AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Unique things to do in Austin

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Travel like a local

The Texas capital marches to its own beat, and you can’t expect any less from a city that also boasts the slogan of Live Music Capital of the World. Locals continue to keep Austin weird, and fun, with things to do that showcase its character. Try Airbnb Experiences such as guided kayak outings to find another set of locals — the South Congress Bridge bats — or duck into super hidden speakeasies with an in-the-know mixologist. No matter what activities you decide to do, expect a warm Texas welcome.

Top-rated activities

Downtown Sunset Kayak with 1.5M Bats!

Welcome to Austin's #1 booked tour! I can say with confidence this is the best group on the water. We are entering peak bat season now and the sunsets are epic since they line up with the river. Let's meet up for an epic night of kayaking. It's 4 incredible trips in one. 1st you paddle the length of downtown during the day and then we catch the sunset over the water. The bats are the main event and we end with downtown paddle at night! Add in a full moon or bright stars occasionally and this trip is one not to miss! If trip is sold out, ask if I can fit you in. Book through me because: I'm a traveler and Airbnb host as well so I know what you want out of the trip. On top of bat facts, i'll give you more freedom to kayak, make sure to take great photos of you on the tour, and make sure you meet other like minded travelers in the group who can share their tips or even join you for a night out afterwards. I've got good travel stories for days and lots of local insight to help you build out the best plan for the rest of your stay. Bad weather = full refund. You won't find a guide who tries harder to make sure you have the best night possible. You'll also be given high quality photos at the end of your trip! Need one more reason to book? My auto reply to your booking confirmation comes with my custom "Must do" in Austin link to help you plan the rest of your trip

Boozy Tubing in Austin Area's Spring Water

Are you planning a fun and unique experience for your bachelor/bachelorette party or large group, or are you a single traveler looking to meet some friends while visiting Austin? Look no further! Join us at Cosmic Coffee and Biergarten (121 Pickle Road) where we will kick off the festivities and then take a short 25-minute drive to San Marcos, home of the crystal clear, spring-fed waters of the San Marcos River. Unlike the murky waters of the Colorado River in Austin, the San Marcos River is a refreshing oasis where you can enjoy a lazy tube ride down the river for 2.5-3.5 hours (depending on your preferred timeline). There will be plenty of time to soak up the sun, enjoy local wildlife, and, of course, have a little party on the water. BYOB, so bring along your favorite beers and seltzers (NO GLASS CONTAINERS, please!), and leave the rest up to us. We'll have a small cooler for everyone to share. Whether you're planning a bachelor/bachelorette party or team-building event, this is a great activity for all. Private bookings are available, just ask us for details! Don't miss out on the fun! If the trip is sold out, reach out to us to see if we can fit you in. And remember, you will get wet, so be sure you're comfortable swimming. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and a desire to have a good time - we'll take care of the rest, including transportation.

Personalized Beer Tour w/ Tacos

Scheduled tour not available? Check out our other experiences “Personalized Beer Tour w/ an Austinite” (https://abnb.me/cvCpL828SW), "Explore Local Craft Breweries" (abnb.me/JENr6sqgLX), or message me to set up a tour that fits your schedule. Look no further! You have found the BEST personalized craft beer guide in Austin. Austin has over 100 beer taprooms, beer gardens and/or bars. This 3.5-4 hour tour will play games, eat tacos, and enjoy some of the best beers Austin has to offer customized to your parties favorite beer and ambiance choices. What else does one need? Oh yeah, a designated driver!!! Your tour will include 3-4 taprooms, beer gardens and/or bars with your host throughout Austin and a “flight” full of fun. During our stops, you will play games (board, card, word, trivia and/or interactive) and the tour will end at a 24 hour famous Austin taco stand (a local favorite) that will make you seriously consider moving to Austin. Not sure what to do for the rest of your stay in Austin…lucky you will have an Austinite at your disposal to help you “Craft” (insert wink) an Austin experience you will never forget. Let me show you why ATX IS THE BEST! Other things to note Please eat a decent meal prior to the tour. You dont want to be THAT person.... The cost of food and alcohol are not included in the experience. The average price is $5 per beer and $3 per taco.

Tarot Reading Happy Hour with the Witches of East Austin

Join me, Mak Jagger, and the witches of ATX, for readings during happy hour in my funky tarot lounge inside an eclectic working art studio hidden off Cesar Chavez in the heart of Austin’s East side. Crack a cold Lone Star and get a tarot reading with me, or possibly experience a palm reading with one of the studio’s resident artists, Austin’s beloved Hardshapes, or perhaps even receive a birth chart chat with a local astrologer. Book an hour to pop into the studio and see what magick we are cooking up that day! Pets and kids are politely declined. Not in Austin? Email at hellomak @ makjaggertarot dot com for info or to book a virtual or live in ATX reading or event.

