Top Austin Historical Tours

Explore the Texas State Capitol on a small group walking tour that brings Austin’s rich history to life. Led by an expert local guide, this engaging 1 hour and 15 minutes tour covers the Capitol's striking pink granite façade and its grand interiors, including the Rotunda and Senate Chambers. Learn about Texas politics, historical figures, and the unique identity of the Lone Star State as you stroll through the scenic 22-acre grounds, pausing at significant monuments like the Tejano Monument and the African American History Memorial. Perfect for both first-time visitors and locals seeking a deeper appreciation of Texas history. - Small group tour for an intimate and interactive experience - Guided exploration of the Texas State Capitol's architecture and history - Visit historic outdoor monuments and the Capitol Gift Shop - Enjoy a comprehensive tour lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes

Explore Austin via a relaxing open-air pedicab tour. Pass by downtown sites including the Texas State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Pecan Street, Lady Bird Lake, and more. Travel at your own pace on this tour that's individually tailored to meet your group’s interests. Choose between two convenient departure locations or arrange for pickup in front of your hotel.

Hear the historical tales of murder and mayhem that helped make Austin weird on this haunted history tour of Texas's capital city. Join an acclaimed storyteller guide for a group walking tour through Austin's supernatural nooks and creepy crannies, including a tour of the famous Driskill Hotel. The short tour takes place in the evening so you can easily fit it into busy schedules.

Escape busy local buses and see Austin in style, with this private highlights tour. Enjoy the thrill of traveling in an open-top Ford Bronco, and check off lots of key landmarks—such as Lady Bird Lake, the grounds of the Texas Capitol, and Mount Bonnell. Also, as it’s a private trip, you can ask questions throughout and get a more personalized service.

If you want to see more of Austin in less time—without getting jammed into a tour bus—book this e-bike tour perfect for seeing the sights, while enjoying Austin's fantastic weather. Hop on your pedal-assist e-bike, and follow your guide to Austin's famous murals, city landmarks, and University of Texas buildings. Along the way, take in views of the downtown skyline, and visit the Texas State Capitol building.

Head off the usual tourist trail to uncover Austin’s sinister side on this guided walking tour through the city's most haunted and historic sites, covering about 2 miles (3.2 km) of the downtown area. Begin at The Tavern, once a Prohibition-era hotspot and now home to ghosts, before visiting eerie landmarks like the Texas Capitol, Paramount Theatre, and the Driskill Hotel, famous for its haunted bridal suite and lingering spirits. Along the way, hear chilling accounts of the "Servant Girl Annihilator", the UT Tower shooting, and whispers of the modern-day “Rainey Street Ripper.”

Hear stories about Austin’s Old West history and spooky unexplained happenings—and discover many of its most atmospheric drinking dens—on this two-in-one Old West ghost tour and pub crawl. Meet your guide in the evening in central Austin and get ready to explore. Visit multiple bars and historical landmarks over the course of the tour, with a dose of storytelling—and chances to buy drinks—at each stop.

This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin's Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan and creation of the "Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city's Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.

Save on costs without sacrificing quality on this small-group Lake Austin boat tour. Enjoy a social atmosphere as your captain shares insightful commentary and enhances your experience on the water. Cruise past top landmarks such as the Austin Country Club, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, and Tom Miller Dam while you relax and take in the beautiful lakeside scenery.

Explore the eerie side of Austin on a unique haunted tour in a classic Cadillac hearse transformed into a spooky limo. Each night, embark on a 3-hour journey to historic locations known for their paranormal activity, including the Clay Pit and Littlefield House at UT. Guests will enjoy minimal walking while getting out frequently to visit haunted establishments. With complimentary sodas and ice available, guests can also bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy responsibly. This tour is perfect for ages 13 and up, making it an ideal experience for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike. - Tour operates every night at 7 pm - Discover haunted hotspots in Austin with frequent stops for exploration - Enjoy complimentary refreshments; byob if you wish - Minimum of 2 participants required, accommodating small groups up to 6

Discover Austin's live music scene, Texas capital heritage, and BBQ legacy with our self-guided tour, allowing you to explore the Live Music Capital of the World at your own pace. Begin at the Texas State Capitol,. Walk along Congress Avenue to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Explore downtown Austin's 6th Street with 70+ bars and live music venues and the Rainey Street Historic District's converted bungalows. Paddle Lady Bird Lake's 10-mile shoreline trail, swim in Barton Springs Pool's 68°F year-round spring-fed waters, and picnic in Zilker Park's 351 acres. Cross into South Austin's SoCo (South Congress) district with vintage shops, cowboy boot stores, and iconic Austin photo spots. Tour the University of Texas campus including the 307-foot UT Tower, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the Blanton Museum of Art's 21,000-work collection. Feel the fusion of Texas independence, music devotion, and the keep-Austin-weird counterculture that makes Austin America's most unexpected capital.

Explore Austin by traveling along the city’s bike trails during this guided tour. Stop at landmarks such as Barton Springs, the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, Congress Avenue (known for the “Bat Bridge"), and more. You’ll be able to experience Austin from a unique perspective. Plus, you’ll be able to go farther faster thanks to the assistance of an e-bike.

