Headed to Austin end of Jan with my wife and 3 other couples. Looking for advice on where to stay(area). Early 40's couples interested in Shopping, Eating, History, and being in walking distance. We will be day tripping to SA one day. Other 2 will be spent in Austin. Thanks for any advice guys!
Austin Travel Advice?
- Thread starter UGA12
- Start date
My opinion
Stay downtown - Museums, Capital, University of Texas, Colorado River/Town Lake, 6th street bars & nightlife, Congress Bridge, food & fun all in walking distance.
I would recommend a barbecue excursion - Texas women love a man with the meat sweats. Franklin's is a fan favorite. I like Iron Works. Get a beef rib.
There is an outlet mall on IH35 on the way to San Antonio (Guessing y'all are doing the River Walk in SA. recommended)
Outlet mall link - https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos/stores
I'm down in San Marcos
Stay downtown - Museums, Capital, University of Texas, Colorado River/Town Lake, 6th street bars & nightlife, Congress Bridge, food & fun all in walking distance.
I would recommend a barbecue excursion - Texas women love a man with the meat sweats. Franklin's is a fan favorite. I like Iron Works. Get a beef rib.
There is an outlet mall on IH35 on the way to San Antonio (Guessing y'all are doing the River Walk in SA. recommended)
Outlet mall link - https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos/stores
I'm down in San Marcos
My opinion
Stay downtown - Museums, Capital, University of Texas, Colorado River/Town Lake, 6th street bars & nightlife, Congress Bridge, food & fun all in walking distance.
I would recommend a barbecue excursion - Texas women love a man with the meat sweats. Franklin's is a fan favorite. I like Iron Works. Get a beef rib.
There is an outlet mall on IH35 on the way to San Antonio (Guessing y'all are doing the River Walk in SA. recommended)
Outlet mall link - https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/san-marcos/stores
I'm down in San Marcos
Thanks Josh. Looks to me just from outside that Austin is a lot more spread out than SA. Have some that want to stay in SA instead of Austin. Whats your opinion from a "tourist" standpoint? Honestly for the women all they care about is shopping and we're not "clubers" so take that out of equation. I couldnt care less but there are some that really do:facepalm:
The Riverwalk in San Antonio has everything you want - https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/
Austin, you would need a car or transportation to see everything the town has to offer. The Riverwalk is walkable and they have river taxis that go up & down - I'd research and buy passes online before going - I seem to remember they are more expensive (or maybe just hard to find the right place to purchase) - https://www.goriocruises.com/
Just off the Riverwalk you can get to the Alamo - Davey Freaking Crockett died there (allegedly)
Near the Alamo is the Tower of Americas - They have a restaurant on top - Chart House - decently fancy dinner at 750 feet - https://www.chart-house.com/locations/san-antonio/
I'm 43 and if I had my choice of a weekend in Austin or San Antonio, you'd find me saying Go Spurs. Both sexes will have a good time on the riverwalk.
Awesome, thanks man. Guess I will suggest SA as well. From what you've said it just seems to fit better. Much appreciated brother!
I guess after being in Austin during the winter for 2 years I agree with Josh.he knows a lot more...Austin has some great places...lots to see and eat...but San Antonio on the river walk is awesome..you can get a hotel on the river walk for a decent price..everything is there...at night so many places to eat...just beautiful..if the X-mas lights are still up its spectacular...all along the river walk they have candles lite up..a few blocks away is the Alamo...they have these boats that go up and down the river..think its a few bucks but worth it for the 10 minute tour...but love austin too..think if you are with friends visiting San Antonio would be better... good luck
Thanks Box! We are locked in, flights and hotel booked for SA. Think everyone will enjoy it.
https://riverwalkguide.com/
Info for everything Riverwalk
Retama Park, the place I talked about in the email, hasn't posted any events in January yet. They do have the Tri-County Championship Corn Hole Tourney going in December though. lol - Keep an eye on this site just in case when y'all head down - https://www.retamapark.com/
I think the only thing you'll miss out on, and I bet Box will agree, is that there is no bbq like Salt Lick BBQ.
Info for everything Riverwalk
Retama Park, the place I talked about in the email, hasn't posted any events in January yet. They do have the Tri-County Championship Corn Hole Tourney going in December though. lol - Keep an eye on this site just in case when y'all head down - https://www.retamapark.com/
I think the only thing you'll miss out on, and I bet Box will agree, is that there is no bbq like Salt Lick BBQ.
Been there twice. Anniversary dinner 5 years ago and prom 25 years ago.
I'm batting .500 at Chart House.
I have a 4 year old son now.
IVF baby.
I'd say food was above average but pricey. I liked the view and it made for a memorable dinner. I've always been there with a date but I don't see why a group dinner wouldn't be different.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUse...r467945587-Chart_House-San_Antonio_Texas.html
Spot on Josh and Box. Had a blast n SA. River walk was awesome and took a guided tour on river taxi. Enjoyed the Alamo. Ate at Salt grass which was awesome, Country line which was great, and stopped in Gruene and ate at Gristmill which was an all around great experience. Gruene Hall and all of its history was worth the trip off the beaten path alone. Hit Austin for a day and did a Duckboat tour which to my surprise I enjoyed. Lake Austin and the mansions that sit on it were something to see. Checked out the University of Texas. I know we visited during midday, but I was not impressed by 6th street/Meth street. Stopped in a few spots but quickly realized how glad we were we chose to stay in SA. Hit the Rim shopping center, the outlet malls, took in a Spurs game, but was probably most impressed by "Buc-ee's". 66,000 sq ft convenient store with 120 gas pumps and semis are not allowed, lol. Oh yeah they have very good brisket! The scooters in the city were a first but we enjoyed those as well. Did some other things and packed a lot into 3 days but those are the highlights. Everyone really enjoyed it and I would recommend SA to anyone. Thanks for swaying us that way guys as there is no doubt we made the right choice:toast:
