East Austin Black History Walk Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin's Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan and creation of the "Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city's Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Our guide will meet you by the benches at the front of the building to discuss the history and start the tour. Guests will learn about the history of African Americans in East Austin and the creation of the "Negro District" in 1928 by the City of Austin. We will discuss the historical formation of the neighborhood and the movement of African Americans from throughout the Austin area to East Austin. They will see the African American Heritage Cultural Center's mural dedicated to influential African Americans in Austin. Guests will also engage with the Dedrick-Hamilton House, which was constructed by formerly enslaved persons by the 1890s. It was continuously lived in by family members until the late 20th Century.
Victory Grill
After passing by the Rhapsody Mural guests will learn about the Historic Victory Grill's emergence during the Jim Crow period. They will also learn about the Chittlin Circuit and Austin's African American music history.
What‘s Included
Tour includes walking and learning about the historical significance of African American culture
Options
East Austin Black History Walk Tour
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour with Julia, recommend for anyone visiting Austin!
maryroser622,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the privilege of taking a Black Austin tour with Julia as part of a small team retreat for work. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and very easy to spend time with. Julia did such a great job of leading an engaging tour that will stick with me for sure. In fact, after the work retreat, a friend came to join me for the weekend. As we walked around East Austin, I loved being able to share some history of the neighborhoods and point out interesting buildings and landmarks. Highly recommend!
Things We Didn't Learn in School
JimM455,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were the only 2 people on the tour that day, so we had a private tour. Donovan was our guide that day and he was very personable and knowledgeable. I liked that he made it interactive by asking us questions about people and events. I mentioned to him that a lot of what he said was not taught in school (and both my wife and I went to school in Texas), so I with more kids would be taught what we learned that day so that they could have a more complete view of history in Austin and the U.S.
Austin’s Best Tour
Maria2MD,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00On 12 Jan 2026, by taking the East Austin Black Walking Tours I learned so much about Austin Black history, its leaders, and they’re tremendous impact in shaping and supporting positive change for people of color in Austin, TX. This is a must tour if you want to increase your knowledge of American history and how we are where we are today. Julia, the tour guide was excellent!
Very Informative
263jeffreyi,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Julia was very informative. She did this in a very warm down to earth manner. My questions were nicely responded to. I learned quite a bit and greatly enjoyed Julia's presentation.
Amazing rundown of Black Texas History
248alisiap,,May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was amazing! She was very nice and friendly, and the way she explained the history of Texas was super easy to follow.
Related Experiences
Operated by Black Austin Tours