Things to do in San Antonio, Texas (TX): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

April 2, 2022 Etsuko Causey

Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.
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1. Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour

418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA Texian Tours
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Our Guided Mission Tours are offered 7 days a week by a local tour guide. You'll not only get to learn all about the history of the missions and the area, but also gain perspective from a local San Antonian.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Snacks, souvenirs

Reviewed By Bob-Raisa

Our tour guide met us as scheduled. Walking for 2 hours with excellent narration. Guide had good historical background and answered questions with ease. Highly recommend

2. San Antonio Drunk History Tour

Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA The Barwalk
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

On this condensed version of our Classic tour, we will take a stroll through Alamo Plaza for a comprehensive look at the history of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. Next we will follow in the footsteps of legends in the historic Menger Hotel bar – you will share the space where Teddy Roosevelt recruited many of his Rough Riders. With drink in hand we will take an in depth tour through the oldest hotel west of the Mississippi. After discussing the rich and varied history of this classic San Antonio establishment we will take a look into another of San Antonio’s most historic bars and explore the associated history. Warm welcomes, prompt service, heavy pours and exclusive access await you all while you learn history not found on any other tour in a truly unique personalized and boutique tour experience. Food & beverages not included in price.

Inclusions: Guests will enjoy access to their own iPad during segments of the tour to enjoy hands on access to the history.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By jl8n68

This barwalk tour was awesome. We took the 2.5hr tour. Emzy was very personable and knowledgeable about San Antonio and its history. He had a lot of trivial information, as well. If I return to San Antonio in the future I will definitely sign up for the 5hr barwalk. I wish we would have done this on our first day in San Antonio. Emzys sight seeing tips and food recommendations were on spot! This was one of the highlights of our vacation. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and a great drink!!

3. San Antonio Barwalk Tour

Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA The Barwalk
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Perhaps one of my reviews says it best: "Taking The Barwalk with Emzy is like visiting an old friend in his hometown and having him show you around." The Classic route is the ultimate way to explore and discover the very best of San Antonio. No scripts, no PA's and no costumes, just warm welcomes, prompt service and heavy pours await us as you leave the large groups of kitschy tours behind and enjoy the ultimate insider way to discover the absolute best of San Antonio. From the Alamo, the oldest saloon in Texas and the oldest continually operated hotel in the west you'll skip the ubiquitous franchises and follow in the footsteps of legends. Less of a regimented, memorized tour and more of a conversation you'll learn about everything from the Alamo, grisly unsolved murders, pop culture connections and the "seedier" side of and enjoy unrivaled historical research in a truly magical night all washed down with the best cocktails anywhere. Food & beverages not included in price.

Inclusions: Each guest will enjoy their own iPad for hands on access to aspects of the history.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By jl8n68

This barwalk tour was awesome. We took the 2.5hr tour. Emzy was very personable and knowledgeable about San Antonio and its history. He had a lot of trivial information, as well. If I return to San Antonio in the future I will definitely sign up for the 5hr barwalk. I wish we would have done this on our first day in San Antonio. Emzys sight seeing tips and food recommendations were on spot! This was one of the highlights of our vacation. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys history and a great drink!!

4. Historic San Antonio Walking Tour (Masks Required)

317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA Viva San Antonio Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore the major historic attractions of downtown San Antonio. This tour offers visits to the Alamo, La Villita, the Riverwalk, Bexar County Courthouse, San Fernando Cathedral, and Spanish Govenor's Palace. You'll get a personal and authentic take on the history of San Antonio and surrounding areas. Flexible options available upon request. Note: Face masks are required for the duration of walking tour. Social distancing will also be enforced as well as any local, state, or federal guidelines resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inclusions: Guide, Historic presentation of San Antonio

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Davin D

This is one of the must do things in town. This will give you the true history of this great city and help you map out where to visit more closely.

5. The Ghosts of Old San Antonio

The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA Ghost City Tours of San Antonio
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Ghosts of Old San Antonio Tour is the perfect blend of history and hauntings. This is much more than just a tour. Ghost City gives you an experience through time and place. An all-ages excursion into San Antonio after dark. You will uncover some of the city's most notorious ghosts! And don't worry - MOST are friendly. Spend an evening with The Ghosts of Old San Antonio.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Jerry F

Our guide was very knowledgeable and kinda fun so this rating is no way on her. This was my third tour by three different companies and they are all the same. I was hoping for something different for the price like actually going into buildings and doing more than just walk and talk. The traffic and people noise spoils it all. I know they cannot help it, but again for the price I expected something much better.

