Do I need a car for the San Antonio Riverwalk area?

[dsbarden Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dsbarden]

We'll be staying at the Wyndham La Cascada on Dwyer Ave, San Antonio, in April 09. The resort is located right on the Riverwalk, but maps seem to put it just a little off the beaten path - two blocks below the falls. We're most interested in the typical first-time tourist sights such as the Alamo, local muesums, and such. We won't be traveling out to Six Flags. My question is, do I need a car to get around the Riverwalk and downtown areas? What's the "hood" like? Any problems walking the streets (not alleys) at night? I've used busses in San Franisco, Boston, and Chicago, and generally feel OK. We're not real young, but wheelchairs are a ways off yet. Any advise?
On another note, can anyone recommend a shuttle service from the airport to that neighborhood? I'll buy a car there before I pay for a cab!

[x3skier Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close x3skier]

I have never needed a car when staying on the Riverwalk. We have walked around downtown and the whole length of the Riverwalk many times including the Alamo which is about two or three blocks away depending where you come to the surface.

I do not know if they have a HOHO bus but I suspect they do which would be a good alternative. Check the Convention and Visitors Bureau which has a pretty good site.

Cheers

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

No advice, I've never been, but nice exchange! I just saw that property in RCI for March09 yesterday night!

Please write a review for us and take some pictures.

Above all enjoy your trip.

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

I've never stayed in San Antonio, but did in fact visit there last year. We parked at the Mercado when we arrived and walked everywhere. Easy walking...

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

La Cascada is on the Riverwalk, but about 10 to 15 minutes walk to the main commercial area. You get on the Riverwalk from the back of the property and cross over the bridge. It can be a pleasant walk. However, if you are there in July, August or Sept. it can be a little warm. There are bus stops nearby.

Also, you may want to rent a car for excursions in and about San Antonio.

Here are some photos of La Cascada.

ETA

I see you will be there in April 09. Great weather time for San Antonio! It will not be cold though.

[ptprism Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptprism]

Great Time on the Riverwalk

We were there for a convention last year for four days and had a super time. You can walk all up and down the Riverwalk and it's great fun. Be aware however that at times you will have to walk up some stairs on one side of a bridge and down on the other side. If you take your time its OK. Also, make sure you take the river "tour" in one of the river boats. Before you go, watch for the people coming back in and look for the ones who are smiling or laughing as a group. You KNOW they had one of the really hilarious guides. We did it twice-- the first time was so much fun and the guide was a riot. He had everyone laughing, singing, etc. We loved it some much we went again and got a guy who was a real dud.

We walked all around the downtown area and never felt threatened in the least. And the Alamo is only a couple a blocks away from the Riverwalk.
BIG HINT: When you get to the Alamo, avoid the long line waiting to get in the front door and just walk around the courtyard to the side entrance. Admission is free, so there is no reason to stay in line waiting to go in unless you just want to hang out. We waitied almost 45 minutes and when we got in saw the people "in the know" just walking in the side door.

For a really fun time also, don't miss Durty Nellie's Irish Pub. Not just my opinion, click this link and read the reviews:
Durty Nelly's Irish Pub - San Antonio, TX, 78205-3213 - Citysearch

You will have a great time. You don't need a car, just take a tour if you want to go out to see something. It will be cheaper in the long run!

[dsbarden Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dsbarden]

THANKS for the input!

I've only been around the forum for about a week, and so far I've been very impressed. Thanks for all the comments about San Antonio. It's always a little hard going into a strange town without some help. After all of your help, I think I'll pass on a car this trip and hang close to the Riverwalk area. Sounds like there is plenty for us to do there for a four day stay. The only problem I have now is waiting until Easter to get there! I even bought the plane tickets today! (Hope the airline is still in business then!) MSHATTY, hope you have a great time also!

[x3skier Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close x3skier]

Last time we were there a few years ago, we went to a show on the Amphitheater on the River. Great time. It was a group of dance students who performed a large number of Mexican dances and music. You sit on one side of the river and the stage is across the river. I recommend it for a good time.

Cheers