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The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour

296 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 296 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Austin, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Tour Guide
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

218 West 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Koppel Building
320 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, USA

We finish two blocks from where we start, right outside the Koppell Building @ East 4th Street and Congress Ave.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Dumont's Down Low Bar

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

O. Henry Home & Museum

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

6th Street

Learn the historic and current significance of Austin's most famous street.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Driskill

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Story of Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-387557P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.95
296 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 296 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
286
4 stars
6
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Tour Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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