Jaime AlfaroAfter months of planning, our team’s first post-pandemic outing reminded us how chaotic DIY trips can get. Between group chats arguing about who was driving and getting lost halfway through, it was clear we needed a better plan.
That’s when we realized exploring San Antonio goes much smoother when you let professionals take the lead. Tour operators plan routes and handle any last-minute changes, so you don’t have to.
To make your next trip stress-free, we’ve rounded up the top tour operators in San Antonio, known for delivering standout experiences. Whether you’re after culture or just a well-timed itinerary, these picks bring something unique to the table.
How much do tour packages cost in San Antonio?
Tour packages in San Antonio typically cost between $40 and $150 per person for guided city tours, river cruises, and other activities. However, prices vary based on duration, group size, and the level of customization.
1. San Antonio Detours
Address: 225 W Craig Pl, TX 78212
Contact Details: +1 512-962-8636
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want to experience the local flavor with zero stress, San Antonio Detours is where the city’s personality really shines.
Their private and customizable tours, which combine top landmarks with hidden gems, will give you a genuine feel of the city… minus the tourist chaos.
The food and drinks are the real highlights. From BBQ and brew crawls to margarita tastings and the Taste of San Antonio route, each one perfectly mixes local culture with flavor. You can also add food stops or side trips to nearby towns, keeping things flexible.
What really seals the deal are the local guides, who are artists, comedians, and storytellers all in one. Many tourists mentioned that the groups stay small and the pacing makes every stop feel personal and memorable.
If there’s one catch, though, it’s that private or custom tours can cost more. You can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 per group, depending on the duration and any additional options, such as hotel pickup or tastings.
Three tours, one fabulous day
“Misty and Melissa were both awesome! I did three consecutive tours yesterday from 10a-8p and had a fabulous experience. I highly recommend them both, and if I visit the Austin area, I will definitely try the tours there after my experiences. Thank you for a great Saturday and tour of San Antonio!”
- Keneshia M. (KeyWillTravel), Google Review
You will not be disappointed
“I have been wanting to take this tour since our Missions became part of the National Park Service. Cousins coming to town gave me an excuse. This in my opinion is the best way to see them and hear little tidbits of information about them. Michael was our guide & I promise you will NOT be disappointeD!”
- Bonny Badour, Google Review
2. Old Town Trolley Tours
Address: 111 Alamo Plaza, TX 78205
Contact Details: +1 210-851-8300
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Old Town Trolley Tours makes exploring the city easy when you do not want to drive or plan too much.
We tried their hop-on, hop-off setup that covers 12 key stops, including Alamo Plaza, The Pearl, and the Botanical Garden. The trolley loops every 20 to 30 minutes, so you can go at your own pace without worrying about tight schedules.
The best part is the live narration. Local guides keep things light and funny as they share stories that make every landmark more interesting. We felt like we were chatting with a local friend rather than sitting through a script.
Each ticket lasts two consecutive days and comes with a free printable map, giving you more time to spread out your sightseeing. Plus, you can bundle extras like a GO RIO River Walk Cruise or a City Lights night tour.
However, crowds can slow things down at Alamo Plaza, and Market Square gets crowded between late morning and early afternoon.
We loved it!
“Nice treat. I live in San Antonio, but I’ve never taken time to take a tour. We loved it. 2 day hop on and hop off is an amazing feature”
- Tonya Perkins, Google Review
Great way to learn the history
“Me and my wife head down to San Antonio multiple times each year for a weekend getaway. Once we valet at the hotel, we won’t drive anywhere else because of this bus. Great way to learn the history. We look forward for the bus rides every time we head down to the 210! Until next time!”
- Shot_by_picc, Google Review
3. San Antonio Black History Tours
Address: 1721 S WW White Rd, Suite 120 #35, TX 78220
Contact Details: +1 210-560-3622
Operating Hours:
- Thursday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday-Wednesday: Closed
For anyone seeking a deeper look at the city beyond its usual landmarks, San Antonio Black History Tours offers a fresh perspective on the city.
It takes you through the neighborhoods, museums, and cultural spots that reveal the untold stories of San Antonio’s African American roots. It’s a refreshing break from the typical city tour.
On top of that, the guides are real historians, not scripted narrators. They share stories that feel personal, the kind that make you lean in. You can tell they care about keeping these stories vibrant and real.
