Visiting Austin for a few hours, and want to see the most you can in a short amount of time? New to town, and want insider access to all things Austin? From guided walking tours of downtown to a culinary adventure through Austin's best food trucks, call on these local tour companies to show your around! Find the tour that fits your personality below or view the full list here.
Boat Tours
Back to Top of ListAustin Duck Adventures
Austin Duck Adventures offers an amphibious tour that includes tours of downtown Austin and beautiful Lake Austin in U.S. Coast Guard inspected, Hydra Terra vehicles. Check out their main tour – 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes Historic Sixth Street, the State Capitol Building, Bullock State History Museum, the Governor's Mansion, and Lake Austin.
Capital Cruises
Open water, an electric paddlewheeler and Austin's famous Mexican free-tailed bat population await on a scenic Capital Cruises tour of Lady Bird Lake. If you can't make it during bat season (spring-fall), try a sightseeing tour for great views of Downtown Austin from the water or a BYOB sunset cruise to fill up on fun history and facts about the capital city.
Lone Star Riverboat
Lone Star Riverboat offers a variety of public tours down Lady Bird Lake, each accompanied by captivating commentary from the captain. Their Bat Watching Sunset Cruise is particularly popular, providing guests with a front-row seat to witness Austin's famous bat colony taking flight at dusk spring through fall. For a relaxing end to the day, the Weekend Sunset Cruise invites guests to unwind in scenic views of downtown Austin as the sun sets.
Food Tours
Back to Top of ListAustin Brewery Tours
Austin’s Brewery Tours offers a taste of Austin’s top breweries, including crowd favorites like Jester King, Twisted X, Zilker Brewing, Independence Brewing and more. The breweries visited may vary based on availability, ensuring each tour offers a unique experience. With the slogan "We drive, you drink," guests can relax and savor Austin’s craft beer scene safely and comfortably.
Austin Eats Food Tours
From secret local favorites to the trendiest dining spots in town, Austin Eats Food Tours showcases Austin’s best dining. Each tour gives participants an authentic taste of the city’s culinary landscape making it ideal for first-time and frequent visitors.
Brew City Beer Tours
Exploring Austin’s craft beer scene is a must for enthusiasts, and the City Brew Tours Austin offers an exceptional way to discover the city’s best breweries. This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to 3-4 top Austin breweries over 3-5 hours. Participants can enjoy tastings of up to 16 local craft beers, accompanied by a paired snack or meal, all guided by a knowledgeable beer expert.
Twisted Texas Tours
Take a ride in their wildly painted bus for an Austin experience you won’t find anywhere else. Join Twisted Texas for their popular Austin Food Tour on the Brunch Bus, featuring visits to several Austin eateries for local specialties such as breakfast tacos, Czech kolaches, and chicken & waffles. And as if that’s not enough motivation to roll out of bed… they bring a live band along for the ride!
Sightseeing Tours
Back to Top of ListAO Tours Austin
If you're searching for a tour during your visit to Austin, look no further than AO Tours Austin. Only AO Tours Austin features 30 miles and 50+ points of interest, all in 90 minutes, covering Downtown Austin, a glimpse into the scenic Texas Hill Country and soulful East Austin. Riders get premium views from a Mercedes high-top van with comfortable seats and climate-controlled for rain, shine and warm Texas weather, all while your local guide highlights the must-see areas and a few hidden gems along the way.
Austin Detours
As the largest tour company in Austin, Austin Detours provides one-of-a-kind experiences for groups of 4-400. They balance “bucket list” items (music, food trucks, history, art, etc.) with off-the-beaten-path gems, so that your group can get to know Austin like a tourist and a local.
Double Decker Austin
Enjoy Austin’s only hop-on/hop-off sightseeing and historic double-decker tour. You will learn all about Austin and its rich history while enjoying an awesome view of the city from atop a double-decker bus. You can also self-explore the downtown districts in between stops on the tour.
YourBikerGang.com
Known for its award-winning tours, this company offers an engaging way to experience the city by either e-bike or on foot. Their tours promise a fun and interactive experience, perfect for groups or individuals wanting a deeper look at Austin. The tours are also ideal for large group gatherings, such as corporate events and birthdays, adding a touch of adventure to any celebration.
Walking Tours
Back to Top of ListAustin City Limits Studio Tours
Tour the home of the KLRU-TV produced PBS program, Austin City Limits, the longest-running music series in American television history, see the legendary music photography of Scott Newton & Jim Marshall and more. Tours run Monday through Saturday and begin from the ACL Live Venue Box Office located on Willie Nelson Blvd.
Black Austin Tours
Come and learn about the rich history of Austin’s Black community with in-person and virtual tours led by founder Javier Wallace. Visitors explore iconic sites like Barton Springs Pool and the Texas State Capitol through a fresh lens, learning stories often left out of traditional narratives. These tours provide a meaningful way to understand Austin’s history and deepen appreciation for the city’s cultural heritage.
Downtown Walking Tours
Experience the wonder of Downtown Austin on foot by morning or night during one of the Austin Visitor Center’s four downtown walking tours. Their guides are more than just informative, they are expert storytellers who are personable and approachable. They can also help you plan a self-guided tour during your visit.
Nitty Gritty Tours
NGC Tours offers an in-depth look at Austin’s unique history, celebrating the city’s “weirdness,” music, art, and diverse culture through the lens of local guides. Each guide shares their authentic love for the city through storytelling which brings to life Austin’s characters and legendary tales.
Tejano Walking Trail
Step into Austin’s Tejano community with the Tejano Walking Trail, a journey through the heart of the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods. Spanning 4.9 miles, this culturally rich trail highlights 24 significant sites in a historically Hispanic area and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
Looking for more ideas? Browse more Austin tours and find the best option for your family or group.