The 10 Best Tours in Austin

Austin, Texas, is a unique and vibrant city full of adventure, history, and culture. It’s a place where food lovers, music fans, outdoor adventurers, and history enthusiasts can all find something to enjoy.

With a variety of unforgettable tours, here are the top 10 must-do experiences in Austin, each showcasing a different aspect of this lively city’s essence.

Austin Live Music Crawl with Austin Detours

Dive into the heart of Austin’s vibrant music scene with an evening tour that takes you across the city’s most celebrated live music venues. Each stop is a unique experience, showcasing the diverse sounds and stories that earned Austin the title of “Live Music Capital of the World.” You’ll be immersed in the performances of local musicians, providing a rich insight into the city’s musical culture.

This tour is an invitation to become part of Austin’s dynamic musical environment. The soulful tunes and passionate narratives of the artists you’ll encounter will leave a lasting impression. By the end of the night, you’ll carry with you not just memories of melodies but a profound appreciation for Austin’s rich musical heritage.

• Tour Fee: Approximately $50
• Schedule: Sunday to Friday, 7-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8-11 p.m.
• Inclusions: Venue entries, expert local musician guides

BikeTexas Tours – Tour Austin on an e-Bike

Discover Austin in a new and exciting way with an e-bike tour that combines the fun of cycling with the convenience of electric assistance. As you effortlessly navigate through the city, you’ll pass by breathtaking sites like the lush Barton Springs Pool and the iconic Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue. You can easily immerse yourself in the lively essence of Austin.

Whether you’re cruising through energetic city streets or enjoying a peaceful ride by the lake, this e-bike tour offers an enjoyable and accessible way to see the heart of Austin. This tour will appeal to explorers of all ages seeking a memorable adventure.

• Tour Fee: Starts at $69
• Schedule: Daily (except Wednesday), 9:30 a.m.
• Inclusions: e-Bike, helmet, lights, professional guide

Austin Brewery Tours – City Brewery Tour

Experience Austin’s vibrant craft beer scene with a tour that offers more than just a taste of the city’s best brews. Wander from brewery to brewery, each stop presenting a unique flavor profile and an opportunity to learn about the brewing process from the very people who bring these beers to life. This experience isn’t merely about enjoying Austin’s finest beers; it’s about connecting with the culture and the community.

As you explore a variety of beer styles, from the intensity of IPAs to the richness of stouts, you’ll uncover the rich history and passionate community that fuel Austin’s beer revolution. For beer lovers and story seekers alike, this tour is an essential exploration of the flavors and tales that make Austin’s beer scene truly special.

• Tour Fee: Starts at $80
• Schedule: Thursday to Sunday, varying times
• Inclusions: Transportation, tastings, facility tours, option to purchase food.

PubCrawler of Austin

Experience Austin’s nightlife in a unique and lively way with the PubCrawler tour, where you and your friends can pedal through the city on a bar-on-wheels. This exciting journey blends the fun of cycling with the vibrant atmosphere of bar-hopping, offering an adventure you won’t forget. As you move from one popular spot to another, enjoy your favorite beverages and see the city’s nightlife from an entirely new angle.

The sound of laughter accompanies your group as you power the PubCrawler, making stops at some of Austin’s favorite bars along the way. This experience is more than just a night out. It’s an engaging workout, a dynamic party, and an insightful city tour all in one. Perfect for any celebration or a casual fun day out, the PubCrawler ensures a memorable time filled with good cheer.

• Tour Fee: Starts at $39 (Thursday) to $42 (Friday-Sunday)
• Schedule: Thursday to Sunday
• Inclusions: Pedal pub ride, electric assist, BYOB option

Lone Star Riverboat – Bat Watching Sunset Tours

Watching over a million bats soar into the sunset is best enjoyed on a Lone Star Riverboat tour along Lady Bird Lake. The calm waters and the fading light of day set the perfect scene for this natural display at the Congress Avenue Bridge. This spectacle is not just a visual treat but a moment that captures the essence of Austin’s unique natural heritage.

As the day ends, this tour stands out as a peaceful yet thrilling adventure, offering a rare look at the intersection of urban and natural worlds in the heart of Texas. It’s an essential experience for those who love nature and seek to witness one of Austin’s most famous wildlife phenomena up close.

