San Antonio serves up several excellent drinking tours that combine Texas-sized portions of history and spirits.
My favorite is the Private Drunk History Tour – a 5-hour deep look at old saloons and Alamo stories that lets you set your own pace.
The 2-hour Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl delivers good value, mixing ghost stories with historic bars in the city center.
For something different, try the Haunted Pub Crawl, where spine-tingling tales pair perfectly with local brews.
These well-organized tours, complete with passionate guides, showcase the best of San Antonio’s drinking culture.
Check out these top drinking tours in the Alamo City:
Key Points
- The San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl offers a highly-rated, quality experience with knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling about local ghost tales and history.
- The Private Drunk History Tour provides an intimate 5+ hour experience focusing on San Antonio’s oldest saloons and the Alamo’s history, including craft cocktails and historical access.
- The Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl is a 2-hour tour through San Antonio’s oldest haunted pubs, praised for its captivating storytelling about the city’s haunted history.
- The San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl and Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl are wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to diverse visitors.
- The Private Drunk History Tour has a maximum group size of 6 travelers, offering an intimate setting to explore San Antonio’s drinking history.
Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl
As the sun dips below the horizon, San Antonio’s haunted history comes alive on the San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl. Rated 4.5 stars from 190 reviews, this Ghost City Tours offering takes guests on a spooky journey through the city’s historic watering holes.
Bearing the Badge of Excellence, the tour meets at the Hibolito Federal Building and winds its way to the Cowabunga Bar at the St. Anthony Hotel.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Eli and Chris, the experience blends ghostly tales with local history and plenty of pub visits. Participants enjoy a fun atmosphere, though some note large group sizes can impact the experience.
While the quality and accessibility of the bars vary, most appreciate the engaging storytelling and unique way to explore San Antonio’s past. To ensure the fullest experience, it’s recommended to avoid Sundays, as some bars may be understaffed or closed.
Read our full review: Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Private Drunk History Tour: 4 Historic Bars & 5+ Hours
For those seeking a deep dive into San Antonio’s storied past, the Private Drunk History Tour delivers an immersive 5+ hour experience across four historic bars.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this private tour takes a maximum of 6 travelers on a journey through San Antonio’s oldest saloons, exploring the Alamo’s history, including unsolved murders and pop culture references.
Along the way, guests can purchase craft cocktails and snacks while engaging in hands-on access to historical aspects via provided iPads.
The tour starts at the iconic Alamo Cenotaph and concludes approximately 4 blocks away at the Mokara Hotel & Spa.
With positive reviews highlighting the guide’s entertaining storytelling, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to “drink up the history” of San Antonio.
Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, the Private Drunk History Tour provides a unique and engaging way to experience the city’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Private Drunk History Tour: 4 Historic Bars & 5+ Hours Review
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The Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour provides an immersive experience for those seeking a spooky night out in San Antonio. This 2-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s oldest haunted pubs, where they’ll learn about the verified paranormal activity and enjoy drink specials along the way.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour ensures an intimate and engaging atmosphere. The knowledgeable guides are praised for their captivating storytelling, transporting participants into the haunted history of the establishments.
Highlights include the iconic Emily Morgan Hotel and the lively Pat O’Brien’s, where live music adds to the entertaining ambiance.
While some guests felt the bars lacked the level of haunting they’d expected, the tour’s educational focus on verified paranormal occurrences is a unique selling point. The host has addressed these concerns, reinforcing the tour’s purpose as an immersive exploration of San Antonio’s oldest haunted pubs.
With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, this tour caters to a diverse range of visitors.
Read our full review: Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour Review
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Recap
San Antonio offers a diverse array of drinking tours that cater to various interests. From the spooky Haunted Pub Crawl to the comprehensive Drunk History Tour, visitors can explore the city’s historic bars and learn about its haunted past. These tours provide an engaging and immersive experience, making them a must-do activity for anyone seeking to discover San Antonio’s rich drinking culture.