Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Rainey Street Historic District
Popular Austin spot with bungalows converted to bars and restaurants.
6th Street
Check out the live music venues and popular nightlife spots on 6th Street, better known as "Dirty 6th."
What‘s Included
Texas State Capitol
Driver/guide
A 'bucket list tour' of Austin gives you a city overview
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Parking fee is $10.00 for up to 8 hours
Options
Small Group Guided Tour
Reviews
2,270 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not to be missed
Roy L,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great 2 hour tour that touches on many of the highlights of Austin. You will definitely not want to miss the stop at the capitol. We were lucky enough to be on the tour that was led by Joel.
Austin highlights
Erin A,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Luke knew so much about Austin and the small neighborhoods. Knowledgeable and funny! I would highly recommend this tour.
Great tour
Janice T,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Learn much about Austin!! Driver was very knowledgeable and made the ride entertaining. It’s a must!!
Austin is Wierd (in the very best way)
inconfidence,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous blend of history and local culture with excellent dining and entertainment information. Great Guide!!!
Jax was great, this was...
Hilda O,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jax was great, this was my first guided tour, would definitely do again, great to do at the start of your visit to Austin.
Great tour and prep for our stay in Austin
Steve M,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An awesome overview and tour of Austin. Sets us up for success on where to go and things to do. Ask for Jacqueline Washington. She’s the best.
This is the perfect tour...
Brooke D,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is the perfect tour to do when you arrive in Austin. We got a good feel for the city, ideas on what to do next and learned some fun facts. It was a great length/pace for our kids and the Austin Visitors Center was easy to find and good location for heading out to explore after the tour.
Excellent overview of Austin
ONAT A,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We took the small group driving tour. It was a very informative and fun ride in a van hitting most of the places you would like to see. Ike was a very experienced, fun and knowledgeable guide, telling us stories and giving important hints about the city. It is easy to see both sides from inside the van. There are two stops, a longer one at the congress building and a shorter one in front of the famous mural. We really enjoyed it!
Great tour guide!
Karen H,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So valuable! Our guide, Trace, was very thorough and I learned so much about the recent history of Austin. He was fun and informed and had a deep knowledge of Austin. And he was the highlight of our trip! Thank you Trace!!!
The Real Austin Tour
MrsBigD2008,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ike was our guide today. He was great!
From US$49.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Austin Detours LLC