Summary of Tours
- Downtown Austin Adventure: 3-Hour Scavenger Hunt
- Best of Austin Small Group Guided Tour
- Austin In A Nutshell Bike Tour
- Austin Beer and Brewery Tour
- Food Is My Best Friend Tour
- Austin’s Salt Lick and Winery Tour
- Rainey Street Bar Hop Game Walking Tour
- Austin Live Music Crawl
- Downtown Austin Helicopter Tour
- Texas Hill Country and LBJ Tour from Austin
- Haunted Austin Walking Tour
- Food Truck Tour in Your Biker Gang
- Shops, Murals & Iconic Places
- The Brunch Bus: Austin Food Tour with Live Band Onboard
- San Marcos River Adventure Kayak Tour
Located deep within Texas Hill Country, Austin serves as the state capital with a distinctive alternative culture. The city’s motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” encapsulates the unique spirit encountered throughout the area.
Renowned for its hipster vibe, diverse food truck offerings, and vibrant live music scene, Austin presents an excellent opportunity to explore a different facet of Texas.
Taking part in guided tours offers a deeper understanding of the local culture and history, allowing visitors to explore the city’s most acclaimed neighborhoods as well as the picturesque Hill Country, where traditional Texan life can be experienced.
The following highlights the 15 premier tours available from Austin.
1. Downtown Austin Adventure: 3-Hour Scavenger Hunt
This smartphone scavenger hunt allows participants to explore the city at their own pace while incorporating a competitive aspect reminiscent of the Amazing Race. Teams navigate various locations, with the option to take a ‘pit-stop’ at each site before resuming the challenge. The experience lasts approximately three hours and showcases the key attractions in the downtown area.
2. Best of Austin Small Group Guided Tour
This two-hour excursion includes transportation by bus, permitting exploration of attractions located outside the main urban area. Participants will visit significant landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a variety of food trucks. A knowledgeable guide will introduce lesser-known gems of the city. Since the tour is limited to a small group, it can be tailored to the participants’ interests, providing a more personal experience.
3. Austin In A Nutshell Bike Tour
This environmentally friendly bike tour provides an efficient manner to cover significant distance throughout Austin. Conducted at a leisurely pace, this two-hour tour suits various fitness levels as it traverses the historic district, Zilker Park, and Lady Bird Lake. A local expert guides the tour, with all necessary safety equipment provided. Participants can opt for hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Austin.
4. Austin Beer and Brewery Tour
Austin is recognized as the craft beer epicenter of Texas, and this tour highlights some of the city’s most popular breweries. Participants will have the opportunity to sample at least ten different beers during the tour, which includes visits to three East Side breweries. Transport via electric vehicle ensures a safe and eco-friendly journey between locations. A local guide will provide insights into the history and significance of each brewery, and you will witness the brewing process firsthand.
5. Food Is My Best Friend Tour
Austin’s diverse culinary landscape is celebrated throughout Texas, and this tour provides an opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes from different restaurants. Participants will visit four separate locations, enjoying everything from Texas barbecue to soups and smoothies. A complimentary beverage (beer or soft drink) is served at the barbecue stop, and the schedule focuses on local favorites rather than tourist hotspots. Downtown Austin hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
6. Austin’s Salt Lick and Winery Tour
This tour is ideal for food enthusiasts and wine aficionados seeking an escape from the city into the serene Texas countryside. Participants will visit the renowned Salt Lick restaurant to relish a traditional Texas barbecue meal. Following this, two esteemed wineries will be explored, giving guests insight into American wine production and the chance to sample exquisite vintages. Transportation is provided from Downtown Austin, allowing for a relaxing experience and the opportunity to enjoy wine without concern.
7. Rainey Street Bar Hop Game Walking Tour
This self-guided scavenger hunt provides a unique opportunity to discover hidden items within various bars while absorbing the local history and vibrant bar culture of Austin. While exploring Rainey Street, known for its craft boutiques and cafés, participants can take breaks from the game to enjoy other facets of this lively district. Designed exclusively for iPad, this game is currently not available on other devices.
8. Austin Live Music Crawl
Austin’s lively music scene rivals its renowned food culture. This tour simplifies the process of discovering the best live music venues by showcasing the finest performers Texas has to offer. Participants will also uncover local history and culture, while enjoying meals and beverages at select venues. Private transportation ensures a comfortable ride, and group sizes are limited to foster a more intimate experience.
9. Downtown Austin Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour presents a unique opportunity to witness breathtaking panoramic views of Austin. The 30-minute flight covers the downtown area as well as remarkable lakes and nearby shorelines. Complimentary snacks and drinks are available on board, and participants are treated to a celebratory champagne toast. A comprehensive safety briefing precedes takeoff, and headsets ensure clear communication with the guide throughout the flight.
10. Texas Hill Country and LBJ Tour from Austin
This excursion invites participants to immerse themselves in the culture of rural Texas while uncovering its historical narratives. As the birthplace of Lyndon B. Johnson, guests will have the opportunity to visit the former President’s childhood home. Additionally, the tour explores the influence of cowboys and German immigrants on the region, including a visit to Luckenbach, famous for its contributions to country music.
11. Haunted Austin Walking Tour
Numerous cities across the United States boast famous haunted sites, and Austin is no exception. This tour guides participants to some of the most notorious haunted locations in the city, offering insight into its darker past. Guests will learn about historical murder cases, local ghost stories, and folklore. The tour combines well-known attractions with lesser-known haunted locations, ensuring a rich, engaging experience with limited group sizes for more personalized attention.
12. Food Truck Tour in Your Biker Gang
Participate in an excursion led by local bikers that showcases Austin’s eminent sights and food trucks. The tour provides electric bikes, allowing for easy mobility around the city regardless of whether participants possess a motorcycle license. A safety briefing is included, and helmets are available. Attendees will sample culinary delights from famous food trucks while learning about the city’s history at key attractions, including ample opportunities for memorable photo stops. Couples also have the option of a two-seater bike.
13. Shops, Murals & Iconic Places
Embark on a Segway tour through Austin’s distinctive South Congress Avenue, renowned for its array of boutiques, cafés, and thrift stores—a perfect destination for acquiring a piece of Austin’s unique culture. The tour concludes at some of the city’s most iconic murals, providing ideal photo opportunities to memorialize your visit. While the guide selects preferred stores, participants have the liberty to explore the area independently during their free time.
14. The Brunch Bus: Austin Food Tour with Live Band Onboard
Austin’s exceptional brunch scene takes center stage on this tour, which features visits to three establishments that exemplify the multicultural essence of local cuisine. Participants will enjoy a variety of dishes, including tacos, Czech breakfast items, and chicken and waffles—all while enjoying onboard live music. All food and beverages are provided at each venue, and photos taken during the tour will be shared with participants afterwards, serving as a wonderful keepsake of their experience.
15. San Marcos River Adventure Kayak Tour
This tour offers a tranquil escape from urban life, exploring the scenic San Marcos River just outside of Austin. The river meanders through some of Texas’s most stunning landscapes. A qualified guide will assist participants in mastering the essentials of river kayaking, with all necessary safety gear provided. The tour is designed with environmental mindfulness in mind. Though accessible by car or public transport, participants can arrange direct transport from a central location for an additional fee.
