Austin, as most know, is the Capitol of Texas. It has seen a lot of rowdy history and gone through quite a bit of turmoil. Heavily influenced by the Spanish, it was also a center for the cattle industry and later oil interests. As the Capitol of the state, it drew politicians and wheeler-dealers. With the formation of the University of Texas, Austin began to see an influx of professorial types and intellectuals. But it was probably the introduction of the “Austin City Limits” that really put this city on the map as the home of live American music. More and more, this perky city has grown into a place that is both laid back and lively. Serious money has gone into renovation of the historic buildings and into civic projects like the river walk. It’s a beautiful place to live and fun to visit. The walking tours have probably lured many a tourist into becoming a devoted resident.
301 Congress Ave.
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-583-7233
http://www.austintexas.org/visitors/heritage/walking_tours
In March through November visitors can learn about the history and architecture of downtown Austin on two free, guided walking tours of the Capitol grounds, Congress Ave. and E. Sixth St., the Bremond Block. Austin has undergone extensive preservation and restoration of many of its old historic buildings. Walking tours are the best way to hear from expert guides about this history and to see some buildings like the O’Henry home and Museum, the Millet Opera House, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Walter Tipps Building-all ornate representatives of the elaborate 19th Century architecture. Cattle barons, bankers, outlaws and gamblers all played a part in the history of this lively, modern city.
Short Walks and Day Hikes
Tour residential neighborhoods and historic parts of town on foot. March through November take a free guided walk in the Congress Avenue and 6th Street districts. The Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Austin Historic Landmark Commission sponsors free walking tours of the historic downtown districts of Austin at 9 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. These tours leave from the Capitol building and last for about two hours. Call them for information at 512-478-0098.
Texas State Capitol
Anyone can roam through the Capitol building by themselves, but why do that when a tour guide can relate details of every facet of this beautiful building? The guided Capitol tours are open seven days a week “except for some holidays”. The neat thing is this tour is available for groups, non-English, and sign language-guided walks. Call them at
512-463-0063 to schedule a tour.
Austin Promenade Tours
These tours plunge visitors into real behind-the-scenes historic tours that are both educational and entertaining. Many walking, bus, and van tours are available from this group. Walkers can find unmarked graves of “the victims of an 1885 serial killer and hear all about them in the “Ghosts, Murder, and Mayhem in Austin, Texas” Tour. Then there the “Graveyard Chronicles Tour” where people can learn incredible histories as they roam around the tombstones of the famous and the nefarious. Either by van, bus or walking people can learn all about the Capitol of Texas. They even have a four-hour excursion that runs into the Hill Country, stopping at Wimberly and Buda, where games and contest take place to add to the fun. Austin Promenade Tours will also design tours especially for individuals and groups, and tailor them to your specific needs. 512-498-4686.
Austin Segway Tours by Gliding Revolution
This is really fun. The Segway is a small, motorized scooter that supports a person standing upright while they move slowly down a road or sidewalk. The claim that theirs are “the most exciting tour in Austin”. There are another one or two companies that offer these types of tours but this one is offered by Gliding Revolution. They say that theirs is the most affordable one in the downtown area and they start at less $50 per tour.
http://www.downtownaustin.com/fun/history/tours/
This is another group providing an historical walk through the oldest sections of Austin with talks about the Texas capitol and all that has happened in connection with the many buildings and areas visited. Check times and any charges from the site.
http://www.austincityguide.com/content/austin-walking-tours.asp
