Tours & More in San Antonio
May 23, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
The best way to see this big Texas city is on one of these fabulous tours!
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at the famous Alamo. As the lasting symbol of Texas independence from Mexico, the Alamo showcases the story of the Battle of the Alamo. After a self-guided tour of the famous monument, tour guests will hop on a bus to visit the Mission San Jose, featuring the beautiful Rose Window and detailed stone façade; the Mission Concepcion, the oldest stone church in the U.S.; and El Mercado, a traditional Mexican marketplace where you can purchase authentic Mexican imports and traditional ethnic cuisine. Pick up your tickets for this informative tour on our website.
Visit the nearby German town of Fredericksburg to sip on some wine and gaze at the gorgeous Texas landscape on the San Antonio Wine Tour! While in town, you’ll have time to stroll through Main Street, grab some lunch, and pick up a few souvenirs before hopping on the luxurious mini-bus with the Hill Country Wineries as your final destination. Sample wine at the area’s wineries and relax the afternoon away. This fun tour is perfect for a romantic getaway, a girl’s day out, or simply a fun day out! For more information, visit this link.
Continue your getaway in San Antonio’s outskirts with the Hill Country Tour! Beginning in the aforementioned German town of Fredericksburg, the tour gives you the chance to really see the German culture that is alive in this Texas town. You’ll stop at the Historic Center, the Admiral Nimitz Museum, the History Walk of the Pacific War, and the Japanese Garden of Peace on this awesome tour. Whew, that’s lots of places. After sufficiently viewing the small German town, hop back on the bus for a scenic drive to Stonewall, where you’ll stop at former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Ranch. After touring the house and exquisitely landscaped grounds, you’ll head back to San Antonio. You’ll love the history, scenery, and culture presented on this fun tour of the area. Find out more about this tour on our website.
San Antonio Vacation Packages for Everyone!
May 8, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under San Antonio
It’s a great time to visit beautiful San Antonio, but then again, when isn’t a good time?! Well get ready for a thrilling vacation full of history and excitement when you come to this great southern city. You’ll be able to visit theme parks like SeaWorld, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, or view historical sites like the Alamo, or the oldest stone church in the United States; Mission Concepcion.
No matter what you choose to do with your time in San Antonio, you’re sure to have a great time full of lasting memories. Of course if you don’t know what to do, we’re here to help at Vacations Made Easy! We offer lodging, activities and more, which you can combine into a vacation package, all to make your vacation the best as possible. Take a look at some pre-made vacation packages that we offer in good ol’ San Antonio.
San Antonio Theme Park Adventure Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/SanAntonioTX/vacationPackages/SanAntonioThemeParkAdventurePackage.cfm
Everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the San Antonio Theme Park Adventure Package which includes admission to SeaWorld – San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and four nights’ lodging in the San Antonio area. While you’re at SeaWorld – San Antonio, you will have the unique chance to not only be entertained by marine animals but to also learn about them. Next up, you’ll get to visit with Bugs Bunny and crew at the Six Flags Fiesta, Texas. You’ll experience over 47 different rides ranging from children-friendly to absolutely extreme and all in between. And with four nights of lodging, you’ll have ample time to explore all sorts of other great activities in San Antonio, or just mellow out and explore the great food and fun culture of the area.
Vacation Experience Package: San Antonio Sightseeing: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/SanAntonioTX/vacationPackages/VacationExperienceSanAntonioSightseeing.cfm
Take the family with you for the Vacation Experience Package: San Antonio Sightseeing, providing you with two nights’ lodging as well as a trip to the stunning Natural Bridge Caverns, filled with sparkling tunnels and unbelievable crystalized formations. Walk along the cool, rocky underground paths of the Natural Bridge Caverns for a 75 minute tour complete with beautiful mineral pools. Much of the cave is illuminated, so you’ll be able to see the intricate detail carved by nature’s underground waters over many years. You’ll be amazed at the natural sights underneath your nose in San Antonio. And with your two nights of lodging, you’ll have the opportunity to explore more of San Antonio and make your vacation unforgettable.
At VME, we offer pre-made packages like these, and you can group together your own activities and lodging and create your own package! Come take a look and see what you can do in San Antonio, and get started on your vacation today! http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/SanAntonioTX/vacationPackages.cfm
Summer is Drawing Near in San Antonio
April 24, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
Start your summer off with outdoor fun in San Antonio! Check out some of our favorite warm weather attractions!
