Aside from its penchant for live music, Austin has a reputation for being weird.
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How is it weird, exactly? Every local will have a different answer. The slogan ‘Keep Austin Weird’ popped up in 2000 thanks to a librarian, but the anti-establishment sentiment really began in the 1960s and 70s. Austin, at that time, resisted commercialization and chain stores.
Locals were more interested in places like dive bars with live music and festivals with whimsical ideas—the types of things that attracted an eclectic range of people, from university students to hippies to farmers.
In short, Austin is a bit of a liberal enclave that still has a conservative underbelly. And while the fight to ‘keep Austin weird’ is still alive now that many parts of the city have been commercialized with corporate businesses, you’ll still see plenty of counterculture.
In fact, you can experience it for yourself by booking a spot on the weirdest tours in Austin. From 3D printing factories to speakeasies to pig farms, there’s a lot going on. (If you want a more basic tour, start with the must-sees that aren’t quite as strange.)
First up: Austin by water.
16 perfectly weird tours in Austin
Clear kayak sunset tour
Kayaking in the dark in an unfamiliar city? It’s not weird in Austin—it’s just another evening on the San Marcos River. This sunset tour sets you up with a sweet neon-glowing kayak that’s also made from clear materials, letting you see into the water as you glide across the river and spot creatures like fish, bats, and deer.
Glowing kayak on the Colorado River
The San Marcos River passes through Austin, but the Colorado River is a bit further out. This nighttime glowing kayak tour lets you buddy up with a friend and choose one of seven neon lights to guide you on your way. You’ll get to enjoy a peaceful evening underneath the stars while you enjoy a little history lesson on Austin, too.
Tubing downtown
If kayaking is a little too active for you, kick back in an inflatable tube and let a pro guide you down the slow-moving spring river from the Barton Springs pool. You’ll slowly float down the river until you end up at the magical Party Island. (More on Party Island below—it’s an actual place.) Note: This is a private tour that maxes out at 15 people.
Holiday cruise with s’mores
Heading to Austin over the holidays? You can book a cruise that takes you around Austin’s shoreline, from 360 Bridge to Mt. Bonnell. You can enjoy the Christmas lights as you venture—but the real star of the show is the small fire and s’mores setup. Drinks are also served on this tour.
Lake Austin pink boat tour
Here’s your last perfectly weird tour in Austin that’s out on the water: the Pink Boat Tour. It’s a bright pink double-decker vessel that’s made for Instagram and TikTok. It’s heavily geared toward bachelorette parties and can fit up to 15 people—but I’m putting it out here because… don’t we all have a bachelor/ette deep down inside, waiting for a chance to drink in the sunlight?
3D printing factory tour
This tour includes an experience at re:3D, a 3D printing studio that was founded by a former NASA member. You’ll get to learn about how 3D printing works, along with how to print your own mini-rocket. The studio works with recycled plastics, too, giving you insights into one of Austin’s coolest green-tech initiatives.
Kune Kune pig farm visit
Pigs are great, but Kune Kune’s are one of the cutest breeds out there. This tour of the Hutto Kunekune Pig Farm lets you learn about this unique breed, along with how the farm operates. Yes, you get to feed the pigs (under farm staff supervision).
Austin murder walk
Did you know that Austin was home to the country’s first serial killer, whose crime spree began in 1885? Me, neither—and I love true crime. This leisurely walking tour dives deep into the real-life murder mysteries that have defined Austin throughout the ages.
Haunted Austin hearse limousine tour
Board a Cadillac-hearse-turned-funky-limousine on this three-hour tour. You’ll get out to visit haunted establishments, but otherwise don’t need to walk much. Along the way, you also get complimentary sodas and drinks. This tour is a bit lighter than the last and is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Old west history and bar crawl
Get a lowdown on Austin’s Old West identity and cowboy ghosts in this dual ghost tour-pub crawl. As you wander from haunt to haunt, you have the chance to sip on cocktails at some of Austin’s most beloved bars and clubs.
Austin cat café experience
Compared to places like Japan and South Korea, the United States doesn’t have too many animal cafes—and they aren’t nearly as weird. But Austin does have a state-of-the-art cat café. This tour lets you visit the café, which is home to over 20 adoptable rescues, as you sip on coffee or tea. The tour is available for 30 or 70 minutes.
3-hour speakeasy tour
Don’t just visit some of Austin’s best bars during your visit—if you enjoy a good drink and a themed experience, you need to explore its speakeasies. This tour takes you to three of its most celebrated speakeasies that include theatrical drinks and exotic décor. Think: a slice of luxury that most tourists won’t find.
Brewery tour with live band on the bus
If you prefer IPAs and jam bands to cocktails and sultry jazz, go for this bus tour instead. You’ll be ferried around to some of Austin’s top breweries and bars where you can sip on local favorites. In between, you’ll get to board a school-bus-style vehicle where a live band turns short drives into sing-alongs.
Pistol introduction at the shooting range
Some places are better than others when it comes to learning the ins and outs of firing a pistol—and I think Austin is one of the best places to take on this type of adventure. The Range at Austin has a few experiences for you to choose from. I’d start with the pistol introduction, but you can also go for a machine gun if you’re a little more eager.
Selfie mural tour via pedicab
Whether you’re in it for the pedicab ride, the street art, or the selfies, this is a relaxing, no-frills tour that lets you get out on Austin’s streets. As you venture between famous murals, your guide will also give you a quick rundown of the city.
Weird Austin tour
Looking for a place to start when it comes to perfectly weird tours in Austin? This is the adventure that will kick off your trip by giving you a comprehensive look at the city’s oddball, standout culture—from food to music to history. If you really want to know what makes Austin weird, this is perfect way to kick off your first visit.
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