Explore the city with free, guided walking tours offered by guides who are
experienced and knowledgeable. Available Thu.–Sun. Reservations required at
least 48 hours in advance. 866/GO-AUSTIN. www.austintexas.org/visitors/plan_your_trip.
Congress Avenue and East Sixth Street Tour : This
10-block National Historic Registered District tour weaves through downtown,
revealing the history of Congress Avenue. Continues along the nine-block Sixth
Street district and highlights Victorian architecture dating back to the
mid-1800s. Tours are 9 a.m. Thu.–Sat. at and 2 p.m. Sun.
Bremond Block Tour : Walk through a distinguished
block in downtown Austin. Once considered one of the most eminent neighborhoods
owned by a single family. John Bremond Sr., family patriarch, successfully built
this block with Victorian houses and lush landscapes. Tours depart 11 a.m.
Sat.–Sun.
The Driskill Hotel : Built in 1886 by cattle baron
Col. Jesse L. Driskill. Offers a tour through the beautiful corridors and
spaces. Learn myths, legends and facts about Driskill and his family while
walking through the property. At Sixth and Brazos streets. www.driskillhotel.com/about-texas-hotel.php
Hyde Park Tour : Self-guided tour; Victorian and
bungalow-style homes along tree-shaded streets in this historic neighborhood.
Elisabet Ney built her studio here. Hyde Park is just north of downtown and the
University of Texas, roughly between 38½ and 45th streets.
Texas State Cemetery Tour : Self-guided tour.
Begins in the middle of Road Spur 165, the shortest state highway in Texas.
Seven blocks east of I-35 at East Seventh and Navasota streets.
A step-by-step booklet is available from the Austin Convention and Visitors
Bureau for each of these self-guided tours. Tours free.
512/478-0098.