Signature Tours
Every so often, you get an opportunity to experience something extraordinary! Signature Tours provide just that, unlocking doors of the city for you to explore!
Signature Tours allow guests to experience a special aspect of San Antonio’s history that is only available for a limited time.
Tours of historical buildings, societal topics, and San Antonio’s rich culture are presented by expert guides. The goal is to bring focus not only to San Antonio’s history but also to nonprofit organizations that are working to make a difference in the community, with a share of proceeds from the tours benefiting charity.
Treasures of West Downtown
Signature Series
Sep. 20, 2024 - Oct. 27, 2024
Come explore the Hispanic heritage, historical marketplaces, and stunning art of Zona Cultural.
The heartbeat of San Antonio is felt in the cultural district of Zona Cultural, located on the western edge of Downtown. Punctuated by some of the city’s oldest structures and newest works of art, this land holds stories of kings and soldiers, merchants and artists, farmers and superstars, bankers and presidents. All the while, San Antonio’s vibrant Hispanic heritage is on full display and woven throughout each place seen and story told.
For a limited time of just a few weeks, join us to explore this remarkable area. Beginning at San Fernando Cathedral and ending at Historic Market Square, many historical sites and cultural institutions will be visited, including City Hall, the Governor’s Palace, San Pedro Creek Culture Park, St. James A.M.E. Church, the Alameda Theater, and La Feria Department Store. Along the way, the evolution of San Antonio’s marketplaces is seen, concluding with guests having an opportunity for some shopping of their own, whether pan dulce or traditional Mexican folk art.
Spectacular installations of art add brilliant color – and thoughtful contemplation – to the experience. Numerous works by Kathy & Lionel Sosa, Alan Calvo, Joe Lopez, Rudy Herrera, Jesse Treviño, and many others guarantee “Oh, wow” moments and plenty of selfie opportunities. Come experience all the ways la gloriosa historia of this area is celebrated.
CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation has been selected as the beneficiary of the tours and will receive half of profits.
Price: $40 per participant.
Age: All ages. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Language: Tours are available in English and Spanish.
Distance: About 1 mile (1.4km) of moderate walking.
Duration: About 2 hours.
Good to Know: The tour route is fully accessible. However, there are uneven surfaces along the way, where sidewalks may be disrupted by construction. Seating is very limited but will be made available whenever possible.
The Treasures of West Downtown tour has ended.
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Have an idea for a future Signature Tour?
We are always thinking about what’s next! While Signature Tours are purposed to be limited-time engagements to explore places and niche topics of history, it is often challenging to get in contact with individuals who can grant access to a building or exclusive site.
If you have an idea for a future limited-time tour - and can suggest a good point of contact who could help make it happen - we’d love to hear about it! Just send us a message here, and we’ll add it to our list of places to consider for the future!