Schlitterbahn Waterpark San Antonio
Voted the “Best Water Park in the World” by its patrons, Schlitterbahn is the perfect place to start your summer! The massive park is stretched out over 65 acres on the Comal riverfront. With slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more around every corner, you’ll have a hard time running out of things to do at this park!
The park is split into three sections, Blastenhoff, Tubenbach, Surfenbach, and Original Schlitterbahn. Trams and rides connect the parks. When you arrive, check out this year’s new ride – The Falls! It’s the world’s longest waterpark ride and it features raging rapids, careening waterfalls, and giant waves. Visitors can enter the continuous 3,600 foot long river ride from several locations within the park to ride round and round. Riders can also hop off the lazy river at any of the 4 separate parks. Hop on Deluge, a swift moving canyon with wild waves in Tubenbach. Plunge through 550 feet of eerie darkness in a black fiberglass tunnel that kicks off from a 6 story tower on the Black Knight Tunnels in Blastenhoff. Head to Surfenburg to enjoy the Squirt’n Sliden Kiddie Park with little ones. With more than 40 rides and attractions, you’ll have a blast hopping on rides all over this massive park!
The park is ideally situated between Austin and San Antonio, making it a great stop for anyone traveling through central Texas. Schlitterbahn’s summer season officially starts this Saturday, April 27, and lasts until September 22! Pick up your tickets for summer fun now! For more information about the park, visit this link.
Spend a dry afternoon at the Enchanted Springs Ranch! The 86-acre working ranch is a burgeoning cowboy’s dream vacation spot. With live animals, re-enactors, authentic western style buildings, and a variety of old west activities, you’ll want to spend your whole day there! Originally, the ranch was designed as a film set but the owners decided that it would be a great family destination instead. Upon arrival, take a tractor ride through Wild Animal Park where you’ll see buffalo and horses munching on grass throughout the rolling hills of Texas. Watch demonstrations from blacksmiths and gunsmiths in town. Enjoy the entertainment of Pistol Packin’ Paula, The Stunt Show, or the Gunslingers. Before you leave, stop at the Trading Post for souvenirs and snacks. Don’t forget your camera; you won’t want to forget your trip to the Old West! For more info, click on this link.
Get Outside in San Antonio
April 10, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
The weather is slowly but surely warming up to normal springtime Texas temperatures in San Antonio. Sunny days in the 70’s and 80’s are expected for the next week meaning that it’s the perfect time to get outside before it’s way too hot! Check out some of our very favorite San Antonio outdoor activities.
Enjoy 20 acres of water fun at Splashtown Waterpark! Featuring more than 50 different rides and attractions, there’s something for every age at Splashtown. Careen down 6 twisting and turning slides to get your thrills. Then relax in the lazy river or play with younger kids in the Crystal Falls Lagoon, a shallow area featuring waterfalls and short slides. There’s even basketball and volleyball courts for a bit of out-of-water playing. Picnic areas and lounge chairs are also scattered throughout the park. While you’re there, be sure to ride StarFlight, a 5 story slide that sends riders through a twisting tube before plunging into the pool at the end. Splash around in the wave pool before hitting the Serpentines where you’ll choose from three different curvy slides, Viper, Python, or Cobra, then wind your way down 800 feet before tumbling into the pool at the bottom. With so much to do, the kids will be begging to return over and over! For more information about the park, visit this link.
Downtown San Antonio Segway Tour
Have you ever wanted to ride a segway? Well, now is your chance! The funny two-wheeled contraptions are perfect for touring the flat city. After a quick orientation and safety briefing, you’ll be sailing through the streets of San Antonio. The tour starts at the city’s most famous historical site – The Alamo. Next cruise on over to the San Fernando Cathedral, which was built in 1734, before hitting Houston Street where you’ll see the Tower of the Americas, which was built for the 1968 World’s Fair as the tallest observation tower in the country. Bring a camera because you’ll have plenty of chances to stop and take photos while listening to your knowledgeable tour guide. See all these things and more on this 1.5 hour tour through San Antonio. For more information about the tour, visit this link.
Head to San Antonio to enjoy the Spring weather before the hot summer hits! Visit our website for more information about the activities and attractions in San Antonio.
It’s Springtime in San Antonio
March 26, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
San Antonio is the perfect destination to escape the yucky winter weather that plagued the Midwest last weekend and left northerners buried for months. So head on down to San Antonio this weekend where the sun is shining but it’s not too hot!