Not to mention that their tours run all year, so you’re not limited to just one season. You’ll find timely runs around Black History Month and Juneteenth, as well as private options for families and teams that want a more focused experience.
If you’re planning a group, it’s best to book a private block early to ensure the day runs smoothly. However, seats can fill up fast, especially during major events, so an early reservation saves you the stress.
Engaging Juneteenth weekend tour
“This tour was an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning a few days after Juneteenth. We left on time and the tour host kept everybody engaged with interesting questions and informative answers. It was very educational and a whole lot of fun since my husband and I both love history. The only stop was at what used to be Ellis Alley, where we got a restroom break and also viewed some very interesting and educational exhibits. Toward the end of the tour, we were again asked the same questions and answered as a group, which made this tour fun all the way to the end. We’re hoping to take the Denver Heights tour soon!”
- Lucille Thomas, Google Review
Insightful tour with a comfortable ride
“San Antonio Black History Tours was such a worthwhile experience. They are knowledgeable and intentional with the content of their tour and it helps us know more about the rich cultural history of the Black community in San Antonio. Highly recommended!! Very comfortable transportation.”
- Maria Jose H, Google Review
4. Gray Line Tours
Address: 1343 Hallmark Dr, TX 78216
Contact Details: +1 800-341-6000
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
If you want to see San Antonio fast, Gray Line Tours makes it easy. Their Grand Historic Tour features top landmarks, including The Alamo and the King William Historic District. All tours are guided by someone who actually knows the city’s stories.
You can choose between a full-day or a half-day tour, depending on your schedule. Additionally, pickups are also simple, either from your hotel or a central location. This means you can start exploring without rushing.
But if you’re leaning toward venturing beyond the city, their Hill Country trips are a great change of pace. You’ll visit LBJ Ranch, some local vineyards, and even a few distilleries for a fun twist on history.
The only trade-off is that the tours follow a set route, so there’s not much room for detours or lingering at certain stops. It’s ideal for travelers who want efficiency. But if you prefer to wander, a more flexible tour might suit you better.
We had 2 amazing days with Gray Line Tours
“We had 2 amazing days with Gray Line Tours. Our guide Michael was hilarious and our driver Mike was spectacular! Thank you both for making our family reunion a fun and safe trip.Sincerely, Page-Paige Family”
- Michelle B (Burnie6015), Google Review
It was really cool
“My wife and took The Grand Historic Tour and we were lucky enough to have Alex G as our tour guide. While there is alot to see and know in San Antonio it was Alex that brought it to life from the beginning he put us in the exact spot where General Santa Ana had gathered his troups before desending on the Alamo. Toward the end of the day he bought to a little know grotto along the San Antonio River it was really cool!”
- Patrick Billerman, Google Review
5. Texian Tours
Address: 418 Villita St, TX 78205
Contact Details: +1 210-488-6867
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Texian Tours is one of the best ways to explore the city’s history up close. Their guides are locals who know the city by heart, turning every story into something easy to picture.
We personally love the small group setup of ten people or fewer. This makes it personal, so you never feel lost in the crowd.
Their Historic Mission Tour is a real must-try. You’ll visit all four southern Missions with the Espada Aqueduct in one smooth route. You get just the right amount of walking and sightseeing, all paced comfortably enough to enjoy without rushing.
If you prefer to stay downtown, they also offer shorter options. The River Walk tour runs about two hours for $35, while the full Mission route takes roughly four and a half hours for $65. Both run daily, rain or shine, and start near the River Walk for easy access.
However, if there’s one drawback, it’s that the tours are walking-based. So, it’s not the best pick for anyone avoiding long walks.
Fabulous tour company
“Fabulous tour company! We took the Missions tour (with elementary aged kiddos) and it was exactly what we were looking for. Small group, comfortable van, and knowledgeable host (Matt). If you are looking to get out of San Antonio for a few hours and experience the history of this beautiful part of Texas we highly recommend this company. They also operate Cottonwood Wine Tours for grown ups so don’t sleep on this opportunity to avoid renting a car and hang out like a local.”
- Rachel Spassiani, Google Review
Guided River Walk with history and fun
“This was a wonderful experience. We did the river walk tour. Our guid Matt was awesome. We learned about the history of San Antonio, the people,the buildings, and the river. I highly recommend this tour. We had a great time.”
- Daniel Holley, Google Review
