San Antonio’s most worthwhile guided tours cut through the tourist hype and deliver authentic experiences. Walking tours of downtown efficiently cover the city’s top historic sites while local experts share insider stories and context. The Spanish colonial missions tour is especially good – you’ll understand why these architectural treasures earned UNESCO status.
For something unique, the Cave Without a Name tour reveals stunning underground formations just outside the city. Ghost tours through downtown mix historical facts with spine-tingling tales of the city’s darker past. Private custom tours work well for families wanting flexibility with their schedule and interests.
Check out these recommended tours that consistently earn our highest ratings:
Key Points
- Cave Without a Name offers guided tours showcasing geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites, with a 35-60 minute duration and admission starting at $25 per person.
- San Antonio Highlights Walking Tour provides a 4-hour guided exploration of top attractions like the Alamo, River Walk, and Tower of the Americas, priced at $169 per person.
- Mission San José Guided Walking Tour focuses on the Queen of the Missions, providing insights into the Spanish colonial era and community life.
- San Antonio Ghost and True Crime Tours offer engaging storytelling about the city’s haunted history and darker chapters, with the Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour and the Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Tour.
- Private Custom Walking Tour allows for a tailored itinerary based on specific interests, starting from $115.49 per person, with wheelchair accessibility and service animal allowance.
Cave Without a Name Admission Ticket With Guided Cavern Tour
Cave Without a Name is a captivating subterranean attraction located 80 feet below the surface in the heart of Texas Hill Country, just outside of San Antonio. This hidden gem offers guided cavern tours, showcasing the remarkable geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and cave drapery.
The 35-60 minute tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the cave’s history and geology, engaging visitors throughout the experience.
The admission ticket, starting at $25 per person, includes the guided tour and a Lowest Price Guarantee. Recommended by 96% of travelers, the cave boasts a Badge of Excellence and over 250 positive reviews.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for visitors with a moderate level of physical fitness.
Along With the cave tour, the on-site amenities include a hiking trail, gift shop, and gemstone/fossil sluice, allowing visitors to further explore and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Cave Without a Name is an ideal destination for families, science enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking a unique and educational experience in San Antonio.
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San Antonio : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide
For those seeking a more comprehensive look at the highlights of San Antonio, the San Antonio: Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide offers an engaging and informative experience.
This 4-hour guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access, takes visitors to the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Alamo, the picturesque River Walk, and the Tower of the Americas.
With a small group size, travelers can enjoy a more personalized experience as they learn about San Antonio’s rich history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour has an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 132 reviews, and is priced at $169 per person.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to explore your city in-depth, the San Antonio: Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide is a must-do activity that provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the best of San Antonio.
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Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour
Though San Antonio is renowned for its vibrant River Walk and the historic Alamo, the city’s UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial missions offer a unique glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
The Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore these historical sites with the guidance of a knowledgeable local. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and intimate setting, ensuring participants receive individualized attention from the guide.
Highlights include learning about the local history and culture, avoiding the hassle of transportation, and enjoying complimentary bottled water, snacks, and souvenirs.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on over 160 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative and engaging content, as well as the friendliness and storytelling abilities of the guides.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to discover San Antonio’s lesser-known gems, this tour is a must-do experience.
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Austin: Epic Expert Guided Shooting Experience
What makes the Austin: Epic Expert Guided Shooting Experience a must-try activity for visitors to the city? For starters, this 4-hour excursion offers a unique opportunity to try your hand at shooting under the guidance of expert instructors.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, this activity is highly popular among both novice and experienced shooters.
The experience takes place at a state-of-the-art shooting range located just outside of Austin, where you will receive personalized instruction on firearm safety and technique. Guests can choose from a variety of handguns, rifles, and even shotguns to test their skills.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply refine your shooting abilities, this expert-led experience is sure to deliver an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Priced at $254.00 per person, the Austin: Epic Expert Guided Shooting Experience is a great way to add a unique activity to your San Antonio day trip.
With small group sizes and knowledgeable guides, this excursion offers a safe and engaging way to explore a quintessential Texas pastime.
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San Antonios Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour
Why not explore the spooky history of San Antonio on the city’s Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour? This highly-rated 1.5 to 2-hour walking tour has earned a 4.7 overall rating from 67 reviews, with 91% of travelers recommending it.
Starting from Pinkerton’s BBQ and ending at Voodoo Doughnut, the tour takes you through the streets, sharing intriguing historical anecdotes and ghost stories along the way.
The tour’s professional guides, like Faith, Josh, and Blake, are praised for their engaging storytelling and ability to cater to diverse audience interests.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some areas for improvement include better organization, more focus on verified historical facts, and the incorporation of visual aids.
Nonetheless, with wheelchair accessibility, service animal allowance, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this ghost and murder tour offers an immersive and accessible experience for visitors to San Antonio.
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San Antonio: Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour
Unraveling the captivating history of San Antonio, the Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s haunted past.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes participants on a journey through the historic streets, revealing the eerie tales and unexplained phenomena that linger within the city’s landmarks.
Guests will visit sites like the Alamo, where the spirits of fallen soldiers are said to still roam, and the Menger Hotel, known for its ghostly encounters.
Along the way, the tour delves into the darker chapters of San Antonio’s history, from unsolved murders to the lingering presence of the city’s former residents.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the cultural beliefs and legends surrounding the supernatural, providing a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply fascinated by the city’s rich history, the Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour promises an unforgettable journey into San Antonio’s ghostly past.
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Guided Fishing Trip on Canyon Lake
For those seeking a serene and rewarding outdoor adventure, the Guided Fishing Trip on Canyon Lake promises an unforgettable day on the water.
Operated by Big Bassin Fishing Tours, this private tour offers a 61-review, 100% recommended experience for groups of up to 2 people, priced at $400.00.
