Overview
Skip searching for best things to do in Austin, and let real locals show you the best of the city's rich culture and history, with a little bit of that famous Central Texas Hill Country. This signature Austin tour covers 30 miles, 50+ points of interest, in 90 minutes (1.5 hours) NON-STOP. (Route subject to change due to closures.)
You'll get to see iconic places such as the Texas Capitol, as well important cultural areas like the Six Square District in East Austin. Sit back and relax in the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van as you explore the city and head into hill country. Even lifelong Texans can't believe these rolling hills and greenery are in their own state!
Read the What to Expect section below to learn about the places you'll pass by as your Austinite guide gives you anecdotes and ideas for how to enjoy the rest of your trip in this counterculture capital. For those who want to get out and explore, consider the 2.5-hour version of this tour with stops along the way!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Narrated tour with a combination of live commentary and scripted content
Signature PinkTag Partner Souvenir luggage tag
Tour in a luxury air conditioned vehicle
Whistle-stop, Austin in a nutshell, comprehensive city overview
Downtown hotel pickup and drop-off is not included when booked as a private tour
State required child safety seat for infants & young children
Gratuities
Parking fees
Food and Beverage not included, but you can bring your own food/beverage
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The tour departs from the Austin Visitor's Center at 602 E 4th St, Austin.
The parking garage entrance is at 601 E 5th St, Austin, the same building as the Austin Visitors Center.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Check-in with your guide outside the Visitors Center
Should you need to communicate with us please call or text 512.659.9478
What to expect
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AO Tours Austin
20 min
Meet at the starting point for our tours.
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2nd Street District
20 min
2nd Street District centers around Austin’s best mix of local retail, restaurants, living and entertainment. It’s a vibrant area of walkable downtown shopping, dining and enjoyment.
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Willie Nelson Statue
20 min
Get a look at the Willie Nelson Statue on Willie Nelson Blvd (formerly 2nd St).
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The Moody Theater
20 min
See where Austin City Limits is filmed!
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Austin City Hall
20 min
Check out Austin's City Hall, constructed in 2004.
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Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching
20 min
It wouldn't be a trip to Austin without going over the Bat Bridge. From March to September, you'll find people flocking to watch as the bats put on a memorable show in the sky.
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Long Center
20 min
The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts venue located along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Texas.
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Palmer Events Center
20 min
The Palmer Events Center is a multi-purpose venue nestled next to Butler Park with a gorgeous view of downtown.
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Auditorium Shores Dog Park
20 min
You'll see plenty of dogs enjoying their time in this off-leash dog park along Lady Bird Lake.
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Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
20 min
We'll pass by the Colorado River, Texas's longest river.
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Zach Theatre
20 min
See the Zach Scott Topfer Theatre, the oldest continuously active theater company in Texas!
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Green Mesquite BBQ
20 min
This local favorite was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives show on the Food Network.
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Chuy's
20 min
Hear about how Jenna Bush almost got in trouble at this restaurant once upon a time!
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Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
20 min
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum is home to the largest collection of American sculptor Charles Umlauf's work.
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Barton Creek
20 min
Feel a sense of calm looking out as this spring-fed creek that feeds into Lady Bird Lake.
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Barton Springs Pool
20 min
Pass by one of Austin's most beloved attractions, and popular spot to cool off in the warmer months by locals and tourists alike.
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Zilker Metropolitan Park
20 min
Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most-loved park." This 351-acre metropolitan park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities, facilities and special events for individuals and families.
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Wild Basin Preserve
20 min
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve consists of 227 acres of native Texas Hill Country habitat west of Austin, Texas in Westlake Hills. The preserve maintains 2.5 miles of hiking trails.
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Austin Country Club
20 min
Golfers will appreciate a glimpse of this private golf course, situated within the Austin Country Club, founded in 1899.
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Pennybacker Bridge
20 min
The Percy V. Pennybacker Jr. Bridge in Austin, Texas, is a through-arch bridge across Lake Austin which connects the northern and southern sections of the Loop 360 highway, also known as the "Capital of Texas Highway." The road is widely considered one of the most scenic urban drives in Texas, in large part due to this arched weathering-steel bridge and the rolling hills that flank the road.
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Lake Austin Boulevard
20 min
Lake Austin
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Bull Creek District Park
20 min
Bull Creek
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Mount Bonnell
20 min
Mount Bonnell, also known as Covert Park, is a prominent point alongside the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s. The mount provides a vista for viewing the city of Austin, Lake Austin, and the surrounding hills.
