Austin
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Austin

Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Austin: Sunset Bat Watching Kayak Tour

Witness the incredible spectacle of millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from beneath Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. Enjoy the best views from a kayak on the river below to watch one of the city's most celebrated natural attractions. Meet your guide for an introductory paddling lesson, and learn about how the local bat colony made the bridge their home. As you paddle along the waterways towards the bridge, admire the views of Austin's stunning downtown skyline and bridges along Lady Bird Lake, known locally as Town Lake. Once you reach the perfect vantage point, get in position for the best photos as the bats form enormous surreal dancing clouds, and ascend into the night sky. Enjoy the evening glow of the sunset from the water. After witnessing this spectacular display, paddle your way back to the starting point.

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

Explore the capital of Texas on a relaxing single or double kayak adventure. Take your time as you explore the city in either a single or double kayak and check out the views as you float along the calm waters of Lady Bird Lake. Discover multiple man-made outlets that can take you all the way from Congress Avenue Bridge to Barton Springs all while exploring on your own. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the towering sights of Downtown Austin while on the relaxing waters of Lady Bird Lake. A driver's license per kayak will be required when checking in on site. A waiver will also be required and can be filled out at the dock.

Austin: Museum of Ice Cream Admission Ticket

Austin: Museum of Ice Cream Admission Ticket

Taste, play, dance, connect, and imagine in 12 new multi-sensory installations at the Museum of Ice Cream, all while you invigorate your taste buds with many sweet treats along the way. Start your visit with a signature pink lemonade popsicle before being transported into a land of sweets. Explore the Museum of Modern Ice Cream and the Carnival, the Candy Shop, and the Magnet Room. Each installation serves up one-of-a-kind treats, such as pink vanilla soft serve, assorted candies, and pink fluffy cotton candy. Don’t miss the exciting Sprinkle Pool, Banana Forest and Rainbow Tunnel. <

Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Bat Watching

Begin your small group evening tour at dusk on Austin's Lady Bird Lake with a stunning sunset cruise where you will enjoy watching the colorful & changing skyline. If you happen to book our Scenic Austin Night Tour between March and October, you are in luck because this is the very best time to witness Austin's world-famous Congress Avenue Bridge Bats! Join your guide on a bat watching excursion to witness fabled Mexican (or Brazilian) Free-Tailed Bats take flight from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge where an unimaginable large colony of 1.5 million bats reside—one of the biggest colonies of urban bats in the world! With speeds of 60 miles per hour, flying across the colorful evening sky, you will be awestruck & delighted at the sight of these bats with their fascinating and erratic flight patterns. Next, hop back into one of our air-conditioned Mercedes Metris vans to enjoy a narrated driving tour with stops at several iconic landmarks. Your guide will narrate and provide ongoing highlights and local insights about the surrounding area along the drive. You will get the opportunity to stop at several places to get the best views of the city including; Pfluger Bridge a beautiful pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, view beautiful historic homes at the Bremond and Rainey Street Historic Districts, the vibrant South Congress Street, and pass by the iconic Welcome to Austin Mural - beautifully illuminated at night. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your Downtown Austin hotel. Experience the fantastic culture and friendly locals of Austin and reserve a spot with us today!

Austin: Lake Austin Guided Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading

Austin: Lake Austin Guided Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading

Admire the natural beauty of Lake Austin on a relaxing, narrated tour. Enjoy a fun and affordable way to experience the lake with other passengers without renting an entire boat. This popular and scenic 22-mile public lake known for its clear, constant-level water is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Austin. As you cruise around the lake, you'll see privately-owned luxury waterfront and cliffside homes, and popular shoreside restaurants. The tour itinerary also includes other main highlights: The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria This Italian-style lakeside villa built in 1916 was home to Clara Driscoll, a philanthropist who was instrumental in the preservation of the Alamo. Today the 14 acre site is home to The Contemporary Austin and is comprised of an outdoor sculpture park, the Laguna Gloria art museum and an art school. Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife This 35-acre wildlife preserve located on Lake Austin's waterfront is a refuge for rare, endangered or threatened species and is open to the public through guided tours. While out on the water, you may even catch sight of Austin's own world champion wake surfers, Ashley Kidd and Raleigh Hager. This activity is ideal for individual travelers, couples, and small groups or families! Bottled water is provided.

