Top Austin Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Get a comprehensive overview of Austin on this sightseeing tour. See famous landmarks along with hidden gems, real neighborhoods, and food trucks. Learn about Austin's history and culture with commentary from your guide and hear fun facts about the city that even the locals don't know. Plus, choose a morning or afternoon departure to easily fit this tour into your schedule.

Getting out on Lake Austin doesn’t require booking a private boat. This shared BYOB cruise offers a more budget-friendly way to enjoy the water, with a captain to handle the navigation. Glide through the Texas Hill Country, passing waterfront homes and green shoreline, while you relax onboard, take in the views, and enjoy the convenience of the onboard coolers.

Avoid traffic and swap busy city sightseeing tours for something a bit more peaceful—a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Austin. This tour showcases views of Mount Bonnell, Mr “Alright, Alright, Alright’s” Lake House, and a place nicknamed “Little Venice” with luxurious mansions. Ride in a comfortable pontoon boat equipped with a cooler and ice, so you can BYOB and enjoy a laid-back ride on the lake.

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 the hordes of bats that fly through Austin each night but don’t want to do so from the Congress Avenue Bridge, book this Downtown Austin Sunset and Bats Kayak Tour that lets you view the bats and the beautiful sunset from the water. A guide leads you and others out in your kayaks and knows the best areas to stop for viewing. Plus, all necessary equipment is provided for you.

Ideal for foodies and hungry visitors, this Austin food tour lets you explore the city’s culinary scene without hours of research. Join a guide and small group to sample numerous foods—from barbecue brisket to Austin-style breakfast tacos and even an Italian cannoli. Choose from two areas: downtown or South Congress, and discover some of the city’s popular sights and attractions as you stroll the streets.

Discover the beauty of Lake Austin with ease, thanks to this scenic boat adventure. Instead of encountering expensive bar tabs, you can benefit from the flexibility of a BYOB experience, so you can bring your favorite drinks with you. On board, enjoy plenty of amenities, including an ice cooler, bottled water, and a speaker to play your favorite tunes.

Many of the bat tours that set out on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are filled with so many people, it can be hard to see where your guide is leading you, but not with this Austin Bats Sunset Small-Group Kayak Tour. This tour sets out at sunset with just 12 for a more intimate experience. Take in views from your kayak of the Mexican free-tailed bats as they fly above Congress Avenue Bridge.

Experience Austin's live music scene on a tour led by a guide. Visit as many as three iconic clubs and up-and-coming venues and enjoy hearing live music with a group of fun fellow travelers. Don't get caught listening to cover bands, listen to authentic music in one of the world's music capitals.

Most boat tours on Lake Austin are aboard loud, stinky gas-powered pontoons or motorboats—and with summer temperatures easily reaching past 100°F (38°C), they can also be stifling. Treat yourself to a more serene and comfortable experience on this hour-long private cruise in an electric Duffy boat. Enjoy panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of waterfront mansions from the fully enclosed, climate-controlled glass cabin.

Enjoy a half-day experience filled with barbecue and wine without having to get behind the wheel after drinking with a wine country and barbecue shuttle from Austin. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit two popular wineries, where you can taste locally produced wines at your own expense, and the Salt Lick BBQ.

This is our star tour, showing the very best speakeasy bars Austin has to offer—each with its own unique theme. We begin right at sunset at a hidden speakeasy disguised as a travel agency just outside downtown. This tiki-themed venue features vibrant, exotic décor, theatrical drinks, and unmatched creativity. From there, we head to a hidden luxury speakeasy tucked inside a casual Mexican restaurant, where the atmosphere and décor are breathtaking and the aesthetic alone is enough to consider this location one of Austin's best speakeasies! We then journey through the heart of downtown, sharing Austin’s rich history while passing landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol and the famously haunted Driskill Hotel. Then we slip into an exclusive speakeasy—accessible only by invitation—hidden in a back alley behind the Driskill. Intimate and luxurious, it serves some of the most unforgettable cocktails you’ll ever taste. This isn’t just a tour—it’s Austin’s ultimate speakeasy experience.

Experience the heart and personality of Austin on this guided food tour through South Congress (SoCo), one of the city's most iconic and energetic neighborhoods. Combining delicious local flavors with Austin's famous creative spirit, this tour takes travelers beyond the typical sightseeing experience and into the culture that makes SoCo a must-visit destination. Sample Austin favorites such as tacos, BBQ, food truck specialties, sweet treats, and local beverages while discovering colorful murals, quirky shops, historic landmarks, and the unmistakable "Keep Austin Weird" atmosphere. With a local guide leading the way, you'll enjoy an easy-paced walking experience that blends great food, local stories, street culture, and authentic Austin character, making it ideal for first-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, families, and small groups.

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.”

Discover one of Austin’s coolest and most surprising spaces by reserving an admission ticket for the interactive Museum of Illusions. See more than 50 immersive illusion rooms that skew reality in mind-bending ways. Take fascinating photos and make fun memories with friends or family as you experience unique art and learn about the science behind the illusions.

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.

Discover the ins and outs of a working 3D printing facility during this small-group, hands-on tour of re:3D. Tour a studio founded by former NASA employees and learn about their social mission to innovate alternatives to recycling plastics. Tours include one take-home 3D-printed rocket per group.

Explore the natural beauty of Austin on this thrilling Segway adventure. Glide through historic downtown while soaking in the sights and sounds of the city. This guided tour not only offers a unique way to experience the city but also provides insights into its history and fun facts that will enhance your adventure. Perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, this tour lets you enjoy Austin's landscapes in an exciting way. - Guided tour showcasing Austin's beautiful historic landmarks including the Sate Capitol. - Experience unique outdoor scenery while riding a Segway - Perfect for adventure lovers and those seeking a fun experience - Learn about the history and culture of Austin from expert guides this tour is about 4 miles of riding and lasts up to 2 hours.

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

One of the best ways to see Austin’s famous bat colony is from the water, and this guided kayaking experience makes it easy. Avoid the hassle of sourcing equipment or figuring out where to go, with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets included. Led by a guide, the trip takes you directly to the best spots for watching the bat colony departure—with no research or planning required.

Your tour will be led by a foodie. These tours have been validated and enjoyed by your guide and your guide wants to share what is delicious about Austin. Bring an appetite and your walking shoes. This will be a fun experience that will leave you ready to make reservations with each restaurant.

Cruise Lake Austin on a private pontoon party boat reserved exclusively for your group, with time to swim, float, relax, and enjoy your favorite drinks on the water. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, graduations, and fun lake days with friends and family. Enjoy a spacious, comfortable ride with an experienced, boat safety–certified captain, full or partial overhead shade, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your group’s pace. Anchor in a calm cove to swim and lounge on the included Aqua Lily Pad, or cruise past the Pennybacker Bridge, waterfront homes, and popular lakeside spots. Lake Austin’s constant water level provides ideal conditions for swimming and floating, while the private boat setting lets you play music, socialize, and celebrate without sharing space with other guests. Bring your own beverages and snacks and enjoy a relaxed, customizable lake experience just minutes from downtown Austin.

Approximately 45 minutes southwest of Austin lies the Driftwood/Wimberley area of the Texas Hill County. Here, you'll find rustic charm, winding roads, rolling hills, and amazing wine. You'll travel in a Mercedes Sprinter van and friendly local guide with a maximum of 10 people. Sample the wines and soak in the ambiance at three award-winning wineries (tasting fee not included.) Tour is 4.5 hours, leaving at 1:30, returning at 6 pm.