We had a blast exploring Austin, TX over Labor Day weekend to celebrate K's birthday and, while most of the trip was unplanned, I did book a hop on/hop off sightseeing and historic tour on the Double Decker Austin.
If a city we're visiting has a hop on/hop off tour, I'm in! It's the best way to explore the main attractions/monuments allowing you to hop off at stops that interest you and get back on to relax your feet while learning history as you pass stops you don't particularly want to explore on foot. I usually find the tour guides quite entertaining and funny while having a wealth of knowledge about their city.
There were 6 stops on this tour and we chose to only get off at 3 stops with 90 minute intervals before the bus returns again.
Stop 1: Austin Visitor Center
We skipped this stop since we're not really Museum buffs but the sights to see were:
- Austin Convention Center
- O. Henry Home and Museum
- Susanna Dickinson Museum
- Austin Fire Museum
Stop 2: Sixth Street
We got off here and has a blast exploring 6th Street plus some friends met up with us for some drinks.
- Museum of the Weird
- Historic Entertainment District
- Live Music Venues
- Historic Driskill Hotel
- Restaurants & Bars
Stop 3: Texas State Capitol
Our hotel was actually right next to the Capitol but only explored it on the day of the tour.
- The State Capitol
- Governor's Mansion
- Old Bakery & Emporium
Stop 4: LBJ Presidential Library & Museum
Skipped this stop but got some great views from the top of the bus.
- LBJ Presidential Library & Museum
- DKR Texas Memorial Stadium
- East University of Texas Campus
Stop 5: Bullock Texas State History Museum
Skipped this stop too but learned a lot of history and got some great photos.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Harry Ransom Center
- UT Main Tower
Stop 6: The South Congress District
The SOCO area was a really fun area to explore from all the food trucks, shopping for souvenirs and visiting the famous Allen's Boots to see hundreds of different styles of country boots.
- Tons of Restaurants and food trucks
- Historic South Congress Hotels
- Eclectic Austin Shops
- Live Music Venues
SOCO has so many food trucks on every corner like this cute Hey Cupcake truck. I wish we had enough room to try them all!
I definitely recommend this Double Decker tour if you planning a trip to Austin to explore. The tour also comes with complimentary:
- Ice cold water
- Sunscreen
- Ice cold wet towels when hot
- Blankets when cold
- Hot chocolate when temps are below 50 degrees
- Ice cold water
- Sunscreen
- Ice cold wet towels when hot
- Blankets when cold
- Hot chocolate when temps are below 50 degrees
I’ve never been on these double decker buses. Sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blast and super fun way to see the city!! Cupcake CUTENESS!!!
ReplyDeleteok this is a great idea! love that you don't have to do all the stops too. I need to explore SOCO there next time I go back.
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
What a fun way to explore the city!!! I will definitely keep this idea in mind next time we travel somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI love how much you got to see on a tour like this! Hey cupcake is so cute, I just love SOCO. I cannot wait to be there Saturday!!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure South Congress is my favorite part of Austin. I love all of the food trucks & the different shops.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about hop on/hop off tours! It's such a great way to see a city and explore different parts! And yes to all the food trucks! So yummy!
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely do a hop on hop off if we have limited time!
ReplyDeleteHop on hop off buses are my favorite way to get acquainted with a new city because you can see so much, and go at your own pace <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Omg I'm obsessed with that Hey Cupcake truck!
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