Set against a mountainous backdrop and home to a wide number of scenic parks and lakes, the Texan city of Austin is a joy to explore on foot or, for more energetic types, on two wheels.
(Photo: Barton Springs Bike Rental & Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
There are several organised bike tours of Austin, many of which take you along the banks of the Colorado River. Tours follow a broad array of itineraries and departure times, durations and narrations, so it really comes down to what appeals to you most. Here are five of the best Austin bicycle and e-bike tours, taking into account additional factors too, like the quality of the bikes, the reviews of previous guests, and the value for money, so you can find the right tour for you.
Sightseeing Bike Tour
One of the great things about visiting Austin is that there’s so much green space in the center of the city on either side of the Colorado River. Zilker Park is the perfect example of this, with its sprawling fields, woodland, botanical gardens and calm paths, perfect for a bike ride. This two-hour tour then follows the Colorado River, passing by a boardwalk that offers some of Austin’s best cityscape viewing. The architectural highlight of this tour is on the other side of the river: the Texas State Capitol. Take some time to explore from the inside and outside, before returning to the river. This tour runs twice daily. From $59 per person.
Electric Bike Sightseeing Tour
For visitors to Austin who are not well accustomed to the demands of cycling, but who’d very much like to experience this great city in the best way possible – by bike – there are now electric bike tours available. These excellent e-bikes are designed exactly like a normal bike but use modern technology to assist riders, so that pedalling is easier, particularly on hills. That way you can get some fresh air without worrying about working up a sweat. This 2.5-hour tour visits the Rainey St entertainment district, Texas State Capitol and the boardwalks along Lady Bird Lake. Daily tours. From $69 per person.
Small-Group Bike Tour
The Colorado River widens into what is known as Lady Bird Lake as it passes through Austin. It may come as no surprise to learn that there are pleasant, leafy cycle trails along the water’s edge. But one thing that makes Austin such a special city is forward-thinking urban design touches like the special cycle routes and pedestrian bridge crossing the river. This bike tour explores riverside Austin, visiting sights like the Old Railroad Bridge, the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue, and all the other highlights along the Lady Bird Lake bike trail. Daily tours run for 1.5 hours. From $55 per person.
Pedicab Brewery Tour
(Photo: Metrocycle Pedicabs / Courtesy Viator)
Perhaps a slight cheat on the general theme of the bike tour of Austin (but then again, if it moves when you pedal it, you’re still cycling) is this fun and more relaxed pedicab brewery tour. Over a couple of hours, you’ll get the chance to visit three craft breweries, try a tasting flight at each, and get to see the city all at the same time. But the best part of this excellent value tour, besides the beer of course, is that you don’t even have to pedal if you’d rather not. Your guide will take care of the hard work while you sit back and raise a toast to exploration: the effortless kind. Daily tours of 1.5 to 2 hours run hourly from morning until evening. From $71 per person.
Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure
Gangs of bikers may evoke images that are slightly less salubrious in nature, but this tour is entirely wholesome. Running for two hours, you and your group of fellow tour guests will board electric minibikes and be shown some of the best sights that Austin has to offer, courtesy of your expert guide who will lead from the front throughout. The tour will include plenty of photo opportunities as you traverse through some the city’s most notable spots, including passing some of the eye-catching street art and murals dotted around Austin. All equipment is included in the tour price. From $90 per person.