San Antonio, Austin & Texas Backcountry Road Trips

WELCOME TO
SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN & TEXAS BACKCOUNTRY

AS BIG AS TEXAS IS, the only way to truly appreciate it is to hit the road and find out whats out there in those wide, open spaces. The cities have tons to offer, but Texas also does small town like few other states, with friendly locals, historic buildings, quirky claims to fame, and an easygoing way of life everywhere you look.

So whats your pleasure? Fields of wildflowers and rolling hills in the land of Lady Bird Johnson? Beaches and seafood along the Gulf or smoky brisket in the Barbecue Capital of Texas? An epic journey from the Mexico border to the Texas panhandle? Or intriguing desert landscapes with surprising stops along the way, culminating in an enormous national park?

Whatever route you choose, saddle up for adventure on a grand scale.

Hill Country Horse riders at sunset
PANORAMIC IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES

SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN & TEXAS BACKCOUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Everyone knows Texas is huge. But you cant really appreciate just how big it is until you visit this national park. See it on Trip

DAVE HUGHES / GETTY IMAGES

Cafe after bar after restaurant after bar: the Riverwalk is a mighty entertaining experience. Outdoor stages host frequent events and there are hotels aplenty to rest your head. See it on Trip

PANORAMIC IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES

Scoot across a well-worn wooden floor at Texas oldest dance hall. See it on Trip

STEPHEN SAKS / GETTY IMAGES

CITY GUIDE

San Antonio Riverwalk
F11PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK

Tourism has been good to San Antonio and the sprawling city reciprocates with a wide variety of attractions to keep everyone entertained. In addition to its colorful European-style Riverwalk lined with cafes and bars, it rewards visitors with a well-rounded menu of museums, theme parks, outdoor activities and historical sites.

San Antonio can be daunting for drivers, and parking is no treat either. Yet the city is laid out in a grid system (albeit a little skewed at times), making navigation a little easier on the nerves. Pay close attention to highway signs, especially when they indicate a left-hand exit miss one of those and youre in for a nickel tour of the surrounding suburbs.

Street parking is hard to find but there are plenty of public parking lots, including at most of the major hotels. You can park for free at the VIA Ellis Alley Park & Ride (between E Crockett and Center Sts) , then pay $4 roundtrip to ride downtown. Ask for a parking transfer on the bus and put it in the slot to pay when you exit the garage. Parking at Market Square is relatively inexpensive, while Riverbend Garage (a little more expensive) puts you in the heart of things.

The Riverwalk offers easy pickings for a touristy dinner and drinks. South St Marys and S Alamo Sts in the Southtown and King William districts also host a good number of eateries. Look for hole-in-the-wall Mexican joints scattered the length of N Flores St.

San Antonio has a plethora of hotel rooms, so you have plenty of choices in the downtown area. The city also has its fair share of B&Bs, which are generally good value, ensconced in fine old homes in the more historical areas of the city.

Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.visitsanantonio.com) For loads of useful planning info.

San Antonio Current (www.sacurrent.com) For entertainment and event listings.

Express-News (www.mysanantonio.com) For local news.

Trips through San Antonio:

With its quirky, laid-back vibe and its standing as Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is one of the decades definitive it cities. Watch live music every night, stroll funky South Congress, dig into spicy Tex-Mex and tangy barbecue, and meet some of the friendliest people youll find.

, viewed from South Congress
F11PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK