Pearl District Food and History Tour
A delicious journey through the Pearl District’s cuisine and culture
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Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
-
Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Savor fresh, locally sourced dishes prepared by world-class chefs who call South Texas home.
- Learn how a defunct brewery complex was transformed into a vibrant neighborhood and culinary destination.
- Taste street tacos inspired by a local chef’s extensive travels through Mexico.
- Visit the upscale industrial lobby of the stunning Hotel Emma, a 19th-century brewhouse turned boutique hotel.
- Hear the stories of betrayal, murder, and resilience behind the Pearl Brewery.
- Sample among dozens of ice cream flavors, ranging from milk chocolate to lemon lavender.
What you'll do
Explore flavors from award-winning chefs in a place where history meets creativity. This laid-back walking through the beautiful and historic Pearl District has all the flavor, stories, and fun you could want.
Just a couple miles from the ...
Explore flavors from award-winning chefs in a place where history meets creativity. This laid-back walking through the beautiful and historic Pearl District has all the flavor, stories, and fun you could want.
Just a couple miles from the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Pearl features dozens of unique shops and restaurants, built in and surrounded by the original brewery structures of the 1800s. Learn about the area’s past, present, and future as you sample some of the diverse foods San Antonio has to offer.
We’ll begin at the old Boiler House for a taste of Texas Hill Country cuisine in a vintage setting. At the Larder, see where locals stock up on gourmet products for their homes. Then admire the industrial-chic vibes of Hotel Emma, remodeled but still hearkening back to its brewhouse history.
Take a break on the San Antonio River Walk to admire the scenery and learn about the river and its role in the food and beer scene of the city. It’s a pleasant stroll before we indulge in some of San Antonio’s best Mexican street food at La Gloria.
Our last history stop is a century-old yellow rail car with its own story to tell about how it served the local brewery industry. Like any good food tour, we finish with something sweet. Lick Honest Ice Creams offers dairy-free and vegan options plus creative flavors like goat cheese, thyme, and honey or caramel salt lick.
With our unique pay-as-you-go model, you can enjoy more food for less money, a better value than comparable food tours. Simply hand the guide $35 in cash on your arrival, and the guide will take care of the rest. They’ll pay for the entire group at each of our three food stops, minimizing wait time. Paying cash also makes it easy for each restaurant to offer more food so you’re guaranteed Texas-sized servings.
Itinerary
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Boiler House
Where you’ll taste gourmet Texas Hill Country fare from locally sourced ingredients in a 130-year-old building
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Larder
A boutique grocery store featuring local and global flavors
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Hotel Emma
Former brewhouse, now upscale hotel where machinery meets mahogany
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Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
A short stroll on a serene section of the riverwalk where you’ll learn about the river’s role in the city and the brewery
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La Gloria
For Mexican street food from acclaimed local Chef Johnny Hernandez
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Engine No. 2
A 1907 train car that was part of San Antonio’s one-mile electrified rail system that once connected local breweries to major railways
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Lick Honest Ice Creams
With a focus on local, organic ingredients and seasonal specialties ranging from classic to adventurous
Plan your trip
Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Tour ending point
This tour ends at the starting point, the Pearl entrance.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you at the Pearl entry on the corner of Avenue A and Pearl Parkway.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
This tour covers one mile at a leisurely pace. If mobility is an issue, please contact us for a private tour.
Is the cost of food included?
Your ticket covers the guided walking tour. With our unique pay-as-you-go model, simply hand the guide $35 in cash on your arrival, and the guide will take care of the rest, covering your food at all stops. This helps guarantee better portions and service for less money.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
