Where should I railfan in San Antonio? - Trains Magazine

There are a number of accessible areas in SA, as the UP runs right through downtown at grade on both sides of town. Sunset Station at E. Commerce St and the old SP tracks by the Alamodome is right on the UP east-west main line and has ATK also (occasionally). The curve by the old engine faciliry at East Yard (north of Sunset Station about a mile at I37 and I35) is good in the daytime, and the facility is now a car rebuilding contractor specializing in PAX cars. The New Braunfels Ave Bridge over East yard is a possible, but be aware that this area is a very bad part of town, so be very careful and do not be there after dark. The old Katy (now UP NB) runs right along I35 N of downtown for several miles, with unobstructed views and easy access. Similarly, the UP SB (old MP) runs out US281 north of town and is accessible, particularly by the Quarry Market (an old cement plant converted into a shopping mall, with a number of stores and decent restaurants in and nearby-exit Basse St). There are a number of other assessible spots around town. Be careful of the areas immediately south, east and west of downtown. Also go see the IGN depot on West Commerce (with the Indian warrior on top)--nicely restored, and the UP SB main and the north end of SoSan are visible from the bridge.

San Antonio is a great place to visit with a number of historical sites (try the missions-not just the Alamo), go the the bar in the Menger Hotel by the Alamo and see where TR recruited the Rough Riders, and try the Buckhorn Hall of Horns downtown and the Mercado (W Commerce St), in addition to the usual attractions like the Riverwalk (don't miss it, especially in the evening). I guarantee, you will not run out of things to do or see, RR or not.

Enjoy your trip.