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.

People sitting in open top van on an AO Tour in Austin Texas
Courtesy of AO Tours.

AO 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 105˚ - all while your local guide highlights the must-see areas and a few hidden gems along the way.

ATXcursions

Cool down during the summer season with a tubing excursion from ATXcursions. Each weekend during tubing season, this tour company picks up from the Austin Visitor Center and transports visitors to nearby rivers for an all-inclusive tubing trip. Just pack your swimsuit, sunscreen and any snacks or beverages you'll want during your float! When the weather cools down, keep an eye out for ATXcursions' brewery tours, featuring three local breweries in a comfy, air conditioned (or heated) van).

Austin 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.

Austin Detours

As the largest tour company in Austin, Austin Detours is able to provide 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. They offer more than 20 different tours, 10 team building experiences and 6 charity events.

Austin Duck Adventures

Austin Duck Adventures offers an amphibious tour that includes tours of downtown Austin and beautiful Lake Austin in US 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.

Photo of five young men toasting cans of beer on a Twisted Texas Tour, they are on a patio in front of metal building with sign reading Beer
Courtesy of Twisted Texas Tour.

Capital Cruises

Open water, an electric paddlewheeler and Austins famous 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bat population await on a scenic Capital Cruises tour of Lady Bird Lake. Can't make it during bat season (April-October, roughly)? 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.

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.

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. Email or call the Austin Visitor Center (866-GO-AUSTIN) to learn more.

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!

Looking for more ideas? Browse more Austin tours and find the best option for your family or group.