The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour
Description
From cowboys to condominiums, take a walk through the story of Austin, beginning and ending in what was once a roaring red light district turned warehouse district in Austin’s earlier years. Along the way, we'll explore the rich history of Austin and discover how it became the vibrant and dynamic city it is today, with emphasis on the eccentric and heroic Austinites who shaped Austin's story. This tour is not suggested for children under 13. Large Group? Visit our website. This is an outdoor tour that stays outside.
Tour Options
Itinerary
In what was once a bustling vice district, we will begin with the origin story of the city of Austin and talk about the old west mentality that built the biggest red light district in the southwest. We do not go inside.
Famous short story author O. Henry lived here in Austin before he made it big. Outside his home, we will dig up a few tales of his time here in Austin. We do not go inside.
How did the last survivor of the Alamo end up in Austin? We'll discover this and more outside the home she lived in on 5th St.
Learn the historic and current significance of Austin's most famous street.
We'll get to go inside this one! Built in 1886 and sometimes called "the people's hotel", the Driskill is teeming with historical tales of greed, politics, vice, music, celebrities, and more.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Places to sit at each stop are not provided.
- This walking tour covers 1.1 miles.
- Recommended for ages 13+ due to content.
- You may use the restroom at Halcyon Coffee. Let them know you're with the walking tour.
- Let Halcyon Coffee know you're there for the tour and receive 10% off your drink order.
Reviews(278)
We’ve been on quite a few tours, but this one was by far the BEST! Caroline made the entire experience so much fun with her knowledge, expertise, and wonderful personality. She had us laughing, learning, and truly enjoying every minute of the tour! Thank you, Caroline, for making this such a memorable experience! We absolutely loved it! ❤️
Thanks so much! I'm so glad to hear you had a memorable experience on our history tour. We agree that Caroline is a fantastic guide and will pass on your review.
Tour guide was good but presented the war of 1812 as an invasion of America from Britain, when it was specifically (and factually) a response to American expansionism, in which USA was the aggressor and was the first party to declare war. There were a couple other off-hand remarks that were incorrect (ie: water rights in the Pacific Northwest), which cast doubt in my mind about the rest of the information I was being told. Tour guide was very nice, but I was not a fan of opinions being stated as fact.
Thanks so much for your feedback. We pride ourselves on well researched and historically accurate Austin history. I believe something went wrong on your tour, because the war of 1812 is not part of the program. I checked with the history tour guides and they confirmed that they are not bringing up the war of 1812. Perhaps there was a lack of clarity on our part to be clear about what war we were talking about. We do discuss some wars in the early 1800's. But also, perhaps there is a different history tour in town that discusses the war of 1812. I appreciate you bringing this to us so I could look into it. I'll make sure my team is being clear.
David was an excellent guide, knowledgeable and passionate about Austin. The right mix of talking and walking.
It's great to hear your history walk with David was a hit! Thanks for leaving us a review!
Had a terrific walking tour of downtown Austin last week ... guide was super knowledgeable and flexible about what we were seeing, cadence, etc.
Great to hear! Thanks Jane!
Great informative tour . Could have been longer but it was great and Caroline a great tour guide . So good for getting an insight into Austin and where to go and what to do Highly recommended
The tour guide is very friendly. Great stories, and we learned a lot about Austin!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Great tour! Super knowledgeable guide we absolutely loved and would highly recommend to anyone coming to Austin. So many cool stories
Thank you Michael! Are guides are always learning more about Austin so they can be your local expert on your tour. Thanks for leaving us a great review :)
Guide was wonderful. Informative, entertaining, knowledgeable...and clearly had a passion of her wonderful city.
We're glad you had a great time with your guide on our history walk. Thanks for leaving us a review!
Great tour with David. I definitely recommend it. Fun to learn about some of the historical areas in Austin. A walking tour but not strenuous.
Yes! The Story of Austin History walk is our most accessible tour. It's pretty flat and covers 1 mile, but that mile covers a strong selection of important downtown history and storytelling. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'll pass your kind words on to David.
Tour guide was fabulous! Very knowledgeable and interesting
Thanks for the review!
