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Things to do in Downtown Austin

Our most recommended things to do in Downtown Austin

Austin: Single or Double Kayak Rental

1. 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: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

2. Austin: 2-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Embark on a 2-hour bike tour of Austin and pedal down to some of the famous spots around downtown and the river front. A local guide will lead you along a route that also takes back streets and hiking trails beloved by locals. Along the way, see why they like to "Keep Austin Weird" in this cultural hub.  The tour begins by going along the famous Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Barton Springs Pool area, and Zilker Park. Then, take a stop at the South Congress Avenue Bridge and learn about the largest urban colonization of bats in North America. From there, head towards the new boardwalk for amazing views of the Austin skyline. See Austin's hottest entertainment district, Rainey Street, and learn how it came to be.  Finish your tour by heading up north to the Texas State Capitol, where you'll be able to go inside and admire the famous rotunda. Take time to snap some photos before cruising back towards the shop along the newly renovated Shoal Creek Trail. The tour ends at the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.

Austin: Electric Bike City Sightseeing Tour

3. Austin: Electric Bike City Sightseeing Tour

Start at the shop and get outfitted to a pedal-assist E-bike. After a quick safety meeting and pre-ride warm-up, head towards the South Congress District and check out many of Austin's most famous murals where you'll have time to stop and snap some photos before heading on to your next adventure. Head towards the new boardwalk and take in the views of the Austin skyline before heading north to check out Downtown Austin. As you enter the downtown area, see some of Austin's most popular entertainment districts including Rainey Street and 6th Street. Continue towards the Texas State Capitol and get a chance to walk inside and check out the famous rotunda. Finish your tour by heading to the University of Texas campus and learn about the school's history. On your way back to the shop, stop at Texas's oldest swimming pool and the gem of Austin, Barton Springs. This natural pool is a recreational outdoor swimming pool that is filled entirely with water from nearby a natural spring and sits at 65 degrees year-round.

Austin: Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure

4. Austin: Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure

Be a part of an e-bike biker gang and see the best sights that Austin has to offer. The electric minibikes are fun and super easy to ride. No license is needed. All you need to know is how to ride a bicycle. Your guide will first give you a briefing and initiation before you begin your adventure. The tour will be filled with facts, fun, and photos opportunities. If you're just visiting the city, then it's a great way to see some of the best sights while you're here. If you're a local, then it's the perfect way to fall in love with the city all over again.

Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide

5. 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, head down to the Food Trucks to end your tour with a tasty treat.

Austin: A Downtown History Walking Tour

6. Austin: A Downtown History Walking Tour

Take a walking tour of downtown Austin with a guide to dive into its history. Hear tales of the infamous red light district, where sex workers, blacksmiths, maids, and porters made their homes. Along the way, discover how Austin became the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. Meet your guide outside the Halcyon Coffee shop and follow them around the buzzing streets of downtown Austin. Step inside the Romanesque-style building of Driskill Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in the city. In the historic setting of The Driskill, learn about the eccentric and heroic Austinites who shaped the city's story. Listen carefully as your guide paints a vivid picture of the past through storytelling. From cowboys to condos, take a walk through the history of Austin, ending in what was once a roaring red light district sprinkled with bars and saloons. Find out how an area that was home to hundreds of prostitutes from the early 1870s, saw its shutdown by moral crusaders in 1913.

Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

7. Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental

Explore the capital of Texas while leisurely paddling Lady Bird Lake and nearby waterways. Perfect for family, friends, or a combination of both, see sights like the towering Congress Avenue Bridge, Barton Springs, Zilker Park, the Statesman Bat Observation Center, and plenty of wildlife. Begin your adventure in downtown Austin to collect your paddleboard. Learn how to mount and maneuver your board and understand the rights of way for river and lake traffic. Then it's time to get into the water, pausing to take a photo of the sweeping city skyline dotted with skyscrapers. Feel the sun on your face as you paddle through the calm lake water of Lady Bird Lake. Stay here to watch for local wildlife along the banks or cruise towards the Colorado River to the Statesman Bat Observation Center and Congress Avenue Bridge to catch a glimpse of the city's large bat colonies. Continue to nearby Barton Springs, a set of four natural water springs located in Zilker Park. Take a break to swim in the crisp water or watch for wildlife like fish, otters, turtles, and birds. Then it's time to head back to return the paddleboards and take one last photo of your adventure.