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
20 min
Austin Modern Art Museum
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Westwood Country Club
20 min
Private club
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Mayfield Park
20 min
Keep your eyes peeled for peacocks! Mayfield Park and Preserve is an island of restful respite located in the middle of Austin, Texas. Mayfield Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This entire estate was presented to the city of Austin in 1971 by Mary Mayfield Gutsch for all Austinites to enjoy as a park.
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Clarksville District
20 min
Historic Freedmen's Community
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Austin High School
20 min
Among many of the surprising landmarks you get to see, this is the oldest high school west of the Mississippi.
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Seaholm Power
20 min
Seaholm Power Plant
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Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library
20 min
Austin Public Library
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Austin City Hall
20 min
Pass by the "Frontside"
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Halcyon
20 min
Coffee Shop in Warehouse District
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Cedar Street Courtyard
20 min
Warehouse District
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Oilcan Harry's
20 min
Warehouse District
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Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
20 min
Warehouse District
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Mexic-Arte Museum
20 min
Historic Congress Ave
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The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
20 min
Modern Art Museum
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Texas State Capitol
20 min
Texas Capitol
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University of Texas at Austin
20 min
UT Main Campus
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Texas State Cemetery
20 min
See historically significant figures final resting place.
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French Legation State Historic Site
20 min
French Legation
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Moonlight Towers
20 min
Historic towers around town
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The Driskill
20 min
Historic hotel on Brazos St
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6th Street
20 min
Famous entertainment District
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Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
20 min
downtown walking trail
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Lady Bird Lake
20 min
downtown lake
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Texas Military Forces Museum
20 min
Texas National Guard Base & Museum
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Republic Square
20 min
city park
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Texas Governor's Mansion
20 min
governor's mansion
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LBJ Presidential Library
20 min
LBJ Library
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Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
20 min
UT Stadium
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The Blanton Museum of Art
20 min
art museum
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Texas Science & Natural History Museum
20 min
natural history museum
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Bass Concert Hall
20 min
performing Arts
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Harry Ransom Center
20 min
museum
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Bullock Texas State History Museum
20 min
museum
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Oakwood Cemetery
20 min
cemetery
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O. Henry Home & Museum
20 min
museum
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Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum
20 min
museum
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- As of 05/04/2020 – We are offering tours by reservation only. We are taking the following steps to protect the health of our employees and guests: 1.We are requiring that our guides provide their temperature each day, and they will not be allowed to report to work if ill in any way. 2.We have increased the frequency of our cleanings. We are now fully sanitizing the vehicles after each tour. 3.We are asking passengers to not join us if they currently are ill or if they have had any Covid-19 symptoms with in the last 3 weeks. 4.We will be asking all passengers to make a health declaration stating they’re healthy by signing a waiver that will be sent to you by email. 5.We will be using infrared thermometers to check all passenger temperatures before they board the vehicle. We will ask anyone with a fever or high-temperature to please leave the area immediately, and we will contact them about rescheduling at another time. 6.We are requiring that both our guides and and guest wear masks at all times (this includes the time outside the vehicle waiting to board). 7.Guides will be providing hand sanitizer to each guest as they board the vehicle so that nobody is grasping handles or seat belts with unclean hands as they board and get seated. We reserve the right to reschedule or refuse admittance (without refund) if you can’t comply with requirements 3 through 7. These requirements must be followed to insure the safety of our passengers and guides.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour
Can I cancel Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour 30 min.
Where does it start?
The tour departs from the Austin Visitor's Center at 602 E 4th St, Austin.
What's included?
- Narrated tour with a combination of live commentary and scripted content
- Signature PinkTag Partner Souvenir luggage tag
- Tour in a luxury air conditioned vehicle
- Whistle-stop, Austin in a nutshell, comprehensive city overview
What's not included?
- Downtown hotel pickup and drop-off is not included when booked as a private tour
- State required child safety seat for infants & young children
- Gratuities
- Parking fees
- Food and Beverage not included, but you can bring your own food/beverage
Which places does it visit?
It visits AO Tours Austin, Willie Nelson Statue, The Moody Theater, Austin City Hall, Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching, Long Center, Palmer Events Center, Auditorium Shores Dog Park.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by AO Tours Austin
