Walking tours in San Antonio focus on history, ghosts, and food – offering practical ways to experience this fascinating Texas city. Three standout tours deserve special mention: The efficient Haunted Booze and Boos Tour hits three historic bars while sharing spine-tingling tales, the no-nonsense Ghost Walking Tour features real paranormal investigators, and the tasty Pearl District Food Tour combines local history with generous tastings at top eateries. I especially love the Ghost Tour for its authentic approach and the Pearl District tour for its excellent value – you’ll get a full meal’s worth of samples. Check out these top-rated walking tours to get the most from your San Antonio visit.
Key Points
-
San Antonio offers a diverse range of walking tours, including haunted and ghost tours, cultural and historical tours, and food and culinary experiences.
-
Many tours maintain small group sizes for intimate experiences, and some are wheelchair accessible or offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
-
Highly rated tours, such as the Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour and the San Antonio: Pearl District Food and History Walking Tour, provide knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling.
-
San Antonio’s rich colonial heritage, including the Alamo and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Missions, makes it an ideal destination for immersive historical walking tours.
-
The best time to enjoy San Antonio’s walking tours is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, though hydration is essential year-round.
Haunted San Antonio Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Although San Antonio is renowned for its vibrant culture and historic landmarks, the city also boasts a thrilling paranormal side.
The Haunted San Antonio Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore this dark side of the city. Lasting 2.5 hours, the tour takes guests to three haunted bars, where they can listen to chilling stories from a costumed guide.
With a maximum group size of 16, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience. Travelers receive a commemorative souvenir and have the chance to purchase drinks at the haunted establishments.
While some reviews mention room for improvement in the guide’s presentation, the tour’s overall rating of 4.5 out of 90 reviews suggests a popular and engaging experience.
Read our full review: Haunted San Antonio Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide
The San Antonio Highlights Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Priced at $142.12 per person, this 2-hour private tour is available in English and Spanish and is wheelchair accessible.
Guests can explore iconic landmarks like the Alamo, Riverwalk, and Menger Hotel while hearing stories about notable figures. The tour is customizable based on interests, and the knowledgeable local guide provides valuable advice about other activities in the city.
Travelers can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: San Antonio : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour
The San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour invites curious travelers to uncover the city’s haunted past.
Led by professional paranormal investigators, the 2-hour tour explores the area’s most notorious haunted spots, sharing tragic stories of spirits and teaching ghost hunting techniques.
Priced at $24.99 per person, the tour accommodates up to 40 guests and departs at 9:00 PM.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 310 reviews, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence.
Guests praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, though some note the experience leans more historical than spine-tingling.
Read our full review: San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour
Unleash the mysteries of San Antonio’s haunted past with the Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour. This captivating experience takes visitors on a journey through the city’s historic districts, revealing the eerie tales and supernatural encounters that have shaped its rich cultural heritage.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour navigates through the shadows, sharing chilling stories of ghostly sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the lingering spirits that still roam the streets.
From the haunted missions to the historic plazas, each step unveils a new layer of San Antonio’s paranormal past. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a history buff, this guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you captivated by the Ghosts of the Past.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Ghosts of the Past Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour
Enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of San Antonio with the Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour.
This highly-rated 5-star experience takes you on a journey through the city’s historic downtown and picturesque riverwalk. Led by knowledgeable local guide Matthew, you’ll explore key landmarks like the Alamo fort, San Fernando Cathedral, and Yanaguana Garden, while learning about San Antonio’s captivating past.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and engaging storytelling. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking a rundown of this enchanting Texas city.
Read our full review: Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: HERstory Walking Tour
For a different perspective on San Antonio’s rich history, the San Antonio: HERstory Walking Tour spotlights the influential women who’ve shaped the city’s past and present.
This 1.5-hour guided walking tour explores the legacy of these remarkable women, from the Yellow Rose of Texas to a local brewery scandal.
Guests will discover San Antonio’s culture, architecture, and cuisine, while enjoying a dessert stop along the way.
With an experienced guide leading the way, this tour provides an informative and engaging experience for just $35 per person.
The tour is available in English, offers free cancellation, and features a convenient reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: San Antonio: HERstory Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown
Along the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk, this 3-hour walking tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s downtown landmarks and rich history.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Stewart, the tour covers the Riverwalk’s origins, the iconic Alamo, and other notable attractions.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the intimate group size allows for personalized attention and interactive elements like trivia.
Priced at $35 per person, the tour includes all fees, taxes, and bottled water.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness required is well worth the immersive experience praised by 100% of past travelers.
With 5-star ratings across 80 reviews, this walking tour is an excellent introduction to San Antonio’s vibrant downtown.
