez. The next section of the River Walk is Bowens Island with the Tower Life Building . Follow the river to the left south at the inter-section along the west of the King William Historic District . At Johnson St, cross the bridge, and go south along the river to the Guenther House Restaurant , next to the Pioneer Flour Tower. Enjoy breakfast at this historic home and visit the small museum upstairs.

Late Morning

Exit the restaurant and turn right on Guenther St. Turn left on to King William St (see King William Park and Bandstand ). At 509, Steves Homestead, take the docent-led tour. Go along this historic street, pass by King William Park and the San Antonio Art League Museum. Turn left on to St. Mary’s St, then right on to Durango and another left on Alamo St. HemisFair Park is right across the street. Ahead on your left is the La Villita National Historic District . Stop to see the historic district, or pause for some shopping. Continue on Alamo St to the Alamo and see the film in the Long Barrack Museum. Then head over to the River Walk for a relaxing lunch.
A Walk Down Congress Street

Morning

Start at the Blanton Museum of Art and enjoy the exhibits before walking south down Congress St to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum . The Story of Texas café on the second floor is great for soups and sandwiches.

Afternoon

Continue down Congress St to the State Capitol and take the 45-minute guided tour. Then continue south to 11th St and turn left to explore the Capitol Complex Visitors Center . Return to Congress St and go farther south. The brick and limestone Old Bakery and Emporium at 1006 Congress, built in 1876, now houses a gift shop and lunch-time sandwich shop. The Jacob Larmour Block 906–920 Congress was built in 1876 in the Italianate style. Little City, 116 Congress, is a favorite coffeehouse. At the intersection of Congress and 9th St, look west right to see one of the . At 823 Congress is the contemporary Austin Museum of Art. The Paramount Theater, 713 Congress, is a movie and performing arts venue. The Arthouse at Jones Center, 700 Congress, is a cutting-edge performing arts venue. Turn left on to East 6th St, and Austin’s live music and historic district begins at Brazos St. Walk through the lobby of the legendary Driskill Hotel on the corner of 6th and Brazos. Enjoy a meal at the hotel’s café and bakery.
A Walk Down Main Street Fredericksburg

Morning

Start at historic Nimitz Hotel 328 E Main St which hosted stagecoach travelers in the 1860s. Head west along the wide Main Street. The small building at 242 E Main St, originally the White Elephant Saloon, was a “gentleman’s resort” in 1888. Today, it’s one of the many shops and historical buildings that line the street. At 115 W Main St, explore the majestic Old Gillespie County Courthouse, built in 1882. Across the street is the Marktplatz, the venue for the Oktoberfest celebrations. Explore the exhibits in the octagonal-shaped Vereins Kirche , one of the first public buildings built in this German town. The west end of Main Street offers a selection of shops and boutiques for browsing. Stop at one of the bakeries, or grab a lunch at Bejas Grill 209 E Main St which serves salads and Southwestern entrées.

Afternoon

Two of the most historic buildings in Fredericksburg, the Rudolph Itz Saloon and Home, are located at 320 W Main St. Spend at least an hour at the Pioneer Museum, 309 W Main St with its fine collection of old homes, stores, and galleries. Of special interest is The Weber House, built in 1904, an excellent example of the “Sunday houses” built as weekend townhouses by rural German settlers. Nearby, is Cuvee Wine Market & Bistro , a delightful place for a glass of wine, snack, or full meal.
Acenar

Trendy Acenar adds a Southwest-style zest to Tex-Mex dishes with creatively named entrées such as enchiladas de mole or tinga duck chalupas. The decor is ultra-modern and the colors bright.
alamo

its a must visit place for all western fans but its a shock to see how built up it is around it.
Alamo Quarry Market

Housed in a former quarry, these trendy stores include the Whole Earth Provision Company and the fabulous Lucchese Boot Company for Western wear.
Alamo Travelodge

Located just five blocks north of the Alamo with free parking and an outdoor swimming pool. The VIA streetcar and bus, and tour buses stop in front of the hotel.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night with breakfast if included, taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–150
- $150–200
- $200–250
- over $250
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one, with half a bottle of wine or equivalent meal, including taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–40
- $40–55
- $55–80
- over $80