Austin's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks & Culture
Places: 21 POIs
Distance: 17.56 mi
Duration: 1h:19m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Tour #2630
Austin, Texas: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of Landmarks & Culture incl. the State Capitol
About this English self-guided 1h:19m driving tour in Austin
Welcome to Austin, Texas — the live music capital of the world, a city where history, creativity, and pure Texas spirit meet on every corner. I’m your UCPlaces guide, and together we’re about to explore the best of what makes Austin so unforgettable.
This tour takes you through the heart of the city — from the iconic UT Tower and the Bullock Texas State History Museum to the soulful East 11th Street district, the grand Texas State Capitol, and the legendary Driskill Hotel. You’ll roll past Congress Avenue’s classic skyline views, through the charm of South Congress, and down to Zilker Park, where locals gather for music, festivals, and sunshine by the water.
Along the way, you’ll see everything from art murals like “I Love You So Much” and “Greetings from Austin,” to cultural landmarks such as the Mexic-Arte Museum, the Paramount Theatre, and the Texas State Cemetery — resting place of the state’s most remarkable figures. And of course, we’ll stop by the famous Congress Avenue Bridge, home to Austin’s beloved bats, and pay tribute to music legend Stevie Ray Vaughan at Town Lake Park.
We’ve designed this route carefully so you can enjoy the best possible experience, with smooth navigation and great timing for each stop. To get the full effect, make sure to follow the designated route in your app. You might notice we circle around a few times — that’s intentional! It’s all part of the plan to help you catch the best views, hear each story in the right place, and truly get to know Austin from every angle.
So buckle up, keep your eyes open, and get ready to discover Austin — a city of bold ideas, legendary music, and endless charm. Let’s get started!
Top landmarks on this tour
The Texas State Capitol (First Glimpse)- UT Austin Tower
- Zilker Park / Barton Springs Pool
- Congress Avenue Bridge and Austin’s Famous Bat Colony
- 6th Street Entertainment District
- South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : University, Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Garrison Hall, 128 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705, USA
UT Austin Tower
On your right is the UT Tower and Main Building, the beating heart of the University of Texas at Austin — one of the largest and most respected public universities in the country.
The Tower, built in 1937, stands over 300 feet tall and can be seen from nearly every corner of the city. It’s more than just a landmark — it’s a symbol of Austin itself. When the Longhorns win a championship, the entire tower glows burnt orange, and that bright number one at the top shines like a Texas-sized exclamation point.
The Main Building beneath the tower was once the university’s central library, and it still houses important offices and ceremonial halls. Together, they mark the historic and emotional center of campus.
On your left is the South Mall, a grand, tree-lined walkway leading down toward Littlefield Fountain. The bronze statue of George Washington that stands nearby feels almost like a guardian of the university’s traditions.
The University of Texas isn’t just a school — it’s a city within a city. With more than fifty thousand students, it drives Austin’s energy, culture, and innovation. Many of the city’s music, tech, and start-up scenes trace their roots back to people who studied or worked here.
From here, ideas born in classrooms have turned into companies, songs, and inventions that shaped the world — and that’s why so many people call Austin not just the capital of Texas, but the capital of creativity.
The Tower, built in 1937, stands over 300 feet tall and can be seen from nearly every corner of the city. It’s more than just a landmark — it’s a symbol of Austin itself. When the Longhorns win a championship, the entire tower glows burnt orange, and that bright number one at the top shines like a Texas-sized exclamation point.
The Main Building beneath the tower was once the university’s central library, and it still houses important offices and ceremonial halls. Together, they mark the historic and emotional center of campus.
On your left is the South Mall, a grand, tree-lined walkway leading down toward Littlefield Fountain. The bronze statue of George Washington that stands nearby feels almost like a guardian of the university’s traditions.
The University of Texas isn’t just a school — it’s a city within a city. With more than fifty thousand students, it drives Austin’s energy, culture, and innovation. Many of the city’s music, tech, and start-up scenes trace their roots back to people who studied or worked here.
From here, ideas born in classrooms have turned into companies, songs, and inventions that shaped the world — and that’s why so many people call Austin not just the capital of Texas, but the capital of creativity.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.26mi
2010 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705, USA
Turning Toward University Avenue & Littlefield Fountain
As you turn right onto University Avenue, look to your left — that’s the Littlefield Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks at the University of Texas.
It was commissioned in the 1920s by Major George Washington Littlefield, a proud UT benefactor and Civil War veteran, to honor the students and alumni who served in World War I.
The sculptor, Pompeo Coppini, filled it with powerful imagery — bronze horses, figures, and sea creatures that represent struggle, victory, and peace. When the fountain’s flowing, it creates a dramatic, almost cinematic view looking up toward the Tower.
University Avenue itself has always been a ceremonial route — the university’s front door to the city. Parades, processions, and graduation walks have all rolled down this stretch toward the Capitol in the distance.
It’s where Austin’s academic world meets its civic one — and where thousands of students take that symbolic first step into their futures.
Follow the navigation on our way to the Blanton Museum of Art
It was commissioned in the 1920s by Major George Washington Littlefield, a proud UT benefactor and Civil War veteran, to honor the students and alumni who served in World War I.
The sculptor, Pompeo Coppini, filled it with powerful imagery — bronze horses, figures, and sea creatures that represent struggle, victory, and peace. When the fountain’s flowing, it creates a dramatic, almost cinematic view looking up toward the Tower.
University Avenue itself has always been a ceremonial route — the university’s front door to the city. Parades, processions, and graduation walks have all rolled down this stretch toward the Capitol in the distance.
It’s where Austin’s academic world meets its civic one — and where thousands of students take that symbolic first step into their futures.
Follow the navigation on our way to the Blanton Museum of Art
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
UT Austin Tower
Place 2
Turning Toward University Avenue & Littlefield Fountain
Place 3
Bullock Texas State History Museum and Blanton Museum of Art
Place 4
The Texas State Capitol (First Glimpse)
Place 5
East 11th Street — Austin’s Historic Soul
Place 6
Texas State Cemetery
Place 7
6th Street Entertainment District
Place 8
The Driskill Hotel
Place 9
Congress Avenue and the Texas State Capitol View
Place 10
The Paramount Theatre
Place 11
Mexic-Arte Museum and Austin Visitor Center
Place 12
Rainey Street Historic District
Place 13
Congress Avenue Bridge and Austin’s Famous Bat Colony
Place 14
South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
Place 15
"I love you so much" Mural
Place 16
Warren Wildlife Gallery
Place 17
Greetings from Austin Mural
Place 18
Town Lake Metropolitan Park and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
Place 19
Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River
Place 20
Zilker Park / Barton Springs Pool
Place 21
Farewell at Zilker Park
Click below for full access to this tour
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 21 stops, covering top attractions such as UT Austin Tower, Turning Toward University Avenue & Littlefield Fountain, Bullock Texas State History Museum and Blanton Museum of Art, The Texas State Capitol (First Glimpse), East 11th Street — Austin’s Historic Soul.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at UT Austin Tower (Address: Garrison Hall, 128 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include The Texas State Capitol (First Glimpse), UT Austin Tower, Zilker Park / Barton Springs Pool, Congress Avenue Bridge and Austin’s Famous Bat Colony, 6th Street Entertainment District and South Congress Avenue (SoCo). In total, the tour has 21 points of interest along the route.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!