San Antonio Riverwalk: Fascinating Downtown Walking Tour

Embark on a fascinating walking tour of the San Antonio Riverwalk, uncovering captivating stories of history, culture, and architecture. Discover haunted hotels, iconic landmarks, and famous connections to celebrities. Perfect for gift-giving and holiday adventures!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Alamo - Hear the story of the siege and battle of the Alamo, what happened, and why we remember it today. You will be standing in front of this world-famous National Historic Landmark. This is not a tour through the Alamo.
  • Tower of the Americas - This is the symbol of the World’s Fair, known as “Hemisfair” held in San Antonio in 1968. Over 6 million people visited the city to experience the World’s Fair. 750’ tall, it towers over the city skyline.
  • San Antonio River Walk - Stroll among the towering cypress trees and hear the history of the historic Riverwalk. Take a photo on the famous Selena Bridge, visit Marriage Island, the cute Arneson River Theater, and so many other highlights of the Riverwalk.
  • Arneson River Theater - This outdoor theater, constructed in 1940, is on the San Antonio Riverwalk and is the scene of river parades, entertainment….and movies. Also located here is the beautiful Rosita Bridge.
  • Torch of Friendship - This towering sculpture is an icon of San Antonio. It was a gift to the city to show the friendship between three nations. Designed by Sebastian, this 65’ high sculpture arrived in the city in 2002.
  • Menger Hotel - Hear the fascinating history and mystery of San Antonio’s most haunted hotel…. and the famous celebrities who have stayed there.
  • San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral - It is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States and dates back to the early 1700’s. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral during his visit to San Antonio, and Jim Bowie was married there.
  • The Esquire Tavern - It’s the oldest tavern on the Riverwalk and opened in 1933. Apart from being the perfect spot to “people-watch” on the Riverwalk it boasts a beer-soaked wooden bar which is 100 feet long.
  • Bexar County Courthouse - Probably the best-loved building in San Antonio, and its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture features a unique beehive dome. Hear the story of how it came to be…..and why it is very popular on one special day each year.
  • Casa Rio - See the iconic riverside restaurant with the colorful umbrellas. It boasts of being the first restaurant to open on the Riverwalk and dates back to 1946. A great spot to enjoy strolling mariachis as well.
What's Included
  • All taxes and fees included
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

From the first step of our adventure, I will share fascinating stories about the history, culture, architecture, and personalities of San Antonio, including the backstory 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, the most haunted hotel in San Antonio built in 1859, 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, Maya Angelou, 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” Put on your “walking shoes”…..and let’s go !

  • There are small arch bridges and some staircases to climb
  • Walkers should expect a 3 hour tour
  • I do not offer a tour inside the Alamo, however, I will give you information so you can meet one of the Alamo Tour Guides
  • I recommend that you not only bring water, but sunscreen, a hat and good walking shoes
Location
175 E Houston St
East Houston Street
We will meet at the Hertzberg Clock on this street corner
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(70 Ratings)
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Carl_s
Aug 26, 2024
Fabulous tour and guide - must do in San Antonio - I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour with Stewart that ended up being a personal tour as I’m a solo traveler and the only one signed up that day. Stewart took very keen interest in showing me around town and the Riverwalk. He is very knowledgeable about the city/riverwalk and also gave me recos about places to eat. Stewart had excellent short quiz questions along the way which was a wonderful fun way to learn more about the city. Stewart is very pleasant, an exceptional guide and took genuine interest in making sure I not only learnt more about the city, but also had fun. Highly recommend Stewart’s tour!
Review provided by Viator
Yvonnefov
Aug 23, 2024
A must do - Excellent and informative tour. Met as agreed and Stewart was knowledgeable and friendly. Tour was taken at our pace and he told many interesting stories. Also took photos for us. Would recommend to anyone visiting San Antonio for first time or subsequent visits
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_w
Aug 13, 2024
Fantastic history - Our guide Stewart was fantastic. He made us realise that San Antonio is more than just the Alamo. Lots of stories about famous people. We loved the history of the Riverwalk and the old buildings. The time flew over.
Review provided by Viator
Charlotte_f
Jul 25, 2024
Fun walk for two. - We enjoyed hearing more about San Antonio and the personal details Stewart added about places to visit or things to do. Stewart did not rush and answered all questions with a smile. He also threw in some trivia which was fun. Just my husband and I for the tour that morning and it was a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_d
Jul 8, 2024
Great tour with the best guide! - We had a great time with our guide Stewart. As we were the only ones on this tour, we were happy to be shown around and enjoy the city with our own personal guide. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the history of San Antonio was second to none. He kept is light and fun with trivia along the way. Taking this tour at the beginning of our trip really helped us see the beauty and appreciate our weekend and take advantage of the tips and suggestions Stewart shared with us.
Review provided by Viator
Karri_g
Jul 5, 2024
Excellent walking tour - What an informational and history-filled tour. Stewart was exceptional. The tour lasted a bit longer than 3 hrs but that was okay with us. I thought I had read beforehand that water would be provided. It was when we purchased it. I would recommend bringing a water bottle with you. Time was lost while we waited in lines to buy water. The weather was beautifully hot and sticky.
Review provided by Viator
Christina_p
May 7, 2024
A must do! - Stewart was incredibly knowledgeable! He deeply put the time and effort into researching San Antonio's HISTORY, INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AND ARCHITECT. We have a different perspective on your beautiful city! EVEN IF YOU LIVE HERE...TAKE THIS TOUR!
Review provided by Viator
Ambassador704735
Apr 23, 2024
Fantastic Walking Tour!!! - Our walking tour with Stewart was great. I highly recommend his tour not only for the history that he imparts but it helps you get your bearings in a new city. There is so much to see at the Riverwalk and beyond. We covered a lot of ground during our 2½ hours including history, culture, celebrities, architecture, and food. He has a binder containing historical pictures to supplement his stories. We enjoyed every stop along the way, and the photo ops too. Highlights were definitely the Alamo and Menger Hotel. We learned so much. He is a wonderful steward for the City of San Antonio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J95gobb
Apr 21, 2024
Family Day in SA! - Great facts about San Antonio! We enjoyed learning about the architecture and up cycled buildings. The tour guide was also able to give great food recommendations .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigate21893719408
Apr 21, 2024
Best walking tour I have ever taken!!!! - My husband and I were the only people on this tour so it was more laid back and tailored to us. Stewart was so knowledgeable and passionate about what he was showing us.. history and architecture. He had a binder containing historical pictures to supplement his stories. He explained the Battle of the Alamo with a very detailed map, while we walked the different locations on the grounds. He made it even more interesting by asking us questions... it was so much fun! Some of his stories were first hand experiences, like the haunted Menger Hotel. I learned so much and didn't want the tour to end! I highly recommend his tours... they are top notch!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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