• Tour Fee: Adults $12, Children $7, Under 2s free
• Schedule: March to October, 30 minutes before sunset
• Inclusions: Lake cruise, narration by the captain

Austin Eats Food Tours – Best of Austin Food Truck Tour

Join the Best of Austin Food Truck Tour for a culinary journey that takes you through the heart of the city’s vibrant street food scene. Experience a variety of flavors showcasing the diverse and innovative tastes of Austin. Each food truck stop offers a chance to enjoy unique dishes that mix traditional flavors with modern flair, highlighting the creativity that Austin’s food scene is known for.

As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the dedicated chefs behind these tasty creations, whose passion and stories bring depth to the dining experience. This tour is an exploration of Austin’s rich culinary culture. Discover a world of delicious eats and the vibrant community that supports them, making each bite a memorable part of your Austin adventure.

• Tour Fee: Approximately $85
• Schedule: Most Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Inclusions: Food at each stop, air-conditioned bus, knowledgeable guide

Austin Duck Adventures

Austin Duck Adventures presents a unique journey through the heart of Texas’ capital, combining educational content with entertainment aboard an amphibious vehicle. As it moves from the lively city streets, the tour is filled with laughter thanks to the amusing stories and interesting facts shared by the guides. This seamless blend of city tours and lake adventure provides an engaging experience for all.

The tour’s highlight comes when the vehicle transitions from land to water, offering participants a remarkable view of Lake Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. This change in perspective showcases the beauty and appeal of Austin from a different angle, making for a memorable adventure that appeals to both young and old. The experience not only entertains but also leaves lasting impressions of Austin’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant city life.

• Tour Fee: Adults $30, Kids (3-12) $20, Under 2s free
• Schedule: Daily, varying times
• Inclusions: 75-minute narrated tour

Haunted ATX – Private Hearse Tour

Haunted ATX offers a thrilling journey through Austin’s spooky side in a Cadillac hearse, where bold adventurers can explore the city’s most haunted spots and hear chilling tales. Expert guides share eerie stories at each stop, from the legendary Driskill Hotel to the puzzling University of Texas campus, enhancing the night with a blend of fear and fascination.

As darkness envelops Austin, the tour navigates through shadowy streets, setting a perfect scene for potential encounters with the paranormal. This unique experience invites guests to dive into the city’s mysterious past, offering glimpses into the supernatural. It’s an adventure that combines the thrill of ghost stories with the intrigue of historical secrets, all under the glow of the moon.

• Tour Fee: $100 for first two people, $59 for each additional (up to 6)
• Schedule: Daily (except Monday), 7 and 8 p.m.
• Inclusions: Private hearse ride, ghost stories, knowledgeable guide

Bike and Brew ATX – Austin’s Gem

Experience Austin’s vibrant east side in a unique blend of cycling and craft beer tasting. Riding from one notable brewery to another, you’ll feel the freedom of the open road and the warmth of the sun. Not only will you get to taste a variety of exceptional beers, but you’ll also learn about the craftsmanship that goes into making them.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers who love to explore a city’s culture on two wheels and enjoy the company of fellow beer enthusiasts. As you pedal along with friends old and new, you’ll share in the rich flavors and stories that each brewery offers, creating a bond over the love of biking and beer. It’s a journey that captures the laid-back, yet vibrant spirit of Austin.

• Tour Fee: About $75
• Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, afternoon and evening times
• Inclusions: Bike rental, helmet, brewery visits, tasting flights, souvenir glass

Live Love Paddle – Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Tours

As evening falls, the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Tour with Live Love Paddle becomes the perfect opportunity to witness one of Austin’s most breathtaking natural events. Paddling gently on Lady Bird Lake towards the bridge, participants eagerly await the moment when millions of bats take to the sky. This peaceful kayak journey offers not just a close-up view but also a fresh way to appreciate the city’s wild side.

This captivating experience is further enriched by knowledgeable guides who unveil the secrets of these fascinating creatures of the night. Watching the bats emerge in unison is an unforgettable sight that showcases the delicate balance between Austin’s bustling city life and its rich natural heritage. It’s a captivating experience that allows the wonders of the natural world to take center stage.

• Tour Fee: Starts at $45
• Schedule: Mid-February to late November, seasonal departure times
• Inclusions: Kayak rental, guide, life jacket

Austin’s diverse tour offerings capture the essence of the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re paddling under a bat-filled sky, cycling past iconic landmarks, or tasting your way through the culinary scene, each tour promises memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your spirit of adventure and come explore the unforgettable charm of Austin.