Personalized "Beerventure" - Austin

Look no further! You've discovered the best personalized craft beer tour in Austin. Can't find a tour at your preferred time? Send us a message - let's set up a tour just for you! With over 100 beer taprooms, beer gardens, and bars in Austin, your tour is customized to match YOUR preferred beer styles! Check out our 100+ 5-star reviews and unique experiences: - "Explore Local Craft Breweries" https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/930396 - "Personalized Beer Tour w/ Tacos" https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/268520 Join us for a 2.5-hour craft "beerventure" filled with music, games, and outstanding craft beer. Plus, for your peace of mind, we have a designated driver! Your guide, Elle, will escort you to 2-3 fantastic beer spots across Austin, offering entertaining games (board, card, word, trivia) and interactive fun. Need suggestions for the rest of your time in Austin? Elle will help you draft an unforgettable experience tailored just for you! Let's craft incredible memories together! Discover why ATX is THE BEST! Trust us, you don't want to miss out. *Due to state beer licensing laws, the tour price does not include alcohol. The average price? $6 per beer and $12 for a flight.

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Dive into lake life in Austin

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Experience the cinematic magic, most unique angles and locations in Austin, through the eye of the professional lens of lifestyle, editorial, and high fashion international photographer: THOMAS OCOVOS ⓘ 24h 7d PHOTOSHOOT INCLUDES ➊ ‎Unlimited Photos All originals 200 → 400/photos per hour avg. unedited JPG ⓘ Ask for RAW ‎➋ Same-day delivery and storage Your pictures will be delivered the same day on a private cloud and stored for free forever ➌ Pro suggestions, styling, and assistance Get advanced suggestions on location, outfit selections, color schemes, weather, lighting, and best times of day EXTRA ADD-ONS ➊ Profess‎ional Advanced Edits and Corrections Composition, color, and retouches $5/Photo ⓘ Edits take longer PHOTOSHOOT SUGGESTIONS OCCASIONS Birthday Dating Engagement Wedding Graduation Events (Conventions, Parties, Concerts, Runway) LIFESTYLE AND ACTIVITY Kayaking Helicopter Tour Skydiving Horse Riding Racing Running Swiming Driving Biking PHOTOSHOOT TYPES PEOPLE ‎Individual Couples Groups Pets OBJECTS Vehicles (Cars, Bikes, Boats / Kayak / Paddle Board / Yacht, Airplanes) Products SPACES Architecture Real Estate (Residential, Commercial) Industrial MEDIA USE Print (Large and Small) Digital (ⅰnstagram, Linked In, Websites, Pinterest, Tumblr, VSCO, FB, X, Others) Dating Apps (Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, The League, Feeld, Others) ⓘ Ask on messages

Giant Paddleboard at Sunset w/ Bats

This is the best way to experience the bats hands down. The journey on the 5-6 person giant paddle board starts with epic downtown views during the day, continues with the sunset, then observing the 1.5 million bats fly out and ends the night paddling back after dark in the city glow. We are entering peak bat season now and the sunsets are epic since they line up with the river. Booking this tour for the sunset and bats puts you along side Austin's #1 experience "kayaking w/ the bats" only you're on a board! Its the same trip just a different vessel. Don't let the word "Paddleboard" fool you. This is 15 feet long and 4.5 feet wide. It is ultra stable. You will not get wet unless you choose to go for a swim. You can sit down, stand up, or even lay down. It's impossible to fall into the water on accident. The mega paddle boards make for an excellent family or group option cause you get to stay together and share the experience. As a bonus, as soon as you book, my auto-reply welcome message has my personal guidebook to Austin that can help you plan the rest of your Austin vacation.! View my IG: @boatsandbats

Austin Glow Paddle

Gear up, and learn the basics as the sun sets, and it cools off. Then enjoy the glow of the LEDs shining under your clear window to the water as you paddle through the center of downtown Austin in our most stable Crystal Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards! Don't be surprised if we see the nightly cloud of Mexican Freetail bats leave the Congress Street Bridge at sunset or the birds do a little fishing in the light of your kayak or paddleboard. You should be surprised if you don't finish up with new found energy and confidence from paddling at night. The best musicians in the world practice at night because of how focused it makes them on their tune, and the same is true for paddling. Nothing will make you a better paddler than practicing at night with World Champion and Olympian Ben Kvanli who has been teaching and coaching since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Other things to note You may get wet so please wear sandals and something like lycra, UnderArmor, or swimwear. Fishing pants, Columbia shirts, yoga pants and shirts are ideal examples for this easy, outdoor trip.

