Visiting Austin for a few hours, and want to see the most you can in a short amount of time? New to town, and want insider access to all things Austin? From guided
walking tours of downtown to a culinary adventure through
Austin's best food trucks, call on these local tour companies to show your around! Find the tour that fits your personality below or view the full list
here.
Austin Duck Adventures
Austin Duck Adventures offers an amphibious tour that includes tours of downtown Austin and beautiful Lake Austin in U.S. Coast Guard inspected, Hydra Terra vehicles. Check out their main tour – 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes
Historic Sixth Street, the
State Capitol Building, the
Governor's Mansion, and Lake Austin.
Capital Cruises
Open water, an electric paddlewheeler and Austin's famous
Mexican free-tailed bat population await on a scenic Capital Cruises tour of
Lady Bird Lake. If you can't make it during bat season (spring-fall), try a sightseeing tour for great views of Downtown Austin from the water or a BYOB sunset cruise (November-February, weather permitting) to fill up on fun history and facts about the capital city.
Lone Star Riverboat
Lone Star Riverboat offers a variety of public tours down Lady Bird Lake, each accompanied by captivating commentary from the captain. Their Bat Watching Sunset Cruise is particularly popular, providing guests with a front-row seat to witness Austin's famous bat colony taking flight at dusk spring through fall. For a relaxing end to the day, the Weekend Sight Seeing Cruise invites guests to unwind in scenic views of downtown Austin as the sun sets.
ATX Beer Bus
ATX Beer Bus offers one of a kind beer tours led by Austin’s only Cicerone, which is the beer version of a wine sommelier. The knowledgeable guide is a local expert and has even judged at the US open beer championship. ATX Beer Bus offers both private and public tours. The public tours are 3 stops with an hour break at each stop.
Austin Eats Food Tours
From secret local favourites to the trendiest dining spots in town, Austin Eats Food Tours showcases Austin’s best dining. Each tour gives participants an authentic taste of the city’s culinary landscape making it ideal for first-time and frequent visitors.
City Brew Tours
Exploring Austin’s craft beer scene is a must for enthusiasts, and the City Brew Tours Austin offers an exceptional way to discover the city’s best breweries. This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to 3-4 top Austin breweries over 3-5 hours. Participants can enjoy tastings of up to 16 local craft beers, accompanied by a paired snack or meal, all guided by a knowledgeable beer expert.
Twisted Texas Tours
Take a ride in their wildly painted bus for an Austin experience you won’t find anywhere else. Join Twisted Texas for their popular Austin Food Tour on the Brunch Bus, featuring visits to several Austin eateries for local specialties such as breakfast tacos, Czech kolaches, and chicken & waffles. And as if that’s not enough motivation to roll out of bed… they bring a live band along for the ride!
Austin Detours
As the largest tour company in Austin, Austin Detours provides one-of-a-kind experiences for groups of 4-400. They balance “bucket list” items (music, food trucks, history, art, etc.) with off-the-beaten-path gems, so that your group can get to know Austin like a tourist and a local.
Double Decker Austin
Enjoy Austin’s only hop-on/hop-off sightseeing and historic double-decker tour. You will learn all about Austin and its rich history while enjoying an awesome view of the city from atop a double-decker bus. You can also self-explore the downtown districts in between stops on the tour.
YourBikerGang.com
Known for its award-winning tours, this company offers an engaging way to experience the city by either e-bike or on foot. Their tours promise a fun and interactive experience, perfect for groups or individuals wanting a deeper look at Austin. The tours are also ideal for large group gatherings, such as corporate events and birthdays, adding a touch of adventure to any celebration.
Austin City Limits Studio Tours
Tour the home of the KLRU-TV produced PBS program, Austin City Limits, the longest-running music series in American television history, see the legendary music photography of Scott Newton & Jim Marshall and more. Tours run Friday to Monday and begin from the ACL Live Venue Box Office located on Willie Nelson Blvd.
Black Austin Tours
Come and learn about the rich history of Austin’s Black community with in-person and virtual tours led by founder Javier Wallace. Visitors explore iconic sites like
Barton Springs Pool and the
Texas State Capitol through a fresh lens, learning stories often left out of traditional narratives. These tours provide a meaningful way to understand Austin’s history and deepen appreciation for the city’s heritage.
Downtown Walking Tours
Experience the wonder of Downtown Austin on foot by morning or night during one of the
Austin Visitor Centre's four downtown walking tours. Their guides are more than just informative, they are expert storytellers who are personable and approachable. They can also help you plan a self-guided tour during your visit.
Nitty Gritty Tours
NGC Tours offers an in-depth look at Austin’s unique history, celebrating the city’s “weirdness,” music, art, and diverse culture through the lens of local guides. Each guide shares their authentic love for the city through storytelling which brings to life Austin’s characters and legendary tales.
Tejano Walking Trail
Step into Austin’s Tejano community with the Tejano Walking Trail, a journey through the heart of the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighbourhoods. This culturally rich trail highlights 24 significant sites and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Take the trail with a local guide every third Saturday, or self-guided at any time.
Looking for more ideas? Browse more
Austin tours and find the best option for your family or group.
Posted by: Visit Austin
Posted on: 18/11/2025