Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

Austin , United States of America

Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide

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(2234 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Austin’s favorite “bucket list tour” offers an excellent city overview in just 2 hours. Visit major landmarks, lesser-known gems that only a local would know about, real neighborhoods, and even a sweet treat! Your guide’s in-the-know commentary provides more insight than you could get elsewhere.

You’ll learn all about Austin’s art, music, culture, food, history, parks, famous residents, and how the locals “Keep Austin Weird." By the end of your tour, there is no doubt that you will know why people love Austin. Come as strangers, leave as friends!

Available options

Small Group Guided Tour

What's included

Texas State Capitol

Driver/guide

A 'bucket list tour' of Austin gives you a city overview

Detailed itinerary

Popular Austin spot with bungalows converted to bars and restaurants.

Stop 2 Pass by

Check out the live music venues and popular nightlife spots on 6th Street, better known as "Dirty 6th."

Stop 3

Learn a little about Texas history and when your guide takes you on a brief tour inside the Texas State Capitol building. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and take a moment to snap a few photos!

See the home of the Longhorns.

Great photo opportunity with this iconic piece of street art.

Cruise down South Congress Avenue --the gem of the South Austin neighborhood-- with its many unique local shops, restaurants, and live music venues.

Stop 7 Pass by

Cross over the Ann W. Richards Bridge on Congress Ave (also known as the “bat bridge”) which is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Parking fee is $10.00 for up to 8 hours

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

674 reviews

5★

639

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1,560 reviews

5★

1507

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour departs from the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER located at 103 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time for check in. We are unable to delay the tour for guests who arrive late.

Guests with young children must provide their own car seats and arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour to install them in the van as our guides are not permitted to handle car seats.

Parking is available in the Austin Convention Center Garage which is connected to the Austin Visitor Center. Enter the garage on E 5th St between Red River and Sabine.

The tour runs rain or shine, however we reserve the right to cancel the tour in the event of extreme weather and/or hazardous road conditions that would potentially affect the safety of our guides and guests.

Guests with limited mobility are welcome to bring a wheelchair or portable scooter on board to be folded and placed in the rear of the van. The vans are not equipped with a ramp or wheelchair lift however, so all guests must be able to step up into the vehicle (about 12 inches).

We do not permit animals or pets of any kind. Guests with a service dog MUST contact the tour operator in advance to request approval.

If you have cold or flu-like symptoms or if you are feeling ill in any way, please do not join the tour.

Meeting point

Meet inside the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER

Important notes

Meet at the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER located at 103 E. 5th Street at least 15 minutes before your tour. We are unable to delay the departure or provide refunds for guests who arrive late.

• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
• Due to limitations with our partners, Firearms are prohibited on the tour.

There is no customer parking directly in front of the new Visitor Center. However, metered street parking is available on 5th Street, alongside the Mexic-Arte Museum and across the street (north side of 5th Street). Additional street parking can be found along other nearby blocks, including Congress Avenue, at a rate of $2.40 per hour.

To better accommodate our guests, we have partnered with Frost Bank to offer parking in the Frost Bank Parking Garage at:
401 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78701 (Garage entrance at 406 Brazos & 112 E. 4th St.)

Visitors to the Austin Visitor Center can receive 1 hour and 10 minutes of free parking by scanning a QR code inside the Visitor Center. After the free period, the following rates apply:

Monday–Friday: $3 per additional 20 minutes.
Saturday & Sunday: $9.00 for up to 12 hours.

About Austin

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, vibrant arts community, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a unique blend of Southern charm and progressive culture, Austin offers a dynamic urban experience with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is a historic building and the seat of the Texas government. It features beautiful architecture, a museum, and guided tours.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a large urban park offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and picnicking. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Nature Half-day to full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

South by Southwest (SXSW)

SXSW is an annual festival and conference that celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. It features live music, film screenings, and industry panels.

Entertainment 10 days (typically in March) Varies by event and pass type

Must-Try Local Dishes

Brisket

Slow-smoked, tender beef brisket, a staple of Texas BBQ, often served with sides like coleslaw, beans, and pickles.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without bun

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without tortilla

Pecan Pie

A sweet pie made with pecans, corn syrup, and spices, often served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten, nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Water sports Spa treatments Picnicking Strolling Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

The best times to visit Austin are during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. These periods offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and festivals.

18-32°C 64-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Austin is generally a safe city, but like any major urban area, it has its share of crime. Visitors should take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use reputable transportation services

Getting there

By air

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Austin Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

Capital Metro operates an extensive bus network that serves most of Austin. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but schedules can be limited in some areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown South Congress (SoCo) The Domain

Day trips

San Antonio

130 km (80 miles) • Full day

San Antonio is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, the Alamo, and the River Walk. It offers a mix of history, shopping, and dining.

Fredericksburg

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

Fredericksburg is a charming small town with a rich German heritage, known for its wineries, historic sites, and shopping.

Lake Travis

30 km (20 miles) • Half day to full day

Lake Travis is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking. It offers beautiful scenery and a variety of water-based recreation.

Festivals

South by Southwest (SXSW) • March (dates vary) Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival • October (two weekends) Formula 1 United States Grand Prix • October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Texas State Capitol and other historic sites for a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous live music venues, art galleries, and cultural events.
Take advantage of the city's outdoor recreational opportunities, with numerous parks, trails, and water-based activities.
Try local cuisine, including Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food, as well as a diverse range of international options.
Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be limited in popular areas.