Come join this Austin e-bike biker gang to see the sights and feels the vibes of the crown jewel of Hill County. The e-bikes are fun, easy to ride and best with friends to get around this amazing city. Ride past Austin and Hill County icons including The Driskill (a historic and haunted hotel), Austin City Limits, Town Lake, and much more. Enjoy a dynamic experience in a vibrant city where every ride is different.

In 1885, America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the city of Austin. He came to be known as the “Midnight Assassin,” but his identity remains a mystery. On this guided evening walking tour, explore historic Austin including West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District, plus stop for a drink at the Driskill Hotel, as you learn about his crimes.

The all-new ACL Live Tour experience offers an immersive journey into the legendary Austin City Limits TV series and award-winning music venue. The tour begins with a captivating short film showcasing iconic performances from the longest-running music show in television history. Highlights of the ACL Live Tour include: • Interactive Timeline: Explore 50 seasons of unforgettable performances, complete with behind-the-scenes stories from series producers. • Extensive Photo Galleries: View the work of photographers Scott Newton and Alison Narro, capturing artists from both the TV series and the ACL Live stage. • Original ACL TV Stage Access: Step onto the original ACL TV stage and snap a photo where nearly 1,000 acts—starting with Willie Nelson in 1974—have performed. • Behind-the-Scenes Exploration: Gain exclusive access to rockstar green rooms, backstage areas, and the inner workings of Austin’s award-winning music venue.

Forget the tour bus. Forget getting lost on foot with a phone map and blistered feet. This is Austin by pedicab — you kick back in an open-air ride while a local guide weaves you through downtown's best districts in one seamless loop. We're hitting the essentials: the bat bridge, that iconic SoCo mural, skyline views over Lady Bird Lake. Your guide isn't reading off a script, they live here, they love it here, and they're genuinely fun to ride with. No parking headaches. No sore feet. No guessing where to go next. Just you, a breeze in your hair, and a guide who makes sure you like the VIP you are. Book today

Unlike many city tours, this touris capped at just seven travelers, providing an intimate setting for exploration. Ideal for those who want an immersive sightseeing experience. Stops include Mount Bonnell, the Texas State Capitol Building, the Greetings from Austin Mural, and more. There are plenty of opportunities to take photographs along the way, with panoramic views that can't be seen anywhere else.

Join the search for Austin's 1885 serial killer who targeted vulnerable populations of women. This tour explores the infamous historical murders that threw our city into a state of panic and turmoil. See the locations of the crimes and deep dive into the investigation, suspects, and victims of one of America's most fascinating unsolved mysteries. The unique and controversial theories presented on this tour are expanded upon in our Ripper podcast series- check out Nitty Gritty ATX wherever you get your podcasts.

Just a short drive from Austin is the intriguing history, culture and attractions of San Antonio. Come check it out with a local guide who will take you to some of the best sights of the city, including The Alamo, a river cruise, the Tower of the Americas and Mission San Jose. You'll learn about the city on your drive from Austin and be full of great memories on your drive back.

If you’re looking for the flexibility to take a tour through Austin whenever your group wants to and is ready to go, book this Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. This audio tour gives you hours of stories about history and Texas culture as you ride around to different areas of Austin, including downtown, in the comfort of your own private vehicle. Plus, the easy-to-use app means you can play this audio tour any day at any time.

Guests of all ages are welcome to our Ghosts of Austin tour, combining history with hauntings for a fun and family-friendly outing. After an introduction to Austin's haunted past, we'll visit some of Austin's spookiest locales: the Texas State Capitol, The Driskill Hotel and the Texas Governor's Mansion. As we unearth some of their histories, you'll hear about the ghosts, ghouls, apparitions and phantoms that haunt their grounds. Expect an outing that will make your spine tingle!

Most pub crawls through Austin just take you from bar to bar without providing any city insight, but this Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Experience adds a little mystery to your night out. Follow a guide through Austin at night, taking in sights of popular attractions as you listen to ghost stories of spirits who are said to haunt the area. Along this tour, you’ll stop at four drinking spots, too.

Explore the University of Texas campus like never before in this self-guided puzzle adventure. As a rookie supernatural investigator, you are sent to your alma mater to track down a rogue mage wreaking havoc across UT Austin. Your mission takes you through 13 stops filled with hidden art and mind-bending puzzles. Decode secret messages at a headless statue, follow magical footprints past a saber-toothed cat, and race to stop a dark plot before it unfolds. Discover the real stories behind UT's campus treasures: the 100,000-seat Longhorn stadium, Julius Whittier's legacy, public art from world-renowned sculptors, and the Littlefield Fountain WWI memorial. The route covers 2.8 km with varied terrain and some stairs. Difficulty level: advanced. Best during the day. Start anytime and play at your own pace. Perfect for UT fans, families, and anyone visiting Austin. Download the Questo app, enter your booking code, and head to DKR Stadium to begin.