Guests will cruise on a 22-foot Triton TrX Elite fishing boat, with all necessary gear provided for a hassle-free day of angling. The knowledgeable guide will assist in catching local fish, including the sought-after largemouth bass, while guests take in the scenic views.
The half-day experience includes bottled water, snacks, and ends back at the meeting point in Canyon Lake, Texas.
With a 5.0-star overall rating, this tour is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and fishing traditions.
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San Antonio: Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour
Although San Antonio is renowned for its vibrant culture and historic landmarks, the city also harbors a darker, more sinister side that’s explored in the Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour.
Lasting 1.5 hours and priced at €29.17 per person, this captivating experience takes visitors on a journey through San Antonio’s haunting past, delving into stories of hauntings, murders, and unsolved mysteries.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides unique insights into the city’s history through local legends, offering a blend of history, mystery, and the supernatural.
Ideal for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, the tour includes a professional guide, a walking tour experience, and tips for the guide.
With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews, the Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour has been praised for its informative and engaging nature, as well as the guide’s exceptional knowledge and storytelling abilities.
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Guided Tour to Santiago in a Small Group From San Antonio
Travelers seeking an immersive experience can embark on the Guided Tour to Santiago in a Small Group From San Antonio, which provides a comprehensive exploration of Chile’s vibrant capital city.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour promises personalized attention and a comfortable journey. Operating daily from 8 AM to 12 PM, the tour includes bottled water and lunch, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
The tour kicks off with pickup at the San Antonio Terminal International, offering the convenience of direct meeting or pickup at the port on cruise day.
After a scenic drive, travelers will be treated to an overview tour of Santiago, seeing the city’s cultural highlights. The tour also includes visits to the picturesque cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, where travelers can ride the historic ascensores for a unique perspective.
Guided by the friendly and knowledgeable Christian, and driven by the professional Ruben, the tour has received glowing reviews for its attention to travelers’ needs and small group size, making it a must-consider option for those seeking an unforgettable journey from San Antonio to Santiago.
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San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour
Immersing oneself in San Antonio’s haunting past, the San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour takes visitors on a spine-chilling exploration of the city’s most sinister secrets.
This 2.5-hour walking tour delves into the city’s dark history, uncovering tales of unsolved murders, paranormal encounters, and the macabre. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests will visit the Alamo and other historic sites, learning about the eerie legends and unexplained phenomena that lurk within.
With a 4.5-star rating from 69 reviews, this tour offers a unique and thrilling perspective on San Antonio’s past, promising an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to venture into the unknown.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour is a must-do activity that will leave you captivated and possibly even a little unsettled.
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Full Day Guided Fishing Tour in Canyon Lake
Seeking to make the most of Canyon Lake’s abundant aquatic life? Consider the Full Day Guided Fishing Tour from Flowing River Fly Fishing Excursions.
This private tour provides a full day of guided fishing in the lake, catering to groups of up to 2 people. At $650 per group, the tour includes all necessary fishing equipment and tackle, bottled water, and snacks – though participants are welcome to bring their own food if desired.
The tour begins at 7:00 am with pickup from the designated meeting point in Canyon Lake, TX. After a day of guided fishing, the tour returns to the same location.
With a perfect 5-star rating across multiple review platforms, this fishing excursion promises an unforgettable experience for anglers of all skill levels. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, make planning a breeze.
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San Antonio: Mission San José Guided Walking Tour
For those interested in exploring San Antonio’s rich history, the San Antonio: Mission San José Guided Walking Tour offers an engaging opportunity.
This tour takes visitors on a journey through the iconic Mission San José, known as the “Queen of the Missions.” Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will learn about the mission’s architecture, religious significance, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Visitors will be captivated by the intricate carvings and frescoes that adorn the mission’s walls, and gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish colonial era.
The tour also includes stops at the mission’s granary, grist mill, and network of irrigation canals, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the self-sufficient community that thrived here centuries ago.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a cultural experience, this guided tour promises to be an enlightening and memorable adventure in the heart of San Antonio.
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San Antonio: Guided Walking Tour With Boat Cruise
This guided tour in San Antonio offers visitors a comprehensive experience that seamlessly combines a walking exploration of the city’s historic landmarks with a relaxing boat cruise along the iconic River Walk.
Priced at $139.00 per person, the 4-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Kicking off at the Alamo, the tour provides a guided look at this historic site before transitioning to a River Walk cruise. Guests will then venture through the vibrant La Villita district and visit the 300-year-old San Fernando Cathedral, capping the adventure with an elevator ride up the Tower of the Americas for panoramic city views.
Comfortable footwear is essential, as the tour covers approximately 2 miles of walking.
With a 4.5/5 rating based on 12 reviews, this tour earns praise for its knowledgeable guides and immersive storytelling that enhance the overall experience.
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San Antonio : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private)
Offering a more personalized experience than the previous guided tour, the San Antonio : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private) allows visitors to craft an itinerary that aligns with their specific interests.
Priced from $115.49 per person, the tour provides a flexible and customizable experience, with the guide assisting in booking tickets for desired attractions.
Pickup is available from centrally located hotels, and the tour can end at a different location if specified in advance.
Accessibility features include service animal allowance, wheelchair accessibility, and proximity to public transportation.
The private nature of the tour ensures that only the participant’s group will be present, providing an intimate and tailored exploration of San Antonio.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the option to reserve now and pay later, this custom walking tour offers a convenient and personalized way to discover the city.
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Recap
San Antonio offers a range of guided tours that cater to diverse interests. From exploring historic missions and experiencing the supernatural to enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and shooting, visitors can find a tour that suits their preferences. These tours provide an engaging and informative way to discover the city’s rich history, natural wonders, and unique attractions.