6. San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour

Gray Line Tours
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4.9 based on 41 reviews

This tour is the perfect way to see the missions and learn about the founding of San Antonio with its rich history and culture. Experience Spanish History, the Coahuiltecans, and the early southwest. Learn about the significance of San Antonio, San Pedro Springs, and the groups that came together to set the stage for the founding of the Presidio - San Antonio. Your experience starts downtown, see: the original La Villita; Main Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral, and Plaza de Armas. Travel along the San Antonio River to visit all the missions with stops at Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and the Espada Aqueduct. Tour ends at Mission San Antonio de Valero, famously known as the Alamo, or guest's hotel. Guaranteed Departures, Twice a Day! No minimum guest requirements.

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select downtown hotels, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By BobO708

Domingo was our tour guide and he did an excellent job. Friendly, attentive and very knowledgeable. We've been on this tour several times before and Domingo pointed out things we hadn't seen before.

7. Full-Day Historic City Tour of San Antonio

Gray Line Tours
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4.9 based on 29 reviews

Our Full Day San Antonio: Grand Historic City Tour details the history, architecture, and confluence of cultures that make San Antonio unique. With exciting narratives and sound effects about historical sites and significant events, this experience covers over 60 points of interest. By purchasing the Full Day San Antonio: Grand Historic City Tour, you get a grand overview of the Downtown Reach, Museum Reach, and Mission Reach of San Antonio

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off (downtown hotels only) starting at 8:30 AM, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Guests will have time on their own in El Mercado to have lunch

Reviewed By patriciamJ7468ZF

Our first Greyline tour. I have to say Domingo could not have been better. He was friendly, entertaining and provided a well planned and informative experience. Having been a history teacher specializing in Texas history, he was able to answer many of our questions pertaining to Spain, Mexico and Texas. ????

8. Half-Day Afternoon City Tour of Historic San Antonio

Gray Line Tours
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4.8 based on 33 reviews

This is Part 2 of a two part grand overview of San Antonio, it's 300 year history architecture, and confluence of cultures. This sightseeing tour makes 3 stops in addition to seeing over 30 points of interest in the Museum Reach and Mission Reach.

Inclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off (downtown hotels only), Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Guide Gratuities (optional), Lunch

Reviewed By patriciamJ7468ZF

Our first Greyline tour. I have to say Domingo could not have been better. He was friendly, entertaining and provided a well planned and informative experience. Having been a history teacher specializing in Texas history, he was able to answer many of our questions pertaining to Spain, Mexico and Texas. ????

9. Segway Tour of Historic San Antonio

260 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA San Antonio Segway Tours
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4.8 based on 92 reviews

Segway Nation's 2 hour Historic Downtown San Antonio Segway tour is offered once daily. This 2 hour San Antonio Segway tour is our most popular tour, and is designed to be fun, entertaining and informative. This tour explores many of San Antonio’s historic buildings, world famous landmarks, and gorgeous parks. Some of this tours highlights include gliding past the world famous Alamo • Tower of the Americas • HemisFair Park • Henry B Gonzales Convention Center • The Alamodome • Historic San Fernando Cathedral • The Bexar County Courthouse • El Mercado • Arts Village La Villita • This tour also includes plenty of time to ride and sightsee on your Segway, plus lots of fun facts and time for great photos  

Inclusions: Professional guide, Use of helmet

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Myneverland1

Fun way to tour the city! Joe the tour guide was informative and funny! Saw several historical sites and got great tips for enjoying San Antonio. Definitely a must do!

10. Hill Country & Fredericksburg Excursion from San Antonio

418 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA Texian Tours
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4.8 based on 9 reviews

Start your excursion in San Antonio, and enjoy a scenic drive into the Texas Hill Country where you will have the chance to explore the town of Fredericksburg, Texas; A quaint historic town with strong German roots. While in Fredericksburg, you will have the chance to enjoy some of the many great local restaurants, wine tasting rooms, shops, and museums. The excursion departs San Antonio at 10am and returns approximately at 4pm.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour escort/host

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Museum Entry not included

Reviewed By Bob-Raisa

Our tour guide met us as scheduled. Walking for 2 hours with excellent narration. Guide had good historical background and answered questions with ease. Highly recommend

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