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at the Alamo. Depart from the typical tour for this fun trolley tour that also takes you throughout the city. This tour is great for families because it is very affordable and it’s only about an hour long, which is great for restless little ones. Hop aboard the classic red trolley for a lesson in San Antonio history because you’ll see La Villita, Market Square, Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair Park, and much more! Hop on/hop off passes are also available for this trolley meaning there will be no driving or money spent on cabs. For more information, visit our website.
Another hit among families is the awesome 86-acre working ranch – Enchanted Springs! It was originally designed as a set for film and television but it has since grown to a beautiful working ranch that is perfect for your little cowboy. At the ranch, you’ll have the chance to see Texas longhorns, buffalo, horses, and several exotic species of animals. Stroll through the Old West Town where you can see demonstrations from blacksmiths, gunsmiths, and undertakers. Take the time to learn a few trades for yourself before sitting down at one of the popular shows – Pistol Packin’ Paula, The Stunt Show, or Gunslingers. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop in at the saloon for a soda! For more information, check out our website.
Grab your cracker jacks and a hot dog for some AA baseball! Warm weather marks the return of America’s favorite sport to San Antonio. The AA Missions team is an affiliate of the San Diego Padres. On your trip, come on out to the ballgame for baseball, delicious baseball stadium food, fun games between innings, and much more! Games start April 4. Check out our website to see the team’s schedule.
Celebrate Mardi Gras in San Antonio
January 30, 2013 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio
Celebrate Mardi Gras in beautiful San Antonio, Texas this year! San Antonio observes the party holiday in style with a parade on the River Walk! A procession of barges adorned in purple and green will make two laps on the River Walk while the public enjoys live music, delicious food, and kid’s art and crafts activities. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a Carnival celebration that marks the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before Lent begins. To enjoy the day, folks dress in costumes, gorge on yummy foods, and dance the day away. Don’t miss out on the fun in San Antonio on February 9!
Winter is the perfect time to go spelunking! The caverns maintain a constant temperature of 70 Degrees so escape winter weather to explore the warm caverns. These amazing caverns were discovered in 1960 by several college students who had a suspicion that an underground world sat beneath an amazing 60-foot natural limestone bridge just outside of San Antonio. The land owner was delighted to allow the young men to explore and explore they did! Several years of exploration revealed miles of passageways that are now open to the public. Gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and soda straws are forming throughout the cavern, which continues to grow and change everyday. The tour leads visitors 180 feet below ground and a half-mile into the cave. Don’t forget your camera because this is one attraction you’ll never want to forget! For more information about the caverns and the tours that are offered, visit this link.
After you’ve seen the beautiful caverns outside of town, head back to the city to sightsee! This fabulous sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to see San Antonio. The tour is given by a very knowledgeable guide who will share stories about Texas culture, and history. No tour of San Antonio would be complete without a drive past the famous Alamo. You’ll also get the chance to see the San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest Catholic parish churches in the southwest, La Villita, the oldest neighborhood in the city, and much more. For those who’d rather have the chance to look around the sites on the tour, pick up a hop on and hop off ticket. This allows passengers to hop off the trolley at any of the designated stops to look around until their heart is content then simply hop back on the trolley when they are ready to see more of the city. Don’t miss the chance to see the best of the city! For more information about the tour, follow this link.
After a long day of sightseeing, you’ll need to find the perfect spot to rest your head. There is no shortage of hotel options in this city. Looking to break the bank? Choose a gorgeous hotel with rooms overlooking the River Walk. For those looking to save a little money without sacrificing comfort and amenities, search through hundreds of options to find the right room for you at the right price. Check out
Explore San Antonio
November 20, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
This year, sing Christmas carols in style on the San Antonio River Walk. Starting November 29, more than 185 school, church, company, and civic choral groups will be ringing in the holidays by singing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs aboard the San Antonio River Walk barges. Those dining on the River Walk patios will have the chance to join in on the cheerful sing-a-long that takes place every night from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm until December 23. Participants can rent a barge for $125 Sunday through Thursday and $150 Friday through Saturday. Each barge can accommodate 20 adults.