Read our full review: Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Icons of San Antonio Walking Tour
The Icons of San Antonio Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks and influential figures. Priced at $35 per person, this 1.5-hour English-language tour allows guests to discover San Antonio’s rich history and architecture.
Highlights include visiting Alamo Plaza, the Spanish Governor’s Mansion, and the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Along the way, travelers will learn about the city’s key businessmen and historical figures and their impact on San Antonio’s streets.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this tour is suitable for families of all ages. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Icons of San Antonio Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The San Antonio Ghost Walk
Travelers on the 90-minute San Antonio Ghost Walk explore the city’s haunted history, meeting at 507 E Houston St and returning to the same location.
The tour, recommended by 97% of participants, features engaging storytelling about local lore and paranormal activities, including tales around the Alamo.
Guides, praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, lead groups of up to 30 through the wheelchair-accessible tour.
Priced from $25 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Ghost Walk offers a unique experience for families, adults, and children seeking spooky history and memorable encounters.
Many participants report capturing figures on camera, testament to the tour’s supernatural highlights.
Read our full review: The San Antonio Ghost Walk Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour
Venturing beyond the haunted history explored on the San Antonio Ghost Walk, the San Antonio: Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive experience into the city’s sinister side.
For $715, visitors embark on a 1.5-hour journey learning about local legends, hauntings, and unsolved mysteries through captivating storytelling. The tour, conducted in English, is ideal for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Knowledgeable and engaging guides lead the way, rain or shine, as participants discover San Antonio’s dark past. With a 4.8/5 rating based on 13 reviews, the tour promises a unique blend of history, mystery, and the supernatural.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended, and participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Ghosts and True Crime Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonios Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour
For those seeking an immersive exploration of San Antonio’s haunting past, the San Antonio’s Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour offers a captivating 1.5 to 2-hour journey.
Led by knowledgeable and engaging guides, this highly-rated tour (94% recommended) focuses on the city’s local history, ghost stories, and tales of murder.
Travelers can expect a mix of humor and historical facts, with stops for food and drinks along the way.
While some logistical issues have been reported, the tour’s strengths lie in its informative storytelling, spooky atmosphere, and local recommendations.
Read our full review: San Antonios Ultimate Ghost and Murder Walking Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour
San Antonio’s ghostly past comes alive on the San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour.
This 3.5-hour tour takes guests through the city’s dark history, uncovering tales of murder, suicide, and paranormal activity.
With a rating of 4.7 from 151 reviews, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide a captivating experience.
Priced at $65.00 per person, the tour includes pickup and is a great way to explore the city’s haunted sites, such as the Alamo and the Spanish Governor’s Palace.
Whether you’re a fan of the supernatural or simply curious about San Antonio’s shadowy past, this tour is a must-do activity for visitors.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Ghosts and Dark History Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Embarking on the Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour, visitors enjoy San Antonio’s rich history and supernatural lore.
This 2-hour tour takes guests to the city’s oldest haunted pubs, where they’ll enjoy drink specials, cover fees, and alcoholic beverages, all while uncovering the spooky tales that lurk within.
With a maximum group size of 20, the tour offers an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides who captivate with their storytelling.
Though not recommended for pregnant travelers, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an engaging option for most.
While some guests have reported mixed experiences with bar staff, the overall value and entertainment value are widely praised.
Read our full review: Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Mission San José Guided Walking Tour
Situated in the heart of San Antonio, the Mission San José Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an in-depth exploration of the city’s rich history.
This 1.5-hour walking tour takes guests through the Mission San José neighborhood, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Led by a live English-speaking guide, the tour delves into over 300 years of history, revealing the significance of the Mission system that once ruled the area.
Guests will learn fascinating facts and discover the origins and decline of this important historical landmark, known as the “Queen of the Missions.”
With a flexible booking policy and comfortable attire recommended, this tour is suitable for all groups, including families with children.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Mission San José Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour With Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Exploring the heart of San Antonio, this small group walking tour pairs an immersive Riverwalk cruise with guided visits to the city’s iconic landmarks.
Guests will marvel at the Alamo, explore the historic La Villita district, and ascend the Tower of the Americas, all with the insight of knowledgeable guides.
The 35-40 minute boat ride on the Riverwalk is a highlight, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the city’s architecture and ambiance.
With a maximum group size of 10, this tour provides a personalized experience for first-time visitors to San Antonio.
The affordable price, free cancellation policy, and convenient meeting point make this an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging introduction to the Alasa City.
Read our full review: San Antonio Small Group Walking Tour With Riverwalk Boat Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Pearl District Food and History Walking Tour
This walking tour takes guests on an immersive exploration of San Antonio’s vibrant Pearl District, blending the neighborhood’s rich history with a curated food experience.
