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 regarding the historic red light district.
- You may use the restroom at Halcyon Coffee without making a purchase if you let them know you're with the walking tour.
Reviews(274)
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!
Great tour! Super knowledgeable guide we absolutely loved and would highly recommend to anyone coming to Austin. So many cool stories
Guide was wonderful. Informative, entertaining, knowledgeable...and clearly had a passion of her wonderful city.
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.
Tour guide was fabulous! Very knowledgeable and interesting
David did a great job of keeping things interesting with historical tidbits and stories.
Fantastic laking tour of Austin. Met at a great local coffee shop. The tour guide was fantastic. Highly recommend. Tour guide was super knowledgable about local sites and happenings.
David was an excellent guide who shared lots of information about both the history of Austin and its current reality. He was very knowledgeable about past and present, injecting humor appropriately as he led us through many of the city’s landmarks. Even as a lifelong Texas who has visited Austin many times, I learned some new information about our capitol city!
David was a wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgable on Austin and provided a great walking tour. Definitely recommend.