In 1960, four students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio had a theory. They believed that there was a large cave beneath a breathtaking 60-foot limestone bridge in nearby New Braunfels,Texas. So they spoke with the landowner, Clara Wuest, and obtained permission to begin exploration beneath the earth. Lead by one of the students, Orion Knox Jr., discovered more than a mile of passage. Subsequently, while exploring a crawlway, Knox felt a cool draft indicating the presence of additional rooms or passages. He led the students through two more miles of passages revealing exactly what they had hoped for, more passages and more rooms. Wuest was overjoyed and decided to develop the first 0.5 mile of the cave for tourists to view and encouraged the young students to continue their exploration. Exploration continued to reveal a stunning cave that is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Geologists believe that the gorgeous cave began to form during the Cretaceous period when Texas was covered with a warm, shallow sea. The limestone cave began to form with the help of sediment and dead organisms settling at the bottom of the sea. Twenty million years ago, shifting fault lines created joints and cracks in the rock forming the Natural Bridge Caverns. Today, the caverns continue to change and grow as water flows and drips around the rocks.
Visitors can choose from several different tours showcasing the underground world of natural beauty. Choose from several tours including two walking tours and a spectacular lantern tour that is only offered at 9am. Visitors will be fascinated by soda straw stalactites and waves of cave ribbon among other gorgeous formations in the caves. Or be an explorer for the day! On the adventure tours, visitors get the chance to climb, rappel, and hike through the most dangerous passages. Those who choose this tour will be geared up and lowered through a 160-foot well shaft down 230 feet to the Fault Room, which features one of the longest soda straw formations in North America at 14 feet. Those still looking for an adventure have the chance to try the Canopy Challenge. The 60-foot, four-tier adventure course tests agility, strength, and bravery on 47 amazing obstacles high above the ground ending with an amazing zip line ride on four zip lines taking you back to the safety of the earth. The Natural Bridge Caverns is truly an experience that should not be missed on any trip to San Antonio! For more information about ticket prices and hours of operation, visit this link.
Browse through San Antonio hotel listings on our website. Search for hotels near your attractions or search based on amenities desired.
Learn About Texas’ Diverse History in San Antonio
November 6, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
Rock n’ Roll music, exercise, charity, and much more completes the unique Rock n’ Roll marathon winding through San Antonio this weekend! Racers have the choice of running a full or half marathon starting at 7:30am. Along the course will be several local bands to entertain and encourage runners to finish the race. Once across the finish line, racers will have the chance to enjoy the headlining artist, Jo Dee Messina, on the main stage. The Grammy-nominated country singer gained attention with her songs “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “You’re Not In Kansas Anymore.” This one-of-a-kind race has hit cities all over the world so don’t miss one of this year’s last stops inSan Antonio!
A short walk away from the Alamo and the River Walk sits the 182,000-square-foot complex that features 65,000 square feet of exhibits that tell the story of the massive state known as Texas. It has grown to be the 15th largest economy in the world and the second most populous state in the US; exhibits in this museum trace Texas through history to tell the story of those who have helped complete its diverse culture. The main goal of the museum, which is a component of The University of Texas at San Antonio, is to investigate the ethnic and cultural history of the state and use the findings to educate others.
With exhibits that are constantly changing, no two trips to the Institute of Texan Cultures will be the same. Currently, the museum is showcasing “Bantu Eyez: Somali Bantu of Texas,” an exhibit featuring photographs of Somali Bantu people who have relocated to San Antonio due to war in their country, “IndiVisible: African-Native Lives in the Americas,” an exhibit about the intersection of American Indian and African American cultures from the Smithsonian, and “Made In Texas,” an exhibit that explores a diverse array of objects made in Texas. Several other exhibits complete the current collection. For more information about other exhibits at the museum and ticket prices, visit this link.
Before you start planning your trip, you’ll want to find a comfy hotel that will make you feel at home in San Antonio. For a list of all the lodging options in the area, check out our website.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration Starts November 2 in San Antonio
October 24, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
November brings the unique occasion of Dia de los Muertos to San Antonio. The Mexican day of celebration literally means “Day of the Dead.” The holiday gathers together family and friends to pray and remember loved ones who have died. People dressed in ornate skeleton costumes fill the streets of San Antonio every year in observance of the day which is part ancient ritual and part family feast. The holiday starts early on November 1 as Halloween comes to a close and peaks on November 2 when ancient tradition states that the souls of loved ones return to partake in the offerings of gifts and food laid out for them. Although the event sounds spooky, folks who celebrate say that there is nothing scary about the celebration. It is intended to promote family togetherness while honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed. The celebration will take place all over the city on November 2. Visitors can admire the celebration or join in at the San Antonio Museum of Art, Market Square, La Villita, Institute of Texan Cultures, and many more places throughout the city.