Austin: Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour

8. Austin: Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour

Find out all about Austin’s history, hauntings, and ghosts on a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a ghostly tour that will keep all the family entertained. Begin your spooky adventure with an introduction to Austin’s haunted past. Then, set off to visit some of the most haunted locations in the city, such as the Driskill, the Texas Governor's Mansion, and the Texas State Capitol. As you walk, hear about the intricacies of Austin’s haunted history and possible explanations for the hauntings.

Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Hotel Pickup

9. Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour with Hotel Pickup

Embark on a full-day tour from select Downtown San Antonio or Downtown Austin hotels through the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. Visit the former home of U.S President Lyndon B. Johnson, also known as LBJ Ranch, explore Fredericksburg, stop by Luckenbach, and end your day at a Texas winery. After pickup at your hotel in San Antonio or Austin, head out of the city toward the famous Texas Hill Country. Make your first stop in Johnson City to visit the home where President Lyndon B. Johnson spent his younger years. Continue on to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and have time to explore LBJ Ranch, also known as the "Texas White House." Be sure to stop by the hangar to see LBJ's plane, and view the many exhibitions on site. From there, head down to the charming town of Fredericksburg, a historic German town. While there, have time to shop at boutique stores and enjoy lunch in the square. Be sure to make time to taste some wine at one of the many wine tasting rooms throughout the town, and check out the fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of the Pacific War. This portion of the tour is flexible and you will have time to explore at your own pace. Afterward, experience the magic and music of Luckenbach, Texas, "where everybody's somebody." Step back in time in this tiny Hill Country Town that was established as a trading post in 1849, making it one of the oldest settlements in Texas. Kick back, relax, and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a town known for exuding the Texas state of mind. Enjoy some good ol' country music before heading back to the city. Finally, end your day traveling through Texas vineyards. Learn about the development of the Texas wine industry and even visit one of the area's award-winning local wineries. Tastings are optional and will be an additional fee. The tour concludes with drop-off back at your hotel in either Downtown Austin or Downtown San Antonio.

Austin: Live Music Crawl

10. Austin: Live Music Crawl

Learn about Austin's incredible music scene on this fun night out with a local entertainer as your guide. Austin has over 270 live music venues, many of which are outside of downtown and tucked into hidden neighborhoods. Let your guide take you on a music adventure to find some of Austin's musical gems. Along the way, your guide will share with you Austin's live music history, get the latest scoop on the current music scene, and see iconic venues and new clubs, all while getting an overview of the city. This live music crawl is led by a local entertainer, making sure you have an expert to show you the way. Jam out to the best music on this 3-hour music experience, where you will visit 2-3 venues, and still be home by 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Downtown Austin

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What people are saying about Downtown Austin

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 168 reviews

Our tour guide, Vincent was great. We were a small group, just me and my boyfriend and our first time in Austin TX. We loved getting to know Vincent and loved his knowledge on the history of Austin’s haunted places! Definitely recommended to visiting and locals

Great tour, covers all the key sights in Austin. Mike, our guide was excellent at explaining how the bikes work and making sure everyone was safe. He was also fun, interesting and gave just the right of information.

Tate (tour guide) was such a homie with a fabulous, vibrant personality. Really fun tour! Felt like we hit all the big spots. 12/10 would recommend & do it again.

This was a nice tour. Nice pace, lots of interesting information shared by Michael. Great way to be introduced to downtown Austin.

Gives you great overview of the city, history and different regions Parker was an awesome guide!