Ride-Along with Good Vibes E-Bike Tour

Our tours have 100% 5 star reviews. Ride around town with Good Vibes as we share our 30-year knowledge of Austin, making stops at our favorite iconic sites and landmarks. Hey, y'all. I'm Rooster, our guides and I are here to show you the real Austin. The one that's full of love, peace and weirdness. Hop on our e-bike and let's cruise through the city's most groovy spots - from funky murals and cosmic sculptures to stunning views and quirky houses. You'll get to see Austin through our eyes - and trust me, it's pretty awesome. We'll stop at some rad places like the Capitol, where the man makes the rules; SoCo, where the vibes are funky; Zilker Park, where you can connect with nature; Rainey Street, where the party never stops; and 6th Street, where the music rocks. We’ll play some tunes and we'll share with you some stories, jokes and wisdom along the way. So come on, join us for a ride-along that will make your heart sing and your soul smile. It's gonna be wild! Est. Total Riding Time: 90-100 mins Est. Total Time in Stops: 20-30 mins

Orian Kayak Adventures

¡Howdy Y’all! We proudly offer the most adventurous, comprehensive, and personalized kayak tours of Austin’s notorious Lady Bird Lake! Local Austinite Guided, our tours have the smallest group maximum on the lake which allows us to provide a more enriched and individualized tour experience; including a once in a lifetime personalized picture package for each party! ~yes, the pictures are included in the price ;) Our Morning/Afternoon Guided Eco Tour takes you through a journey and fact filled adventure on Lady Bird Lake to Barton Springs given the right weather, wildlife, and nature to explore as much as the day allows! Get to know beautiful Austin and all there is to offer with us! The Bat Bridge Guided Evening Tours, we will soak up the Texas sunset and evening rays, behold the natural scenery and amazing wildlife of Lady Bird Lake, and admire the breathtaking view of the downtown skyline from a vantage point only the lake can offer. Our tours intentionally has the latest launch time, which means we are not stagnantly waiting on the bats for extended periods of time or even missing them due to daylight restrictions. The return voyage takes place in the dark, which allows for the unique opportunity to see the city skyline at night and stargazing! Come and see why we’re The Guides to Adventure with! We provide a variety of beverages but feel free to bring your own!

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Activities near top attractions

Barton Springs Municipal Pool2,454 locals recommend

Rainey Street793 locals recommend

Barton Creek Greenbelt531 locals recommend

Things to do near East Austin

Orian Kayak Adventures

Strings in the Woods with Award Winning Austin Violinist

Imagine hearing a concert by a world-class award winning violinist as you walk down a gorgeous nature trail. I'll take you on the only nature and acoustic music immersion experience I know of anywhere. We'll start at a beautiful oak tree covered corner park and then make our way to a private greenbelt. The experience will include a private guided walk with live violin played by your host along the way. You'll learn a few fun and interesting facts about history of the area, nature, and scenery and I'll lead you in a short guided meditation at the midpoint of the experience. If you book an evening time, note the the timing is usually set so the event ends around sunset. Texas sunsets are amazing, and if its summer, its cooler at that time. If there's a date or time you'd like, but it's not available on our calendar, reach out to me. Most of the time we can accommodate your preferred date. We love to make nature and music available to anyone regardless of financial level. We offer sliding scale and volunteering in exchange for admission. Just reach out to me here. We love working with companies and and have lots of experience hosting corporate team-building. This experience is great great for groups and company retreats. We include activities that bring the group together to foster fun and communication.

Trace the steps of America's first serial killer

The Murder Walk is a unique storytelling experience for true crime connoisseurs. This is Austin's only tour dedicated exclusively to Austin's best kept secret, the Servant Girl Annihilator of 1885. Walk with us as we trace the steps of America's first serial killer. You may have heard that in Austin we like to "keep it weird". Well, at Walking Tours of Austin, we do our part every night! Each of our storytellers/guides are experts who LOVE their city and are passionate about history, ghost stories, and true crime. Starting at 8:00 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Your adventure awaits!

