San Antonio is a city full of character, from its iconic Alamo battlefield to lively River Walk. But beyond the sights, it’s also a city where drinking tours turn a night out into a story worth telling. With historic bars, ghostly tales, and even scavenger hunts, San Antonio offers a variety of ways to sip, learn, and enjoy. Whether you’re into spooky stories, deep dives into Texas history, or just looking for a fun way to explore the city’s vibrant bar scene, these tours are designed to give you a memorable experience with a splash of local flavor.
Unlike generic pub crawls, these tours focus on specific themes—like ghosts haunting downtown or the story of Texas’ oldest pubs—making each outing unique. Some tours include private guides, exclusive drinks, or a focus on history, while others add a playful scavenger hunt twist. Whatever your style, this list helps you find the best drinking tour in San Antonio to suit your mood and interests.
1. San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl
This haunted pub crawl explores San Antonio’s historic downtown while sharing stories of soldiers, outlaws, and murderers that once roamed the streets. The tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $29.99 per person, making it an affordable way to combine history, ghost stories, and drinks. The tour is private, so you get a personalized experience—your guide will tailor the storytelling to your group. You’ll visit notable venues like Pat O’Brien’s, a New Orleans-style bar, and hear about the haunted history of the Emily Morgan Hotel and the St. Anthony Hotel.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local lore and ghost tales, which elevate a typical pub crawl into a spooky adventure. Each stop offers an opportunity to purchase a drink—if you want liquid courage for the scary stories—and enjoy a relaxed pace. The guide’s knowledge and storytelling skills earn rave reviews, with many visitors praising guides like Richard and Eli for their engaging narratives. The tour’s combination of history and haunted tales makes it perfect for those interested in ghost stories or San Antonio’s darker past.
Bottom Line: If you’re into spooky legends and intimate storytelling in historic venues, this private haunted pub crawl offers great value for its friendly price and personalized approach.
2. Private Drunk History Tour: 4 historic bars & 5+ hours
At number 2 is the Private Drunk History Tour, which is less about ghost stories and more about historical deep dives—with plenty of alcohol involved. For around $420, your private guide will take you over 5 to 6 hours to visit four historic bars, including Texas’ oldest hotel bar: the Menger Hotel. This tour also includes a visit to Alamo Plaza, the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, and the luxurious St. Anthony Hotel. You’ll enjoy heavy pours, snacks, and plenty of time for conversation.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Texas history and legendary drinking spots, with the guide sharing stories from the Alamo, local crime, and pop culture. Guests report that the guide’s knowledge and personal stories make the experience engaging, especially during the longer stops like at the Buckhorn Saloon. The tour’s private nature means you get the full attention of your guide, making it ideal for history buffs and those wanting a relaxed, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: For a longer, more immersive dive into San Antonio’s historic bars and stories—with heavy pours and a private guide—this tour offers excellent value for those willing to invest a bit more.
3. River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
If ghost stories mixed with a lively pub scene are your idea of fun, the River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl is a perfect choice. Priced at $27 per person and lasting about 2 hours, this tour explores some of San Antonio’s most historic haunts. The stops include the Crockett Tavern, Emily Morgan Hotel, and the Majestic Theater—each with its own ghostly tale. The tour features stories of spirits, both the supernatural and the drinks, in the city’s vibrant historic district.
While drinks are not included in the price, the stories and atmosphere more than compensate. One highlight is hearing the legend of the Lady in Red at the Haunt Bar or seeing the ghostly presence in the Majestic Theater. This tour is best suited for those who want a quick, spirited adventure without the commitment of a longer tour. The guides are known for their interesting storytelling and ability to mix history with ghostly tales, making the experience both informative and fun.
Bottom Line: If you want a short, spirited experience full of ghost stories and historic venues, this haunted pub crawl is a lively pick, especially for those new to San Antonio’s spooky side.
This 2-hour tour combines history, haunted tales, and free drinks at some of San Antonio’s oldest and most haunted pubs. For only $30, you’ll meet your theatrically-trained guide at Alamo Plaza and visit four historic bars, each with stories of ghosts and local legends. All cover charges and exclusive drinks are included, which makes this a good value and hassle-free way to experience the city’s haunted nightlife.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Texas’ oldest bars, including the legendary Alamo Plaza area. The guide’s storytelling is theatrical and engaging, with real stories of hauntings and local history that make each venue memorable. Reviewers note the small group size and the lively storytelling style—making it perfect for those who want a fun, spooky night out without a long time commitment. The included drinks and cover charges give you peace of mind that you’re getting a good deal.
Bottom Line: For those looking for an energetic, spooky pub crawl with all costs covered, this tour offers excellent value with a theatrical twist and a strong focus on history.
5. Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam
Finally, the Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl from Let’s Roam is a self-guided, app-led experience that blends scavenger hunt fun with bar hopping. At just $12.31 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option for groups that enjoy a bit of competition and exploration. The tour involves answering trivia, solving clues, and visiting several landmarks and bars around downtown San Antonio.
What makes this tour unique is its flexible, interactive format. You can go at your own pace, making it ideal for groups of friends, parties, or team-building events. It includes digital photos of your progress and challenges that add a layer of entertainment. It’s less about storytelling and more about interactive fun, perfect for those who like a game element with their drinks.
Bottom Line: For an inexpensive, flexible way to explore San Antonio’s bar scene with friends and test your trivia skills, this self-guided scavenger hunt is a fun choice.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in San Antonio
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests and budget. If ghost stories and spooky legends are your thing, the San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl or the River City Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl are excellent options. For a longer, more in-depth experience with heavy pours and historical insights, the Private Drunk History Tour offers a private, personalized approach.
On a tighter budget or short on time? The Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl provides a fun, interactive way to explore using your phone. Meanwhile, those wanting a more immersive, multi-hour experience with exclusive drinks and detailed stories will find the Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl offers real value.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours during peak season, and consider your comfort with walking, ghost stories, or game-based activities. Each offers something different, so pick based on whether you want spooky tales, deep history, or a playful scavenger hunt.
In sum, San Antonio’s drinking tours are as diverse as the city itself—ranging from haunted pub crawls to private historical tastings to interactive scavenger hunts. Two or three standout choices include the San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl for spooky stories, or the Private Drunk History Tour for a deep dive into Texas history with drinks. No matter which you choose, early booking ensures a spot on these memorable outings.