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Get the iconic sights mixed with the unexpected on this offbeat Austin tour!
This tour gives you the behind-the-scenes stories on the heart and soul of Austin’s music scene; the local heroes like Janis Joplin and Matthew McConaughey; and a few of the ghosts who still roam our buildings and streets. Throughout the tour, we will cover roughly 25 attractions and points of interest that include the Bat Bridge,South Congress (SoCo), Pemberton Castle, Austin State Hospital, and the Governor’sMansion & Capitol, among others.
This tour is great if you want to know more about how the eccentric history of Austin influences our daily life. Our guides, who are all locals, share the city’s grassroots beginnings, myths and legends, and heartfelt tales of the figures who made Austin such a proudly offbeat place in the heart of Texas.
Throughout the tour, we will cover roughly 25 attractions and points of interest that include the Bat Bridge, South Congress (SoCo), Pemberton Castle, Austin State Hospital, and the Governor’s Mansion & Capitol, among others.
Stop to learn about the spiritual side of Barton Springs
We make a quick stop to explore the beauty of Barton Springs Pool and its healing spiritual waters that burst up through the limestone once upon a millennia ago.
While the popular water springs (and creek from which they flow) are named after the frontiersman William Barton and his family, the history and spirituality of this area belongs to the Native American tribes who inhabited the grounds for thousands of years. Learn more from your guide about the water’s metaphysical powers, and the moonlight swims that still happen in this popular recreation area of Austin located inside Zilker Park.
Check out Pease District Park and Pease Mansion
Expect tales of drum circles and a prancing donkey (the annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party is hosted here) from your guide. You’ll also get to learn more about the history of the Pease Mansion, which was completed in 1853 and the home of the eponymous governor and his family for four generations. Today, the grounds are usually bustling with University of Texas students and locals looking to unwind.
Enjoy stops at local favorites
Along the way, we will make sure to stop at places for you to get those Instagram pictures and stories in! Examples of places we go include the Greetings from Austin mural, Quack’s Bakery, the Driskill, and Texas State Cemetery. Expect to hear plenty of entertaining stories of ghosts, hippies, and yes, even about Austin’s local favorites Willie Nelson, Matthew Mcconaughey, Janis Joplin, Gary Clark Jr., Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including our convertibles! You won’t miss any views in our Mercedes-Benz panoramic sprinter. In our unique vehicle you get 360-degree angles of the city sights, and have plenty of opportunities to snap photos with your friends or family. Who knows, you may even spy famous locals along the way!
As a family business, AO Tours strives to hire professional guides with enthusiasm and deep knowledge on the state capital of Texas. Depending on the tour, you may be with an actor, a comedian, or local resident who can tell you the best places to eat, where to catch a live show, or where to get off the beaten track. Each tour is a little different than the next thanks to this group, who you can learn more about here.
Online ticket purchases are refundable up to 24 hours before tour time, and reservations may be changed to another date and/or time (subject to availability).
For Students, Seniors 55+, Military, and Convention Tag Holders – Must present ID upon arrival.
1. Wild About Music located at 615 Congress Ave. (Click link to open in map)
Wild About Music is a Art and Gift Gallery located on the East side of Congress Ave.
2. The Austin Visitors Center is located at 602 East 4th St. (Click link to open in map)
Child safety seats must be provided by parents whose children legally require them. Please see the laws at the follow link: Texas Department of Safety
There must be at least one adult over the age of 18 with each party that includes a child.
We do allow service animals, but we ask that you give us prior notice to allow for us to accommodate you safely. Non-service animals are not allowed without prior authorization by Mary Davidson – AO Tours Austin Owner.
Take our most in-depth Austin city tour and get the pink luggage tag that gets you discounts all over town. Learn More
You won’t miss any views in our Mercedes-Benz panoramic sprinter. In our unique vehicle you get 360-degree angles of the city sights, with a retractable roof that’s easy to open and close, making for a unique and comfortable way to see all of Austin’s city architecture. Check out our photos and videos to get a better sense of the experience!
English only at this time – More options coming soon!
Private tours with a translator can be arranged with advanced notice, please contact us for more info.
The Austin tour route may be modified because of traffic, construction, weather, parades, and sporting events.
Request for special accommodations will be addressed by management. Special arrangements may require as long as 72 hours’ notice to secure.
Austin Overtures Corporation retains the right to remove customers from our group tours for reasons that impact on the enjoyment or safety of other tour members, such as, but not limited to, unsocial or unruly behavior, or the carriage of prohibited substances and materials.
602 E. 4th Street (Austin Visitors Center)
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to check-in and board.
NOTE: Seats are subject to resale if we have not heard from you or you are not checked-in 15 minutes prior to departure. Our tours depart on schedule – Thanks!
