Austin Tours: Sightseeing Options for History, Fun and Culture

Known for diverse culture and outdoor recreation, Austin, Texas, attracts more than 25 million people per year. There are so many attractions and activities that visitors may find it difficult to decide what to do first. To get started, here are some Austin tours perfect for learning more about the area and trying something new.

Austin Tours: Sightseeing for Different Age Groups and Interests

AO Tours – Sites

For an Austin and Hill Country sightseeing tour, join AO Tours. This company offers a 90-minute option that covers 30 miles and 50 sites. AO Tours has delighted guests since 2003, and operates a Mercedes-Benz sprinter that seats up to 14 passengers.

During the tour, expect to see top landmarks. Visitors will also learn about the area’s parks, shopping, lakes and food scene. Those who have more time can book the 2.5-hour tour, which stops at Barton Springs, Mount Bonnell and more sites.

Austin Tours on Segways – Family Sightseeing

Transport Yourself is one of the top Austin tours that occur on a Segway. Perfect for families and small groups, Segways offer the opportunity to see a lot in a short time without walking

Options include the Texas Capitol and architecture, shops and murals, and nighttime bats. Each provide a fun way to learn about Austin’s history and explore what makes the city great. In addition, most tours last two hours and include places for photos.

Austin Detours – Music

Love live music? Then try the Austin Live Music Crawl hosted by Austin Detours. A local musician leads each tour, and guests should expect to see up to three shows in one night.

These live music crawls explore Austin’s thriving music scene, which has more than 250 live music venues. Guides will discuss iconic and new venues while sharing updates on the local music scene. Plus, the tour covers multiple genres — such as rock, blues and indie — and Texas history.

Bike and Brew ATX – 21 and Up

For bicycling and brews, Bike and Brew ATX offers a fun way to experience both. Rides vary so guests can plan the best one suited to their interests and abilities.

Tours range from 3 to 5 miles, and explore the area’s breweries, distilleries and wineries. Visitors will stop at two to three places and enjoy some dining options. Additionally, guests should expect the tour to last three hours with stops throughout Austin and the Hill Country. Austin has more than 20 local breweries.

Lone Star Riverboat – All Ages and Evenings

Lone Star Riverboats has three boats perfect for sightseeing in Austin. These riverboats explore Lady Bird Lake, a.k.a. Town Lake, and occur during the day and evening.

Riverboat cruises accommodate larger groups and measure up to 75 feet. The daytime option lasts one hour year-round. Those visiting from March to October should try the bat-watching tour, which waits for more than a million bats to take flight. Other options include the nighttime moonlight and sunset cruises.

Austin Eats Food Tours – Local Flavor

Foodies can’t get enough of the local food scene. In fact, Wallethub named Austin among the best food cities in the U.S. To sample the best restaurants, Austin Eats Food Tours are a great place to start.

The company hosts two popular options: East Austin Happy Hour and Austin Food Trucks. Each tour lasts three hours and includes food and refreshments at some of Austin’s hottest dining spots. The East Side option stops at a mix of restaurants, and many have been featured in media outlets. The food truck tour explores three neighborhoods and multiple trucks.

Austin Ghost Tours – History and Lore

Haunted ATX offers mobile haunted tours. Vehicles include a public van and private hearse limo, both suitable for small groups. Visitors should expect to see the city’s most haunted sites, including the Tavern, Littlefield House and State Capitol building

Those who prefer a walking ghost tour in Austin should book with Ghost City Tours. The company hosts family-friendly and adult-only options. Other haunted sites include Driskell Hotel, the Governor’s Mansion and Oakwood Cemetery, to name a few.

Twisted Texas Tour – Parties

Ranked among the top Austin tours for local vibes, Twisted Texas Tour combines sightseeing with food, hot spots and photo ops. Guests may even experience some live music and opportunities to win prizes.

Twisted Texas Tours hosts brunch and brew tours via bus or walking. Options last up to four hours, and many have a live band on the bus with passengers. During the tour, visitors will sample seasonal flavors, hear about Austin’s weird history and take photos to remember the occasion.

Start planning a trip and find an Austin vacation rental. Then pick some more fun Austin activities to try with loved ones.