The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Austin and have even a passing interest in the city’s haunted past, the Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour might just become a memorable part of your trip. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it seems like a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines local history with some good old-fashioned ghost stories.

What we love about it? First, the family-friendly vibe makes it accessible for travelers of nearly all ages—kids as young as five up to seniors. Second, the quality of storytelling and guide engagement really shines through, with many reviewers praising the guides’ knowledge and charisma.

One thing to consider is the duration and the locations visited—it’s a relatively short, 1 hour 30-minute walk, so those expecting an in-depth or longer ghost-hunting adventure might find it on the lighter side. Still, for a quick, fun outing that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, it hits the right notes.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking to combine a bit of history, some spooky tales, and a relaxed stroll around some of Austin’s most iconic and haunted landmarks. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of education and entertainment without the expense or commitment of longer tours.

Key Points

• Accessible for all ages—kids, adults, seniors can enjoy this tour.
• Affordable at $24.99, offering good value for a lively and informative walk.
• Visit top haunted sites like the Texas State Capitol, The Driskill Hotel, and the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
• Engaging guides who tell detailed stories and keep the group interested.
• Short and sweet—roughly 1.5 hours, perfect for fitting into a busy day.
• Book at least a week in advance for better availability, especially during peak times.

What to Expect from the Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour

The tour kicks off at 101 E 11th St in downtown Austin, where you’ll meet your guide and start the journey into the city’s haunted tales. The fact that it’s a mobile ticket makes check-in smooth, and being close to public transportation makes it accessible for many travelers.

Visiting the Most Haunted Landmarks

The Texas State Capitol is known as the most haunted Capitol building in the country. Visitors and locals alike have stories of poltergeists, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained noises. According to reviews, the guide will share stories of former Governors, Senators, and a mysterious woman dressed in red—stories that make the building’s history even more intriguing.

Next, the Driskill Hotel is another highlight, often considered Austin’s most haunted hotel. The tales here include phantom cigars, a child specter named Samantha, and other ghostly phenomena. Many reviews mention that the stories are well told, and some even note that books have been written about the hotel’s hauntings, adding a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

Finally, the Texas Governor’s Mansion offers another spooky stop. Visitors have reported full-bodied apparitions, phantom footsteps, and strange sounds. The guide will likely share some of these stories, making this stop both chilling and fascinating.

The Stories and Atmosphere

The tour’s storytelling approach is a big part of its charm. Reviewers have noted that guides like Stormy and Tiffanie do an excellent job of filling the hour and a half with engaging history and paranormal tales. One reviewer even called it “a super cute experience” that’s perfect to kick off an evening out, especially with kids involved.

It’s worth noting that, according to reviews, the tour often exceeds expectations by stopping at more locations than advertised—so you get a bit more bang for your buck. The stories range from revengeful governors to ghostly cigar sightings, creating a lively and varied narrative that keeps everyone’s interest.

Walking, Not Driving

The tour is a walking experience—so comfortable shoes are recommended. The pace is relaxed, and your guide will share stories as you stroll from site to site. Expect to walk through the city streets, with some stops along the way, giving you a chance to take in Austin’s architecture and ambiance.

The Practicalities: Price, Group Size, and Booking

At $24.99 per person, this tour is quite reasonable, especially considering the quality of stories and sites visited. It’s booked roughly a week in advance on average, so planning ahead is smart if you’re traveling in peak seasons.

The tour is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring it doesn’t get too crowded and that your guide can keep everyone engaged. All fees and taxes are included, but gratuities are not—so if your guide does a great job, a tip is appreciated.

The meeting point on East 11th Street is central and easy to reach, making it a convenient starting point for exploring Austin’s haunted spots.

The Review Highlights: What Travelers Say

Reviews paint a mostly positive picture. Many rave about knowledgeable guides—Stormy and Tiffanie receive high praise for their storytelling and enthusiasm. One reviewer mentions that even lifelong Austinites learned new stories, which shows the tour’s depth.

People also appreciate the balance of history and ghost stories—not just spooky tales but insights into Austin’s past. The tour’s family-friendly nature allows kids to enjoy it too, and some reviews mention it as a good way to start an evening out.

However, a few reviewers wish for more interactive elements, like inside visits or pictures of the locations. One point of criticism is that a guide with a microphone would improve the experience, especially in larger groups or noisy environments.

It’s important to note that weather can impact the tour—it’s scheduled outdoors, so a rainy day might cause cancellations or disruptions.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting at the Capitol

You’ll begin your walk at the Texas State Capitol, a structure famously haunted by poltergeists. Here, stories of former officials and a mysterious woman in red set a spooky tone. The guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive, giving you a sense of the building’s storied past.

The Driskill Hotel

Next, the tour moves to The Driskill, a historic hotel packed with ghostly tales. Many guests have written about it, and its reputation for hauntings is well established. Expect to hear about phantom cigars and the child spirit, Samantha, along with other eerie stories.

Texas Governor’s Mansion

The final stop is the Governor’s Mansion, where visitors have encountered full-bodied apparitions and heard strange sounds. Many reviews mention the mansion’s haunted reputation, and the stories shared here add a layer of local lore.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy a good ghost story with some historical context. Families with children over five who like spooky tales will find it particularly suitable, as it’s described as family-friendly.

History buffs will appreciate the detailed stories of Austin’s notable figures, while casual travelers looking for a fun, relaxed activity should also find it enjoyable.

If you’re searching for a quick, entertaining way to learn about Austin’s haunted sites without breaking the bank, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

Final Thoughts

The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour offers a lively blend of history and ghost stories in a manageable, family-friendly format. With knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, and prime haunted locations, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to add some spooky fun to their Austin itinerary. The price point and group size make it accessible, and the reviews suggest most travelers leave with a few new stories and a few thrills.

While it’s not a deep-dive paranormal investigation, this tour is a great way to get a taste of Austin’s haunted side in about an hour and a half. Whether you’re a history lover, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a different way to explore the city, this walk can be a memorable part of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as family-friendly and welcomes guests ages 5 to 100. Kids often enjoy the spooky stories along with the history.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a quick yet engaging activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 101 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701. The location is accessible and near public transportation.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s $24.99 per person, which offers good value for the sites and stories included.

Are all fees included?
Yes, all fees and taxes are covered. Gratuities are not included but appreciated if you enjoy the guide’s storytelling.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, helping keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Will I see inside any buildings?
No, the tour is a walking outdoor experience, so you won’t go inside the sites, but stories and photos will paint a vivid picture.

Is a guide provided?
Yes, knowledgeable guides like Stormy or Tiffanie lead the tour, sharing stories that keep the mood lively and informative.

If you’re in Austin and want a fun, spooky way to learn about the city’s haunted landmarks, this walking tour looks like a charming, affordable choice that many travelers have enjoyed—and you might just get a few ghostly stories to share long after your trip ends.