San Antonio: Trolley Hop-On Tour & Riverwalk Cruise Combo

Hop on a San Antonio trolley then float the River Walk at your own pace

You’ll ride an open-air trolley through San Antonio’s most colorful neighborhoods, step off to wander places like the Japanese Tea Garden or Market Square, then float along the River Walk on a narrated cruise: all at your own pace. Local guides share stories big and small, and there’s plenty of time for spontaneous stops or just soaking up city sounds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Japanese Tea Garden20m
2. San Antonio Museum of Art20m
3. Buckhorn Saloon & Museum20m
4. San Antonio Historic Market Square20m
5. Tower of the Americas20m
6. San Antonio River Walk35m

Day 1: Explore San Antonio by trolley

• Board trolley at Alamo Plaza
• Visit Pearl Stable Hall area
• Stop at Japanese Tea Garden
• Visit Botanical Gardens entrance
• Stop near San Antonio Museum of Art
• View Veteran's Memorial Park
• Stop by Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
• Visit San Fernando Main Plaza area
• Stop at San Antonio Historic Market Square
• Visit Tower of the Americas area
• Stop at Emily Morgan Hotel corner

Day 2: Enjoy narrated river cruise

• Pick up river cruise ticket on trolley
• Board 35-minute narrated river cruise
• See landmarks like La Villita and Selena’s Bridge

The experience

We almost missed the first trolley because I couldn’t find my phone charger, classic me. But standing in front of the Alamo with coffee still warm in my hand, it felt like the city was already buzzing. Our driver, Maria, waved us on with a “Don’t worry, we’ve got all day!” That kind of set the tone. The stadium seats were surprisingly comfy and you could actually see everything, no craning necks. I kept catching whiffs of fresh tortillas from somewhere nearby as we rolled past Market Square (I’m not sure if that was just wishful thinking).

At the Japanese Tea Garden stop, it was quieter than I expected. Just birds and some locals jogging by, nodding hello. The air smelled sweet and green, almost humid but not sticky. We hopped off for a bit and wandered through those stone archways. There’s this little pond where koi dart around like tiny orange fireworks. I tried to pronounce “San Antonio Museum of Art” in Spanish to our guide Li. She laughed and said I sounded French. Maybe she was being polite.

The river cruise ticket came with our trolley pass (easy enough, you just ask when you board), so after lunch we headed down to the San Antonio River Walk. There’s something about gliding under those old bridges while a local points out Selena’s Bridge or La Villita that makes you feel part of some inside story. The boat captain tossed in jokes between facts: some corny, but people laughed anyway. Sunlight flickered through cypress trees onto the water, and for a moment everything just slowed down. I still think about that view near dusk.

What’s included

• Your day includes two-day unlimited hop-on access to the Old Town Trolley across twelve key stops in San Antonio plus a narrated 35-minute Go Rio River Cruise ticket (which you pick up when boarding). Both are wheelchair accessible and suitable for families.
• guides share stories throughout. No hotel pickup is provided but public transport is nearby for easy joining.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Sunday

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Historic Tours Of America

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the San Antonio trolley tour last?

The Old Town Trolley operates from 9am to 4pm with unlimited hop-on access over two days. Each full loop takes about 90 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this San Antonio combo tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included. You join at any official trolley stop near central attractions like the Alamo.

How do I get my Go Rio River Cruise ticket?

You pick up your river cruise ticket when you board any trolley at any stop during your valid days.

Are both the trolley and river cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options are fully wheelchair accessible. Contact ahead for special arrangements if needed.

What are some main stops on this San Antonio hop-on tour?

Main stops include The Alamo, Pearl District, Japanese Tea Garden, Market Square, Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, and Tower of the Americas.

Can I bring my stroller or pram on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram on both trolley and river cruise.

How often do Go Rio cruises depart?

The Go Rio River Cruises run every 15-20 minutes from 10am until 10pm daily. Each cruise lasts about 35 minutes.

Is live narration included during both parts of the tour?

Yes, both the Old Town Trolley Tour and Go Rio River Cruise feature live narration by local guides or captains.