San Antonio’s main attraction is the Alamo—but the Riverwalk is a close second.
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This 15-mile river weaves through the city’s downtown area, providing a relief from the hustle and bustle. Dotted with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in San Antonio. You can even stay at a hotel right on the water.
But the Riverwalk is a lot more involved than many think. It runs from downtown to the Museum Reach, then on to the Mission Reach. Most visitors stick to the main Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, or the Mission Reach when they explore the Spanish colonial missions.
But there’s more than what meets the eye.
Here’s how you can explore the Riverwalk in San Antonio at your own pace. Remember: not all tours cover the whole thing, so if you really want to learn about the Riverwalk, book more than one tour.
Riverwalk boat tours in San Antonio
Premium City Tour with Alamo and River Cruise
Take a full tour of the city that lasts half the day. Along with visiting The Alamo and Tower of the Americas (amongst other sites), you also get the chance to enjoy the Riverwalk. You’ll be ferried across the waters on the peaceful Go Rio River Cruise. Think: a lovely cruise down the Riverwalk after a long day exploring San Antonio.
Premium Night Driving Tour with River Cruise
There are two reasons you might want to skip the daylight in San Antonio: the heat during the warmer months and the chance to enjoy the city’s love affair with light shows. This tour is similar to the one listed above, except that it runs after the sun has set. You’ll get to see some of San Antonio’s top sites as they’re glazed with bright, festive lights—Riverwalk included.
San Antonio Trolley & Go Rio River Cruise
This tour is really just tickets to two of San Antonio’s best DIY adventures: the Hop-on, Hop-Off Trolley and the Go Rio River Cruises. If you like to do things on your own schedule and follow your cat-like curiosity to your next adventure, this is a dynamic option. Both tickets are valid for two days.
Riverwalk tours in San Antonio: On foot or by car
Alamo, Riverwalk, Cathedrals Walking Tour
Take a walking tour to visit some of downtown San Antonio’s top sights. You’ll get to hear plenty of lore about the Riverwalk along the way. As you learn about one of San Antonio’s coolest landmarks, you’ll also get to experience some of its hotspots. If you’re interested in really diving deep into the Riverwalk’s history and modern importance, book the walking tour.
Enchanted River Lights Night Walk
Make your Riverwalk one to remember with this nighttime, lights-centric tour. San Antonio’s best lights are hung around the holiday season, but most of them are still hung year-round. As you explore the Riverwalk, you’ll get to hear local tales while also posing for some insanely cool shots near the water.
Private Romantic Tour of San Antonio
The Riverwalk isn’t the most intimate thing to do in San Antonio. (Go for a couple’s massage or a romantic date night, instead.) That being said, this tour is curated by a local expert, meaning they’ve got the experience and knowledge to turn San Antonio into a surprisingly romantic destination… Riverwalk included.
San Antonio Full-Day City Walking Tour
This full-day walking tour covers all the biggest destinations, from The Alamo to the Riverwalk to El Mercado. You’ll get your money’s worth learning about the Riverwalk and indulging in its coolest spots. But you’ll also get to stop in some of San Antonio’s lesser-known parks, plazas, and squares, learning about history that doesn’t make most guidebooks.
River City Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl with Riverwalk Portion
Drink your way across San Antonio, including its Riverwalk. You’ll head from watering hole to watering hole in some of the city’s most historic streets. Just make sure to watch how much you drink, or you might not remember everything you learned about San Antonio.
Art Tour of the Riverwalk Area
The Riverwalk is dotted with local and international artwork that many visitors miss. Even tour guides don’t usually have the time to point out some of the cooler works. This tour takes you from installation to installation along the Riverwalk, covering around 40 unique pieces.
San Antonio River Walk Food Tour
If you prefer to eat your way through a landmark like the Riverwalk instead of drinking your way through it, don’t worry. This highly-rated food tour lets you stuff yourself while also getting in your steps in San Antonio. Best of all, you’ll get to sample some of the country’s absolute best Tex-Mex and Mexican food, from Mexican sodas to quesadillas to local tacos.
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