An Austin Skyline Mini Photo Shoot

An Austin Skyline Photo shoot for up to 20 people! We will explore the downtown areas of Town Lake and take some fun, and beautiful photos with the Austin Skyline as our backdrop! Join me and bring your friends and/or family for an exciting way to make great memories in the heart of Austin! We will start at Auditorium Shores and make our way around the park to capture the best background settings with the Austin Skyline! Light walking is required and please be prepared to walk through some grassy areas. (Think back up shoes.) All photos are taken with a professional digital camera. Editing process takes approximately 5-7 days and edited proofs will be provided through a link, which will be emailed to the client, once completed. *Larger groups, please allow for longer editing process.*

Morning Walk Austin

Wake up and walk the historic streets of downtown Austin with one of our "5 Star" rated tour guides! There is no doubt Austin is one of the greatest cities in the world! Now is your chance to learn all the history that made, and continues to make it such a hot spot. Stroll the forgotten streets of the Warehouse District and Guy Town. Then emerge onto world famous Congress Avenue experience then and now photographs of iconic stops along the way. Including, a stunning view of the state capitol, a walk through the unforgettable Driskill Hotel, two blocks of historic 6th Street, and much, much more.

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Things to do near South Austin

Secret Food Tours Austin

We'll meet in front of the Ellis cocktail bar at 111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704. First up, you'll dig into some Central Texas pit-style BBQ brisket served with the best pinto beans ever. Next, you'll enjoy a breakfast taco, a local favourite with a cult-like following. On our stroll, we'll say "howdy" to Willie Nelson, an Austin icon, and pass by where Austin City Limits is held. Afterwards, we will stop at one of our favorite food trucks for a secret bite– a fusion dish that will blow your mind. Then it's time for a cool down with a smoothie made with local Texas wildflower honey. After several great bites, we'll take a stroll down Congress Ave to see and talk about some of our protected historic buildings. As if you weren’t already full, we are right back where we started to sample a local staple food truck turned brick and mortar. And finally, we'll round things out with a flan-inspired creation made just for our tour. We end the tour pretty much where we start it.

Giant Paddle Board & Swimming in Springs

The best way to experience Austin is to jump on a Giant Paddleboard with us and explore the natural spring fed river downtown. * Please only book this tour if you are a group of 4+. If you are a group of 3 or less, message me first. We start on Lady Bird Lake and quickly transition to the crystal clear waters of the famous Barton Springs Pool. Wear your swimsuit so you can jump in and swim around! It's so refreshing on a hot summer day. Expect to see 1,000 turtles and a lot of fish below! This trip is great for groups and families. I call this section of the river "the real heart and soul of Austin." You will be surrounded by people living their best life. There will be people jumping off bridges and going off the rope swings. Occasionally there are slack lines setup across the river and other impromptu shows and acrobats hanging below the bridge. On the weekends, there is a massive party island you can join if you'd like. Its easy to avoid the area if you're looking for a family friendly event and easy to join if you like the water party atmosphere with a sand bar feel. If you like paddle boarding, sun, spring water, swimming, bridge jumps, rope swings, hotties, fish and turtles this trip is for you and your group. On the fence? Ask to see the video! Book now and my auto reply comes with a "must do in Austin" list to help you plan the rest of your trip!

Tarot Reading Happy Hour with the Witches of East Austin

Learn to Make Makizushi Sushi Rolls at a Saké Bar

Let sushi-rolling guru Chef Desiree help you master the art of sushi-making in a beginner-friendly cooking class like none other! Upgrade your dinner date, celebrate a special occasion, or invite your family to make some unforgettable memories. Meet up at an awesome local sake bar and treat yourself to a truly unique cocktail before rolling up your sleeves to roll up some top-notch sushi. You’ll master a wealth of valuable kitchen skills as you learn to expertly select and slice ingredients for artful sushi rolls. In this class, the focus will be on makizushi, also known as maki. These are the rolls you typically see at sushi restaurants, usually consisting of nori seaweed, sushi rice, and various filling ingredients. After learning to make perfectly-textured sticky sushi rice, you’ll get to choose two rolls to make from a tantalizing selection of flavors including a classic California roll, a sumptuous spicy tuna roll, or a hearty avocado roll. Sip on some great sake beverages as you go and prepare to feast on lots of chef-approved sushi!

