July 22 to October 12, 2024
Bat Bridge & Austin History!
Limited Time Only
Take our evening history tour, timed to deliver you to the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, the most active time for the resident colony of Mexican Freetail bats.
(Navigate to July 22 - Oct 12)
Our Tours
The Story of Austin: A Downtown History Walking Tour
From cowboys to condominiums, take a walk through the story of Austin. If you’re looking for what to do in Austin on your first day to get acquainted with the city, this tour is the perfect fit. Along the way, we'll explore the rich history of Austin and discover how it became the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. We’ll step inside beautiful historical buildings and learn about the eccentric and heroic Austinites who shaped Austin's story. This tour paints a vivid picture through storytelling.
1.1 miles / 2 hr
Age Suggestion 13+
Price: $25
Meeting Spot: 4th & Lavaca outside Halcyon Coffee
Online booking required
Daily @ 1:30pm & Sundays @ 10am
Beat the heat with History After Dark: 7:30pm nightly, all summer.
History Walking Tour + Bat Bridge!
Beginning at the South gates of the Texas State Capitol building, take a stroll down Congress Avenue learning the unique and wild history of our city through stories, architecture, and events that happened right here. This tour meanders down to the Congress Avenue bridge, delivering you just before sunset to the optimal viewing spot.
In the late summer, the Mexican Freetail bat babies are learning how to fly. The dates of this tour coincide with these events.
~ 1mi / 1.5 - 2hr
Price: $25
Meeting Spot: South Gates of Capitol @ 11th & Congress Ave
Ending Spot: Congress Avenue Bridge
Online Booking Required
July 22 - October 12 only
Visit our Bat FAQ
We do not guarantee the activity of the bats. They are less active in wet/humid weather. Refunds will not be issued based on bat behavior.
Private & Custom Tours
The following tours can be booked as private or custom tours for parties of 3 or more. We also offer build-your-own tours for those who are looking for something more specific.
Scandal & Vice Historical Walking Tour- Downtown Austin
By Request:
This walking tour takes you on a journey through the shocking true tales of scandal and vice that shaped our culture throughout the last 200 years. As our population as grown to nearly 1 million, our scandal and vice has kept up. These are the stories of Austin’s dirty little secrets.
Length & Distance: 2 hours/ 1.5 miles
Content Warning: Adult topics
Price: $32/person
Starting point: 11th Street Capitol Gates
By Request:
Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour - Downtown Austin
In 1885, Austin was terrorized by a string of heinous crimes, including eight murders and many related attacks. This true crime walking tour offers a unique perspective on the events the unfolded. As the story unravels, we uncover new suspects and information not yet presented by the popular literature. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the dark secrets of 1885 and potentially solve one of history's most intriguing unsolved cases. Delve into the stories of the victims, the detectives on the case, and the men who found themselves the target of police who would do anything to catch a killer.
Length: 1.5 miles / 2 hours
Content/age Warning: Disturbing topics including sexual violence.
Meeting Spot: Outside Stephen F Austin/ Royal Sonesta Hotel @ 701 Congress Avenue
$55/person