Austin: Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl

Austin: Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl

Explore the live music capital of the world on a tour that offers an unrivalled experience of the city's vibrant history and musical culture. Stroll along 6th Street, where every corner echoes with melodies that have shaped Austin into a globally recognized music hub. Your expert guides will bring to life the stories and sounds that have woven the fabric of Austin's cultural identity. Enjoy an evening where history and live music intertwine, creating a unique and immersive tour experience. Each night on this tour is a new adventure, a chance to experience the dynamic rhythms and storied past of Austin. Embrace the city's musical essence and uncover the reasons behind its prestigious title. This is a 21+ tour, please remember that Texas is not an open container state, so drink responsibly. As the saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint!”

Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide

Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide

Experience all that Austin has to offer on this 2-hour city overview. This 'bucket list' tour will take you to see major landmarks, lesser-known gems that only a local would know about, real neighborhoods, and of course, the food trucks! Ride in-style in an air-conditioned Mercedes Van, with many stops where you can get out, stretch your legs, and explore. Your local Austin guide will share with you stories about art, music, culture, food, history, parks, famous people, and much more. Discover secret spots, hear funny stories, and decipher local legends. Make new memories and laugh a ton as you learn why Austin is known for its motto, 'Keep Austin Weird'. Along with seeing all the top sites, get an opportunity to tour the State Capitol. Learn a little about Texas history and see the beautiful architecture throughout the Capitol. After your guided Capitol tour, enjoy a sweet treat on us!

Austin: Wonderspaces Interactive Art Exhibition Entry Ticket

Austin: Wonderspaces Interactive Art Exhibition Entry Ticket

Book your tickets to Wonderspaces Austin and discover a rotating selection of interactive and multimedia art installations in the heart of Austin. Engage your senses and provoke thought as you interact with contemporary art by artists from around the world in innovative ways. Immerse yourself in dynamic and engaging artworks that often incorporate elements like projection mapping, AI, and hands-on participation. Experience a show that typically changes its exhibits periodically, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to see. Making art more accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience, Wonderspaces encourages visitors of all ages to explore and interact with the artwork. Purchase signature cocktails and mocktails from the bar during your visit.

From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

Meet your guide in downtown Austin at the visitor center, then board your shuttle bus for the day and head out into the sprawling Texan countryside. The first stop of the day is Austin’s most famous BBQ joint, Salt Lick BBQ. At the BBQ, enjoy a tasting session of some of the very best meat and food that Texas has to offer, and soak up this friendly atmosphere. The tour does not include the cost of the tasting. It's recommended to budget $35 per person for your meal, however, you can bring your own alcohol to enjoy with your food. After the BBQ, you'll wind through the hills and stop at two different wineries so that you can sample delicious Texas wines - all while taking in those gorgeous hill country views.

Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

From cowboys to condos, journey through Austin’s rich and storied past on this immersive walking tour. Begin outside Halcyon Coffee and explore what was once a rowdy vice district before its transformation in 1913. Stroll through downtown’s vibrant streets and step inside the historic Driskill Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Austin. In its grand Romanesque-style halls, hear captivating stories of the eccentric and visionary figures who shaped the city’s history. Along the way, discover how Austin became the city it is today, from its deep musical roots to the quirky culture that inspires the phrase “Keep Austin Weird.” Learn about the local legends, artists, and free spirits who have left their mark on the city. Recommended for ages 13+ due to some mature historical themes. The tour lasts 2 hours and covers 1.1 miles, with limited opportunities to sit. Restrooms are available at the starting point and near the end of the tour. If you need the guide to use a voice amplifier at every stop, just let them know upon arrival.

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What people are saying about Austin

Overall rating

4.7
(413 reviews)

I was enthralled with all that I learned about Austin during this tour! Not only seeing the sights, but learning about Austin (and Texas)’s history made the tour much more enjoyable. Doug was a great tour guide, interactive with everyone and quite a comedian. I appreciated how he gave us some time to explore important monuments ourselves. Nice to hear his Spanish as well, very smart and inclusive of him! Would definitely recommend!

Had an amazing experience with Tripshepherd on a tour of San Antonio! The company is excellent, and the staff is top-notch. Guides Mike and Bill were exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and made the tour both fun and informative. Will definitely use this company again and highly recommend their tour of San Antonio from Austin for anyone visiting !

Mollie was absolutely wonderful. She has a great deal of knowledge regarding the Austin area. We live here and were able to learn new things to do and restaurants to visit. Mollie told us that she runs a tour on S. Congress so we are looking forward to take that next.

it was a very nice and informative time. the guide was obviously passionate about Western history and took her time to explain.

Guides were great, and I especially appreciated the kid-friendly and vegetarian-friendly options for the tour!