Binging-watching Emily in Paris and seeing her zip through Rome on a Vespa inspired me to tour new cities her way. There’s something rewarding about being a passenger—you get to take in the sights, sounds and little details you’d miss if you were the one driving. So, for my trip to San Antonio, I booked a Vespa sidecar tour with San Antonio Sidecars, the first and only tour of its kind in the city. Not only did it feel like a bucket-list moment, but it completely transformed the way I experienced the city. Here’s why you should add it to your list, too.
My San Antonio Sidecar experience
Before embarking on an hour-and-a-half Vespa tour, I was greeted with a warm welcome by company owners and husband-and-wife duo Liz and Kevin Mancha, who are San Antonio natives. Their passion shines through their knack for history, eye for hidden gems and mapped-out routes that weave together San Antonio’s rich culture and vibrant neighborhoods in a thoughtful way that goes beyond a traditional bus tour.
As if the Vespas are not recognizable enough, Kevin and Liz personalize their rides with charming touches, from faux floral strings to butterfly stickers, making each Vespa feel as unique as the journey it takes.
I hopped in the sidecar, with Liz behind the wheel, as we headed to one of the group’s first stops: a quiet side street. At first glance, the street seemed unassuming, until Kevin (riding with my husband, Glen), pointed out a colorful mural dedicated to the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Selena spent a significant time in the city before her tragic murder in 1995, and the mural beautifully captures her vibrant legacy.
These murals go beyond your typical Instagram backdrops—they’re layered with stories. Kevin shared fascinating anecdotes about the murals and local artists behind them, including one of his favorite stops, The Last Parade. Painted by Rudy Herrera, the mural portrays a Native American woman riding a blue deer and her heart as a guiding light, a homage to his Indigenous heritage and creative journey. Spanning 70 feet wide and 100 feet tall, the piece bursts with vibrant colors and abstract art inspired by Herrera’s roots. As Kevin explained during the tour, “As a neighbor in the community, Rudy’s passion and dedication to his craft are evident in this masterpiece.” Herrera’s bold use of color left a lasting impression on me, but hearing his story made the mural even more meaningful.
Visiting The King William Historic District
Next up, we rolled through the King William Historic District. The stately mansions, shaded by 150-year old oak trees, tell their own stories of old San Antonio. The King William District was named after King Wilhelm I of Prussia, highlighting the area's German heritage. During Fiesta San Antonio, the district hosts the King William Fair, a lively event featuring art, music, food and a quirky parade that embodies the community's creative energy.
A stop at Mission Reach and Riverside Zen
No sidecar tour would be complete without a glide along the Mission Reach, an eight-mile stretch of the San Antonio River that connects four historic Spanish Colonial missions through 16 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. This side of town is quieter and offers a peaceful pause from the hustle and bustle of the city center. As you ride alongside it, you’ll catch glimpses of the historic missions that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why the experience was unforgettable
Kevin and Liz’s passion for their city elevates this experience from just another tour to a kaleidoscope of the city’s personality. The tour struck the perfect balance between postcard-perfect sights and local gems, so much so that you almost forget that you’re a tourist for a second. And riding in the sidecar? There’s nothing quite like it: the wind in your face, the unobstructed views of the San Antonio skyline, the intimate connection with the city and not to mention, a full immersion into your surroundings without distraction. I finally got to live out my version of Emily in Paris in real life.
From the colorful backstreets adorned with vibrant murals to the tucked-away treasures you’d never find on your own, every moment is a sensory delight. For foodies, there’s even a taste of San Antonio with tacos from Kevin and Liz’s favorite spot: Elsewhere Garden Bar and Kitchen. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines history, art and pure fun, San Antonio Sidecars will take you there—one colorful mural and winding street at a time.