Top 10 Historical Tours in San Antonio

Destination: San Antonio.
From the first step of your guided adventure, I will share fascinating stories about the history, culture, architecture, and personalities of San Antonio, including the back story of the Riverwalk, a hotel that was towed through the city streets, another that had the rooms lifted up and stacked on top of each other, and I'll share what happened during the siege and battle of the Alamo in 1836. There's the Tower of the Americas, San Fernando Cathedral, our Lovelock Bridge, the most haunted hotel in San Antonio, the quaint Arneson River Theater, and Marriage Island, where over 300 couples tie the knot annually. Take your photo on the famous Selina Bridge. Hear how Johnny Cash, Rudolph Valentino, Carol Burnett, Phil Collins, Babe Ruth, Davy Crockett, and Queen Elizabeth II are all connected to the city. I'll gladly answer your questions, leaving you with many memorable stories to share...PLUS...it's a great way to get in your "steps" Remember...every step forward is a step back in time !
Known For: San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Small Group, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Private and Luxury, San Antonio Half-day Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: San Antonio.
"Our UNESCO Missions Heritage Stories reveal the authentic cultural fusion and colonial mysteries spanning 300 years that no other tour uncovers. With 15+ years of deep local research, we share the real stories behind each World Heritage site - from 88-year-old Friar Olivares' founding vision to indigenous artisan Pedro Huizar's rose window love story to the complex cultural negotiations that created something entirely new at each mission. This intimate small group experience allows us to explain original frescoes, hidden symbols, and cultural survival strategies while connecting dots between Spanish colonial ambitions and indigenous adaptation. Discover why Mission Concepción remains unrestored, how Mission San José became the 'Queen,' and the agricultural innovations at Mission San Juan that sustained four missions. This is cultural immersion with San Antonio's premier heritage storyteller - not basic mission touring."
Known For: San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Half-day Tours, San Antonio Bus Tours, San Antonio New Product, San Antonio Private Sightseeing Tours, San Antonio Excellent Quality, San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Best Conversion.
Duration: Around 4 hours and a half.

Destination: San Antonio.
See San Antonio’s mission story and historic downtown in one smooth, small group ride. Travel in a clean, air-conditioned Mercedes Metris with a maximum of 6 guests, with pickup from downtown hotels within 2.5 miles of Alamo Plaza. You will stop at San Pedro Creek Culture Park, Alamo Plaza for live narration and outside photos, the Japanese Tea Garden, and Mission San José for a guided visit and time to explore. Between stops, enjoy drive-by storytelling of Mission Concepción, the River Walk, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, and San Fernando Cathedral. This experience is built for travelers who want the major highlights without long walks. I keep the pace relaxed, share clear history plus local legends, and adapt to your interests and mobility needs. No tickets are required for the planned stops. Alamo visit is outside only. No inside entry is included.
Known For: San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Half-day Tours, San Antonio New Product, San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Bus Tours, San Antonio Small Group, San Antonio Excellent Quality, San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Best Conversion.

Destination: San Antonio.
If you have seen the Riverwalk and the Alamo...this is something really different. The King William District began in the 1840's when the first homesites were sold. This beautiful location is only minutes from the heart of San Antonio. Located next to the meandering river, you will be captivated by the grandeur of these residences. Hear the stories behind 40 of these these historic homes where many of the city's most prominent citizens lived. See the beautiful residence built by the man who created the first ice cream soda, the refuge of the eccentric socialite who was buried sitting in her Ferrari, and the house where the inventor of the corn chip resided. Also, the home that had the first electric lights in the city, and the houses of a famous tenor and another where a writer began her career. What do Elvis Presley, Davy Crockett and Lily Munster have to do with King William ? Hear all these stories and many more on your guided walking tour. Every step forward is a step back in time.
Known For: San Antonio Audio Guides, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio New Product, San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Small Group, San Antonio Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: San Antonio.
There are a multitude of walking and ghost tours to choose from in San Antonio. Most of which are led by costumed guides, reciting scripts while herding 30 people like so many cattle through ubiquitous franchises. I offer an alternative. A boutique, personalized, historical bar tour. Imagine having an old friend who has spent their entire professional life researching their home show you around all washed down with craft cocktails. My name is Emzy. I've been researching and guiding guests around my hometown professionally for twenty plus years. Most over them washed down with craft cocktails, it's been a blessed life. While I have had many magical moments with guests over the years, I've also spent hundreds of hours in the archives and libraries for proof of the history I share on tour. I believe that passion shows. I invite you to join me for an evening of drinks and conversation of all things history in two of the most storied bars in Texas. Join me and Drink up the history!
Known For: San Antonio Private Sightseeing Tours, San Antonio Food & Drink, San Antonio Private and Luxury, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Likely To Sell Out, San Antonio Half-day Tours, San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Likely to Sell Out, San Antonio Spring Break, San Antonio Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours and a half.

Destination: San Antonio.
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." 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
Known For: San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Private and Luxury, San Antonio Likely to Sell Out, San Antonio Likely To Sell Out, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Half-day Tours, San Antonio Private Sightseeing Tours.

Destination: San Antonio.
What sets this tour apart is that it offers a completely different perspective on San Antonio's history, underscoring the significant role of European immigrants while showcasing some gorgeous homes, as well as some pretty amazing people who poured their lives into making San Antonio its best. Along the way is fun, guessing games, and even a cold case!
Known For: San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Cultural Tours, San Antonio Seasonal, San Antonio New Product, San Antonio Private and Luxury.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: San Antonio.
Embark on a private tour that takes you through the captivating history and culture of San Antonio. From the legendary siege of the Alamo to the modern marvels of the Tower of the Americas, you'll explore the city's most iconic sites. Hear intriguing tales about the historic Riverwalk, where you can snap a photo on the famous Selena Bridge, and visit the charming Arneson River Theater. Learn about the city's haunted past at the Menger Hotel, and admire the towering Torch of Friendship. Your knowledgeable guide will weave stories of famous personalities connected to San Antonio, such as Johnny Cash, Maya Angelou, and Queen Elizabeth II. This tailored experience is perfect for those seeking an in-depth, personalized adventure in San Antonio. - Get to know San Antonio through the eyes of a knowledgeable local Guide - Benefit from your guide’s familiarity with the area that interests you - See the main tourist sights you want to see as well as discovering areas, venues
Known For: San Antonio Half-day Tours, San Antonio Nature Walks, San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Private Sightseeing Tours, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio New Product.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: San Antonio.
Dive into an environmental investigation adventure at San Antonio's modernized Pearl Complex and beautiful Riverwalk! Solve riddles and crack codes to discover endearing places, delicious restaurants, and historical sites. Just north of downtown San Antonio, you will follow step-by-step instructions to find clues and solve this shocker of a case!
Known For: San Antonio Fun & Games, San Antonio Historical Tours, San Antonio Scavenger Hunts, San Antonio Self-guided Tours, San Antonio Walking Tours, San Antonio Escape Rooms.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: San Antonio.
Alamo & San Antonio Missions VIP Tour With Private Transportation Enjoy a stress-free, private tour with comfortable pickup and drop-off—no traffic or parking worries. Experience personalized storytelling with flexible pacing, tailored to your interests in history, culture, and faith. Stand at the iconic Alamo and hear the powerful stories that shaped Texas. Travel in comfort with climate-controlled transportation, perfect for families, couples, seniors, and small groups. This intimate experience goes beyond sightseeing, offering a meaningful connection to San Antonio’s heritage and unforgettable memories without the crowds.
Known For: San Antonio Private Drivers , San Antonio Historical Tours.