Welcome to the Austin Welcome Center, your guide to Austin’s top attractions, sightseeing tours, live music, outdoor adventures, and local experiences. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a weekend getaway, discover everything that makes Austin one of Texas’s most exciting destinations.
Explore downtown Austin, tour the historic Texas State Capitol, experience the nightlife of Sixth Street and Rainey Street, or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. From watching the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats to discovering South Congress Avenue’s unique shops and restaurants, there’s something for every traveler.
Browse Austin sightseeing tours, explore our visitor guides, and find the perfect experiences for your next Austin adventure.
Explore Austin with Guided Sightseeing Tours
Discover Austin’s most popular attractions, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures with guided experiences designed for every interest. From downtown sightseeing to sunset bat watching, find the perfect way to explore the Live Music Capital of the World.
- 🚍 Austin Sightseeing Tours – Explore the Texas State Capitol, downtown landmarks, and scenic Lady Bird Lake with knowledgeable local guides.
🦇 Austin Bat Watching Tours – Experience the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats from the water on seasonal kayak, paddleboard, and boat excursions.
📸 Austin Food Tours – Discover scenic viewpoints, historic architecture, and some of Austin’s most photogenic locations.
🚶 Austin Walking & Cultural Tours – Experience local history, street art, music heritage, and distinctive Austin neighborhoods on foot.
Browse Austin Tours & Experiences to compare available guided activities and plan your visit.
Explore Austin with Expert‑Led Sightseeing Tours
Make the most of your trip with our curated selection of Austin tours:
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🚍 City Tours – See major landmarks like the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, and historic downtown on guided tours.
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🛶 Bat Watching Tours – Paddleboard or kayak under the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness Austin’s famous bat colony at sunset.
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📸 Photography Tours – Capture stunning cityscapes with our local guides and professional photographers.
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🚶 Walking & Cultural Tours – Explore Austin’s history, street art, food culture, and music scene on foot.
Our tours offer local insight, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to fit any travel style — from families to solo travelers and groups. Book Tours Today and start exploring Austin like a local!
🦇 Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Witness Austin’s famous Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony emerge at sunset on guided bat watching tours for one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Texas. Join expert local guides for boat, kayak, and paddleboard tours on Lady Bird Lake, learn fascinating facts about the world’s largest urban bat population, and capture incredible skyline photos as over a million bats fill the evening sky. Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors looking for top-rated Austin attractions and unforgettable things to do in downtown Austin.
🏄 Lady Bird Lake Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Explore calm waters and stunning downtown skyline views with guided paddleboard and kayak tours on Lady Bird Lake, one of Austin’s top outdoor attractions and most popular sightseeing experiences for beginners, families, and adventure lovers.
🛍️ South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Shop local boutiques, enjoy famous Austin food trucks, explore colorful street murals, and experience one of Austin’s most iconic entertainment and shopping districts on guided sightseeing tours and self-guided walking adventures—perfect for visitors looking for top things to do in downtown Austin.
🎨 Austin Mural Tour – Discover the City’s Iconic Street Art
Explore Austin’s vibrant mural scene on a guided Austin Mural Tour! From colorful street art in South Congress (SoCo) to hidden gems in the East Austin art district, our tours showcase the creativity and culture that make Austin unique.
Capture the city’s most Instagrammable spots, learn the stories behind each mural from local guides, and discover Austin’s thriving arts community. Perfect for art lovers, photographers, and visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
🌄 360 Pennybacker Bridge & Mount Bonnell Overlook
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Texas Hill Country, and the iconic 360 Pennybacker Bridge from Mount Bonnell and nearby scenic overlooks, popular stops on Austin sightseeing tours and photography excursions for visitors seeking the city’s best scenic views and outdoor attractions.
🏛️ Texas State Capitol
Tour the largest state capitol building in the U.S. on guided walking tours, discover fascinating Texas history, architecture, and government landmarks, and explore one of downtown Austin’s top attractions and must-see sightseeing destinations for visitors looking for cultural and historical experiences.
🍴 Austin Food Tours
Taste your way through Austin’s legendary food scene, from Texas’ best BBQ and famous street tacos to food trucks, Tex-Mex, local favorites, and everything in between.
💦 Barton Springs Pool & Zilker Park
Cool off in the spring-fed waters of Barton Springs Pool or explore Zilker Park, home to iconic Austin festivals, botanical gardens, and endless outdoor recreation, featured on popular city sightseeing tours and nature excursions for visitors looking for the best things to do in Austin, Texas.
🍹 6th Street Bar District
Discover the energy of Sixth Street, Austin’s legendary entertainment district, where historic 19th-century buildings house live music venues, lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife destinations. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Sixth Street has helped shape the city’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. Explore the famous entertainment corridor known as Dirty Sixth, discover the more relaxed atmosphere of East Sixth Street, or enjoy the cocktail lounges and restaurants along West Sixth Street. Whether you’re visiting for live music, local history, or an unforgettable night out, Sixth Street offers an authentic taste of Austin’s entertainment culture. Visitor Tip: Weekend evenings are especially lively, while afternoons offer a quieter opportunity to appreciate the district’s historic architecture.
🍹 Rainey Street Bar District
Experience Rainey Street, one of downtown Austin’s most distinctive entertainment districts, where historic residential bungalows have been transformed into inviting bars, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces. Originally a residential neighborhood dating to the late 19th century, Rainey Street blends Austin’s historic character with modern nightlife, craft cocktails, live entertainment, and casual dining. Located near Lady Bird Lake and the Austin Convention Center area, the district offers a memorable alternative to Sixth Street, with patios and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitor Tip: Visit in the late afternoon or early evening to explore the neighborhood before the nightlife crowds arrive. Check individual venues before visiting, as ongoing redevelopment has changed the area’s mix of businesses.
Where to Stay in Austin
Find the perfect place to stay with our Austin Hotel Directory, featuring:
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Downtown Austin hotels
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Boutique hotels & vacation rentals
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Business and family-friendly accommodations
Plan Your Austin Trip
Make the most of your visit with helpful planning resources:
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Best time to visit Austin
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Austin events & festivals
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Austin neighborhoods guide
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Free things to do in Austin
⭐ Best Texas sightseeing tours from Austin
Planning to see more of Texas during your visit to Austin? Discover unforgettable guided sightseeing tours, scenic travel experiences, and vacation inspiration across the Lone Star State. Each destination offers unique attractions, historic landmarks, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural experiences perfect for weekend getaways or extended Texas road trips.
👉 San Antonio historic tours, River Walk experiences, and cultural attractions
Visit: SanAntonioAdventureGuide.com
👉 Fredericksburg wine country tours, romantic getaways, and Texas Hill Country escapes
Visit: FredericksburgVacationGuide.com
👉 Official statewide travel planning resource for top Texas sightseeing tours and vacation ideas
Visit: TexasVisitorsCenter.com
👉 Houston city sightseeing tours, museum district experiences, and urban travel adventures
Visit: HoustonVacationGuide.com
👉 Dallas landmark tours, arts district attractions, and North Texas travel inspiration
Visit: DallasVisitorsCenter.com
Explore multiple Texas cities, book unforgettable guided tours, and experience the best scenic destinations the state has to offer — all within a short drive from Austin.