Photos Under the Austin Skyline

Traveling to a new place is one of the greatest and awe-inspiring experiences we get in life. And when you're trying to capture the feel of a place in a photo, often a camera phone and selfie stick don't do it justice. In this experience, I will take you to see the iconic downtown Austin skyline and help capture memories you'll cherish for years to come. Before you come on your experience, you’ll be sent a brief survey and photo agreement to fill out and return. The survey includes questions that will help me get to know you and make sure this experience meets your desires and expectations. On the day of, we will meet downtown and I will be your guide. I’ll help you pose while taking photos for an hour. I like to make sure all my clients are at ease so while we're on the move we will chat, get to know each other, and have some fun! Because of my knowledge of the area, I always hope I can provide insight and answer questions about you may have about the Austin community. After our session, I will sort through, color correct, and retouch the photos. You can expect to get back five digital images selected by me within a week of your shoot unless stated otherwise. You will also be given access to an online gallery where you can purchase physical prints or additional images from our shoot. Other things to note This experience is limited to two people per booking. There is no where to change outfits in this experience. There will not be locations to put personal items, whatever you bring will end up in your photos. If you have questions, ask them! I'm here to work with you & want the process to be great.

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Things to do near Downtown Austin

Vibrant · Historic · Hip

Downtown Sunset Kayak with 1.5M Bats!

Boozy Tubing in Austin Area's Spring Water

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Austin Unlocked- A Speakeasy Tour

Go on a walking, cocktail tasting, tour of downtown Austin! We'll stop and talk about several hidden-face speakeasy style bars - some stashed inside parking garages, behind bookshelves, down alley ways, pass-code and password protected, and private clubs! We'll get you into three where we can order drinks! Meet downtown and we'll sit and chat for a few minutes introducing ourselves and what it means to call a bar a speakeasy in Austin, TX. Then, we walk to the first bar. All the bars are located downtown within a few blocks of each other. We'll spend 30-45 minutes in each of three bars, having drinks, learning about the place, and appreciating the aesthetic. Throughout the night we will continue on past several more hidden-face speakeasy style bars, stopping in some and just stopping to talk about others. The night ends once you get into the third and final bar and get your drinks ordered. We do not to include drinks to give you a lower price and more choice. We will have a group tab which can be paid for via cash, Apple Pay and Cash App. Prices vary by venue but $15-25 per drink (including a 20% tip) is a good ballpark.

Giant Paddleboard at Sunset w/ Bats

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All activities near Austin

Downtown Sunset Kayak with 1.5M Bats!

Boozy Tubing in Austin Area's Spring Water

Photoshoot

Austin Unlocked- A Speakeasy Tour

Giant Paddleboard at Sunset w/ Bats

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Your guide to Austin

Where do locals hang out in Austin?

South Congress is still one of the favorite local hangouts, thanks to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. For more low-key vibes, North Austin is where you’ll find the beer lovers hopping from brewery to brewery; meanwhile, East Austin is the spot for budget-friendly eats and an old-school Austin vibe. And when it comes to honky-tonks, don’t miss chicken bingo on Sundays at the Little Longhorn Saloon.

For warmer months, tubing on the Guadalupe, with stop-offs at Barton Springs and Zilker Park, is a fun day out that everyone gets behind here in Austin. The more laid-back version for cooling off is Hamilton Pool Reserve, about a one-hour drive from Austin, where you can go for a short hike and dip in the natural pools set against waterfalls.

What are the best local eats in Austin?

Barbecue and Tex-Mex are delicious (and loved) in Austin, but not the only thing worth trying. Across town, you’ll find menus that span the globe: notably ramen and sushi, both unexpected delights in an otherwise landlocked city. James Beard award–winning chefs have also gotten in the mix, opening spots across the city in areas such as South Austin. What might surprise visitors is Austin’s wine scene, with a cluster of wineries and vineyards sitting just outside city limits. You can head out for a day of tastings, disc golf, and more on tours with local wine enthusiasts.

Where are the best places to see live music in Austin?

Downtown’s Moody Theater

You’re in the Live Music Capital of the World, and Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live) at Moody Theater is a great way to get the full experience. Located downtown, this sustainably built building has traditionally hosted more than 100 performances, across all genres, a year.

Red River District

Small clubs, rooftops, dive bars, and outdoor stages, among other spots, host a variety of acts from big names to up-and-coming locals along this three-block strip dedicated to nightlife. Concert-lovers flock to this part of town, especially in January when you can attend free concerts and live acts by local musicians for an entire week.

Rainey and 6th Street

For a night out, it’s not uncommon to hear someone pose the question “Dirty or Rainey?” When it comes to nightlife, even locals end up on “Dirty 6th” (East 6th Street) or Rainey Street for live music, clubs, and a buzzing bar scene.