Starting November 17, Sea World will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The dolphins will perform to music from the Nutcracker. Elmo will be searching for his Christmas wish in the Sesame Street Bay of Play area. Join a sing-a-long of your favorite holiday tunes with Santa and Mrs. Claus. But the most popular attractions is, of course, Shamu. Shamu Christmas… Miracles will immerse guests in the joy and celebration of the holidays through a story of reflection and understanding of the everyday miracles that surround us throughout the year. There will also be roaming musicians throughout the park whose music will fill your ears as you get into the true holiday spirit. Don’t want to leave? Stay the night at the South Pole surrounded by penguins! The Christmas sleepover is for children between the ages of 3-14 years old who will get to experience the nighttime antics of the mischievous penguins. Finally, no Christmas celebration would complete without sitting on Santa’s lap. Jolly old St. Nick will be making his list and checking it twice in the Christmas market. For more information about Sea World at Christmastime, click on this link.
Rio San Antonio River Walk Cruises
See the beauty of San Antonio in the best way possible, on a barge cruising down the San Antonio River. You’ll be guided down the 2.5 mile river that winds its way through the city past famous landmarks including the Alamo, where 200 Texans fought for independence for 12 days, the San Fernando Cathedral, a beautiful church founded in 1731 that still welcomes 5,000 visitors every week, and La Villita, San Antonio’s first neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The guide will also share historic stories throughout the ride. No trip to San Antonio is complete without a stop at the famous San Antonio River Walk! For more information about ticket prices, visit this link.
An abundance of lodging options awaits in San Antonio. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious with a gorgeous view of the view city or a convenient, affordable hotel located near Sea World, you are sure to find the perfect lodging for you!
28th Annual AT&T Championship Golf Tournament in San Antonio
October 9, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under San Antonio, VME
Calling all golf fans to San Antonio for the 28th Annual At&t Championship! The current top 30 on the Charles Schwab Cup points list will be competing for the championship at San Antonio’s At&t Canyons Course from October 22-28. The tournament director, Colby Callaway, noted, “This is the first time we have had the top thirty on the tour committed, which is fantastic for the tournament and all of our attendees.” The defending champion, Fred Couples, sits at the No. 5 spot on the points list ready to defend his title. This year he has already won two tournaments in the Champions Tour. This year, the tournament is offering a fun incentive for organizations in San Antonio. Thirty local charities will receive 1,500 one-day passes to the tournament. They will give the tickets away free of charge and the organization with the most tickets used for admission will receive a $15,000 donation. This is truly a fun way to get the community involved in the tournament. Golf, charity, and fun – you won’t want to miss this awesome tournament!
Spend the rest of your San Antonio vacation exploring the fantastically fun Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The park has all kinds of rides for the smallest members of the family to the tall thrill seekers. Looking to lose your stomach? Try our the Superman: Krypton coaster! This is the largest steel coaster in the region! With no floor, you will feel like you are truly soaring through the air, just like Superman! Or take the whole family on Bugs’ White Water Rapids. Warning: you will get soaked when you plummet into a huge pool of water at the end! If you love Bugs’ ride, then hop on over to the White Water Bay where you’ll find insane tubing rides for the kids and a relaxing lazy river for the parents. If you’re not interested in rocking the rides, then check out all the awesome shows and attractions throughout the park. No matter what, you are sure to find something for you at Six Flags Fiesta Texas! For ticket prices and more information about the rides, follow this link.
Climb aboard an adorable trolley to see the entire city at your own pace! This hop on, hop off tour gives you the chance to customize the way you sight see without the headache of navigating a big, confusing city or the hassle of parking. You can purchase a pass for one or two days then the trolley does all the rest! The trolley makes a loop of its 8 stops in one hour. Stay on to see the whole city or hop on and hop off throughout the day to see the sites. Interested in wandering around the Institute of Texan Cultures longer? Just wait. A trolley will stop at each location every 45 minutes. This tour is a fantastic way to see the city on your schedule. For ticket information, follow this link.
At the end of a long day walking and touring the city, you will need a good night’s rest. Choose from several affordable hotels in the area. Interested in the nightlife? Book a high-rise, skyscraper hotel near downtown. On vacation with the family? Select from options close to Six Flags. Whatever your needs, there is a hotel to fit your needs in San Antonio!