Over 2.5 hours, you will discover the district’s past as they sample local cuisine and libations. The tour is highly rated, with 4.5 out of 5 stars from 66 reviews. Priced at $44 per person, it provides excellent value for the depth of the experience.
Highlights include visits to historic landmarks, behind-the-scenes looks at local businesses, and tastings of authentic Tex-Mex and Southern comfort foods.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a San Antonio local, this tour offers a unique and delightful way to experience the city’s culture and culinary scene.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Pearl District Food and History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Madames and Mayhem Walking Ghost Tour
The Madames and Mayhem Walking Ghost Tour invites visitors to uncover San Antonio’s dark past, venturing through the city’s historical districts after dark.
This adult-only, late-night walking tour focuses on authentic, lesser-known ghost stories rather than cheesy narratives, offering spooky tales of the city’s previous inhabitants, including opportunists and outlaws.
With an average rating of 4.0 from 33 reviews, the tour is led by engaging and knowledgeable guides who bring San Antonio’s haunted history to life.
Priced at $34.99 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: The Madames and Mayhem Walking Ghost Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Historic Downtown Food and Culture Walking Tour
Visitors looking to enjoy San Antonio’s rich history and vibrant food culture can join the San Antonio: Historic Downtown Food and Culture Walking Tour.
This 2.5-hour guided tour starts at the iconic Alamo and takes participants through key landmarks, including the San Fernando Cathedral and the San Antonio River Walk.
Along the way, they’ll sample traditional Tex-Mex dishes, such as pan dulce, Texas brisket fries, and barbacoa tacos.
The tour also includes stops at local hotspots like the Esquire Tavern and the Menger Hotel.
With a leisurely pace and a knowledgeable local guide, this walking tour offers an engaging and delicious way to experience the heart of San Antonio.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Historic Downtown Food and Culture Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio’s Heartbeat: A Cultural Walking Adventure
Immersed in San Antonio’s rich cultural tapestry, the San Antonio’s Heartbeat: A Cultural Walking Adventure offers an enchanting exploration of the city’s historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Priced from $290.39 per person, this private tour allows only your group to participate, ensuring a personalized experience.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the 3-hour walking adventure begins at the iconic Alamo and concludes at the charming Yanaguana Garden.
Along the way, you’ll uncover the city’s heartbeat, from its Spanish colonial heritage to its contemporary arts scene.
With confirmation received at booking and flexible cancellation policies, this tour provides a stress-free way to discover San Antonio’s cultural gems.
Read our full review: San Antonio’s Heartbeat: A Cultural Walking Adventure Review
Book now: Check availability
San Antonio: Heart of Old San Antonio Walking Tour
San Antonio’s Heart of Old San Antonio Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s historic legacy.
The 3-hour, 3-mile walking tour takes visitors through iconic landmarks like the Alamo Plaza, San Antonio River, and Spanish Governors Palace. Participants will learn about the diverse cultural influences that shaped San Antonio, from Native Americans and Spanish settlers to Tejano and Anglo inhabitants.
Led by knowledgeable guides equipped with Bluetooth earpieces, the small-group experience provides a personalized perspective.
With ample opportunities to admire public art and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this tour is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the heart of old San Antonio.
Read our full review: San Antonio: Heart of Old San Antonio Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take a Walking Tour?
The best time of year to take a walking tour is typically during the milder months when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for extended outdoor activity. Spring and fall tend to offer the most ideal conditions for enjoyable walking tours.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals for Multiple Tours?
Many walking tour companies offer discounts or package deals for multiple tours. Customers can save money by purchasing a bundle of tours, which can provide a more comprehensive experience. Some tours may also offer seasonal or group discounts.
How Accessible Are the Walking Tours for People With Disabilities?
Many walking tours in San Antonio offer accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly routes, sign language interpreters, and audio guides. Visitors should check with tour providers to ensure their needs can be accommodated for a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Do the Tours Include Any Food or Beverage Tastings?
Many walking tours offer food and beverage tastings along the way, providing visitors with a chance to sample local cuisine and drinks. However, it’s best to inquire about specific tour details to ensure they meet individual needs and interests.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Walking Tours?
Most walking tour operators don’t allow pets due to insurance and liability concerns. However, some may accommodate service animals with advance notice. It’s best to check with each tour company about their pet policy before booking.
Recap
San Antonio boasts a variety of engaging walking tours that showcase its rich history, vibrant culture, and spooky supernatural side. Whether you’re interested in ghosts, food, or the city’s downtown highlights, there’s a tour to suit your interests. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore San Antonio’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems on foot.